It is my pleasure to address you at the conclusion of this business seminar, the objective of which has been to disseminate relevant information and create awareness about Malta’s business potential and attractions.

Malta’s unique asset lies in the resourcefulness of its people.  For centuries Malta has been at the crossroads of Mediterranean trading routes. Its strategic geographical position in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea has endowed it with the logistics to enable the Island to be a hub in the region. Over the centuries the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Spanish, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British were in Malta.  They all recognized the potential of the Islands and the Maltese people as a capable and knowledgeable resource.  The Maltese are long-standing traders and brokers; they acquired the natural skills to understand and deal with a diversity of cultures and peoples.

Since gaining Independence from Britain in 1964, the island has relied on its capability to turn challenges into opportunities.  Along the course of its forty one years as an independent State Malta developed and diversified its economy.  From an economy largely dependent on the British Armed Forces’ spending, Malta is now home to many reputed international best practice companies.

Malta is focusing on high value added activities.  As an EU member State, Malta is tailoring itself to meet the challenges of a modern, globally oriented economy.  Malta’s main emphasis for economic growth lies in long-standing export-oriented business, business process outsourcing, research and development, tourism, Information Communications Technology, e-commerce, financial services, transhipment and much more.  Malta is leaving no stone unturned to achieve its goal of becoming a centre of quality.

Malta is an inviting location to do business.  It has followed closely and admired the progress Spain has made since joining the European Union in the late eighties.  Spain has moved from being a net receiver of foreign investment to a country which is becoming a leading investor abroad.  I hope my visit to your beautiful country will contribute to making Malta better known among the Spanish investors and entrepreneurs.  Spaniards might not know much about the investment opportunties in Malta.  In fact, recently a Spanish journalist visiting Malta defined our island as the “EU’s best kept secret”.   Malta is an excellent place to invest in.  Malta has

·        A “can do” business environment, where flexibility and speed are the name of the game;

·        A multi-lingual, highly skilled, competitively-priced workforce;

·        An attractive incentives and support package for investors;

·        High productivity levels;

·        Excellent distribution, freeport and above all telecommunication facilities.

Malta enjoys a strategic location which make it an ideal business gateway for the fast growing markets of North Africa and the Middle East.

It is a modern, safe, pleasant and hospitable country with a European lifestyle and an educational system of high European standards.

Besides, Malta has a fascinating history, heritage and culture. 

There are many areas where Spain and Malta can co-operate. Spain and Malta are both EU member States and Mediterranean countries.  They have similar cultures in many aspects and this facilitates business networking and cultural exchange.

I do hope that this seminar will stimulate further trade and investment opportunities for Maltese and Spanish businessmen.  Our presence here witnesses the importance we are giving to strengthening a working relationship with Spain and its institutions, familiarize ourselves and create opportunities for the mutual benefit of our people.