Malta Enterprise is to lead a business delegation to the United Kingdom and Ireland between November 21 and 27.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in networking events and one-to-one meetings that will help them establish new contacts and business leads, as well as strengthen existing ones they might have.

Over the years, the UK has established itself as one of the main markets for Maltese trade. Figures published by the National Statistics Office for 2009 confirm that the trade with the UK is second only to Italy, with around €325 million in imports to Malta and around €100 million in exports.

The importance of this market for Malta has been confirmed by businesses themselves, with the respondents in a survey carried out by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry ranking it among the topmost countries with which to trade.

Trade with Ireland has traditionally been less than that with the UK, with just under €20 million worth of imports to Malta and around €10 million in exports; the country presents myriad opportunities previously untapped by local entrepreneurs.

Promising areas for investment, trade and business in both countries include pharmaceuticals, healthcare and life sciences, financial and business services, ICT, education and training, travel and tourism, environment and renewable energy, as well as the food and beverages sector.

The delegation is being organised by Malta Enterprise with the support of the Europe Enterprise Network, the Malta High Commission in London and the Maltese Embassy in Dublin, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the General Retailers and Traders Union, the Gozo Business Chamber, and FinanceMalta.

Few places remain. For information and bookings, business representatives should contact the Internationalisation Unit at Malta Enterprise on 2542 0000 or at internationalisation@maltaenterprise.com.