Malta to release shipyard privatisation statement

The government of Malta is to issue an official statement regarding its call for expression of interest in the privatization of The Malta Shipyards. The bid closed yesterday and prospective buyers were able to submit their interest for appraisal as of last August 11. Within the next two weeks a call for tenders is also expected.

As many as 14 international entities, including American and Norwegian companies, had expressed an informal interest in the shipyard. Despite last weeks’ visit by the European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who strongly asserted that the government?s plan to write off the shipyards? ?100 million debt went against EU regulations, The Maltese government is hopeful that an agreement with the European Commission will be reached.

Meanwhile, ?The rate of workers applying for early retirement or voluntary resignation schemes increased somewhat following Ms Kroes’s visit to Malta, reaching 700 by the weekend.? The Times reported.