Foreign Minister George Vella appointed a new consul general in Shanghai, succeeding Sai Mizzi Liang, sources said.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister has yet to decide whether Ms Mizzi Liang, Minister Without Portfolio Konrad Mizzi’s wife, would be retained at Malta Enterprise even though her contract expired at the end of last month.
Foreign Office sources said Ruth Mary Farrugia, a former consul general in Toronto, Canada, and a seasoned diplomat had taken over as Malta’s new consul general in Shanghai.
“Ms Farrugia has already taken her place in Shanghai, even though the appointment has yet to be announced,” the sources said.
The Times of Malta asked the Foreign Ministry last July to say whether a new consul in Shanghai had been appointed and, if so, to give details on the new appointee. Despite various reminders, no reply was forthcoming.
Contacted yesterday, Dr Vella asked for the questions to be sent by e-mail. When it was pointed out that that was done two months ago, the minister said: “Then, we will reply when we deem fit.”
Ruth Farrugia, a former consul general in Toronto, has taken over in Shanghai
Meanwhile both the Office of the Prime Minster and the minister responsible for Malta Enterprise, Chris Cardona, refused to give information on the future of Ms Mizzi Liang at the state investment agency.
Last February, on the day he was appointed Labour’s deputy leader, Dr Mizzi said his wife had decided not to renew her contract as the Prime Minister’s envoy to Asia when it expired at the end of August. However, the sources indicated she might have a change of heart.
When asked whether the Prime Minister was considering giving Ms Mizzi Liang some sort of ‘alternative job’ at Malta Enterprise, the Office of the Prime Minister did not reply.
This newspaper asked Dr Cardona, who succeeded Dr Mizzi as Labour deputy leader, whether Malta Enterprise was in the process of drafting a new contract for Ms Mizzi Liang that could be similar to her previous role of seeking business opportunities for Malta in China. However, no replies were forthcoming despite various reminders.
Malta Enterprise has still not appointed anybody to succeed Ms Mizzi Liang.
“While Malta Enterprise considers China an important market for the attraction of foreign direct investment, it is not easy to find someone with the necessary economic development knowledge, experience and communication skills,” a spokesman said.
Asked whether the new envoy would be entitled to the same financial package as Ms Mizzi Liang, who, having been granted an ambassadorial rank, received €13,000 each month, the Malta Enterprise spokesman said: “If Malta Enterprise finds a suitable person for the post, the financial package will be commensurate with the person’s experience and qualifications.”
ivan.camilleri@timesofmalta.com