Positive meetings for Maltese businesses in Johannesburg

Malta’s proposition as a regional hub in the Mediterranean for both trade and investment was welcomed with good interest by around 30 South African businesses which participated in a business forum organised by Malta Enterprise in Johannesburg.

The forum was followed by a series of one-to-one meetings during which the 12 Maltese companies participating in the business delegation currently visiting South Africa had the opportunity to establish contact with their counterparts in Africa’s leading economy with a view to exploring business cooperation opportunities.
Operating in a wide range of sectors - including amongst others financial services, the maritime industry, renewable energy, travel and tourism, building and construction, as well as food and beverages - the Maltese companies reported a good outcome to the meetings held and shall now be seeking to further develop the contacts they made.

During the business forum, Malta Enterprise Executive Chairman Alan Camilleri gave an overview of the business environment in Malta. He then focused on the key pillars of the Maltese economy and outlined the various opportunities that could be exploited by the South African companies seeking to expand in the region, not only in EU but also in other nearby markets in North Africa.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry’s representative Anton Borg also gave a presentation about Malta’s offering, while Maitland International’s Senior Partner Peter Wentzel gave a testimonial about his company’s experience with regards to doing business in Malta.

On the other hand, the President of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Keith Brebnor described the business environment in Johannesburg, which is the country’s major commercial, financial and industrial centre and is home to the South African Stock Exchange, the leading banks, as well as major insurance, retail, engineering and construction companies. In addition, it also has a thriving mining and manufacturing industry.

The  business  delegation  now  moves  to  Cape  Town,  which  also  has  a  very  strong  financial  and
business services industry. Taking advantage of its location at the crossroads of some of the world’s most important trade routes, Cape Town has in recent years developed into a dynamic metropolis that houses some of the country’s diverse manufacturing industry.

In Cape Town, Malta Enterprise shall again be organising a business forum followed by one-to-one meetings  for  the  delegates  participating  in  the  business  delegation,  while  FinanceMalta  shall  be organising a hedge fund symposium.

The  business  delegation  is  being  organised  by  Malta  Enterprise  in  collaboration  with  FinanceMalta
and  with  the  support  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Enterprise  and  Industry,  the  General  Retailers
and Traders Union and the Gozo Business Chamber.