"In Malta
we currently have 112 companies or private investments from India, but it is
necessary that in the trade sector we continue to develop this relationship we
have with India and above all we also see that we increase our exports to India".
This was claimed by Minister Ian Borg during a press statement and a bilateral
meeting he had with the Minister of State for External Affairs of India,
Meenakashi Lekhi.
During a
bilateral meeting that took place at the Ministry for Foreign and European
Affairs and Trade in Valletta, Minister Ian Borg said that after more than 57
years of bilateral relations there is even more potential where these relations
can be amplified and reinforced. Dr Borg said that despite the difference in
the size of the two countries, both have vibrant economies that should be
exploited in the best possible ways for the benefit of the Maltese and Indian
people.
Regarding the
trade sector, Minister Borg stated that he believes that particularly in the
sectors of information and technological communication, pharmaceuticals and
even the film industry there are many opportunities where joint strategic
collaborations can be made.
The Maltese
Foreign Affairs Minister stated that Malta, also as a country of the European
Union, welcomes the improvement in relations between the EU and India even in
the light of the ongoing global level challenges. Therefore, the Minister
reiterated that Malta fully supports the strategic partnership between the EU
and India for trade and free market, the digital economy, the circular economy
and above all the changes in climate and ocean governance.
Dr. Borg also
directly thanked Minister Meenakashi Lekhi for the support that India
continuously offers to Malta on a multilateral level, including in connection with
the seat that our country will be occupying on the United Nations Security
Council.
From her end,
Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said that she is honoured by the warm welcome she
received and also stressed the need to continue to strengthen commercial ties between
the two countries. The Minister for External Affairs and Culture explained how
the Indian Government intends to continue signing and cooperating on a number
of Principle Agreements that will improve the lives of both peoples. She
reiterated that she believes that Maltese businesses have a strong potential to
invest in India. Minister Lekhi also made an official invitation to Minister
Borg to visit India together with a commercial delegation.