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Trade Diplomacy

3/8/2023 – Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President, welcomed H.E. Catherine Ward, the British High Commissioner, as they engaged in matters of shared importance.

Among the focal points of their meeting were discussions centered around sustainable technologies, infrastructure development, the importance of entrepreneurship and education, and sustainable mobility. Additionally, both parties explored promising avenues for collaborative initiatives, aimed at fortifying and deepening the existing bilateral relationship.

In attendance were Ms Julia Aquilina, Policy and Internationalisation Executive at The Malta Chamber and Ms Michaela Rizzo, Political Officer with the British High Commission.

26/7/2023 – H.E. Mr Khaled Anis, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo to discuss trade and investment relations between the two countries. The discussion focused on exploring ways in which both parties can collaborate further to strengthen the business relationships between Maltese and Egyptian businesses.

6/7/2023 – President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo welcomed Algerian Ambassador to Malta, H.E. Abdelkarim Touharia. The parties promised increased communication and collaboration on how both countries could benefit from further economic collaboration on various priority areas such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, and startups.

President Vassallo Cesareo was joined by Policy and Internationalisation Executive, Ms Julia Aquilina and Ambassador Mr Touharia was joined by Mr Anis Lahdir, Ms Manel Messaoud and Ms Somia Hadef.

31/5/23 – The Malta Chamber welcomed a German delegation led by the Honorary Consul of Malta in Saxony and Saxony Anhalt, Mr Detlef Bischoff focusing on opportunities of collaboration between companies of both countries. During his introductory speech, President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo emphasised the importance of German-Maltese economic and trade relations. Furthermore, CEO, Dr Marthese Portelli gave a presentation focusing on the processes of doing business in Malta.

Board Member of The Malta Chamber, Mr Philip Seifret concluded the session by encouraging The Malta Chamber members to get involved and contribute to the Maltese-German Business Council which is tasked with planning mutually beneficial events.

29/5/23 – President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo welcomed the Chairperson of the Confederation of Young Leaders, New Delhi, Mr Himadrish Suwan as part of his ongoing visit to Malta to present the publication titled “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision for Swachh Bharat: Transforming Lives, Building New India” published by the Confederation of Young Leaders. Mr Vassallo Cesareo and Mr Suwan also discussed youth entrepreneurship, education and governance.

24/5/23 – President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo welcomed Mr Zvonomir Popovikj, Minister Counsellor at the North Macedonian Embassy and Honorary Consul, Mr Matthew Fenech to discuss possible collaborations between the two countries on the areas of hospitality, retail and tech and increased connectivity. The meeting was also attended by Policy Executive, Ms Julia Aquilina.

9/5/23 – President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassalo Cesareo and CEO of The Malta Chamber, Dr Marthese Portelli welcomed a US Delegation led by the Regional Agricultural Attache’ from the US Department of Agriculture, Mr Charles Rush.  During the meeting, the parties discussed the existing commercial relationship between the two countries, and how this can be further developed by increasing both imports and exports.  

The meeting was also attended by Policy Executive at The Malta Chamber, Ms Julia Aquilina and representatives from the Embassy of the United States of America, Political and Economic Officer, Ms Morgan Andrews, Commercial and Economic Specialist Ms Maria Cassar and Agricultural Assistant, Mr Dimosthenis Faniadis.  

2/5/2023 – President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chris Vassallo Cesareo met with H.E Ambassador Ms Elissa Golberg, Ambassador of Canada to Italy, Albania and San Marino and High Commissioner to Malta. During the meeting, the parties discussed key developments in both economies with a focus on priority sectors such as tech and renewable energy.

The meeting was also attended by Policy Executive at The Malta Chamber, Ms Julia Aquilina and representatives within the Trade Commissioner Service Team within The Canadian Embassy, Senior Trade Commissioner, Ms Sameena Qureshi and Trade Commissioner Mr Matthew Kalisz.

17/4/23 – The newly appointed President of The Malta Chamber, Mr Chis Vassallo Cesareo met with the Honorary Consul for Malta in The Gambia, Mr Fady Hocheimy to discuss the commercial opportunities that are emerging in this West African country.

The Chairperson of Trade Malta, Ms Liz Barbaro Sant and Mr Anton Buttigieg, CEO also attended the meeting together with Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor International Relations and Ms Julia Aquilina, Executive. The meeting also focused on a convergent approach in identifying the relevant commercial collaboration and opportunities for the future.

28/3/23 – The newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Ms Constance J. Milstein paid a courtesy visit to The Malta Chamber. She was met by the President, Ms Marisa Xuereb and Vice President, Ms Liz Barbaro Sant.

During the meeting, the good relations between the two countries and commercial ties were discussed. Both parties also expressed their satisfaction on the positive outcome of the recently organised course for the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.

27/3/23 – H.E. Ms Mirta Granda Averhoff, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Italy, Malta and SanMarino and non-resident Ambassador to Cuba, H.E. Mr Andre Damato met with the President of The Malta Chamber, Ms Marisa Xuereb and Policy Executive, Ms Julia Aquilina to discuss key developments in the Cuban pharmaceutical industry and other priority sectors and investment opportunities in Cuba.

Ambassador Granda Averhoff was also accompanied by Ms Simona Petrozzi and Ms Gabriela Gamez Granda.

15/3/23 – The Rome Expo 2030 Promoting Committee visited The Malta Chamber to present its candidacy for the forthcoming EXPO 2030. The delegation explained the concept, themes and special features of their proposal.

The committee was met by Ms Marisa Xuereb, President, Mr Christopher Vassallo Cesareo, Deputy President of The Malta Chamber and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

24/2/23 – H.E. Ms Gabriela Dancau Ambassador of Romania met with the President of #TheMaltaChamber, Ms Marisa Xuereb and Chairperson of TradeMalta, Ms Liz Barbaro Sant (who is also Vice President of The Malta Chamber) to discuss trade and investment relations between the two countries and the importance of ease of doing business.

All parties agreed to continue discussions to explore commercial opportunities with the relevant stakeholders. The meeting was also attended by Mr Eugen Rosca, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy and Ms Julia Aquilina, Policy and Technical Support Executive. 

13/2/23 – H.E. Mr Khaled Anis, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the President of #TheMaltaChamber, Ms Marisa Xuereb and Chairperson of TradeMalta, Ms Liz Barbaro Sant (who is also Vice President of The Malta Chamber) to discuss #trade and investment relations between the two countries.

All parties agreed to continue with the discussions to examine in more detail the commercial opportunities with all relevant stakeholders in #Malta and #Egypt. The meeting was also attended by Mr Abram Wagdy, Second Secretary, Mr Anton Buttigieg, CEO, TradeMalta and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations, The Malta Chamber.

13/1/23 – Commercial collaboration between Malta and Slovakia and the planning of events of mutual interest were discussed during a meeting at The Malta Chamber between H.E. Ms Karla Wursterová, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia and Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Godwin Bencini, Honorary Consul General and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

18/12/22 – The High Commissioner H.E. Ms. Gloria Gangte met with the President Ms Marisa Xuereb during her first visit to The Malta Chamber. The meeting was described as a positive meeting wherein they discussed the excellent relationship between Malta and India and how to enhance further the developing commercial ties between Indian and Maltese companies.

It was acknowledged that India is a major source of foreign workers for Malta in several sectors, such as healthcare and engineering, and all efforts need to be made to ensure that Maltese companies that need skilled resources are able to source them within a reasonable timeframe and Indian workers coming to Malta are able to settle into their jobs.

16/12/22 – A Hungarian delegation headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó visited for the second time since 2018 The Malta Chamber.

During this meeting, the 2 delegations discussed the following:

The Hungarian delegation consisted of H.E. Ambassador Ádám Zoltán KOVÁCS, Ms Krisztina VARJU, Deputy State Secretary for European bilateral relations (MFA) and Ms Dóra ZOMBORI, Deputy State Secretary for Security of energy supply (MFA).

The Maltese delegation, headed by The Malta Chamber President Marisa Xuereb, consisted of Mr Nick Xuereb, Vice President of The Malta Chamber, Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations, and Ms Rachel Attard, Head of Media and Communications Strategy at The Malta Chamber.

13/10/22 – Finland’s trade and commercial relationship and opportunities with Malta were discussed at a meeting held with Ms Silvia Paananen, Counsellor, Trade and Investment from the Embassy of Finland in Rome.

This meeting was coordinated with the active participation of Malta’s Non-Resident Ambassador, Dr Kenneth Vella. During the discussion, Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber outlined a number of potential areas for collaboration in R&D and innovation, education and smart mobility amongst others.

Mr Simon Arrigo, Honorary Consul General and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations participated in the meeting.

5/10/22 – The newly appointed Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic in Malta, Mr John de Giorgio visited The Malta Chamber. He was met by Ms Marisa Xuereb, President and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

Both parties agreed that there are several opportunities, be it commercial or cultural, that may be tapped to revive the excellent relationship between the two countries. The Honorary Consul invited all those who may have an interest to do business with the Czech Republic to come forward to create a supportive environment for an enhanced trade relationship.

25/8/22 – The Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Mr Tahir Hussain Andrabi, paid a courtesy visit to the Malta Chamber. He was met by Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber.

Both parties have agreed that there are considerable opportunities to enhance the trade cooperation between the two countries. The Malta Chamber will be signing a co-operation agreement with the Federation of Pakistani Chambers to enhance the relationship and cooperation on more practical terms.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations and Mr Zia ul Noor. Mr Zia has been appointed as Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Counsellor in Malta by the Board of Investment (BOI) of the Government of Pakistan.

14/7/22 – The Maltese Ambassador to Tunisia, H.E. Mr Simon Pullicino paid a courtesy visit to The Malta Chamber. He was met by Ms Marisa Xuereb, President and Mr Lino Mintoff Advisor – International Relations. This meeting followed a successful trade mission from Tunisia which took place in May.

During this positive meeting, future collaboration and commercial opportunities were discussed to strengthen the good relations between the two countries.

28/6/22 – H.E. Ms Jenny Cartmill, Australian High Commissioner met with Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor-International Relations.

A constructive and optimistic discussion followed touching upon the enhancement of opportunities for trade and investment, Malta’s current economic outlook, and progress on the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.

17/6/22 – The President of The Malta Chamber, Ms Marisa Xuereb met with H.E. Mr. Duong Hai Hung, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Malta. Both parties agreed that there are trade and commercial opportunities to be explored through a closer relationship and mutual understanding of each other country’s potential. The meeting was also attended by Ms Hoang Oanh, First Secretary and Alternate Permanent representative of Vietnam to Rome-based UN agencies and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

25/4/22 – Earlier this week, H.E. Mr Attakarn Wongchanamas, Ambassador of Thailand, and Mr Pornsith Pibulnakarintr, Deputy Chief of Mission paid a courtesy visit to The MaltaChamber. He was met by Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

The Ambassador presented the new sustainability policies and reforms that Thailand is embarking on and encouraged the enhancement of more commercial collaboration in various sectors between the two countries.

19/4/22 – The Ambassador was greeted by The Malta Chamber President, Ms Marisa Xuereb. Both parties agreed that the trade relations between the two EU 🇪🇺 partners have the potential to improve substantially. Malta and Greece share the same Mediterranean identity and experiences which could be the basis to further understanding and collaboration to exchange best practices and technology transfer in areas of respective excellence. The meeting was also attended by Mr Lino Mintoff Advisor – International Relations.

6/4/22 – H.E. Mr Khaled Anis, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt called upon The Malta Chamber where he was met by President Marisa Xuereb.

The Egyptian Ambassador expressed his wish to strengthen the bilateral relations between the respective commercial communities. He outlined several opportunities that may be tapped for the benefit of both countries. He also augured that travel between Malta and Egypt will soon return to normal once present Covid 19 restrictions are eased. The Malta Chamber President reiterated the Chamber’s willingness to collaborate and build further the basis for tangible exchange of information and promotion of opportunities with its members.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Abram Wagdy, Second Secretary and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

8/3/22 – The President of The Malta Chamber, Ms Marisa Xuereb met with the Ambassador of the Republic of France, H.E. Agnès von der Mühll at The Malta Chamber.

The French Presidency of the European Union and the situation in Ukraine were discussed. During the meeting, both parties also explored the possibility of enhancing collaboration in the field of education and tourism to encourage exchanges that could benefit students and skilled personnel. The meeting was also attended by Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

21/2/22 – Ms Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber met with Ms Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, H.E. High Commissioner of South Africa during a courtesy visit to The Malta Chamber in Valletta.

The meeting was also attended by H.E. Mr Denis Vella, non-Resident Ambassador of Malta to South Africa, Mr Ivan Mifsud, Honorary Consul, Mr Luthando Funani, Third Secretary Political and Mr Lino Mintoff, Advisor – International Relations.

Both parties reiterated the positive relationship between the two countries and discussed tangible action to be taken to enhance the opportunities in the commercial sector.