A Eurochambers study on how EU member states are faring in the implementation of the services directive states that Malta's preparations are still at an early stage.
The study says that major decisions are expected to be taken by the Maltese authorities following the next general election.
Eurochambers is an umbrella organisation representing Europe's Chambers of Commerce.
The EU services directive, which will open up the services market in the EU over the coming years, is expected to be transposed by the 27 member states into national law by the end of next year.
It was officially approved last year following years of horse trading between member states, the Commission and the European Parliament.
According to the Eurochambers study, based on information given by its members, there is still a mixed picture across member states with regard to implementation of the directive and the involvement of stakeholders.
Results show that the implementation process has progressed or at least started in the vast majority of EU member states during the course of last year.
Eurochambers said that despite this overall improvement, a number of fundamental problems remain and some countries' performance must be greatly improved if the implementation is to be positively concluded by the end of next year.
With regard to the current status of the implementation process in Malta, Eurochambers said an inter-ministerial committee has been set up to identify legislation and administrative procedures currently limiting access to services provision.
"At the moment the committee is closely looking at legislation in order to identify what results will be obtained for the Maltese services liberalization." Eurochambers said it does not expect any major progress on this dossier before the next general election.
"We can envisage that the implementation process may be slowed down in the run-up to the general elections that are expected to take place by May 2009 at the latest.
"The basic lines are being drawn but the main decisions would likely be taken after the elections," Eurochambers stated.
The services directive covers the liberalisation of various services including management consultants, advertising, temporary employment agencies and construction services.
Exemptions include financial services, transport, education and utilities.