Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry admits that as a person, she considers herself quite shy, a trait she manages to conceal with a natural confidence that has driven her to excel in her career spanning politics and business.
Today, her role demands constant engagement with diverse sectors, innovative problem-solving, and a forward-thinking approach to policy development.
“I’m constantly meeting businesses from different spheres, each bringing unique ideas and challenges. It’s my job to find tailored solutions for them,” Portelli explains. “Being in the driving seat allows me to push policies that truly benefit the country, and I’m fortunate to have an extraordinary team by my side.”
Under her leadership, The Malta Chamber has managed to expand its membership base significantly and today, it represents 75% of private sector employment in Malta
“This staggering increase in our membership is one of my most satisfying achievements because it ensures that the Chamber remains a credible voice across a broad spectrum of the business community,” she notes.
“In fact, it is rewarding seeing our proposals taken up at both local and EU levels. This year, we have actively participated in 85 public consultations which helped keep the Chamber at the forefront of policy formulation. Today, our opinions are sought after thanks to the well-researched and comprehensive documents we always present.”
According to Marthese, the Chamber’s effectiveness lies in its structured approach.
“We are very well-organized, representing various sectors like manufacturing, services, IT and retail. Our full-fledged policy team is always on the lookout for upcoming challenges, alerting our members and assisting them with transitions while also lobbying where needed.”
Her concerns obviously relate to the many challenges being faced by the Maltese business community such as skills shortages, inflation, bureaucracy, and an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
“One of the biggest hurdles we face is staying competitive in an international market while dealing with constant documentation and regulations,” she admits, adding that knee-jerk political decisions often lead to uncertainties for businesses, something the Chamber actively works to counter.
“Our role is to provide clear, structured proposals that reflect a long-term vision, and we ensure that all business sectors have their specific needs addressed.”
And with the national budget on the horizon, Portelli is keen to see how the government will respond to the Chamber’s proposals.
“We have submitted 219 proposals focused on shifting our economy to one that looks beyond GDP. We want to see a bigger focus on high-value-added sectors. I hope to see many of these acknowledged in the upcoming budget.”
Asked about The Malta Chamber’s relevance today, Marthese explained that the approach is to maintain open communication with members, especially SMEs, who make up the majority of the business community in Malta.
“98% of our members are SMEs, both large and small businesses, giving us a comprehensive perspective and making us credible when we push forward our proposals,” she says.
“We conduct regular monthly meetings with them to ensure continuous feedback. This year alone, we have already held over 60 conferences and information sessions and published several podcasts to maintain active communication with our members. Additionally, we have signed memorandums of understanding with various independent organisations to further enhance our expertise.”
Portelli’s vision for the Malta Chamber is clear and ambitious.
“If there’s one thing I would want to see realised in this country is a national appreciation at the highest level of the real value of infrastructure,” she shares. “This is not about roads and buildings but about creating an environment where businesses can thrive, supported by robust and efficient infrastructure.”
Reflecting on her journey, Portelli believes her diverse career has given her an edge in her current role. From junior lawyer to operations manager, and from projects manager to a commercial role across different local and international companies, each experience has contributed to her understanding of how various roles within the business ecosystem function.
“Eventually, my experience in politics widened my perspective further and when I joined the Chamber, my road was paved because I had a clear understanding of how different roles work and relate, which helps in addressing the diverse needs of our members.”
Marthese needs no admission that her role at the helm of The Malta Chamber requires an extraordinary level of commitment, yet she still manages to balance her demanding role with her personal life.
“I love cooking and I make it a point to cook every day. It’s my way of unwinding. But I have also learned to give up certain things to make time for what matters most.”
Her advice to young professionals aspiring to make a mark in the business sector is practical.
“I would tell young people who want to start a business: by all means, dream, but also make sure to have a realistic business plan, especially when seeking finance. Keep your business plan simple and realistic, without any frills.”
Her passion for policy and problem-solving is not just limited to her current role. “If I weren’t leading the Malta Chamber, I would still want to work on policy—any job that allows me to bring change and solve problems.”
And while Marthese is known as a policy expert and business leader, few know about her artistic side.
“I have a secret passion for floral decorations, something I was trained in by my mother. It’s a creative outlet that I try to keep alive. I believe in the importance of creativity because it balances my life and sharpens my problem-solving skills.”
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