Joseph Vella Bonnici, economist, graduated in Economics and Maltese from the University of Malta.  After being elected commonwealth scholar, he continued his studies at Victoria University, New Zealand, from where he obtained his Master’s degree in Public Policy.  In 1977, he joined the Malta Development Corporation and in the early 1980s was seconded to Enemalta Corporation, during which time he headed the Petroleum Division. In 1990 he joined Simonds Farsons Cisk and was eventually appointed as General Manager for Marketing, Sales and Distribution. He helped set up the Institute for the Promotion of Small Enterprises and in 1997 was appointed its CEO.  In 1996, was appointed chairman of the Forum For a Better Economy. He lectures at the University of Malta and a regular commentator and writer in the media.