A new chapter in economic collaboration between Malta and Ireland was opened last week as the Malta Business Bureau (MBB), in partnership with the Cork Chamber, hosted a virtual trade mission designed to foster cross-border business growth and innovation.
Entitled "Trade Horizons - Malta & Ireland: Market Insights and Collaboration", the event brought together business leaders, diplomats, and industry experts from both island nations with a single aim: to unlock international opportunities for SMEs and strengthen economic ties through shared values and strategic sectors.
Michele Agius, Policy Advisor at MBB, launched proceedings by underscoring the enduring partnership between the two organisations. "Six years ago, our collaboration with Cork helped Maltese businesses expand into Ireland. Today, we're building on that foundation to explore what the future of cross-border innovation and trade looks like".
Ireland's Ambassador to Malta, Caroline Whelan, called the event "a natural step forward," highlighting the nations' similar cultures, English language advantage, and growing connectivity - with three direct flight networks now linking the countries. She spotlighted areas ripe for collaboration, including aviation, MedTech, digital services, tourism, and education technology.
Her counterpart, Malta's Ambassador to Ireland, Fione-Jayne Formosa, stressed the strategic alignment of both countries as gateways to their regions. "Malta and Ireland are not just open for business - we are ideally placed to act as global hubs. Our adaptable legislative systems and knowledge-based economies give us a competitive edge," she remarked, pointing to Malta's Life Sciences Park and Ireland's strong pharmaceutical exports as areas of mutual benefit.
Panel sessions during the mission showcased each country's business ecosystem, with experts discussing the ease of doing business, access to skilled workforces, and emerging sectors like fintech, agritech, AI, and green technology. Notably, Malta's ties with Africa and Ireland's transatlantic reach were identified as complementary routes to global markets.
The first panel session, exploring Malta's business ecosystem, featured Helga Mizzi, International Relations Advisor at The Malta Chamber, and Catherine Hurley, LNG Consultant at Tutis Energy. Both praised Malta's accessibility, strong EU links, and entrepreneurial spirit. Mizzi emphasised Malta's strategic reach to Africa and educational ties with Ireland, while Hurley highlighted Malta's regulatory agility and English-speaking workforce as key assets for Irish investors.
The second panel, moderated by Monica Valdes, EEN Executive at Cork Chamber, focused on Ireland's business landscape. Conor Hyde, founder of Bullseye and Hyde Irish Whiskey, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist at Ibec, spoke of Ireland's export-driven economy and its appeal to global investors. They also encouraged collaboration in agrifood, green tech, and environmental solutions, where both countries bring complementary strengths.
The mission concluded with targeted breakout sessions, offering participating businesses practical pathways to partnership and collaboration.
This event forms part of the MBB's ongoing commitment to supporting Maltese enterprises in their internationalisation efforts, in conjunction with the Enterprise Europe Network.
Businesses seeking more information on internationalisation prospects or wishing to explore EU funding opportunities can contact Jasmine Cassar, MBB's EEN Project Coordinator, at [email protected].
The Malta Business Bureau is the EU Business Advisory Organisation of The Malta Chamber of Commerce and The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. It is also a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network.