The results of an EU-wide survey, published in Brussels yesterday, show that Maltese businessmen are looking ahead to a very positive year.

The survey was conducted among European businessmen on behalf of Eurochambers, an umbrella organisation encompassing business organisations within the EU.

Malta is represented through the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.

According to the Maltese survey results, extrapolated from responses given in a survey by 206 business organisations, next year should be a very positive year for Maltese business, reflecting a buoyant economy.

Fifty two per cent of respondents said they are very confident about their business prospects next year and seven per cent expressed a negative sentiment. Fifty one per cent said they are expecting a higher turnover and another 42 per cent expect business to remain at least at the same level of this year.

Domestic sales will be increasing, according to 30 per cent of respondents, and eight per cent say such sales will be lower. The majority of Maltese businessmen are also expecting an increase in exports.

Eurochambers said the Maltese economy has made significant advances over the last years.

"With growth rates hovering around three per cent in real terms, increased export, record foreign direct investment, low unemployment levels and stable and relatively low inflation rates, there seems to be a positive trend.

"The overall business sentiment is very positive, not only in terms of the results recorded for this year and projected for next year but, more so, compared with those obtained in recent years," it said.

The Maltese results reflect a general positive trend all over the EU.

According to the Eurochambers survey, European entrepreneurs have high expectations for next year, the highest level in seven years.

Optimism is on the rise for all economic indicators, with total turnover reaching a record peak.

Only export sales prospects appear cautious, showing that companies feel mostly unaffected by factors such as the weak dollar, rising energy costs and the recent credit crisis.