The Islands and Small States Institute of the Foundation for International Studies, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Economics Department of the University of Malta, will be organising a symposium on economic competitiveness on the occasion of the launching a book entitled Maximising Malta's Competitiveness Potential. The event will be held at the Foundation for International Studies on Thursday 5 February 2004, between 1645 and 1830. The general public is invited to attend.

The book, which has just been published, is the outcome of a collaborative project between the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Government of Malta and the University of Malta. It also draws on very useful contributions by a number of business organisations, employee unions, public officials and individuals interested in the economic competitiveness issues. The book can be considered as a case study in promoting constructive social dialogue on an issue of major importance for small states, namely economic competitiveness.

The book also provides a framework for the development of a national competitiveness strategy and a programme of follow-up mechanisms, relating to implementation, monitoring, assessment, and advocacy measures.

The main argument on which the book is based is that it is essential for Malta to further build and sustain its international competitiveness in order to achieve its long-term development aspirations. Competitiveness is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which spans economic, social, political and international dimensions, involving all the players in the economy. Competitiveness cannot, in the long run, be sustained unless all the dimensions contributing to it are properly addressed. It is however often the case that these dimensions result in conflicting priorities, especially in the short run where, for example, the attainment of social objectives may conflict with economic efficiency considerations.

The symposium will be addressed by a number of speakers including Professor Lino Briguglio (University of Malta), Mr Gordon Cordina (University of Malta), Mr Victor Scicluna, Chairman MCESD, and Dr RoseMarie Endeley (Commonwealth Secretariat).

Those wishing to attend or to obtain further information are to contact the Islands and Small States Institute on Tel: 21248218; email: islands@um.edu.mt