Cyprus and Malta businesses explore closer commercial ties and joint investment

Nicosia, Cyprus. Businesses from Cyprus and Malta met to explore closer commercial ties and joint investment opportunities in technology, financial services, manufacturing and cyber security. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) hosted the Cyprus–Malta Business Forum and a series of B2B meetings for a Maltese delegation and representatives of the Cypriot business community.

Building business links

The forum was organised with The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Cyprus–Malta Business Association. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry Kyriacos Iordanou attended.

Keve said the initiative was part of its wider effort to strengthen Cyprus’ international business links and help Cypriot companies expand into overseas markets.

Opening the forum, Keve president Stavros Stavrou highlighted the longstanding economic relationship between Cyprus and Malta. He said the two EU island economies share highly internationalised business sectors, strategic locations and a strong reliance on entrepreneurship and services.

Stavrou said smaller countries needed to look beyond their domestic markets and build partnerships to improve competitiveness and create opportunities for growth. Despite their size, he said, Cyprus and Malta have expertise, flexibility, connectivity and skilled human capital that allow them to serve as business hubs linking Europe with neighbouring markets.

Malta’s economic outlook

Mark Bajada, deputy president of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, gave an overview of Malta’s economy. He discussed its economic performance and labour market, as well as technology, digital innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, aviation, maritime activities, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Bajada also described the role of the Malta Chamber, which has represented the country’s business community since 1848 and works through European and international business networks to support Maltese companies expanding abroad.