Business session on the EU Global Gateway

This week, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) held an informational business session on the EU Global Gateway.

The Global Gateway is an EU-led initiative to mobilise investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the development needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities. This also creates opportunities for European companies to invest and pursue new market opportunities in the developing world.

In an opening statement, The Malta Chamber President Chris Vassallo Cesareo, referred to the Global Gateway as a laudable initiative which reflects the values that lie at the heart of the European Union and fosters stronger partnerships with developing regions not on paper, but through sound deliverables. Mr. Vassallo Cesareo added that the Global Gateway is not just about investment but about creating sustainable and resilient connections in various sectors, from digital infrastructure and climate and energy solutions to transport, health, and education. But businesses were needed to drive the effort, and it is important for the private sector to have an opportunity to leverage EU financing tools such as guarantees, grants, and equity investments to reduce risk and open the door to long-term, sustainable investments.

The session was also addressed by Norbert Cilia, Assistant Director at the International Development and Economics Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. Assistant Director Cilia emphasised Malta’s support for the Global Gateway and highlighted its potential to achieve transformative impacts in partner countries. Malta continued to push for more clarity regarding how micro, small and medium enterprises can meaningfully participate in the Gateway and Assistant Director Cilia confirmed that the Maltese authorities would continue to play a leading role in coordinating the participation of Malta’s private sector in this important initiative.

A detailed presentation on the EU Global Gateway and the tools as well as resources made available by the EU and development institutions for businesses to participate in projects was made by Rigo Belpaire, who is the Acting Head of the Private Sector Engagement and Employment Unit at DG International Partnerships, European Commission.

The business session was moderated by MBB EU Affairs Manager and Head of Brussels Operations Daniel Debono.

The Malta Business Bureau is the EU business advisory of The Malta Chamber and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. It is also a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network.