Malta business travel information

Doing business in Malta

Malta’s agricultural sector is small, with potatoes being the only major export commodity. Despite being an island, the country’s fishing industry is also relatively of no importance. With few natural resources, governments have highly sought to develop the economy through tourism and export-dedicated manufacturing. Tourism now accounts for over a onefourth of Malta’s foreign exchange earnings.

The industrial sector includes textiles, footwear and clothing, plastics, printing, electronic components and electrical equipment. The old naval dockyards used by the British have now converted to operate as a commercial shipyard.

Malta’s membership to the EU was endorsed in 2003 by popular referendum. Negotiations progressed fairly smoothly and Malta joined the EU in May 2004. The country joined the eurozone in 2008.

The economic growth was about 3% in 2006, while inflation was at just under 3%. The unemployment was estimated to be at 6,8 percent in 2005.

Malta was for a period of 150 years, from 1814 untill 1964, part of the British Empire. As a result of that English is fully integrated in the education of all Maltese.

Product tip: Buy a passport holder! Get a big wallet that takes passport, tickets and receipts all together in one place. This way you have all your documents organised and easy to find.

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Malta you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

When you are in need of medical help you can contact one of these acute Hospitals (referral from Health Centres or directly in extreme emergencies)

St. Luke’s Hospital
Guardamangia Hill
Guardamangia, Malta
Tel: + 356 21 24 12 51

Gozo General Hospital
Victoria Gozo
Tel: +356 21 56 16 00

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Malta it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Malta. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Malta to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Maltese are influenced by an conservative British style, but mixed with an Italian flair and lifestyle.
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Hierarchy, age and respect is very important in Malta.
  Pay attention to the business cards you will receive before putting them away.
  Maltese are not very direct, they prefer subtlety to directness.
  Expect to be interrupted by somebody, this is accepted behavior.
  Communication can be very expressive.
  Dress smart. Appearance is very important.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving. Remember the hierarchy.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  A lot of time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  First appointments are more socially oriented, Maltese would like to know you a bit better at first.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. If offered Maltese wine, which is usually an excellent wine, make sure to compliment on it.
  Return the toast of your host later in the meal. Stand up and salute the health of your hosts.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but you do not have to finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.