Government seeking to attract Gulf Helicopters to Malta

The Maltese government is seeking to attract the company Gulf Helicopters to Malta, with the two sides studying the prospects of collaboration and bringing the company to Malta.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat saud the Qatari company was interested in Malta and prospects of using the island as a base from where to operate and service its North Africa market.

“The visit will send a strong message that we are serious about this collaboration,” Muscat said, refusing to delve into details of the talks that have occurred so far between Malta Enterprise and GHC. He said it would be “premature” to say anything but noted that his visit would reinforce Malta's message that it was serious about the investment.

Incorporated in 1970 to meet the demands of the oil and gas industry, Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC) is today one of the leading commercial helicopters operator in the Middle East with operations extending to India, Yemen, Libya and Malaysia.

On the invitation of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, Muscat will be addressing the Doha Forum 2015, focusing on energy and the economy.

Ahead of Tuesday’s visit to the Qatari capital of Doha, Muscat addressed a business forum organised by the German embassy in a bid to attract German investors to Malta.

In Frankfurt, Muscat was accompanied by Economy Minister Chris Cardona, Malta Enterprise chairman Mario Vella, Lufthansa Technik CEO Stefan Drewes and Playmobil's Mathias Fauser, among others.

Malta, Muscat said, was targeting 50 German companies focusing mostly on precision engineering and high-end manufacturing. Addressing the Wirtschaftsforum Malta organised by the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce, Muscat branded Malta as a financial centre driven by tax friendly conditions. The economic forum is a one-day event aimed at encouraging German investors to invest in Malta. According to Muscat, it would make sense for investors to be present in Malta with indirect investment.