Semira Abbas Shalan<a href='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=afef72b0&cb=186' target='_blank'><img data-src='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=186&n=afef72b0' border='0' alt='' /></a>While Malta's economy continues to grow, deep-rooted challenges - from bureaucracy, to clientelism and weak governance - are undermining the country's long-term competitiveness, CEO of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry Dr Marthese Portelli said. Currently, we still receive queries from our members because different departments provide conflicting answers, and this reduces productivity," Portelli said. "We've been emphasising that we need a public procurement reform since 2021," she said, putting forward three immediate measures. Asked why the Chamber's pre-budget document gave little mention to Gozo, Portelli said the proposals were intended for the whole nation. There are other organisations that focus specifically on Gozo, such as Gozo Business Chamber and Gozo Tourism Authority, with whom we have an excellent relationship.