"The Maltese government has taken the challenge and is giving special priority to make the economic environment as business-friendly as possible." This was stated by the minister for Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna while addressing an SME conference organised by the Malta Stock Exchange in collaboration with the World Federation of Exchanges.

Minister Scicluna said that government can achieve this through less bureaucracy and red tape, especially in the area of public procurement and the courts.

The minister for Finance said that a large number of businesses have chosen to locate and invest in Malta for various reasons, including Malta's pro-business attitude, professional services available, the infrastructure and skilled human resources.

Professor Scicluna expressed his pride in Malta's good track record both in the banking as well as the financial services sector.

Minister Scicluna said that the level of vibrancy within the Exchange is remarkable, with the recent launch of two new markets ‒ the Institutional Financial Securities Market and Prospects MTF ‒ both of which complement the Regulated Main Market and which create exciting new opportunities for business development for the Maltese as well as international markets.

Minister Scicluna emphasised the word "sustainability" when talking about economic and financial success, saying that family-run businesses face increasing competition in the global marketplace, but he also stressed the importance of maintaining corporate governance standards including transparency, integrity and honesty so that at the end of the day, everyone benefits from the success achieved under these circumstances.