Public discussion by MEUSAC regarding a Europe synchronised with the digital age. Minister Carmelo Abela appeals to businesses and citizens for a digital transition.
Digital Malta: Citizens, businesses and a digital government are key pillars in the national strategy that looks at a digital economy, which gives us a competitive advantage as a country at a global level. The Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela said this while addressing a public online discussion organised by MEUSAC. Topics that were discussed relate to the digital strategy of the European Union in the coming years, the progress of our country in the digital sector and the need to continuously strengthen technological innovation and digital skills.
Minister Carmelo Abela spoke about how the use of advanced technology improves people’s quality of life, including in the workplace. He also expressed his concern about the digital divide and said that here we must see that we help those who have fallen behind in order to move forward. He said that the government will continue to see that businesses are being given assistance to have platforms to start a business, find the data they need, grow in innovation and compete fairly. Thus, we make this digital leap that the country needs together. He said that the opportunities are there, through European funds as well.
Minister Abela commented on the government’s work for a digital economy. He noted how the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to shift technology and its economy to a digital one. He also referred to the European Commission, where he said that it is actively promoting a green and digital economy where its block of countries can potentially compete with other countries in a globalised world.
During his interventions, Minister Carmelo Abela mentioned how the digital strategy for our country for the years 2014-2020 is based on regulation, legislation and human capital that facilitates a digital transition. He said that if we look at the actual investments that are being made by the government, we will find that Malta is highly advanced. He noted how the Maltese public service in 2020 was once again ranked first place in the e-government sector in Europe.
He said that, in order to further improve results, in the last five years the public service has made an unprecedented investment of €150 million. He added that the government is currently investing €40 million in the country’s digital infrastructure.
The discussion was the second in a series of meetings, taking place every Wednesday throughout November, on key topics for the European Union. Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela, Member of the European Parliament Alex Agius Saliba, Chief Executive of Tech MT Dana Farrugia and Chief Administrator of the eSkills Malta Foundation Carm Cachia participated in the discussion.