New law will help SMEs reach customers and give customers better deals online - Zammit Dimech

“Maltese businesses want us to create a fair and competitive business environment and to facilitate digital transformation. I am glad that the new regulation I negotiated will ensure that businesses are safeguarded when using online platforms to reach customers, and that customers will now have a wider choice and better value deals.” MEP Francis Zammit Dimech made these remarks during a debate at the European Parliament on a new regulation promoting fairness and transparency for business using platforms.

Zammit Dimech explained that businesses, especially small ones, were becoming more dependent on online platforms to reach their customers, as the latter have embraced online platforms to buy a product or service, such as a flight or accommodation. He said that, in this regard, it is crucial for platforms to be run in a fair and transparent manner, in the way they deal with businesses to ensure fair competition.

Zammit Dimech, who served as the Rapporteur in the Committee on Legal Affairs, said that businesses were asking the EU to support the tourism sector. He said that this regulation will address this matter as well, since data collected through platforms as a result of commercial activity of business users, is to be made available to the respective business. This is crucial for the hospitality sector and will ensure a better service and facilitate targeted marketing.

Whilst thanking the Malta Business Bureau for their contribution, Zammit Dimech referred to their manifesto for the 2019 European election and the next EU mandate, saying that among other issues, MBB outlined the need to press ahead with more necessary reforms and implement policies that create a fair and competitive business environment, facilitate digital transformation, and continue investing in innovation. He said that, as he did with tax issues, and with regard to the regulation concerning the pharmaceutical sector, he will continue to safeguard the interests and competitiveness of Malta’s business sector and jobs.

Zammit Dimech concluded by saying that he was glad to have contributed to safeguard several small businesses, allowing for healthy competition leading to increased consumer choice and better deals when buying online.