Finance Minister Tonio Fenech and Small Business parliamentary secretary Jason Azzopardi visited Consolidated Biscuits in Mriehel which they touted as a good example of a local company which recognised the benefits of exportation.

They made the point in reference to the government’s Gateway to Export scheme, under which small businesses can apply for aid from Malta Enterprise to explore export opportunities.

Consolidated Biscuits exports 75 per cent of its production and employs 145 people. Its original markets were the Gulf and North Africa, but after EU membership it branched also into Europe, with the UK, Italy and Germany being among its markets.

€1m has been allocated to the scheme, to assist exporters with technical details about opportunities abroad, about the presentation of their product, the type of advertising that would be needed and what other assistance was avialable.

The scheme is open to businesses employing fewer than 50 persons and with a turnover of less than €10 million, with their export sales being under 20% of their turnover.

More details are obtainable from Malta Enterprise.