Malta, Microsoft talks today

Senior officials from the government and software giant Microsoft are today holding advanced talks on the setting up of a Microsoft regional technology centre in Malta to cater for the Mediterranean and North Africa region, sources said.

The centre would offer training and also carry out research and development.

Sources said that talks were expected to intensify today during a meeting between e-government minister Austin Gatt and Jean Philippe Courtois, the president of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa, who doubles up as senior vice-president for Microsoft Corporation.

Mr Courtois is responsible for the company's business in 38 European, Middle Eastern and African subsidiaries.

"The two sides are today expected to hold a final round of talks on the agreement. If the agreement goes through, Microsoft will set up a centre of excellence in Malta which will cater for the whole region," the sources said.

It is understood that the multinational was originally looking into the possibility of setting up this centre in Cyprus, Malta or Egypt: "But they are keenest on Malta," the sources said.

If agreement is reached, the multinational company is also expected to set up a Microsoft IT Academy in Malta: "The agreement will also provide for having the Microsoft XP in the Maltese language."

Sources said that one of the issues to be discussed was Microsoft's concern on the issue of piracy. Microsoft wants a commitment that the issue will be tackled seriously by the authorities.

Two days ago Dr Gatt said that Microsoft was interested in Malta but he did not give many other details.