Small beginnings

Q: Of the various contributing factors to the growth of financial services in Malta, does any stand out as being particularly important?
 
A: We score very highly in terms of human resources, and the comments we hear from foreign organizations operating in Malta is confirmation of our standing. Maltese employees are in the main very highly qualified. We are the only EU country where students actually get paid by the government while at university.
 
Q: What are the principal attractions of Malta to Chinese investors?
 
A: Within a European context, Malta is in a unique position: We are very close to Europe, very close to North Africa and very close to the Mediterranean. Malta is not only a hub to do business in Europe, but also a hub to do business in Africa.
 
Q: What is the nature of Chinese involvement in the financial services sector?
 
A: We are still at the discovery stage. Malta is a new reality to most of the people we have talked to in China. Our regulatory and legal frameworks go back 14 years but it is only in the last two years that we have internationalized the industry. We are now ensuring that Malta gains visibility in the China market.
 
Q: In this context, how significant are the recent memorandums of understanding signed with China?
 
A: They enable investment opportunities that are available in China to be set up for the usage of funds in Malta. We are potentially opening up Malta’s funds industry to one of the world’s largest pools of private capital. It gives Chinese investors a base to permeate Europe, while Malta will also be able to invest in the China market.