'Unique' opportunity for Maltese businessmen

Six presidents, five prime ministers and 40 global chief executive officers are expected to descend on Malta for the upcoming Commonwealth Business Forum.

The event, which is being held at the Hilton Malta from November 22 to 24, offers one of the most powerful and dynamic speaker line-ups.

This is the first time that this forum, which started in 1997, is being held just a few days prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

It is a major business event which will put Malta directly into the international business limelight for three full days, organised by the Commonwealth Business Council, London in conjunction with the Maltese government.

HSBC, Malta Enterprise and Maltacom are showing their support as the main sponsors of this forum, details of which were announced yesterday during a press conference at the Hilton Malta, led by Louis Farrugia, chairman of the forum's steering committee.

HSBC chief executive Shaun Wallis, Malta Enterprise chairman Joe Zammit Tabona and Maltacom chief operating officer Joe Azzopardi were also present.

The CBF 2005 is a landmark occasion for Malta, one that will bring up to 600 delegates - about 200 local and 400 international - together to network, discuss and debate how best to increase trade and business links between their countries, their industry sectors, their individual business interests and companies.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said hosting the forum gave Malta added value.

He said Malta's potential to serve as a hub linking the Commonwealth, Europe and the Mediterranean was gaining momentum and that the forum would therefore serve as the ideal meeting place to make new connections and partnerships.

CBC director general Mohan Kaul said that the forum was geared on the theme of making globalisation work for everyone.

"This meeting comes four weeks before the Hong Kong trade ministers' meeting. Globalisation is good, but it is not working for everybody," he said.

Dr Kaul explained that the council was a practical organisation that worked with the private sector to promote trade, investment and international partnerships between Commonwealth countries and beyond.

"The forum, being held concurrently with CHOGM, presents an unparalleled opportunity for delegates and leaders in business and government to interact with one another, shape new business opportunities and form partnerships for mutual long term benefits," he said.

The three-day event focuses on some of the most critical global issues affecting business across the world today.

"Never before has Malta been privileged to play host to so many of the world's influential government and business leaders at the same time, in the same place," Mr Farrugia said.

The people who will be addressing and attending the forum are the very personalities who can impact the way global economies develop in the future, the very individuals whose influence can change the way businesses interact across international borders.

"Malta's business community must be present to take advantage of this unique event since in today's highly competitive world it is uncommon to find so many global leaders in business and government to be under one roof at the same time."