Nepal can export HR, garments to Malta: Ambassador Gauci

 Reuben Gauci is non-residential Ambassador of Malta to Nepal who is stationed in New Delhi, India. Modnath Dhakal of The Rising Nepal had a brief talk with him when he was in Kathmandu to submit the letter of credence to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday. Excerpts:

 

How did you find Nepal during your first visit?

I am impressed by the hospitality of Nepali people. I am honoured to present my credentials to Honourable President Bidya Devi Bhandari the other day. I feel very happy, hounoured and fulfilled that my country has appointed me as its ambassador to this country. I would like to tell you that though Nepal is new for me, Nepali people are not, a few Nepalis are employed at our office in India.

 

Nepal and Malta enjoy friendly relations. What possible areas of cooperation do you see between them?

The two countries established diplomatic relations on 25 September 1983. Although they do not have particular agreement so far and trade between them is not very large, we have increasing Nepali community in Malta which has reached about 2,200. Given half a million population of Malta, this is a significant number. To compare another way, there are only 5,000 Indians. We issue working visa for Nepalis from Maltese High Commission in India. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the service was disrupted for quite some time. I am sure that the increasing Nepali community in Malta will undoubtedly make our bilateral relations closer. Nepali community there is expanded in the last five years before COVID-19 pandemic. This may pave the way to make agreements between the two countries in future, hopefully, since it will also increase trade and tourism activities and other exchanges.

 

What environment does your country offer to Nepali migrant workers?

Workers from the European Union can move freely as it is a member of that body. But for the workers out of the EU, they should obtain the work permit from their employer in Malta. Then they can apply for visa at the High Commission in New Delhi. However, during COVID-19 period there could be various restrictions and provision of quarantine. There is a demand for Nepali workers in Malta. We are receiving emails and messages enquiring about the opening of visa from Nepali people as well as Maltese people. South Asia is one of our major sources for workers.

 

Despite its small geographical size, Malta's exports are four-fold larger than that of Nepal. What specialty of Malta helps to create flourishing export business?

We are the member of the EU which is a large market for us. Although Malta's population is just half a million we have a market of 450 million people. The good thing about the EU is that it also attracts investments to Malta. If you produce goods in any EU country that product could be sold unhindered in other member countries. It is also good for investors abroad as well. Even Nepali investors can enjoy this facility. Regarding the exports, Malta is renowned for micro-chips and we want to attract more investment in this sector. Other sector is pharmaceuticals. Since Malta is a small country with limited land and can't afford to develop large industrial base, we can't invite investments in areas like car assembly plants. Our priority areas are the business of the future.

 

Tourism is another pillar of Maltese economy. What would you suggest Nepal to boost its tourism market?

When I arrived in Kathmandu, I found that Nepalis know much about tourism and hospitality. Nepalis and Indians are the favourites of Maltese tourism entrepreneurs because of their nice service delivery. Malta offers sea and Nepal offers mountains so products might be different, the service need to be of high quality. Nepal can be a good tourism destination for Maltese people as we do not have mountains there. Every country should focus on what they could offer like the mountains in Nepal and hospitality should be of high quality. They should discover their own tourism potentials while taking care of their culture. They must not be ruined while developing as a tourism product, originality must not be lost.

 

You are also holding an interaction with Nepali business people. What do you tell them about the products Nepal could export to Malta?

Well, Nepal is already exporting its human resources to Malta. Apart from that, Nepali garments could be another item to send there. Since Malta is a small country, you must be very specific about the things trading with it. Enlarging Nepali community itself will start creating its own market for certain foods, garments and other items.

 

Has there been any cooperation between Nepal and Malta in international forums like the United Nations?

Yes. That is the area where we cooperate the most. At the UN we have cooperated in the laws of sea. Although Nepal is a landlocked country, it has its right to access and operation in the sea. Likewise, Nepal has voted for our number of candidatures.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 October 2021.