British High Commissioner Vincent Fean paid his first visit to the head offices of Vodafone Malta in Msida, as well as Vodafone Malta's operations building in Birkirkara, since taking up his post in Malta last September. Mr Fean's previous post was director, Asia Pacific, in Trade Partners UK, the British Government's trade and investment promotion arm, which helped Vodafone to develop its strong position in Japan.

In 1990 Vodafone chose Malta as the first country outside the UK in which to begin operating. Since then Vodafone Malta has continued to grow, not only remaining at the forefront of mobile technology, but also increasing its customer base to about 160,000.

"Over the years Vodafone has invested tens of million of liri wisely in Malta, resulting not only in impressive growth for the company but also in direct benefit to the Maltese people and the economy of the country," Mr Fean said.

"Malta now has one of the most sophisticated mobile networks in the world. This has not only made the lives of individuals easier but has also helped greatly to improve efficiency in business. Vodafone Group has been able to draw on the excellent analytical, technical and commercial capabilities of its Maltese employees to help Vodafone here to evolve into a truly innovative company.

"I am particularly impressed by Vodafone's active contribution to Malta's educational and cultural life, through its well thought-out sponsorship policy. And I was thrilled to see the RAF's Red Arrows perform at the recent Malta International Airshow, which Vodafone sponsored."

Joseph C. Grioli, Vodafone Malta's managing director, said: "Over the past 12 years, Vodafone has not only invested millions in the Maltese economy. It also provides hundreds of jobs, particularly for University graduates who make up a third of our workforce."

"Vodafone remains committed to its ongoing investment in Malta to provide Maltese citizens with the best of new products and services through their mobile phones."