[WATCH] Malta Business Book launched, aims to promote businesses internationally

Malta Business Book launched, aims to promote businesses internationally • Video by Ray Attard

A newly launched online directory aims to promote strong local businesses abroad, economy minister Chris Cardona said at the official launch of Malta Business Book earlier today. 

Cardona said the local economy was very successful and wide-ranging, but that it faced some issues stemming from the size of the country. 

"We want to compete with the best and make the best of the European market we are currently in," Cardona said.

The new online business directory (www.maltabusinessbook.com)  is aimed at giving Maltese companies a boost in international markets and will be operated by Web Matters Limited. It also enjoys the backing of the economy ministry and Business First. 

Web Matters' Sales Director Robert Grech explained that the directory already lists hundreds of companies that collectively offer thousands of products and services, and that the directory was open to other local businesses. 

"The process of setting up this directory had started some months ago with the aim of growing national markets internationally and of strengthening the Maltese presence abroad through various marketing tactics and search engine optimization techniques."

"The latter techniques," he explained, "will ensure it achieves high leves of organic traffic."

"Maltese businesses have a huge amount to offer overseas and we are trying to help them get a foot in the door."

Grech added that organisations of all sizes can create a profile on the website highlighting their fields of expertise, against a small annual subscription fee of €250. He ecouraged businesses to contact the website on 27131869 or by email on [email protected].

"Each company profile contains images, videos, written descriptions, social media links and a variety of contact information," he said.

Cardona praised the company's focus on SEO, marketing and its eye-catching techniques to get local companies noted abroad. 

"Malta has a pro-enterprise culture and jurisdiction. It is also a safe and strong communication base," he said, listing Malta's advantages as a business location.  

"We also have excellent health and educational facilities," he added, saying that new investments and projects focused on further promoting these ideas. 

"The idea of promoting Malta as a centre of education and excellence has been at the heart of this government's work both through new universities, including the American University of Malta and St Bart's in Gozo, more airlines and cruise liners as well as better quality hotels. 

He added that reports showed Malta's economy was expected to expand by 3% annually in 2015-2018. 

"The Book will serve as a resource for those relocating and investing in Malta," he said, stressing that few companies that come to Mata ever regret it.