The first budget to be completely drafted by Malta's new
government was presented to parliament by Malta's Finance
Minister,Prof Edward Scicluna. The Budget for 2014 aims at
addressing the sustainability of the country's public finances,
with measures being proposed to support employment creation as well
as tax deductions for entrepreneurs who offer work placements. No
new taxes were introduced but the rate of excise on cigarettes,
tobacco, fuel, beer and alcohol and on oil bunkering has been
raised. Plans were also laid out to nurture new industries in Malta
and further strengthen the core contributors to the Maltese
economy. During the second quarter of 2013, the Maltese economy
expanded by 3.6 per cent, having increased by 1.6 per cent in the
first quarter. Growth was mainly spread across all economic
sectors except construction.