Malta’s proposition as a regional hub in the Mediterranean for both trade and investment was welcomed with interest by around 30 South African businesses that participated in a business forum organised by Malta Enterprise in Johannesburg.
The forum was followed by a series of one-to-one meetings during which the 12 Maltese companies participating in the business delegation visiting South Africa had the opportunity to establish contact with their counterparts in Africa’s leading economy with a view to exploring business cooperation opportunities.
Operating in a wide range of sectors – including among others financial services, the maritime industry, renewable energy, travel and tourism, building and construction, as well as food and beverages – the Maltese companies reported a good outcome on the meetings held and will seek to further develop the contacts they made.
During the business forum, Malta Enterprise Executive Chairman Alan Camilleri gave an overview of the business environment in Malta. He then focused on the key pillars of the Maltese economy and outlined the various opportunities that could be exploited by the South African companies seeking to expand in the region, not only in the EU but also in other nearby markets in North Africa.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry’s representative Anton Borg also gave a presentation about Malta’s offering, while Maitland International’s Senior Partner Peter Wentzel gave a testimonial about his company’s experience when doing business in Malta.
President of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Keith Brebnor described the business environment in Johannesburg, which is the country’s major commercial, financial and industrial centre and home to the South African Stock Exchange, the leading banks, as well as major insurance, retail, engineering and construction companies. In addition, it also has a thriving mining and manufacturing industry. The business delegation then moved to Cape Town, which also has a very strong financial and business services industry. Taking advantage of its location at the crossroads of some of the world’s most important trade routes, Cape Town has developed into a dynamic metropolis that houses some of the country’s diverse manufacturing industry.
In Cape Town, Malta Enterprise organised another business forum followed by one-to-one meetings for the delegates participating in the business delegation, while FinanceMalta organised a hedge fund symposium.
The business delegation was organised by Malta Enterprise in collaboration with FinanceMalta and with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the General Retailers and Traders Union and the Gozo Business Chamber.