“Egypt is fully aware of Malta’s expertise and capabilities in various areas, particularly those in the maritime sector, and is willing to discuss further the possibility of setting up joint ventures that would help exploit the opportunities available in Egypt.” These remarks was made by Egyptian Transport Minister Essam A. Sharaf during a recent meeting at the minister’s office in Cairo with John Pace, manager of Bank of Valletta’s representative office in Cairo.

Also at the meeting were Malta’s Ambassador to Egypt Richard Vella Laurenti as well as the head of the mari-time transport sector in the same ministry, Shireen Hassan Mahmoud.

‘Through our representative office, we carry out research studies of the markets to facilitate investment potential in the region while promoting investment and commercial ties between Malta and Egypt,” said Mr Pace. He added that Bank of Valletta has been carefully following the economic and financial developments that are taking place in Egypt and looks forward to supporting trade exchanges and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Dr Vella Laurenti spoke about the “Malta Day” in Egypt which was organised by the Maltese embassy with the aim of promoting Malta among the Egyptian business community and which also included the participation of Bank of Valletta. “A similar event aimed at creating more awareness of the opportunities available in Egypt, which will be entitled “Egypt Day”, is also being planned to be held in Malta later on this year,” the ambassador announced.

During the meeting, the discussion also focused on areas of cooperation, particularly in the transport and maritime sectors, from which both countries could benefit. It was agreed that Maltese trade delegations would be invited to visit Egypt to discuss matters in greater detail with high-level ministry officials.

Mr Pace thanked Dr Sharaf for his interest in Bank of Valletta’s operations in Cairo and also for supporting the bank’s efforts to promote commercial ties between the two countries.

Bank of Valletta has been successfully operating through its representative office in Cairo for almost two years, during which time it has managed to establish itself as a point of reference for many Maltese businesses wishing to tap into the Egyptian market.

Anyone interested in learning more about the business opportunities that exist in Egypt can obtain further information by contacting Bank of Valletta’s representative office by email at [email protected] Further information can also be obtained from the Bank’s Business Development Department on telephone 2131-3119 or by email at [email protected]