Maltese companies in the food and beverage sector have been on a trade mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai in China where they discussed trade, investment and tourism opportunities. The trade delegation was led by Malta’s Ambassador in Peking, Karl Xuereb.

The companies were Emmanuel Delicata, Marsovin, Master Group, Simonds Farsons Cisk and Tenderfresh Food Processing.

Among the representatives they met in Hong Kong were Ms Yvonne Choi Ying-pik, permanent secretary for commerce and economic development, and Neville S. Schroff, vice-chairman Asia/Africa Committee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The DOI said a considerable interest was expressed in Malta’s service offer in terms of logistics, distribution and financial services to support trade into the EU and Africa.

During the visit to Hong Kong the Maltese trade delegation visited the Hong Kong Food and Beverage EXPO, one of the largest expositions of its kind in the world. In addition the Maltese companies held a total of around 100 one to one meetings over two days with interested counterparties.

On 22 August the delegation proceeded to Shanghai where it is estimated that almost 200 one to one “matchmaking” meetings took place. During the visit to Shanghai the trade delegation was received by the Vice Secretary General of CCPIT Shanghai Pudong Charles Zhang and the Vice-Chairman of the Shanghai Pudong International Chamber of Commerce Mr. Dejun Shen.