During the Dubai Expo 2020, Malta, among other countries, showcased its potential in terms of business opportunities. Various sectors, including tourism, are being represented at the Expo by means of the Malta Pavillion stand.
With individuals from over 190 nations attending, the Dubai Expo is hosting the largest gathering ever, giving Malta wide coverage in the most effective of ways.
Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri addressed distinguished guests during the official opening ceremony marking Malta Day at the Expo 2020. The Expo is currently being hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which kicked off on 1 October 2021 and ends on 31 March 2022. The Expo was postponed due to the pandemic.
Malta is showcasing its services in a hub of invention and creativity in a city considered to be a leader in creativity and innovation.
Minister Schembri urged those present to visit the Malta Pavillion stand and to explore what Malta has to offer in terms of business opportunities representing various sectors.
Minister Schembri said that the Expo serves as a great opportunity to enhance Malta’s ties with the UAE and Malta looks forward to working with UAE on a multitude of opportunities and to build on its already strong relationships and bilateral agreements.
In his address, he emphasised that Malta managed to devise and implement a strategy to mitigate the negative impact the pandemic had on the Maltese population, by means of a comprehensive package of assistance to businesses and families.
The package comprises of a wage supplement for employees operating in sectors that have been hit by the pandemic, along with a rent and subsidy scheme, among other incentives.
Minister Schembri highlighted that, “This significant achievement was only made possible because we worked together in an efficient manner and through mutual understanding.”
“Only a few weeks ago, we were celebrating a new year that brings renewed hope and optimism to experience what we call ‘normality’ in our everyday lives.”
Minister Schembri further explained that as a result of Malta’s efficient vaccine roll-out programme, Malta can boast of the lowest unemployment rate and highest employment rate, but not only—in certain cases Malta also surpassed its previous successes amid a pandemic.
Concluding, he said that although Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, “we have always sought to maximise our strategic position”.
Indeed, Minister Schembri said, we have managed to build bridges with our neighbouring countries and beyond, while also connecting with different cultures and embrace diversity and above all generate opportunities.
On the sidelines, Minister Schembri also met with Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and discussed sectors both countries can collaborate in for the benefit of both Malta and the UAE.
