Discussions held on how 112 private Indian investments in Malta can be strengthened and increased

Malta currently has 112 companies or private investments hailing from the super economy that is India, as the second most populous country in the world. At a bilateral meeting this week, Malta’s foreign, European affairs and trade minister Ian Borg discussed how to continue to develop the country’s relationship with India, and “above all, see to increasing our [Malta’s] exports to India”.

Minister Borg held the bilateral meeting with India’s minister of state for external affairs and culture, Meenakshi Lekhi.

During the meeting, which took place at the ministry for foreign and European affairs and trade in Valletta, minister Borg said that after more than 57 years of bilateral relations there is even more potential whereby these relations can be amplified and reinforced. He said that despite the difference in the size of the two countries, with both having vibrant economies, should be exploited in the best possible ways for the benefit of the Maltese and Indian people.

Regarding the trade sector, Minister Borg said he believes that, particularly, in the sectors of information and technological communication, pharmaceuticals, and even the film industry, there are many opportunities where joint strategic collaborations can be made. Next month, a ministerial delegation will be visiting India in order to build on what was discussed regarding pharmaceuticals and potentially attract new investments.

The Maltese foreign affairs minister stated that Malta, also a country of the European Union, welcomes the improvement in relations between the EU and India even in light of the ongoing global challenges. The minister reiterated that Malta fully supports the strategic partnership between the EU and India for trade and free market, the digital economy, the circular economy, and above all the changes in climate and ocean governance. 

Minister Borg thanked minister Lekhi for the support that India continuously offers Malta on a multilateral level, including in connection with the seat that our country will be occupying on the United Nations Security Council. On her part, Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said that she is honoured by the warm welcome she received and also stressed the need to continue to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.

The minister for external affairs and culture explained that the Indian Government intends to continue signing and cooperating on a number of Principle Agreements that will improve the lives of both peoples. She reiterated that she believes that Maltese businesses have a strong potential to invest in India. Minister Lekhi also made an official invitation to minister Borg to visit India together with a commercial delegation.