Minister Carmelo Abela has announced the appointment of James Pearsall as Chairperson of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

Mr Pearsall was nominated by the Government after full consultation with the social partners and members within the Council. He will take over the role at the end of July after using this period as a transition to the role, making him the sixth chairperson of the MCESD.

Minister Abela congratulated the new Chairperson on the appointment, remarking that he is convinced Mr Pearsall, who has experience in both trade unionism and in administration, will be making his contribution to further strengthening social dialogue in the interest of the common good.

“Within the MCESD, we are not just debating economic development but also social development; all that affects our lives in its various aspects. I am convinced that we will continue to strengthen this structure under Mr Pearsall’s leadership – also in terms of its internal administration, in order to enable the MCESD to guide government in the best manner possible,” says Minister Abela.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Pearsall said a strong social environment cannot be achieved without a prosperous economy. “We should now analyse all the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The MCESD gave its contribution and participated in the economic regeneration plan. It is now the time to work together, with the means, with the strength, with all the necessary expertise and experience of both employers and employees, so that we join our efforts and focus our discussions on how to build a better country,” he concluded.