Author: SME Chamber

As Malta prepares for the 2026 General Election, the Malta Chamber of SMEs officially unveiled its strategic manifesto, “SMEs at the Centre,” a comprehensive docuement featuring 33 targeted proposals designed to safeguard the backbone of the Maltese economy.

According to the latest SME Barometer (Q1 2026), the pressure on small businesses is reaching a tipping point. 41.8% of enterprises experience employee shortages as their biggest hurdle, while 21.5% are struggling against an increasingly un-level playing field caused by unfair competition.

While Malta’s economy has shown growth, the SME Barometer proves that success is no longer sufficient if it isn’t sustainable,” said Mr. Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs. “The next phase of our national development must be built on productivity, fairness, and a genuine improvement in the quality of life, not just for the general public, but for the business owners who take the risks to keep this country running.”

The SME Chamber’s 33 proposals are built around the “Think Small First” principle, ensuring that policy is designed with the micro-enterprise in mind. Proposals include;

1. Tax Reform & The Level Playing Field The Chamber is calling for a long-overdue reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25% across the board. To encourage long-term stability, a 15% deferred tax rate is proposed for SMEs that choose to reinvest their profits back into the business rather than distributing them as dividends. This measure is specifically aimed at neutralizing the tax advantages currently enjoyed by foreign-owned entities.

2. Total removal of “Death Tax” (Succession Duty) and document duties on business transfers between family members. By treating the family as a single economic nucleus, the state can ensure that the transition of a business from one generation to the next is a moment of growth, not a financial crisis.

3. Modernizing the Legislative Framework Over-regulation remains a primary “hidden cost” for small businesses. The Chamber demands a Mandatory SME Test for all future legislation to prevent “one-size-fits-all” rules from stifling micro-enterprises. Additionally, the proposal includes removing the audit requirement for micro-businesses with a turnover of less than €250,000, drastically reducing administrative overheads.

4. The Malta Chamber of SMEs is also proposing to Encourage Capital Expenditure: With resident deposits reaching €27.4 billion in 2025, the SME Chamber is proposing a Business Investment Scheme. This would incentivise the general public to lend to local SMEs, turning passive savings into productive investment for the local economy.

5. Revolutionizing Energy Resilience With energy costs and sustainability at the forefront of global concerns, the Chamber is proposing a One-Stop-Shop for Renewable Energy (RES) Projects. This would consolidate the current fragmented approval process involving the PA, REWS, and Enemalta into a single, efficient entity. Furthermore, the SME Chamber is advocating for Strengthened Public-Private Partnerships to unlock large-scale renewable energy opportunities that individual SMEs cannot reach alone, alongside targeted grants for battery storage and smart energy technologies.

6. A Future-Proof Workforce and a Stronger Gozo Beyond a “One-Stop Shop” for Third Country National (TCN) recruitment, the SME Chamber is pushing for a transition to a less labor-intensive economy. This includes a Productivity Tech Kit Grant to help businesses automate and upskill. For Gozo, where GDP per capita sits at a worrying 8% of the national average, the SME Chamber is calling for the extension of Mġarr Harbour and an aggressive economic diversification strategy to stop the regional “brain drain.”

The Malta Chamber of SMEs remains committed to working alongside any future Government to ensure these practical and sustainable solutions are implemented so as to ensure that Malta remains competitive, resilient and economically sustainable for current and future generations. can you write this in an article and add some energy related proposals.

The Full Document can be viewed here

Thanks to EU funding, the Malta Chamber of SMEs organised another free specialised training session designed to help businesses understand the ins and outs of Consumer Law in Malta and how it applies to their operations. The aim is to help avoid unnecessary disputes between businesses and consumers.

The Consumer Law Ready project is an EU-funded initiative aimed at helping SMEs understand and comply with consumer protection rules across the European Union. It offers practical training modules covering key areas such as consumer rights, unfair commercial practices, e-commerce obligations  and dispute resolution. The programme is designed to reduce legal risks, improve business transparency and build consumer trust. Through accessible and business-oriented content, SMEs gain the knowledge needed to operate confidently within the legal framework while enhancing customer relations and avoiding costly disputes.

Should you require a recording of this training, please contact Mr Jamie Tanti at

Earlier this week, Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr Paul Abela attended a special event hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Valletta, under the patronage of Ambassador Somers Farkas, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event also celebrated the continued strengthening of commercial ties between Malta and the United States.

During the occasion, discussions highlighted the growing economic collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on trade, investment and new business opportunities for SMEs.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance international partnerships and create new avenues for Maltese businesses to expand globally.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with CNA and Virtu Ferries Ltd., yesterday organised a Business Networking Event at the Virtu Ferries Business Centre, bringing together Sicilian and Maltese businesses to explore new commercial opportunities.

During his welcome address, SME Chamber President Mr Paul Abela encouraged participants to take full advantage of the occasion to build new business relationships and foster meaningful collaborations. The event was also attended by the Italian Ambassador to Malta, H.E. Valentina Setta, highlighting the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Between today and tomorrow, a delegation of Sicilian companies is holding meetings with local businesses to further explore potential partnerships and avenues for growth.

Participating Sicilian companies include Area System (supplies for hotels, restaurants, cafés, and catering), La Legumeria (legume-based products), Società San Gregorio (meat-based products), Lovolio (spreadable olive oil products), Iblea Latt (dairy products), Agromonte (tomato-based products), and Frantoio Cutrera (olive oil).

Maltese businesses operating in these sectors are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to connect, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations with these reputable Sicilian enterprises.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Transport Malta, yesterday launched a new initiative, inviting employers and employees to sessions focused on road traffic regulations and the new procedures on impaired driving due to alcohol and substance abuse.

Another session (in English) will take place on Thursday 23rd at 3pm – last few places remaining – Click here to register.

The Co-operatives Board and the Registrar of Companies hereby notify the general public that, with effect from 13th April 2026, the Office of the Co-operatives has been relocated to the Malta Business Registry.

This transition has been undertaken to enhance the efficiency of the registration process of co-operatives, as well as to streamline ongoing reporting requirements.

The Co-operatives Board further informs the public that all registrations and filings of notifications may now be carried out through the BAROS system. If you opt for this option, please contact MBR’s ICT Support Unit on .

For any queries or assistance, the designated contact persons are:

• Co-Operatives Board;
• Ms Natalie Farrugia; and
• Mr Damian Borg George.

The new email address is .

The Co-operatives Board registered address has also changed to Malta Business Registry, AM Business Centre, Triq il-Labour, Zejtun. ZTN 2401.

The opening hours to the general public are:
Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 14:30
Friday: CLOSED