There is potential to further enrich the relations between Malta and France, says Dr Mark A. Miggiani, Maltese-French Chamber of Commerce president.
This year, the Maltese-French Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Set up in October, 1989, its main aim is to promote and develop commercial, industrial and tourist exchanges between Malta and France.
“A quarter of a century ago, the relations between Malta and France were quite different,” says Dr Mark A. Miggiani, president of the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce.
“Back then, France and French products didn’t enjoy much visibility in Malta,” Dr Miggiani says. “We were familiar with British products because of our history, and with Italian products thanks to television. However, we didn’t know a lot about French products. And that meant that, despite the French having very good products, importing them to Malta was neither viable nor profitable.
“There was a mutual lack of knowledge between the two countries that needed to be addressed. That is why we set up the Maltese-French Chamber of Commerce: to assist our members in their dealings with France, and provide assistance to French entrepreneurs in Malta.
“We do this by making local businesses aware of French products and services, and by showing Malta’s potential to France. We cooperate with the competent authorities, organisations and constituted bodies in the two countries, including the French Embassy in Malta and the Maltese Embassy in France. We collect relevant information relating to the two countries and publish a quarterly newsletter. We also organise conferences and business seminars.
“On Thursday, May 8, we will be organising a conference, entitled ‘France: Why and How’, which will host a number of speakers who will give the French perspective of doing business. Key speaker of the conference is Jean-Daniel Tordjman, a former ambassador for French investments and very experienced in international commerce. A French business lawyer living in Malta will speak on franchising while a speech by a member of UBI France will discuss French exports.”
Dr Miggiani, who also served as Malta’s ambassador to France, acknowledges that travel between the two countries is a very effective way of nurturing the relationship between the two countries.
“Until a few years ago, we had a constant 80,000 to 85,000 French tourists visiting Malta. Then in 2011, we exceeded the 100,000 mark for the first time. That was a significant moment for us because Malta suddenly became more visible to France. “For the French, Malta is an attractive escape: it is only a few hours away from France, and yet it is a different world. Our history is also a very attractive element.
“Tourism has a multiplier effect on other industries. English language schools have seen an increase in French students. Commerce between the two countries has also increased: in 2013, imports from France amounted to €281m, while the value of exports stood at €237m.
“Malta is also attracting French people to set up business in Malta, including in the electronics and gaming sectors. France has taken the lead in the video games market and French productions have won millions of players worldwide. It is one sector where Maltese can showcase their talents.
“There is plenty of potential to further our relations. Another sector where the two countries can collaborate further is the generation of sustainable energy. France is also a leader in the design and production of electric cars. In this case, Malta can be a good testing ground for new electric cars, thanks to our short driving distances.”
This commerce also has a spin-off effect on other areas.
“Other sectors, such as the property rental market, also take opportunity of such exchanges. Also, restaurants are increasingly catering for French diners, which is a good sign,” says Dr Miggiani. “However, in certain areas, we need to improve. For instance, our financial services are doing very well. Yet in France, the practice is to set up funds in Luxembourg, where there is no language barrier. That means we need to be more proficient in French and promote Malta better as a financial services hub.”
More French people are also choosing to retire in Malta.
“The prospect of retiring in a sunny country which is also economically stable, secure, has good medical services and a comfortable lifestyle, and where various types of property are available is certainly an attractive one,” Dr Miggiani says. “Malta is a good place to retire but we need to increase our marketing efforts in this area.”
The Maltese-French Chamber of Commerce also handles requests for internships for students who want to spend a period in Malta as part of their studies.
“We place these students in areas in which they would like to obtain working experience. In many cases, these students become attached to Malta, which further enriches the relations between Malta and France.”