Significant interest in doing business in and with Malta has been shown by Indian companies as a result of the visit to Mumbai by a Maltese business delegation this week.

At a business forum at the Confederation of Indian Industry, held on the first official day of meetings, Dr Shubhada M Rao welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Confederation and expressed her appreciation at the encouraging number of Indian companies present. She gave an overview of economic developments in India and the fast expansion of industries such as ICT, pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs.

On behalf of the Maltese delegation, the Maltese High Commissioner in India, Wilfred Kennely, highlighted the excellent relationship between the two countries and the efforts being made to attract the attention of more Indian companies for business cooperation with Malta. Emphasis was placed on promoting Malta as a gateway to Europe and North Africa.

Malta Enterprise executive chairman Alan Camilleri referred to Malta’s pillars for further growth, including ICT, financial services, health services, tourism, educational services and high value-added industry. The growing importance of the pharmaceutical industry in Malta was also highlighted by G.P. Prasad of Aurobindo, one of the eight largest pharmaceutical companies in India, which established itself in Malta in 2008. Mr Prasad explained that the company considers its plant in Malta as its strategic base for exports to Europe and the Middle East.

Other speakers included Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry president Helga Ellul, HSBC Bank Malta plc head of commercial banking Richard Cottell and Malta Film Commissioner Louisa Bonello.

During the session reserved for business-to-business meetings, the 15 company representatives forming part of the business delegation met over 60 Indian companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, logistics and financial services, automotive, glass-fibre material and renewable energy. The chairman of Malta Enterprise also held meetings with selected Indian companies, mainly in the ICT and pharmaceutical industries, for investment promotion purposes.

HSBC Bank Malta plc hosted a networking reception for the delegation and Indian companies.