UK Minister addresses British Business Forum meeting

The UK Minister for Europe, Rt Hon David Lidington MP addressed a meeting organised by the British Business Forum, as a guest speaker during his recent official visit to Malta.

Mr Lidington discussed the factors underlying Malta’s strong business relationships with the UK and emphasised the potential for future growth.  

“There is a real chance that more UK businesses will be attracted to setting up shop in Malta as a base to reach out to emerging democracies and growing markets, particularly those along the North African coast,” said Mr Lidington.

“The global shift of economic power towards the emerging economies offers huge opportunities as well as formidable challenges,” explained Mr Lidington. “We must look at these emerging markets as enormous opportunities to developing new markets for our businesses.”

HSBC’s CEO Mark Watkinson, who chaired the meeting, said “This was a unique opportunity for business leaders in Malta to enhance their ties with the UK while addressing the factors underlying business relations between Malta, the UK, and the rest of Europe. Such opportunities for business networking and open communication are especially valuable in the light of the present economic scenario.”

The British Business Forum in Malta, set up in 2009 by HSBC Malta and the British High Commission, comprises members of the business community in Malta who maintain direct links with British companies.

Photocaption: Rt Hon David Lidington MP (centre), together with British High Commissioner Ms Louise Stanton and HSBC Malta’s CEO Mark Watkinson.