The book, which was published in February 2004, is the outcome of a collaborative project between the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Government of Malta and the University of Malta. It also draws on very useful contributions by a number of business organisations, employee unions, public officials and individuals interested in the economic competitiveness issues. The book can be considered as a case study in promoting constructive social dialogue on an issue of major importance for small states, namely economic competitiveness.

The book also provides a framework for the development of a national competitiveness strategy and a programme of follow-up mechanisms, relating to implementation, monitoring, assessment, and advocacy measures.

The main argument on which the book is based is that it is essential for Malta to further build and sustain its international competitiveness in order to achieve its long-term development aspirations. Competitiveness is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which spans economic, social, political and international dimensions, involving all the players in the economy. Competitiveness cannot, in the long run, be sustained unless all the dimensions contributing to it are properly addressed. It is however often the case that these dimensions result in conflicting priorities, especially in the short run where, for example, the attainment of social objectives may conflict with economic efficiency considerations.