President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca welcomed the second high-level trade delegation from China, as part of the Malta-China Trade Mission organised by the Office of the President.
Whilst welcoming the delegation to Malta, President Coleiro Preca said that their presence in Malta is a perfect occasion for all of us to take stock of the excellent work that has been carried out since 1972 when diplomatic relations between Malta and China were established.
The Chinese Trade Mission covers a spectrum of business activities including banking and insurance; financial services; tourism; aviation and travel; hospitality; education; digital and technology; oil and gas; storage and warehousing; construction; infrastructure; recycling; waste energy; environment; and health and pharmaceuticals.
“Your visit to Malta is also evidence of our mutual desire to continue to strengthen the longstanding friendship between our countries and our business sectors. Nothing can be more tangible to enhance our friendship than these business opportunities and partnerships being discussed at this historic forum”, said the President. She added that Malta and China are tried-and-tested economic collaborators, with shared values, for the present and future prosperity of our peoples, “and are a global model, of how the biggest global economy together with one of the smallest countries in the world can work together, in harmony, for the benefit of our peoples and our respective business sectors”.
The President also expressed her satisfaction at the various MoUs which are to be signed on Saturday and announced that a collaboration agreement is already in place between China’s leading Oncology Hospital and Cancer Research Institute and the Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation.
“I believe that Chinese collaboration and investment in the Euro-Mediterranean region is essential, because the 21st century will see all of our countries become increasingly globalised and more closely interconnected. Therefore, investment and development in one part of the world immediately translates into the stability and resilience of the whole global economy”, concluded the President.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona, Minister for Energy and Water Management Joe Mizzi, and Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna also addressed the delegation.