Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1389761
4 NEWS 1.7.2021 MALTESE company PB Group which operates across the oil and gas, logis- tics and property investments sectors, is unveiling its new corporate image in line with its vision to target new growth opportunities. "PB Group's vision was always aimed at ensuring the company's natural evolution into a significant market player in the oil and gas industry. The mission now is to endure the test of time and achieve success through long-term, sustainable growth," David Raphaël Busuttil, the Group's recently appointed CEO, said. The company's origins go back to 2008 when PBSERV Ltd was estab- lished as a trading company to oper- ate in the oil and gas industry across the North African region. In 2015, PB Group was set up to service custom- ers through its representation of es- tablished brands. Today, the Group's business development model operates around the brands it represents. The Group's logistics operations are managed under the PB Global brand, considered one of the leading compa- nies in the freight-forwarding sector for mainland Europe, Libya, Malta, and other North African countries, led by one of Malta's veterans in the sector Donald Naudi. This operation gives the Group total control of its logistics service offer with interna- tional freight forwarding both for im- port and export. The newly unveiled logo is inspired by the visual elements of a fossilized shell, adapted as a conceptualized representation of fossil fuels, whereas the spiralling elements of the shell are representative of constant growth. "We saw a parallel between the image of fossils that have endured the test of time and PB Group as a company that has endured challenges to keep grow- ing over time and is now ready to em- brace more growth. In fact, whereas fossils are about the past, PB Group is about the future and our brand prom- ise is to take our stakeholders into a better future through further growth," added Mr Busuttil. The company is in the process of fi- nalising details in preparation for the announcement of an important in- vestment. PB Group's new brand image signals new growth THE government is committed to real- ising robust economic growth without jeopardising the longevity of Malta's envi- ronment for future generations, economy minister Silvio Schembri said today. "e Economic Vision for Malta 2031 encourages activities which protect the environment as a key pillar for a better quality of life, with the safeguarding of natural resources leading to the devel- opment of new economic niches, invest- ment and an improved tourism offering," he said. Schembri was addressing the first of a series of seminars discussing each of the five pillars outlined in Malta's Economic Vision 2021-2031 document for national consultation. e session, organised by MIMCOL in Gozo, addressed the fourth pillar of the document - the environment - and saw the participation of environ- ment and planning minister Aaron Far- rugia and Gozo minister Clint Camilleri. Stakeholders from government entities, civil society and non-governmental or- ganisations participated in the event. Schembri insisted that the growth and the safeguarding of the environment are seen as integrated rather than opposing forces. "Environmental degradation is no longer 'sine qua non' to economic success. Rather than seeing the environment and sustain- ability as a trade-off to economic growth, the government sees it as an enabler that can help cultivate new niches – for ex- ample, tapping into reconstituted stone, something that has been used in neigh- bouring countries such as Greece and Cy- prus. We can look at sectors such as ma- rine biotech, a billion euro industry that thrives and maximises return in weather conditions much like ours," he said. In order to safeguard's Malta's future generations, the government will facilitate and enable a smooth transition towards a circular and sustainable economy across all sectors of economic activity. is while embracing new alternative energy prac- tices to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Speaking about Gozo, Minister Schembri noted that the protecting of agricultural and rural land in Gozo remains a priority in maintaining a strategy of ECO-Gozo. Farrugia said that everyone's most nota- ble duty is that of safeguarding the future, health and wellbeing of upcoming gen- erations. To this end, the government is working on various fronts to ensure more sustainable development, intelligent plan- ning, and an ecological transition – with various policies and measures to combat climate change and to foster a greener economy. Malta's Economic Vision, he said, is a good basis for moving towards a circular economy and better quality of life for all. Camilleri said that, back in 2012, Gozo was lagging in economic development when compared to Malta: the unemploy- ment rate was high and there was a lack of job opportunities. e government has realized in recent years that the only way for Gozo to move forward was through improved connectivity, he said. "During this time, we have invested heavily in accessibility, introduced the fourth Gozo ferry, introduced a second fibre optic cable to attract more compa- nies that wanted to invest, especially in technology, and introduced the fast ferry service," Camilleri said. He described this service as a game changer, not only for Gozitans working in Malta and for students, but also for tour- ists visiting Malta, to be able to also visit Gozo. "For the first time, we are once again attracting Gozitans to the island of Gozo and others who are seriously considering relocating to Gozo," Camilleri said. "Gozitans are not only living again at home with their families, but we are seri- ously addressing the brain drain". e economic document states that a future-proof Malta in the environment sector by 2031 can be achieved through various measures, such as: • Efficient use of resources, including land, and better waste management; • Combatting emissions and pollution; • Achieving carbon neutrality; • Providing green finance; • Protecting Malta's seas and harnessing the blue economy; • Preservation and restoration of nature habitats. All those interested to participate in the national consultation process can visit https://economicvision.mimcol.com.mt/ to submit their feedback. e consultation process will remain open till the 31st of July 2021. Economic growth and safeguarding of the environment seen as enablers rather than opposing forces Economy minister Silvio Schembri