Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, Carmelo Abela, presided over the signing between TradeMalta and HSBC Bank (Malta) plc for a renewal of a strategic support agreement for an additional three-year period. The agreement was signed by Michel Cordina, executive director at HSBC Bank (Malta) plc and Anton Buttigieg, TradeMalta's CEO.
HSBC Bank (Malta) plc has been supporting TradeMalta's activities since its inception in 2014 with the sole purpose of assisting Malta-based companies to secure international business.
Through this agreement HSBC Bank (Malta) plc will be supporting TradeMalta in its several operational activities. These include support for trade missions, export-related learning seminars and educational programmes, country seminars, panel discussions and other events organised by TradeMalta.
Minister Abela stated that: "HSBC Bank (Malta) plc and TradeMalta work in tandem to promote international trade through various channels. During such events both TradeMalta and HSBC's officials have the opportunity to meet with Malta-based company executives to exchange information on best-practice techniques, share experiences from different exporters, discuss opportunities in new and developing markets and provide company executives with bespoke market information, including business guides and market research."
Through this agreement HSBC shall also be supporting other TradeMalta initiatives such as the second edition of the Malta International Business Awards, being held on Friday, 22 November, which was launched during a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion.
Minister Abela highlighted the fact that: "Over the past two years, during the regular visits to Malta-based exporting companies, I had the opportunity to see for myself the capabilities and the entrepreneurial ingenuity of businesses based in our country. Therefore, aware of how many businesses excel at export and internationalisation, I look forward to TradeMalta receiving a higher number of submissions from an even wider cross-section of Malta-based businesses this year."
These awards are organised on biennial basis to promote the achievements and celebrate the success of Malta-based companies in international business. After the resounding success of the first edition of the awards, this event is now set to become a regular feature on the national calendar of major business events.
The Malta International Business Awards are conducted with the outmost professionalism, transparency and diligence and, while this may prove a challenge for some, it is a great opportunity for ambitious Malta-based companies to benchmark themselves and their internationalisation work against those of other companies.
This event is being organised by TradeMalta and HSBC (Malta) plc as a strategic partner. The awards are endorsed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. The other sponsors include BPC, Grant Thornton and Big Exhibits.
Applications are now open and must be submitted online at www.trademalta.org
Shortlisted companies will proceed to present their achievements to a final adjudication panel, which will determine the winners of each category.