Portuguese transport company setting up branch in Malta

Pinto Basto, a leading Portuguese transport management company is in the process of setting up a branch in Malta, Chris Falzon, CEO of Malta Enterprise, said today.

The company has been operating in Portugal since 1771 and is involved in transport management, liner services and shipping services. It is very strong in logistical solutions and already operates in Iberia, Angola and Hong Kong.

Company president Bruno Bobone said that they have chosen Malta because of its location, the good infrastructure, a very good educational system and qualified personnel and Malta´s role in the international sphere including the European Union.

Mr Falzon said the operation in Malta is expected to generate employment for around 20 persons mainly in back-up technical support services.

The announcement came at the end of President Eddie Fenech Adami's state visit to Portugal, in which he is accompanied by a business delegation.

The delegation is sponsored by Banif Bank which announced that it will be opening a new branch in Gozo within a few weeks.

Photo by Lino Arrigo Azzopardi shows President Eddie Fenech Adami with Portuguese prime minister José Sócrates.