MALTESE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES ADDRESSES SEMINAR IN DUSSELDORF

MALTESE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES ADDRESSES SEMINAR IN DUSSELDORF

The Hon. Prof. Josef Bonnici, Minister for Economic Services, this afternoon addressed an investment promotion seminar in Dusseldorf. The seminar was organized by the Malta Development Corporation (MDC) and the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and hosted by the Dusseldorf Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Other speakers included Mr. Francis Vassallo (MDC Chairman), Mr. Tsuneo Fujita (Japanese International Cooperation Adviser to the MDC), Mr. Gene Gretchen (Managing Director of ST Microelectronics, Malta) and Mr. Ferdinand Schuller (Chief Operating Officer of W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Germany).

The audience was primarily made up of directors and other high ranking managers from around 30 Japanese companies which operate in Germany or other parts of Europe. The objective of the seminar was to introduce Malta as a potential operating base for Japanese companies, especially in the light of Malta's path towards EU membership that will signify an enhanced access to the European single market of which Malta will become an integral part.

In his speech, Minister Bonnici highlighted the attractions of Malta as a potential location for Japanese companies from where they would be in a position to target both the European and North African markets.

Malta's principal strength lies in "the quality of production resulting from a well educated and quality conscious work force". This gives Malta a competitive lead in the manufacture of high quality products and in the provision of specialized services.

Minister Bonnici also touched upon current steps towards the liberalization of infrastructural services in Malta and the recently published ‘white papers' on privatization and on Malta's industrial policy. This represents another opportunity for possible Japanese investments in Malta.