While delivering the closing speech at the Croatian-Maltese Economic Forum, organised as part of the state visit in Croatia, President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that the presence of such a large and varied trade delegation is “evidence of the strong commitment and enthusiasm which our business sectors feel for potential collaboration.”
The President said that Malta is giving importance to the creation of closer and more sustainable bilateral collaborations with Croatia, stating that the state visit aims at tangibly developing “our already excellent diplomatic and political relations into practical exploration of our mutual trade and business potential” as Malta is committed to nurturing the friendship that already exists between its people and the people of Croatia by developing collaborations and partnerships.
President Coleiro Preca added that Malta’s important geo-strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea can be positively explored for many socio-economic opportunities that can be developed into fruitful partnerships between the business communities of Malta and Croatia.
“By working together, not only will the business and social sectors of Malta and Croatia flourish, but our markets will also grow stronger, in the best interests of our peoples”
The President said that there is a lot of potential for mutual economic cooperation between Malta and Croatia which can be achieved through trade in services and the provision of expertise, skills, and training in diverse areas, where both Malta and Croatia require mutual support.
“Together, we must embark on a concerted effort to diversify and increase commerce if trade levels are to be improved. A string of repeat businesses is also required in order to establish a positive trend in bilateral trade”, the President said.
President Coleiro Preca mentioned some of the areas which could be promoted from Malta’s side, which include precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, machinery and mechanical appliances, plastic and plastic products, chemicals, software development, and toys and games, whilst adding that Malta has also built niche markets in financial and insurance services, iGaming, health, aviation and maritime registers, aviation and yacht repair and maintenance, and education and training.
The President stated that Malta has also established itself as a centre of excellence for the maintenance and servicing of aircraft, with the presence of global names in the industry such as Lufthansa Technik being the best guarantee that Malta is well-equipped for servicing this sector. Furthermore, the President also mentioned the recent MoU which the Government signed with the Netherlands for the setting up of the National Aerospace Centre, as well as the recent contract which SR Technics signed with EasyJet to provide maintenance and repairs services in Malta.
On the teaching of the English Language in Malta, the President said that this is another growing sector which attracts foreigners to Malta, with courses being offered by over 40 recognised schools and other academic institutions.
“For tourism and business to succeed, air connectivity is essential”
The President of Malta said that it is very encouraging to note that there are increasing numbers of Croatian visitors to Malta, and that Croatia is also becoming an increasingly popular destination among Maltese tourists, adding that “tourism is an opportunity for economic growth, but it also provides person-to-person connections which deepen the cultural and social links between our peoples”, and that it is also “a means for bringing our two peoples together to form sustainable friendships.”
President Coleiro Preca stated that air connectivity is essential for tourism and business to succeed, and said that representatives from Air Malta were part of the trade delegation so that possibilities of collaboration with Croatian Airlines could be explored.
“Potential collaborations across all levels of engagement”
The President encouraged those present to collaborate with large enterprises, whilst auguring fruitful connections and collaboration amongst small and medium-sized businesses.
Reiterating that governments are only enablers, as they open up the doors of opportunity, the President urged authorities and businesses to keep up the momentum of this visit, and to continue to explore and exploit “all our potential”, adding that it is the private sector which must continue to endeavour so as to ensure positive outcomes for sustainable growth and prosperity.
“I am confident that my presence in Croatia, together with the Maltese delegation, will not only help to consolidate political and commercial ties between our two countries but will also strengthen relations between our business communities and the people of our nations”, President Coleiro Preca concluded.