Economy Minister Chris Cardona was visiting Idroplast Ltd and D-Square Ltd, two companies which, in his words, represent Malta's economic success.

"These are just two of many companies who benefited from services, schemes and incentives offered by Malta Enterprise and Business First over the past two years".

The Minister said that government has again presented a budget in favour of businesses, "one that will continue to strengthen what is offered for businesses".

He said that the budget for 2016 includes a series of initiatives, including measures for assisting start-ups, assistance for more efficient energy use, assistance for research and innovation and others.

"These initiatives will join with new schemes such as B-Start, schemes aimed at helping develop shops in Crafts Village and the extension of schemes such as Microinvest".

He appealed for more companies, or people interested in starting new businesses, to go to Business First

"There has been tremendous progress within Business First, and operational efficiency has improved. It has assisted more than 700 businesses since the beginning of this year," he said. "This progress was reflected within the EU Single Market Scoreboard , where Business First again received positive results for positive services offered to the industry and self-employed".

Idroplast Ltd manufactures plastic products, agricultural and industrial netting; rubber moulds, and processes plastic waste. It invested €300,000 over the past 2.5 years and employs 9 people.

D-Square Limited operates within the plastic injection moulding sector, while also providing other services such as hot foil stamping and pad printing. It currently employs 22 people.