The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has appointed former MP Marthese Portelli as its first Director General.
The appointment of Dr Portelli, approved by the MDA’s council yesterday, is an important step in the MDA’s continuous efforts to strengthen its organisation’s structures to respond better to the current and future challenges of the country and the industry.
Welcoming this appointment, MDA President Sandro Chetcuti stated that the choice of Dr Portelli to be at the helm of the MDA’s administration sends an important message to all stakeholders that the MDA is serious on putting the industry at the forefront of sustainable and pro-environment policies which need to be addressed.
“During the past ten years, the MDA has managed to turn around the industry which contributed enormously for the economic wellbeing of the country. Through the appointment of Dr Portelli, a former Environment Shadow Minister and a former board member of the Planning Authority, the MDA should be in a better position to address policies in the interest of both development and the environment. We believe that both aspects can move forward together, and we are confident that our new Director General will lead us towards this direction. The MDA will once again be a catalyst for a new economic revival.”
Dr Portelli said: “I am fully aware of the big responsibility I have been entrusted with. Apart from the complexity and controversial aspects of the industry which need to be tackled, the construction industry remains essential to our future and needs a more sustainable footing. In the current situation, the country and the industry are facing unprecedented challenges and need determined action to avoid massive future problems.”
“I admit that I was quite surprised when I was approached to take on this role. However, after a thorough consideration and appreciation of the MDA’s growth during the past years, I accepted to take on this new challenge.”
Thanking the MDA council for her appointment, Dr Portelli said that she is looking forward to work with all the industry’s stakeholders and the MDA’s counterparts, both in Malta and abroad, to put the future of construction industry on a sounder and sustainable future.
Founded ten years ago with just a handful of members, the MDA has grown into one of the most important and influential constituted bodies in the country.
Currently it has more than a thousand members, representing the interests of developers, contractors, real estate agents, landlords, carpenters, quarry owners and renewable energy providers.
According to a KPMG study, in 2018 the industry generated €2.94 billion equivalent to 20 percent of Malta’s GDP and employs a total of 43,000 employees.
