EY’s Malta attractiveness survey at the annual conference has become quite a landmark in the yearly business calendar. Why does it draw so much interest, both locally and internationally?

With FDI being such a key part of Malta’s economy, interest has always been high and is increasing year on year. In a volatile global market, many factors determine where investment goes. However, many of them do not become totally evident until a company actually sets up operations in a country. Our survey gauges the perceptions and views of the existing investors themselves and thus provides a deep, independent viewpoint on what sets Malta apart, including both the pluses and the minuses.

In addition, our yearly conference brings together the decision makers and stakeholders shaping Malta’s economy to discuss the crucial issues driving Malta’s attractiveness for FDI. Malta’s top businessmen and women, regulators, policy makers, current and potential foreign investors see it as a unique opportunity to provide insight into the factors shaping FDI policy.

 

With a line-up of over 50 leading speakers, including Alastair Campbell who is best known for his role as one of the creators of Tony Blair’s ‘new labour’ and Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, Poland’s former prime minister, you seem to be taking things a notch higher this year.

Demand for participation has been increasing year-on-year; so much so that unfortunately, we have had to turn away a number of delegates from our events in the last couple of years. With Alastair Campbell and a number of other well-known speakers, we know that demand will be even higher this year. In anticipation, this year’s event will be held at a larger venue, the Westin Dragonara Resort. The shift will also facilitate enhanced networking and draw together a wider array of viewpoints in our sector-focused break-out sessions.

 

Alastair Campbell has titled his keynote speech “Malta: Developing the right brand FDI”. Why?

We were delighted with Alistair’s choice of topic, as it lies at the heart of the matter. Rapid globalisation is making it increasingly challenging for developed nations like ours to attract FDI in the face of increased competition from emerging markets. To attract investors, Malta needs to have the right brand in the international market. And with Malta targeting investment from all over the world, we need to draw upon a wide range of views and experiences to help us shape our future and move the country forward. Compared to our competitors, in this respect, the amount of funds and resources that Malta can plough into marketing itself as a destination for FDI is obviously limited. Maximising the draw of our brand is therefore critical. And it is in this sense that Alistair’s speech is being eagerly anticipated by policy-makers and private stakeholders alike.

 

Another keynote speaker is Poland’s former prime minister, Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz. What can Malta learn from Poland?

Last year, our delegates found the viewpoints shared by Holland’s former Prime Minister, Prof. Jan Peter Balkenende, to be very insightful and we want to replicate this success. Mr Kazimierz was credited with leading successful budget negotiations with the EU. Following his time in politics, he was one of the directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. With Malta and the EBRD currently exploring opportunities for cooperation, he is perfectly placed to discuss the challenges of attracting FDI in a small island-state like Malta.

 

What is behind the theme of this year’s event?

We are honoured to be launching the 10th edition of our survey during a year of anniversaries. As a small, isolated island-state, Malta obviously has a long history of FDI, stretching back centuries. However, 2014 is a special year as the country celebrates 50 years of independence. Independence was not only a historic moment for Malta as a nation; it was also historic for Malta’s economy. This year’s event will examine how FDI in Malta has developed over five decades, the challenges faced then and now, and, most importantly, future prospects.

 

Are you able to provide us with any of the results from this year’s report?

I am afraid that you will have to join us at the conference on 8 October to find out.