Author: Mel Chamber

Strengthening Commercial and Cultural Ties with Japan

TradeMalta recently led a successful business mission to Japan, aimed at strengthening commercial and cultural ties between the two nations. The mission, organized between the 10^th and 16^th November 2024, included meetings and events for 20 delegates in Tokyo and Osaka – the latter hosting EXPO 2025 next year.

Led by H.E. Ambassador Andre Spiteri, the delegation participated in a series of business fora, networking events, and cultural visits designed to bolster relationships between Malta and Japan.

In Tokyo, the delegation attended a Business Forum titled “Linking Japan and Malta through Commercial and Cultural Ties” at the International House of Japan. The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Andre Spiteri, promotional videos about Malta, and a networking session.

During the same week, the delegation engaged in two networking events in Osaka, hosted by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as QuintBridge business community.   The delegates had the opportunity to visit Kindai University and discuss potential areas of cooperation with the different departments.

During this visit the Maltese delegation promoted its participation in the upcoming EXPO2025 in Osaka, showcasing the nation’s innovations and cultural heritage on a global stage.

Anton Buttigieg, CEO of TradeMalta, commented, “The delegation’s visit underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including business, education, and culture. The events provided a platform for Maltese and Japanese entities to connect, share insights, and explore potential collaborations.”

TradeMalta encourages Malta-based businesses interested in expanding internationally to reach out with their ideas and plans. We look forward to offering guidance and resources to help turn their internationalization plans into successful endeavours.

MBB thanks outgoing CEO Joe Tanti for 15 years of sterling service

Mario Xuereb has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Business Bureau. Founded in 1996, the MBB is the EU business advisory organisation of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

Mr. Xuereb is a respected professional in journalism, media, and broadcasting circles. Until recently, he held the position of Assistant Editor at the Times of Malta. Before this role, he spent 12 years with Public Broadcasting Services, serving as Senior Manager, where he successfully oversaw several documentary and audio-visual projects broadcast on TVM. Earlier in his career, Mr Xuereb served as Head of News at Media.Link Communications until 2009.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Xuereb is a visiting lecturer at the Department of Policy, Politics & Governance within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) and at the Institute of Maltese Studies at the University of Malta.

Currently, he is pursuing original research for his doctoral studies. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a European Master’s degree in Mediterranean Historical Studies.

Mr Xuereb’s expertise extends beyond Malta, having collaborated on audio-visual productions with Radio Rai, the Comunità Radiotelevisiva Italiana, and TRT.

On his appointment Mr. Xuereb commented about his eagerness to lead a multi-talented team of professionals and executives in advocating for and lobbying on behalf of Malta’s business community.

“I am thrilled to begin this role as CEO of the MBB, at the helm of an organisation composed of a small yet highly capable group of professionals and executives who have dedicated years of work to supporting Malta’s business sector.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to observe and report on the evolution of various EU directives, regulations, and laws, and their impact on Maltese businesses and enterprises. Now, I have the chance to contribute directly, ensuring that Malta’s unique circumstances receive greater recognition in the shaping of European legislation, particularly within the context of today’s global challenges.

“At the same time, I will ensure that the MBB enhances its communication with businesses in Malta, offering them innovative solutions to adapt to ever-changing realities.

“To achieve this, I will build on the strong foundation laid by Joe Tanti, whose long and dedicated service leaves a lasting legacy.”

The MBB President and Board of Directors thanked outgoing CEO Joe Tanti for his loyalty and long years of service during which the organisation grew in its outreach and services offered to the Maltese business community.

During his tenure Mr Tanti played a pivotal role in MBB’s growth and development.  He spearheaded efforts to strengthen the capacity of MBB’s Brussels operations, established the organisation’s EU funding arm, and broadened its business services through the MBB’s partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network.  These initiatives firmly positioned MBB as a leading voice for Maltese businesses within the EU.

Reflecting on the organisation’s achievements, Mr Tanti remarked: “It has been a privilege to work closely with and support local entrepreneurs and business leaders over the years, helping to address challenges such as competitiveness, securing access to finance, adopting sustainable business models, driving digital transformation, and more.

“Throughout my time with MBB, I have had the honour of working under the guidance of various Presidents and Directors on the MBB Board, as well as collaborating with the CEOs of The Malta Chamber and MHRA. I was also fortunate to work alongside many talented young professionals whose passion and dedication to the organisation have been a constant source of inspiration. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and with that sense of pride, I am pleased to hand over the reins to Mario Xuereb. I am confident that he will lead MBB to even greater success. There are significant opportunities to expand MBB’s network and communications, and Mr. Xuereb is exceptionally well-prepared to seize them.”

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry is pleased to announce the signing of a Bronze Collaboration Agreement with Camilleri Preziosi Advocates. This strategic partnership aims to address key areas related to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), enhancing the business community’s adherence to best practices in these critical fields.

Both parties will work closely together to develop and promote core principles and strategic initiatives surrounding GRC. This collaboration will allow The Malta Chamber to support its members by providing guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks, all of which are essential to the long-term sustainability and resilience of businesses in today’s dynamic environment.

“Governance, Risk, and Compliance are cornerstones of responsible business management, and this collaboration with Camilleri Preziosi marks an important step in equipping Malta’s business leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly regulated and risk-sensitive world,” said Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President. “We are confident that this partnership will help strengthen the standards of corporate governance and compliance in Malta, ensuring a more robust and competitive market,” he noted.

“GRC efforts can make or break an entity. Prioritising GRC has become crucial, and we view the Chamber as the ideal forum to propel awareness, endorsement and proper application of GRC principles among the local business community. We have come on board to provide the necessary guidance to The Malta Chamber in its mission to lessen the burden on its members whilst ensuring full visibility of the requirements entailed in implementing an effective GRC programme tailored to a particular business’s traits,” highlighted Louis de Gabriele, Managing Partner at Camilleri Preziosi Advocates. “This partnership further consolidates our position as the go-to law firm for the business community and underscores our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive legal support to businesses of all sizes, aligning with our strategy to be the law firm that consistently meets the evolving needs of the business community across the board. We look forward to working closely with The Malta Chamber and its members to foster excellence and innovation in GRC, and beyond,” he continued.

The agreement was signed by Chris Vassallo Cesareo, Nick Xuereb and Dr Marthese Portelli, President, Deputy President and CEO of The Malta Chamber respectively, and Louis de Gabriele, Malcolm Falzon and Kristina Rapa Manche’, Managing Partner and Partners at Camilleri Preziosi Advocates.

The collaboration between the Malta Business Registry (MBR) and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has resulted in improved communication and initiatives aimed at enhancing MBR’s services to the local business community.

MBR in collaboration with The Malta Chamber held a conference as part of SME Week 2024 under the auspices of the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects entitled Business Empowerment.

MBR’s CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas explained that the, ‘Desk Officers are now more specialized which consequently led to streamlining guidelines, regulations, and requirements. The IT infrastructure has been strongly upgraded, leading to shifting services online as well as paving way for seamless integration between government agencies for the provision of standard documents and information within the limits allowed by the GDPR.” Dr Spiteri Lucas added that, “crucially, the effectiveness of communication is clearly demonstrated by allowing sufficient lead time before the implementation of new regulations. By conducting training seminars, we ensure that CSPs and practitioners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools for a swift adaptation to these changes.”

The President of The Malta Chamber Chris Vassallo Cesareo said that the integration of systems between government agencies to facilitate the provision of standard documents and information is a critical step toward eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks that drain resources and frustrate users. He insisted that, ‘’businesses need a cohesive ecosystem where data flows securely and efficiently across entities, minimising redundancy and creating value for all.”

During a fireside chat, moderated by Head of Media and Communication Strategist Rachel Bondi Attard, both MBR CEO Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas and The Malta Chamber CEO Dr Marthese Portelli emphasised that digitalisation doesn’t only contribute to better governance, transparency and accountability, but it also contributes to cleaner and more efficient processes. Dr Spiteri Lucas delved into MBR’s recent initiatives which strongly boosted digitalisation. The launch of the new online platform BAROS, Business Automation Registry Online System, introduced digital methods aimed at enhancing efficiency, such as the online submission of all types of company incorporations and other forms. Additionally, a call for tenders has been issued for the development of the Central Data Repository, an initiative intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. These initiatives align with MBR’s goal of promoting an entrepreneurial mindset, as seen in the recent launch of the self-assessment tool, which provides businesses with a free service to analyze their financial capability and seek help if necessary.

Dr Portelli emphasized that ongoing dialogue with the MBR is essential. “Maintaining open communication benefits not only the business community but also the country as a whole. At The Malta Chamber, we remain committed to providing input and support whenever needed. While we appreciate the MBR’s receptiveness to our feedback, we now look forward to seeing tangible implementation of the proposed measures,” said Dr Portelli.

Minister for the Economy , Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said that during this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a forum for discussion so that as a Government we can pave and implement Malta Vision 2050.

’Vision Malta 2050 is not only about economic growth, but a plan to provide a better quality of life for everyone. The process has begun to establish strategic goals until 2035 that will lead Malta to a better future with clear goals and a long-term plan. This must be a vision of a country that looks at the needs of the people, quality jobs, sustainable growth, and national unity. Together we can build a stronger and more inclusive Malta. Above all, a strong country that, as announced in the budget, gives a better quality of life and creates that balance from which we really reap the fruits of the unprecedented economic growth that our country is experiencing. Vision Malta 2050 is our roadmap for the next 25 years, with key goals to be achieved in the next 10 years to ensure we stay on the right track’’ said Minister Schembri.
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri stated that this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a discussion forum for implementing Malta Vision 2050. This vision aims for economic growth and improving quality of life. Strategic goals until 2035 aim to ensure sustainable growth, quality jobs, and national unity. As outlined in the budget, the vision seeks to enhance life quality, balancing economic growth with real benefits for all. This roadmap sets key goals for the next decade to keep Malta on track.

At the conference, a panel discussion led by MBR’s COO and Deputy Registrar, Ms Annalise Zammit, focused on the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Panelists Mr Norbert Vella from PWC, Mr Mark Micallef from BNF Bank, and Dr Damian Paul Cassar from MBR discussed the implications of the directive in helping companies implement sustainability reporting.

The panel noted that while CSRD presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for enhancing sustainability practices and stakeholder engagement. By approaching compliance strategically and collaboratively, organizations can lead in sustainability within their industries.

The conference also commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Malta’s Companies Act, which has evolved with EU directives and digitalization over time. This milestone was celebrated with a documentary featuring past registrars, academics, and MBR employees who have contributed to its development.