NETWORKING

The key to success

Using the word ‘indomitable’ when referring to Minister MIRIAM DALLI may be something of an understatement. Showcase Dubai caught up with the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development and she gave us a breath-taking sweep of the initiatives which her portfolio is responsible for.

“Despite the fraught Covid-19 Pandemic times, the Government of Malta didn’t hold back from increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. Rather, we have increased initiatives by recently launching Start in Malta,” said Minister Miriam Dalli as an opening gambit. This directness is part of her modus operandi, in interviews as well as in the management of her portfolio. With Start in Malta as its platform, Malta Enterprise, one of the main drivers which Minister Dalli has at her disposal, launched three main initiatives. Business Start is a scheme offering seed-and-growth funding to small start-ups having an innovative idea, a “light-bulb moment”, where feasible. Start Up Finance is a repayable advance structure, supporting business ideas with good potential, which are based on a sound business plans and market studies. Business Development covers financial aid, depending on how much the business contributes to the economy. This would support entrepreneurs at the initial stages of various activities, such as the initial development phase of undertaking’s establishment of activities, and the re-engineering of business processes.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Minister Dalli is not one to get carried away with entrepreneurial zest. She is equally mindful of the sustainability aspect of her portfolio. “Sustainability is key to economic growth. We are working hard to ingrain sustainable development in all our policies and in everything we do because we strongly believe that this is the only way forward to ensure our competitiveness,” emphasised the minister. Among the platforms which entrepreneurs can use is the Eco-Friendly Retail Investment Grant. This supports the retail value chain in investing in in-store solutions which allow reusable containers, and in related investments required to reduce the use of single-use plastic.

Another scheme is the Investment Aid for Energy Efficiency Projects. Malta Enterprise, in collaboration with the Energy and Water Agency, is supporting undertakings in investments leading to improved energy-efficiency. The aid awarded through this measure is in the form of a cash grant or a tax credit or a combination of both.

The Change to Grow 202I, is an innovative scheme where Malta Enterprise is funding consultation programs for companies to renew their business models and be more competitive. Self-employed and micro enterprises can now also apply as the criteria have been widened. Malta Enterprise has also recently announced that it will start paying One-Time Grant aid to eligible companies.

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Sustainability is key to economic growth. We are working hard to ingrain sustainable development in all our policies and in everything we do because we strongly believe that this is the only way forward to ensure our competitiveness.

CONNECTING CULTURES

The world Expo in Dubai is aimed at exploring aspects such as ‘Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability’, challenges which the whole world, including Malta, is coming to grips with. This Expo, observed Minister Dalli, will give Maltese companies, businesses and entities the unique opportunity to explore this multi-cultural gathering that fuses together various elements. “Malta’s theme ‘Connecting Cultures, Generating Opportunities’ looks at a number of elements that Malta holds close to its heart, such as the country’s history and the journey up to where we are today, together with the opportunities that Malta has created to enable it to move forward as a Republic,” said Minister Dalli.

“Besides showcasing Maltese Culture, the Expo gives us that extra push for the tourism sector, since it began to flourish once more following the initial impact of coronavirus,” observed Minister Dalli. Events such as the Expo help immeasurably for businesses to obtain contracts, deals, partnerships, and, consequently, sales.

THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD

Not for nothing is Malta referred to as the omphalos of the world. Strategically located at the centre of the Mediterranean, it is midway between mainland Europe and Africa, with international flights to major airports the world over. Malta has a highly qualified workforce, and the standard of education is very high. Since one of the two official languages is English, this makes communication with the rest of the world much easier. Notwithstanding this, there is a multilingual workforce available. A business based in Malta would automatically benefit from the sound local banking system, free trade agreements between member countries, a common currency, and a ready market.

A SHOWCASE OF STRENGTHS

Minister Dalli said that the Malta Pavilion will showcase the business strengths of the Maltese industry and culture that should attract visitors to the Expo to visit Malta. “Networking is key. We are aiming to organise a number of meetings between the business delegations from various countries, in collaboration with the other country pavilions we also want to host seminars, talks and workshops as part of our programme of activities throughout the six months of Expo,” clarified Minister Dalli.

In the telecommunications sector Malta remains well connected when it comes to internet access and all-purpose telecoms solutions. With a robust legal framework, political stability and a secure country, it pays to do business in Malta. As an EU member state, it attracts business in the Euro-Mediterranean region. It provides a highly qualified and flexible workforce and a proactive business environment making it the ideal location for foreign direct investment and international trade. n