Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi revealed today that it was the Chinese government which initially approached the Maltese government about the possibility of investing in Enemalta.
Replying to questions this morning, the minister said the Chinese were keen on a solar power project (which would give them a foothold in the EU market).
The Maltese government then convinced the Chinese to buy a stake in the corporation.
The agreement, through which China will invest €200m in Enemalta, was announced last week.
Asked whether there should have been a public call for expressions of interest for the sale of the Enemalta stake, Dr Mizzi said that there was no need since this was a government to-government deal.