About Malta

Malta is commonly referred to as a jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean. Its beauty and cultural wealth dating as far back as 3000 B.C. have attracted many visitors throughout the years. Besides being a museum in its own right and a perfect holiday destination for those seeking relaxation, sun and sea; Malta offers excellent business opportunities.

Malta & the European Union (EU)

When Malta became a full member state of the European Union in May 2004, Malta already had strong trading links with the EU. With Malta's majority of exports being made to EU countries, membership widened further the opportunities for Maltese businesses to trade within and even outside the EU market. Furthermore, increased business is being experienced in our well legislated financial services industry. Businesses subjected to the relevant regulatory Authorities in Malta are able to penetrate EU markets and other markets outside the EU without having to repeat costly and time-consuming compliance procedures and/or licensing in each EU and non-EU country it seeks to do business in. Businesses have literally gained a "European Passport." With Malta's inclusion in the Euro zone as from the 1st January 2008, the island's economic prospects are looking brighter than ever before, offering attractive business opportunities to investors enabling them to participate in the country's strategic economic growth.

Malta for Business & Pleasure

If you are looking for alternative opportunities for your international activities in line with the OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-Operation & Development, you should seriously consider the Maltese Jurisdiction. Malta's International Business activities are growing at a steady rate as entrepreneurs worldwide take advantage of its unique benefits. Malta has enacted a fiscal and legislative framework, with specific emphasis on sectors such as eCommerce, banking, collective investment schemes and funds, captive insurance, shipping and online gaming. A sophisticated banking infrastructure, a well-developed network of double taxation treaties, the presence of international audit firms and banks and significantly lower business operating costs when compared to other European centres are all proof that Malta is in the driving seat for future eBusiness developments.

Malta has been known as a holiday island located some 100 kilometres south of the Italian island of Sicily. It offers holidaymakers a sun-drenched island steeped in history. Today, international hotels amongst them the InterContinental, the Malta Hilton, The Westin Dragonara and The Radisson, grace our shores. Although tourism is the main industry, Malta is becoming much more than a popular holiday destination. Malta is fast becoming an active hub for important names in industry. Major overseas companies are currently managing to acquire contracts of supply and services to the North African market; this thanks to their local presence in Malta. This is attributed amongst others, to Malta's first class relationship with most of these countries, our proximity to various markets and easy accessibility, and our understanding of their culture and language.

Good Communications

Malta is easy and safe to get to by air, having regular air services linked with most major European business centres. The main island itself is small and easy to get around by car and any destination can be reached in around 30 minutes. In conclusion, while getting to Malta is easy and travelling around the island is quick, the latest telecommunication and IT systems are generally readily available and fully operational.

Efficient & Friendly Workforce - (Human Resources)

Maltese and English are the national languages. English is in fact, widely spoken in the business community and most business communication is also done in English. Italian is also widely spoken and many have had additional formal training in French, German, Spanish and/or Arabic. The Maltese are renowned for their warm hospitality, however, there is much more to the people than a warm welcome. Educational and training standards are good; workers are conscientious while wages are reasonable when compared to other European countries. The University of Malta, one of the oldest Universities found in Europe, has a large numbers of students graduating yearly in a wide variety of studies.

Facts & Figures about Malta

Nationality: Maltese
Capital City: Valletta
Population: 400,000 circa
Annual Growth Rate: +4.3% (2006 est.)
Official Languages: Maltese & English
Other Spoken Languages: Italian, French, German, Spanish, Arabic

GDP per inhabitant: USD 13,943 at current market prices (2005 est.)GDP Composition by Sector.

• Agriculture: 2%
• Industry: 23%
• Service: 74% (2005)

Inflation Rate: 3.3% (average annual Inflation rate - July 2006)
Exchange Rate: 0.4293 EUR/MTL

Telephone System:

• General Assessment: Automatic digital system satisfies normal requirements;
• Domestic: Digital Network over fiber and copper local loops;
• International: 2 submarine cables; microwave bridge station
• Country Tel. Code: +356

Internet Code: .mt
Internet Connectivity Distribution: 43,536 Broad band; 48,294 Narrow band subscriptions (July 2006)

ISPs: Broadband: 16 (2004)