Malta Enterprise to lead trade mission to Germany in May

Malta Enterprise is planning a business delegation to Germany, one of the island’s major trading partners, towards the end of May.

The trade mission is expected to visit Dusseldorf and Munich.

Germany is the market to which Malta exports most goods. Last year, total exports surpassed €270 million, up almost €50 million over 2009.

Electrical machinery and equipment, pharmaceutical products, aircraft or parts, as well as rubber and kitting were among the main sectors for exports.

Imports stood at €287.5 million in 2010 and it appears there was a trade deficit of just around €17 million. Imports included aircraft or parts, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment, and plastics.

German interests in Malta increased significantly in recent years, with new investments and expansion plans. Malta managed to attract high value adding manufacturing companies from Germany mainly in electronics, ICT, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and aircraft maintenance.

Dusseldorf is an important international business and financial centre and renowned for its fashion and trade fairs, while in the last few years the city on the Rhine has become one of the top telecommunications centres in Germany.

Munich, the economic core of the southern region, has the strongest economy of any German city. Home to several multinationals, Munich is the second most important financial centre in Germany and the largest publishing city in Europe. It is also a hub for biotechnology, software and other service industries.

Its airport, second only to Frankfurt, has also helped elevate the city to a major hub for German trade and investment.

Malta Enterprise will assist entrepreneurs who express interest to join the delegation with identifying contacts and business leads. The programme will include networking opportunities and pre-arranged one-to-one meetings.

A representative of each participating company will be reimbursed up to 60 per cent of the economy-class air fair and a per diem allowance.

Information and applications are obtainable from Malta Enterprise on 2542 0000, internationalisation@maltaenterprise.com, or at www.maltaenterprise.com.