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
Earlier today, the Malta Chamber of SMEs organised an information session for its members on the new Get Qualified scheme, which was announced a few days ago, with the participation of officials from Malta Enterprise.
During this session, members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs also had the opportunity to ask questions.
A delegation from the Malta Chamber of SMEs, led by Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech, met with a delegation from Liberia, led by the Director General of the Liberia National Tourism Authority, Princess Eva Cooper.
Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their cooperation.
COO Mr Andrew Aquilina and EU Affairs and Funding Executive Ms Xylona Spiteri were also present.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs continues to support the CROSSWORK platform (https://crossworkjobs.eu/), ensuring its ongoing accessibility and effective operation in line with the project’s long-term commitments.
As part of its post-project sustainability efforts, the Chamber offers a helpdesk service of up to two hours per week, available upon request. This support is designed to assist businesses and job seekers using the platform, particularly those interested in cross-border employment and collaboration opportunities, ensuring they can make the most of the services provided.
Malta Chamber of SMEs officer Mr Marcel Mizzi participated in a conference entitled “Managing Risk, Growth and Public Value in a Constrained Island Economy,” organised by Ecostack Innovations.
The conference also featured a GREEN TALENT project networking session, where participants were introduced to the project and engaged in discussions across three main thematic areas: Climate and Environmental Risk, Nature-Based Solutions, and Health and Well-being.
How SOLVIT Helps Businesses Navigate the European Single Market
The Internal Market: Opportunities and Barriers
The European Union’s Single Market offers businesses across Member States great opportunities for growth, trade, and collaboration. However, navigating different national rules and administrative procedures can pose significant challenges, especially when problems arise in cross-border operations. The EU’s SOLVIT Network steps in as a practical solution, helping businesses resolve disputes with public authorities swiftly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.
What Is the SOLVIT Network?
SOLVIT is a free and informal problem-solving service provided by the national administrations of each EU member state, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Established in 2002, the network’s primary purpose is to address cases where EU law on the Single Market is not applied correctly by public authorities—helping both citizens and businesses overcome obstacles to cross-border trade, establishment, or operation.
How Does SOLVIT Work?
Each Member State hosts a SOLVIT centre. This is strategically placed within the Public Administration so that centres can dialogue and negotiate with entities who are allegedly infringing EU Law. With regards to Malta, the SOLVIT Centre is hosted by the Commerce Department, within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects.
When a business encounters a problem with a public authority in another Member State, SOLVIT can intervene.
A case can be submitted online via the SOLVIT website. The case is then handled directly by the SOLVIT centres of the home and host countries, aiming for practical solutions within ten weeks.
Main types of Issues SOLVIT Handles
Delays or refusals in recognising professional qualifications
Unjustified barriers to selling goods or providing services across borders
Issues with VAT reimbursement or market access
Problems with residence or work permits for employees
Disputes regarding the posting of workers or company establishment
Why should Businesses Use SOLVIT?
Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs can benefit from SOLVIT’s cost-free alternative to lengthy legal proceedings. The network’s informal approach means that many cases are resolved quickly, with communication tailored to the needs of business users. SOLVIT does not replace courts but provides an efficient means to resolve disputes before litigation becomes necessary this mainly due to the strong networking connection between the SOLVIT centres established in all the Member States.
How to Access SOLVIT
Businesses can submit their case through the official SOLVIT website https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The process is simple: provide details of the issue and supporting documents, and the home country SOLVIT centre will make contact to discuss next steps. The service is available in all EU languages, and strict confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.
Conclusion
The EU’s SOLVIT Network is an essential support mechanism for businesses operating across European borders. By resolving disputes with public authorities efficiently and informally, SOLVIT helps maintain the integrity of the Single Market and ensures that businesses can make the most of the opportunities it provides. For members looking to expand or operate internationally, SOLVIT is a resource worth knowing and using.
For more information, or to submit a case, visit the official SOLVIT portal at https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The Malta SOLVIT Centre can also contacted on 25690329 or by email .
Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs with an interest in expanding into Gulf markets are invited to register for a new initiative led by the Office of the Government Envoy for the Gulf.
This platform aims to support Malta-based businesses by providing access to monthly newsletters, market insights, information on upcoming incoming and outbound delegations, private roundtables, and direct business opportunities across the Gulf region. Registration will also be used to prioritise participation in future engagements and targeted initiatives.
The objective is to build a strong pipeline of Maltese companies ready to engage as opportunities materialise, with near-term prospects already expected in April here in Malta. This presents a timely opportunity for businesses looking to explore new partnerships and expand their international footprint.
