In keeping with the continuing trend to attract FDI, particularly from Asia, and showcase the services the Maltese Islands can offer to the international business community, PKF recruited Yolanda Dong, a qualified business executive who will be responsible for the China desk. Pursuant to this drive, more initiatives are planned to follow this year as part of a policy to open new business opportunities particularly in the IIP & MRVP sector. Efforts are also in hand to attract interest in the recent announcement about the request for EU approval to open oil and gas exploration bids in an offshore concession in the lucrative Area 3 north of the island. 

Ms Dong already represented PKF Malta during the business meeting held earlier this month by PKF International at the Beijing Shangri-La Hotel, China entitled "One Belt One Road". During this meeting, which attracted over 200 delegates, Ms Dong presented seven core pillars of investment opportunities in Malta which were warmly received by the delegates. These sectors include luxury property development, aviation, Oil and Gas, Innovation, Actuarial & Financing, UCITS funds, Captive Insurance and Blockchain technology among other topics.

Following the business meeting hosted in Beijing a delegation of investors from China travelled to Malta to meet various local business partners. These included FinanceMalta, Malta Enterprise, real estate agents in Malta and Gozo, banks, private hospitals and various heads of faculties at the University of Malta. Finally, a productive meeting was held with the appointed head of Asian investment, Jennifer Shen May at Malta Enterprise who will shortly be moving to Shanghai to further cement business relations.