Six Qatar agreements to encourage more investment in Malta

Six agreements signed with Qatar by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg have heightened interest among Qatari investors examining opportunities in Malta, according to the Foreign Office.

The bilateral agreements cover air services, legal aid, media relations, sport, political consultation and avoid double taxation. They aim to attract more foreign direct investment and to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and professionals.

Two significant business deals have been reached so far: security group Alberta has signed a contract with Al-Jaber Group of Companies. Qatar Airways has contracted to use Lufthansa Technik's services for the maintenance of 25 aircraft.

Dr Borg was in Qatar at the end of August accompanying President George Abela on a state visit. A trade delegation made up of 26 business people and professionals was attached to the entourage.

The agreement on air services between Malta and Qatar will allow an identified carrier from both countries to operate scheduled flights between the two countries without restrictions on frequency, aircraft type and will also provide for code-sharing agreements.

The double taxation agreement allows both states to strengthen their trade and commercial relations and improve economic links.

A third agreement covers cooperation in legal aid and allows both countries to share experiences, information and expertise, besides organising events and training in this area. Official media relations should also be enhanced under the joint cooperation and exchange of news agreement - each country will have the right to receive news bulletins, exchange photo services, provide assistance to permanent correspondents from both agencies and organise training programmes.

The memorandum of understanding on bilateral political consultations provides for periodic, bilateral political consultations between the two ministries of foreign affairs and contributes to the dynamics of peace, security and stability in the Mediterranean and the Gulf.

Exchange visits of sport delegations, the flow of information and views on sports and physical activity, exchange of invitations to meetings and conferences, cooperation in the field of research and development (such as sports for special needs, medicine, doping control and training camps) fall under the memorandum of understanding in the field of sport.

This business delegation's visit to Qatar follows successful missions to Poland, the Ukraine and Portugal. It was has organised in collaboration with Malta Enterprise with the help of European Union funds. Malta Enterprise subsidises business's travel expenses.

Malta Enterprise and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry have also signed a cooperation agreement to create more synergies and investment opportunities in Malta.