The Maltese French Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Bank of Valletta and the French Embassy in Malta held a morning conference on Thursday 16th October, entitled "France: Why and How". The conference, which was organized with the objective of generating increased business interest between Malta and France was held at BOV Centre in Sta Venera. The conference was addressed by Charles Borg, CEO Bank of Valletta, Hon Prof Edward Scicluna, Minister for Finance, H.E. Michel Vandepoorter, French Ambassador to Malta, Dr Mark A Miggiani, President of the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce, Jean-Daniel Tordjman, CEO Astarte International, Dr Gerard Mazet, French Business Lawyer, Didier Bourguignon, Director Ubifrance Italy-Malta, and Mr. Mario Galea, Principal Chief Officer Malta Enterprise.
In his opening address, Charles Borg, said: "Bank of Valletta has established a strong working relationship with the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce. During the period of this collaboration, the bank has supported a number of French enterprises to set up their business in Malta whilst supporting trade between the two countries which during the first eight months of 2014 have exceeded the €400 million mark between imports and exports." Mr Borg also made reference to the importance of the French tourist market for Malta which currently represents 7.3% of total tourist arrivals in Malta. He concluded by thanking the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce for their contribution in promoting a healthy trade relationship between the two countries and stated that Bank of Valletta will continue with its efforts to further strengthen the commercial and investment relations that already exist whilst focusing on attracting new ones.
Dr Mark A. Miggiani told the audience that the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce which seeks to promote and nurture increased business traffic between France and Malta can be considered as one of the first points of reference for Maltese business people wishing to do business with or in France and for French business interests seeking to learn more about investment and business opportunities in Malta. Dr Miggiani further commented that at present French companies are actively seeking to develop their export markets through joint ventures, franchise agreements and similar arrangements. The conference has consequently sought to offer some practical guidance on how to take advantage of this situation.