Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi today pledged that the government will work “day and night for the export-oriented companies to thrive.”
Addressing and event at the Chamber of Commerce titled ‘Doing business in Turkey’, Dr Mizzi said the latest export trends are very encouraging, with Eurostat’s latest figures confirm that products exported increased by 8% in the last 7 months compared to a 5% growth in Eurozone countries.
“Congratulations are in order for our hard working business community. However we can do better and today’s event will contribute to this quest for excellence. Together we can reach new economic heights. I conclude by thanking Maltese companies and Turkish businesses which will be involved in this exciting initiative,” Dr Mizzi said.
“Today’s event focuses on Turkey, which is only two hours away by plane, has good transport connections to Malta and presents numerous opportunities for Maltese companies. Turkish companies are also actively present in Malta especially in the Maritime sector.
“18 Malta based companies from sectors ranging from ICT, financial services, tourism, manufacturing and construction services, will be joining the trade mission to Turkey. Turkey is a fast growing market, which barring few exceptions has enjoyed a high rate of economic growth.
“We hope that the two working delegation will be fruitful and generate numerous leads for our companies. Trade Malta is constantly exploring new markets and opportunities and is currently gathering information on companies who are interested in doing business with South Korean and Albania.
“The future economic development of our country depends on our ability to be innovative, and drive export driven sectors.
Addressing the seminar Mr David Curmi – Chairman of TradeMalta expressed his satisfaction that 18 companies will be joining the business mission to Istanbul, in two weeks’ time.
Giving a timeline of works carried by TradeMalta in the past four months since it has been set up, Mr Curmi hailed the competent board of directors who are working on a dynamic plan which shall soon be presented to all stakeholders.
In November TradeMalta will be heading its third business mission, this time in Algiers. Alreay more than 30 companies expressed their interest to join this mission.
“We are here to offer bespoke services for those interested to work outside Malta,” explained Curmi.
Anton Buttigie CEO of TradeMalta, explained that in the past four months 45 companies were supported by TradeMalta to attend internation events.
“Please reach out to us especially when you have difficulties in tapping international companies. TradeMalta will be helping you to do business to business meetings.”
Mr George Schembri, General Manager of Abertax Group, a manufacturing company based in Kordin talked about his company’s experience in Turkey.
“We started in 2009 with a turnover of just €350 euro and in the first 7 months of 2015 we are already at €0.5 million turnover.
“Turkey is a very positive experience. There are no export complications...just one additional document needed – The ATR Certficate. We find the process much less bureaucratic in exporing to Turkey than to other countries.”