Businesses supported to explore opportunities outside Maltese shores

GRTU has this week organised an information session for members in collaboration with the Internationalisation Unit at Malta Enterprise. Mr Robert Falzon presented the services and support offered by the Internationalisation Unit to local enterprises of all sizes. Malta Enterprise aims to support SMEs to develop and diversify their activities, penetrate new markets, increase competitiveness, develop new products and services, and consolidate their existing market share.

Scope of Internationalisation events:

Market & field research

Obtaining new sales leads

Launching new products or services

Other forms of business cooperation (franchising, licensing, etc)

Delegation visits

Malta Enterprise presented the list of Delegations for 2012. The delegation visits provide opportunities for Joint Ventures, Technology Transfer, Licensing and Franchising, Exports and Trading. Malta Enterprise will assist through the organisation of business seminars, matchmaking events, trade exhibitions, follow-ups and market research. Participants in delegation visits have 60% of the cost of travel and accommodation covered by Malta Enterprise.

Business Delegations

Feb – South Africa, Johannesburg & Cape Town

March – Israel, Tel Aviv

April – Qatar & Saudi, Doha & Riyadh

May – Italy, Milan

June – Tunisia, Tunis

July – Germany, Cologne & Munich

Sept – Sweden & Denmark, Stockholm & Copenhagen

Oct – Ireland & UK, Dublin & London

Oct – Hong Kong & China, Hong Kong & Shanghai

Nov – UAE & Kuwait, Abu Dhabi & Kuwait City

Participation in Fairs

Participation at International trade fairs are a unique and rewarding experience. Participation will undoubtedly allow enterprises to reap a number of benefits since they will be able to experience the market on a first hand basis, discover new insights, and establish potential business partners. Malta Enterprise will financially support part of the Rental of exhibition space / stand, Stand construction services, Freight expenses incurred for shipping materials / exhibits required to setup and run the stand, Travel and Per Diem.

Trade Fairs

Jan – ICE, UK (I-Gaming)

May – EBACE, Switzerland (Aviation)

May – LIBYA Build, Libya (Building & Construction)

Sept – MONACO BOAT SHOW, Monaco (Maritime)

Oct – SIAL, France (Food & Beverage)

Gateway to Export

Malta Enterprise administers an initiative aimed at encouraging Micro and Small Enterprises to assess whether or not they are ready to venture into new markets through their exports. The initiative's aim is to give participating enterprises the skills, know-how and confidence to excel in the international marketplace. A Business Specialist will mentor the participating enterprises through the various stages of preparing for this exciting programme and will help towards the company's readiness for export. It is a structured, yet flexible, programme that can be completed in around 18 months. They offer a step approach which will provide SMEs with all the necessary tools.

Other Support provided

Company to company match-making

Overseas group promotion in selected media and through promotional material

Preliminary export advice on potential markets and overseas trade events

Contacts with specific business entities, Chambers of Commerce and EEN agencies in selected countries