Government Must Help MSE To Achieve Its Potential

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

13 August 2004

The chief executive officer of the Maltese Stock Exchange, Mark Guillaumier, stated on Tuesday that only a coordinated national policy will help the exchange fulfil its full potential.

In observations made during a visit to the MSE by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Guillaumier noted that a more integrated approach will help the many schemes in place to assist small enterprises and encourage new investment to succeed.

"The Exchange can play a role but it is the government which must lend its guidance and support for these efforts to bear the desired results," remarked the MSE chief.

He added that while the exchange has succeeded in promoting a share ownership culture and in strengthening corporate governance among listed companies, there is still much to do before the MSE fulfils its “basic role” of providing alternative means for firms to raise capital.

Thirteen equities were traded on the MSE last month with 1.283 million share changing hands, up from the 0.790 million shares exchanged in June, according to the bourse’s latest published monthly report.

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