Malta signs agreements with Israel and the Palestinian Authority

An agreement between Malta and Israel on the Avoidance of Double Taxation was signed today in Jerusalem by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Later today Minister Borg will meet Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier in the day, an agreement between Malta and the Palestinian Authority was signed in Ramallah in the presence of Prime Minister Fayaad. Minister Borg signed the agreement with Tourism Minister Khouloud Daibes. The agreement concerns the provision of training courses to Palestinian students in heritage restoration.

Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg is accompanied by the Ambassador of Malta to Israel, Mr Abraham Borg and the Head of the Maltese Representation in the Palestinian Authority, Mr Alan Bugeja. Minister Borg will return to Malta tomorrow.

During 2010, Malta imported €8.3 million from Israel (mostly mineral fuels) and exported €3.8 million to Israel. There are currently 68 companies registered in Malta with Israeli shareholding. Exports improved by 58% in 2010 over the previous year.

The major export product categories are organic chemicals, cereals and pharmaceutical products.