Malta and Nepal to organise business exchanges

Kathmandu, Oct. 23

Ambassador of Malta to Nepal, Reuben Gauci, said that arrangement would be made for the visit of Nepali business delegation to Malta to provide an opportunity for them to observe the possible business opportunity.

Similarly, programme would also be organised to bring the Maltese private sector representatives to Nepal, he added. "Such activities will increase interaction between the businesspeople of the two countries and provide opportunity to make investment and conduct trade between them," he said while interacting with Nepali private sector representatives in Kathmandu on the occasion of Launch Reception organised by Honorary Consul of Malta for Nepal, Dinesh Shrestha, on Saturday.

According to him, since the government has the responsibility to regulate and support the private sector, it’s the business community that should search for the opportunity and exploit it.

Strategically located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a gateway to the European Union and Africa. Gauci also said that the country could also be an administrative hub for business those who want to expand their business in the EU and Africa.

"Malta can be a good destination for Nepali garment and handicraft products. An increasing number of Nepalis there will also increase the markets," said Gauci.

Speaking on the occasion, Shrestha said that Nepal has many things to learn from Malta. "Although it is small in size it has significant international trade and tourist arrivals. We need to increase exchange and interaction between the two countries so that we could learn from Malta," he said.

Shrestha honoured Gauci and his spouse Olga V. Gauci on the occasion with traditional khada and souvenir.

Since the establishment of the bilateral relations between Nepal and Malta in 1983, various interactions between the two countries have been made. Currently, 2,200 Nepalis are in Malta for work and study while some are involved in business and hospitality.

In the last fiscal year 2020/21, Nepal imported goods worth Rs. 19.36 million from Malta and exported goods worth Rs. 1.27 million. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 October 2021.