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Key Competitive Attractions

Business Malta

Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. As such, the island nation offers a gateway between regions, to or from the EU and neighbouring Mediterranean markets. The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino.

The economy has a number of competitive advantages including an English-speaking workforce and excellent communications infrastructure. Social and labour costs are also generally lower than in most other European countries.

Foreign Direct Investment is a key driver in the service-oriented economy of Malta, and the legal structure is set up to encourage FDI. The Global Competitiveness report 2011-2012 ranks Malta 11th in the world in this regard.

According to the Oxford Intelligence Medtech Report 2011, Malta offers the most competitive operating costs in Europe. In fact, the report quotes costs in Malta to be 52% below the average of the 22 surveyed locations.

Malta also offers attractive incentives packages to encourage investment, such as investment tax credits and financial assistance to encourage R&D and innovation.

The following have been identified by the Maltese government as sectors of priority: Financial Services, Creative Industries, Tourism, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Logistics, IT & Communications and Life Sciences.

Assistance and Support For New Business Investors

Malta Enterprise is responsible for trade and investment and the facilitation of economic development in Malta.

Its mission is to act as a single point of contact for enterprises, and to attract, grow and retain foreign direct investment. Malta Enterprise is also charged with helping the growth and development of local industry.

The agency offers a wide range of services including professional pre-investment advice and support, access to finance and fiscal and financial incentives, assistance locating factory space at competitive rates, and a range of post investment services and aftercare facilities.

Moreover, Malta Enterprise assists investors with establishing contacts and leads and getting to grips with the Maltese business environment (joint ventures, franchising, technology transfer and strategic alliances).

Existing Business Base

Malta has a knowledge-based economy, with a focus on Financial Services, IT & Communications, Education, High-end Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Tourism and the Environment. The country has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, at 6.2% (2010).

Trade has a significant role in the Maltese economy. In 2010, Malta had an average trade-to-GDP ratio of 82 per cent. Despite exposure to international trade, Malta was the last EU member to fall into recession and the first to recover, during the recent financial crisis.

Click here for more information on Business Malta.