The forthcoming state visit to Qatar by President George Abela between 25 and 29 August is expected to bring the number of double taxation agreements signed and/or ratified by Malta with other countries since March 2008 to 10.

Double taxation agreements have been signed with France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro and Switzerland. The 10th will be signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg and his Qatari counterpart when they accompany President Abela to Qatar.

In the run up to the signing of a double taxation agreement, discussions are held by both parties whereby consensus is reached on the terms governing the agreement. Once the agreement is signed, ratification follows, with entry into force being the last step.

Besides the strengthening of diplomatic ties with the respective country with which the agreement is signed, bilateral agreements such as double taxation agreements strengthen economic links as exchanges of a business nature become more enticing.