Why Malta?

The Maltese Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and North Africa. Malta is located just 93km away from Sicily and 288 km from Tunisia. The largest Island, Malta, is 27km long and its widest point is 14km. Its coastline covers a total length of 137km. Malta has an excellent climate and beautiful blue seas making it an important tourist resort.

Malta uses its location to position itself as a base for international business and trade. It has the sophisticated financial and commercial infrastructures to support international business and trade.

Malta has a long tradition of international business that goes back as far as the Phoenicians c. 1000 B.C. The Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John, French, British and others, all recognized and benefited from the political and economic potential of the Maltese islands. Malta was a British colony from 1801 until 1964 when it gained independence. In 1974, Malta became a republic and 30 years later joined the European Union.

This history has led to Malta being an ideal location for foreign direct investment. Today, Malta has over 200 foreign-owned manufacturing companies. Foreign entrepreneurs have chosen Malta, not only for its competitive labour costs and fiscal advantages, but for much more.

Malta enjoys a democratic system of Government. The Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet and is characterized by a conservative and prudent style of government which seeks to maintain the high standards of living enjoyed in Malta. The President is the Head of State and is appointed by the House of Representatives which holds legislative power. The current 11th legislature elected in 2008 is made up of 69 members drawn from the two major political parties. Elections are held every 5 years.

Maltese is the national language, but for official purposes, Maltese and English are given equal status. Italian is also widely spoken. Most business correspondence is in English.

Malta's population is c. 405,000. The labour supply is c.152,000, of which 94% are gainfully employed (104K males and 48K females).

Malta offers:

Economic and political stability;
Healthy industrial relations;
Multi-lingual, hard-working highly skilled and flexible workforce;
High level of education;
Malta has the oldest University in the Commonwealth outside Britain providing education for more than 10,000 students in all the major disciplines;
An excellent telecommunications infrastructure;
Modern International airport and port facilities providing easy air and sea connections making Malta an ideal base from which to penetrate markets in Southern Europe, North Africa and beyond;
Safe and secure social environment and a pleasant lifestyle.
… And lots more