The Economy of Malta

September 2010

Anja Hannawald, Anika Fritzsche, Melanie Müller, Carolin Matthes, Stephanie Egelkraut

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1. Key Facts..............................................................................3
2. Economy...............................................................................4
2.1 Economic development...............................................................4
2.2 Modern Day Economy.................................................................4
3. Infrastructure - Transportation...............................................6
3.1 Introduction:..............................................................................6
3.2 Buses:.......................................................................................6
3.3 Railway......................................................................................7
3.4 Ports and harbours.....................................................................7
3.5 Airports and heliports.................................................................8
4. Tourism in Malta....................................................................9
4.1 Tourism in General.....................................................................9
4.2 Language Schools in Malta........................................................10
4.3 Malta on a Budget....................................................................11
4.4 Two top places to visit..............................................................12
4.5 Tourism causes problems..........................................................12
5. Industry..............................................................................14
5.1 Modern Manufacturing..............................................................14
5.2 Traditional Manufacturing.........................................................16
6. Foreign Trade – Export & Import...........................................18
7. Agribusiness........................................................................18
7.1 Agriculture...............................................................................19
7.2 Fisheries..................................................................................19
7.3 Food and beverage...................................................................19
7.4 Wine Production.......................................................................20
8. Sources...............................................................................20

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1. Key Facts

Country: Official Name: Republic of Malta

Capital: Valletta
European Union: Member since May 2004
Time: 1 hour ahead of GMT
Measures: Metric and Imperal

Geography: Location: The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the

centre of the Mediterranean
Structure: Archipelago comprised of five Islands – Malta,
Gozo, Comino, Fifla and Cominotto
Area: 316 sq km
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters
and hot, dry summers
People: Population: 403.000
Nationality: Maltese
Religion: Roman Catholic 98 %
Languages: Maltese, English
Life Expectancy: 79 years
Population Growth rate: 0,4 %
Government: Form of State: Republic
Head of State: President Dr Edward Fenech Adami
Suffrage: 18 years
Elections: Held every five years
Legal System: Based on the English Common Law and
Roman Civil Law
Economic Overview: Economic Sectors: Tourism, electronics, manufacturing
Main Trading Partners: Italy, UK, France, Germany, US
Inflation: 0,7%

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2. Economy

Apart from the natural beauty of the islands, with their golden limestone, crystal clear
sea and charming rural landscape, Malta has no natural resources except its people.
So it is very difficult to establish a balanced and competitive economy.

2.1 Economic development

Before gaining Independence in1964, Malta was an economy with a 150-year

tradition of reliance on Britain. With no natural resources to fall back on,
manufacturing was chosen to build up economy. The targets of the industries were
labour intensive ones to take advantage of the flexible labour force and low salaries.
By the end of the 1980s it was recognised that educating the workforce to include
highly qualified professionals would attract higher value added products and services
to the island. So they had to transform the economy to reach these aims. Lots of
measures had to be arranged for example tight control on government expenditure,
elimination of trade barriers, deficit reduction, and more efficient tax collection. These
are the most significant elements of the government's plan with the aim to reduce the
country’s deficit and establish a stable foundation for the economy of Malta. The
adoption of the Euro has long been seen as a key element in Malta’s potential
attractiveness to investors. Now official reports confirmed, that Malta is one of the
most popular targets of foreign direct investments. The World Investment Report
2007 ranked Malta in 6th place globally for inward investments.

2.2 Modern Day Economy

In the four decades since Independence, the Maltese government has laid the
foundations for a sustainable economy based on tourism, industry and services. New
industry sectors and knowledge-based activities, such as ICT’s, iGaming, aviation
services and financial services are now on the top of the upgraded traditional leading
sectors of tourism and manufacturing. Sophisticated industries, services and tourism

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are now the most important parts of the economy. At the moment they are performing
well and show a steady growth.

The main part of the economy contains services. Malta's financial services industry
has grown in the last years and in 2008 it escaped significant damage from the
international financial crisis, because the sector is not fully modernized. The sector
tourism continues to be the leading service in output, employment and foreign
exchange earnings. 28% of the employees are dependent on tourism. The advent of
low cost airlines and the consequent increase in flights, connections and available
seats has given this sector the needed boost.

Financial services accounts for more than 13% of the GDP and is becoming an
important part of the economy. Malta is attracting fund and captive insurance
companies to domicile on the island. Special rights allow the industry to sell services
across the EU. Because of this, Malta is a magnet for insurance and fund
management firms.
The ICT sector is also gaining importance. The Malta-developed software substantial
skips forward. They are also developing a new project, the SmartCity project, with
developers and operators of Dubai Internet City. This is an IT-village expected to
create over 5000 new jobs.

Manufacturing has decreased for years and now accounts for around 17% of the
GDP. This sector has changed from low cost and high volume manufacturing of
textiles, footwear and clothing into more high value capital and knowledge-intensive
activities, such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Agricultural production and fisheries are more and more eliminated and account less
than 3% of Malta’s GDP. The most efficient products are some fruits and the
winegrowing.
The Aviation service area is another important sector of the industry. The trade is
essential for Malta. In 2006 it had the fifth most open economy in the EU. Many
goods the country requires are imported.
As Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs and has limited fresh water
supplies, so it is dependent on imports or other countries.

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So all in all today, Malta has a sophisticated economy with a good base.
Communications and IT will offer this small economy the opportunity of finding ways
to compete on a global scale.

3. Infrastructure - Transportation

3.1 Introduction:

Malta's road network is over 2,200 km long but there are only 51 km of main roads
and 45 km are access roads that lead to main roads; 2,000 km are paved.
So Malta's road network needs improvement. Standards are generally also poor
when it comes to road markings, parking facilities and traffic-calming measures.
Because of the bad road network there are a lot of traffic jams especially in the
morning and in the afternoon when the people are coming from their work.
Pedestrian zones are very rare and cycle lanes have only recently been introduced.
There are also a lot of roundabouts and traffic lights in Malta.
The main road network is the road that links Malta with Gozo and with the airport and
ports. Highways Traffic in Malta drives on the left, as in the UK. Car ownership in
Malta is exceedingly high compared to the very small size of the islands; it is the
fourth highest in the European Union.
There are no rail routes on the Maltese island. The last railway line, running from
Valletta to Mdina, was closed in 1931.But you can see still few parts of the route.

3.2 Buses:

The most common means of transport in Malta are the buses, which offer a relatively
cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. The majority of buses
on Malta depart from a large circular terminus in Valletta. There are many bus lines
to different places and they leave not always on time. But mostly they drive all 20 to
30 minutes.
The island has had buses since 1905. Due to their appearance, Malta's classic buses

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have become tourist attractions in their own right and appear on many Maltese
advertisements to promote tourism.

The buses in Malta are all typical dark yellow, with a band of orange and the buses
on Gozo are typical grey.
There are approximately 500 buses in public transit service in Malta. The drivers
themselves owned most of the buses and they carry about 31 million passengers per
year. In one Bus fits about 56 people - 44 seats and 12 places for standing.

The Maltese bus system has recently been privatised and the results have yet to be
seen. This should improve the bus networks, roads and services offered.

3.3 Railway

Between 1883 and 1931, Malta had a railway line that connected Valletta to the army
barracks at Mtarfa via Mdina and a number of towns and villages. The railway fell into
disuse and eventually closed altogether, following the introduction of electric trams
and buses. At the height of the bombing of Malta during World War II, Mussolini
announced that his forces had destroyed the railway system but by the time war
broke out, the railway had been mothballed for more than nine years.

3.4 Ports and harbours

Malta has three large natural harbours on its main island.

 The Grand Harbour which is located at the eastern side of the capital city of
Valletta, has been a harbour since Roman times. It has several extensive docks
and wharves, as well as a cruise liner terminal. A terminal at the Grand Harbour
serves ferries that connect Malta to Pozzallo & Catania in Sicily.

 Marsamxett Harbour which is located on the western side of Valletta,

accommodates a number of yacht marinas.

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 Marsaxlokk Harbour (Malta Freeport), at Marsaxlokk on the south-eastern side
of Malta, is the islands' main cargo terminal.

3.5 Airports and heliports

Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport is the only airport serving the Maltese Islands. A heliport is
also located there, but the scheduled service to Gozo ceased in 2006. Since June
2007, Harbour Air Malta has operated a thrice-daily floatplane service between the
sea terminal in Grand Harbour and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

Today, the city Ta' Qali houses a national park, stadium, the Crafts Village visitor
attraction and the Malta Aviation Museum.

The national airline is Air Malta, which is based in at Malta International Airport, and
which operates services to 36 destinations in Europe and North Africa. The owners of
Air Malta are Maltese government (98%) and private investors (2%).

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4. Tourism in Malta

4.1 Tourism in General

Malta’s tourism industry is experiencing a much-welcome revival after hitting a low

point in 2006. National Statistics Office figures for 2007 show an 11 percent increase
in arrivals, while the first months of 2008 are already showing significant year-on-year
growth of 16.5 per cent in the first five months alone. This fortunes of the tourism
industry looks set to continue. The tourism sector is Malta’s leading services activity
in terms of output as well as employment and foreign exchange upward trend.
Tourism infrastructure has increased drastically over the last years and a number of
good-quality hotels are present in Malta, although overdevelopment and the
destruction of traditional housing are of growing concern. An increasing number of
Maltese now travel abroad on holiday.

There are lots of reasons, why Malta developed to one of the most beautiful
European countries to spend holidays: With lasting sunny weather, amazing
beaches, a thriving nightlife and more than 7,000 years of absorbing history, there is
a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook you can see most of
the sights and beaches within 2 or 3 weeks.

Another advantage of Malta is the beautiful coast. Although Malta is not big on sandy
beaches, you are never more than a few miles from the sea, and so you will enjoy
superb views from the rocky coastline.
But Malta is not only a place for interesting sightseeing trips, it is also a place where
the youth meets to enjoy the evenings. St Julian's is where it all happens, with the
Paceville district being packed with bars and clubs attracting top DJs during the
summer. There's plenty of more cultural entertainment too, with arts and jazz
festivals in July and August and the Isle of MTV happening once a year with
international artist suchg as David Guetta, Akorn, The Kooks, Lady Ga Ga and the
Black-eyed-peas all having performed recently.

At the moment the tourism accounts in the interim accounts for 40% of the Maltese

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national income. The most decisive factor for the increasing of the tourism are the
English language schools, of which Malta has nearly 50.

4.2 Language Schools in Malta

The term EFL School refers to the whole students' stay in Malta and also Gozo which
includes the provision of English Language Teaching and tourism-activities. The first
students to visit Malta to learn English were a group of about 30 Italian University
students during the summer months of 1963. Ten years later 450 students from
Germany, Italy and Scandinavia discovered that in Malta they could learn English in
a warm relaxed environment and also enjoy a holiday. This was the birth of the EFL
industry in Malta. Since then, Malta’s reputation as a quality destination for learning
English has grown at a steady rate. The number of student arrivals has risen by an
average 10% per year over the last 10 years.

English language teaching is a tradition in the Maltese Islands, so the schools have a
large pool of experienced teachers for all ages and educational levels. There are
about 30 language schools in Malta, each of them has their own learning and
recreational atmosphere and offers a range of different courses.
There are lots of different language schools on the Island. Some of them are
especially for older people and they all offer different levels of the English language.
Most of them also offer an accommodation, either in apartments or in a host-family.
Learning English in such a language school is a big advantage because you get to
know a lot of people talking the same language you want to learn and on the other
hand you make great experiences while making holidays in Malta.
All of these Schools offer excellent native English teachers and lots of experience.

AClass Academy of English is a small and friendly language school located in

Pembroke. It offers a range of courses from General English to Business English,
Medical and Aviation English.

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4.3 Malta on a Budget

As Malta has to import approximately two thirds of its products, the prices for food
and drinks are slightly higher than in Germany. Foods are the cheapest in large
supermarkets such as LIDL or Scott’s supermarket, these are often cheaper, due to
the competition. Fresh fruit and vegetables should be bought at a market or pitkali in
Ta’ Qali for the best prices or on a stall as they are cheaper than in shops here.

Prices for cigarettes are at about 5 €, spirits and alcohol are relatively inexpensive
when compared to places such as the UK or Italy and Sweded
Cell phone charges or repairs are much cheaper than in Germany however mobile
phone calls are some of the most expensive in Europe. This is likely to change as the
European commision is clamping down on price inflation by a companies and has
already criticized Malta for its sky-high prices and roaming charges. Thankfully, there
is free Wi-fi around the island in several well-publicized spots so you can alays use
Skype to call home for cheap.

In most restaurants and bars we have, in comparison to Germany the prices are
good so you can eat out as many times as you like without breaking the bank.
Whoever wants to go to Malta on a trip, a holiday or even a language study, which
can be very costly, really does not have to worry. Life is, compared to Germany,
much cheaper. Activities are cheaper too. The budget for nightly excursions into the
night life or in a restaurant is much lower than expected. Furthermore, you can get
very cheap souvenirs in Malta. Jewelry, postcards, hats, bags and t-shirts are readily
available etc.
Also available for students or low income earners, the island offers a lot of cost
effective activities. Especially during the week, from Sunday to Thursday, you can
avail yourselves to special offers or discounts in the bars or restaurants.
So if you want to go on an island vacation with affordable prices and get value for
money then Malta is the best place to go.

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4.4 Two top places to visit

One of my favorite trips here on Malta were to Gozo and Comino.

Gozo is easily reached by ferry. This lasts about half an hour and does not cost
much. Upon arrival in Gozo you have three different opportunities to explore the
island. Either you use one of the sightseeing buses, or you use the public
transportation and sets out on your own in search of the most beautiful attractions or
ask a taxi driver to drive across to take you over from Gozo. No matter what you
choose, you will end up in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. This offers a beautiful old
town with little restaurants, shops and great churches. A little steep and you get to
the city walls. The effort is worthwhile, because from there you have a beautiful view
over the entire island. The tour leads on towards the sea and the blue window. Is the
name of a small bay that extends over a arch that looks like a window. It has a
wonderful view over the clear water, some divers and a view over the seemingly
endless sea.
From Gozo you have the opportunity to travel by small boats, speed boats and
fishing boats to Comino. Just arrived you discover a large number of tourists cavort
on the blue mood. This is a turquoise bay with white sandy coves and incredibly
beautiful. Depending on your mood you can spend the whole day or get picked up by
one of the boats have to go back to Malta. In any case, these two islands are worth a
visit and you can spend an entire day, whether at the beach or sightseeing in the
small towns and fishing villages.

Another great trip leads to Valletta in the large gardens. From there, you have a
fantastic view of the large harbour and can enjoy a coffee or an ice-cream while
having a look in to the garden and all the great plants and trees. If you have the time,
you can walk through Valletta, take photos, visit the cathedral or sit down in a nice
restaurant for observing the life in the capital of Malta.

4.5 Tourism causes problems

More and more frequently, the Maltese people are complaining about the foreign
language students in their country.

For over 20 years Malta is known for the diversity of language schools and a good

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destination for language studies, exchange programs and internships. The Maltese
speak clear, articulate English, so Malta offers optimal conditions for learning
English.

Paceville is known as the party zone of Malta. Bars and nightclubs are opened
continuously and on weekends most teenagers of the island meet there to enjoy a
good night out. Even for students under 18 years, it is easy to buy alcohol and
because of the high consumption, fights breakout in Paceville. Particularly the
residents suffer from the loud noise. Even some local, young people avoid the bars
and clubs on the weekend because of drunk teens. Language schools and the local
EFL industry have clamped down on groups of teenagers and there are strict
guidelines and controls in place to ensure students and residents are protected while
learning English in Malta. Most schools have group leaders who monitor activities
and ensure teenagers go to venues that do not serve alcohol. Small schools, like
AClass Academy of English get to know each and every one of their students and
give feedback on their progress to their leaders and parents so there are harldy any
problems.

A lot of people have a positive view about the schools and their students and believe
the complaints are useless and judgmental. Finally, one of the bloggers on the Times
of Malta www.timesofmalta.com.mt said that the schools brought a lot of money to
Malta, boosted the economy and moved Malta into a better light. Furthermore, one
should not generalise about all students because some Maltese teens are
responsible for a few of the many complaints.

There are many different forums available but when reading through these
discussions one must keep in mind that not all bloggers are sharing accurate
information therefore one must read these with an open mind.

In order to be able to improve the situation in Malta, the people demand a stronger
presence of the police to prevent disturbances, aggressive behaviour, and noise and
particularly at weekends. Malta is a very safe place to come and study English and
the island opertates a zero tolerance to drugs and drug abuse.

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5. Industry

Besides tourism, industry is Malta’s main source of income. Especially since the
attainment of independence from Great Britain in 1964, where the withdrawal of the
British Navy caused a loss of revenue, industry and tourism were the two economy
sectors that could compensate best for these losses.

Because of the low wage level and the tax advantages since the 1970’s, many
European companies produce in Malta. Approximately 55 German companies (e.g.
Playmobil, Lloyd Shoes) have a branch in this country. Since Malta’s EU accession in
2004, the tax advantages are no longer existent.
In spite of the low wage level and with its highly educated and English-speaking
population, there has been “a growth in high value-added manufacturing and in the
services sector, away from the traditional low-cost manufacturing in textiles.

5.1 Modern Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is contributing about 17 per cent of Malta’s GDP (gross
domestic product) and employs over 30,000 people. Therefore it is the most
important element of the Maltese economy.
Over 200 international manufacturing and distribution companies operate in Malta.
Most of these companies concentrate on revolutionary technology and skill-based
manufacturing. Malta’s traditional low-cost and high-volume manufacturing like
textiles has been replaced by precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical
devices and electronics. The main reasons for the country’s success in this industrial
sector are cost effectiveness, efficiency, productivity and quick access to markets.
Malta has also built up a highly developed infrastructure with modern IT and
telecoms facilities, logistics management as well as sophisticated banking, financial
services and professional business services sectors. Because of these attractive
attributes, many international companies will use this location for the development of
highly professional and precise products in the future.

Pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the newest elements in

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Maltese economy, but it is also one of the most successful. It only exists since 5
years but already employs over 700 people and exports its goods for more than 200
million Euros. Similar to other manufacturing sectors, pharmaceutical companies
produce in Malta because of its highly-educated workers, the modern infrastructure,
the EU membership and direct access to markets in Europe and Northern Africa.
One tempting factor for companies to invest in pharmaceutical production in Malta is
the so-called Bolar exemption. Since Malta falls outside the patent jurisdiction, the
patent law allows firms to experiment on patented drugs until the patent expires.

Aviation. Malta covers a lot of aviation services such as maintenance, repair and
overhaul (MRO) of aircraft, engines and components as well as airline call centres,
financial services, software development, aircraft management and support services.
After the global leader in the MRO industry, Lufthansa Technik, arrived in 2003,
Malta’s aviation sector is developing steadily.
But not only the market leader is responsible for the island’s success in this
industrial area, other companies like Medavia or Aero Maritime have established their
business in Malta. Also the Maltese government supports the industry because it
pays above average salaries and relies deeply on technical skills that make the work
more sustainable. The government invests for example in the specific education and
workforce training.
With a lot of space and extra runway capacity available at Malta International Airport,
the country’s airport authorities are encouraging the organization of flight training
academies, the location of simulator training systems, regional business jet
operations, cabin crew training and supplementary development of the MRO sector.

Ship Management. Malta has become more and more appealing for owners of
yachts to make it their homeport, mainly because of the warm weather and the
location of the island. However, another good reason for them is the favourable tax
regime for boat ownerships. Malta is developing itself to be an attractive yachting
centre. Many companies take care of the boats when it comes to reparations,
haulage, storage and maintenance. They have skilled boat builders as well as
shipyards, slipways and floating docks for any kind and dimension of boats. Two of
the most successful companies in this area are Manoel Island Yacht Yard and Malta
Superyacht Services. Nowadays, Malta’s shipping industry ranks among the worlds

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best.

Malta Shipyards. One of Malta’s most important industries is the shipyard. The
Malta Drydocks employed the most workers in all of Malta and it is the second largest
shipyard in Europe. Next to many European countries, Malta exports its goods mainly
to China. Because of that, there is also a Chinese shipyard in the capital Valletta.
The Malta Drydocks is a repair yard and “had been a mainstay of the Maltese
economy during colonial times. After the docks converted into a commercial venture,
it was approved by the government under the name of Malta Drydocks Corporation
(MDC) in 1968. The company has always been in dept, except for a six-year period
between 1975-1980.
In 2003, Malta Drydocks merged with the Malta Shipbuilding Company to become
Malta Shipyards Ltd. With 40 years of failures, the government decided to start the
privatisation process. Finally, Malta Shipyards was liquidated in March 2010.

5.2 Traditional Manufacturing

Not only the modern industries are responsible for Malta’s success in this element of
economy, also the traditional manufacturing sectors have a huge impact on the
market, especially for tourists. Original handmade Maltese glassware or jewellery is
still very popular as souvenirs.

Glassware & Pottery

Glassware. Glassware is a relatively new art form in Malta, although it was already
present in Phoenician times. It is entirely handmade and mouth blown with strong
colours.

Pottery. The manufacturing of this good is one of the most ancient crafts in Malta.
“The Sleeping Lady”, a sculpture found in the Hypogeum in Paola, is probably the
most famous masterpieces of this art form. Today’s pottery industry produces useful
and fun objects, souvenirs and household items, for example tiles, lamps and
flowerpots.

Jewellery
Filigree. Filigree is the art form to create complex jewellery using precious metal

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threads made of gold or silver. The first pieces of Filigree were found in the Egyptian
Pyramids around 5,000 B.C. Malta has a long tradition in this craft, due to its location
and history.

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6. Foreign Trade – Export & Import

Malta is one of the most opened economies in Europe. The country has limited fresh
water supplies, no domestic energy sources and produces only about 20 % of its
food needs. In fact Malta has a lack of natural resources. This leads to a dependency
of the economy on foreign trade.
Great Britain, Germany and Italy have very closely export relations with Malta. The
country exports ships and boats, televisions, toys, wheat, barley, potatoes, flowers,
fruits and vegetables.
Export activities represent the economic lifeline. Measures that increase the
competitiveness of Maltese exports are given priority. Most of the Maltese companies
are large enough to fulfil substantial orders but still flexible and small enough to take
care for their customers and to settle their requirements within a short time.
Malta’s competitive edge as a supplier is not just the proximity to the Middle East,
North Africa and Europe. It is in fact the reputation for reliability and quality.
Malta has intensive import relations to Great Britain, France, Germany, the United
States and Italy. Imported are water, food, tobacco, cars, engines and gears for
shipbuilding, clothes as well as economical and medical equipment.

7. Agribusiness

Malta’s agribusiness is tiny in comparison to its European neighbours but still an

important part of the economy. Producers concentrate on niche markets to export
their products. This is due to the fact that mass markets are out of reach.
Most of the farmers are specialised on meat and dairy farming. However traditional
crops include olives for the production of oil and preserves, early potatoes, wheat
and grains, grapes for the production of wine as well as fruits and vegetables.
Growing sub industries are greenhouse cultivated cut flowers.
80 per cent of the Maltese farmers use dry farming methods. This means that they
are only planting their fields in the winter months in which it is raining a lot. Therefore
just one harvest in the year is possible. All the fields are uncultivated during the hot
and dry summer months.

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7.1 Agriculture

During the last years Malta’s agriculture experienced a steady growth. Increasing
efficiency as well as government assistance led to increased incomes and turnovers.
Several strategies, developed from the Ministry for Rural Affairs & the Environment,
promote growth and innovation to support farm incomes. Policies guarantee
environmental and social quality. The agriculture is still considered as an important
part of the economy and as essential to the preservation of the rural landscape.

7.2 Fisheries

Fishery does not seem very important for the Maltese economy although the sea
surrounds the country. Most of the fishermen are part timers and the fishing methods
are old fashioned. This leads to the fact, that 50 per cent of the needs of fish are
imported. However fish farming and tuna penning became more important during the
last years. These new activities meet with success and led to an increase in volumes
of fish exports. Main fish exports are blue fin tuna, sea bream and sea bass.

7.3 Food and beverage

Most of Malta’s food and beverage producers are small companies that produce
traditional foodstuffs, pasta and meat sauces, frozen pizzas as well as local cheeses
for the domestic markets. There are only a few large companies and that produce
soft drinks and juices, cakes and pasta sauces mainly for export. Foster Clarks,
Magro Brothers, Consolidated Biscuit Company and Farsons Group of Companies
are for example companies that are producing goods for export.

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7.4 Wine Production

The Maltese wine industry is still quiet unknown outside the country. However it is
beginning to attract international attention. To satisfy the demand for wine with EU
standards the industry had to tolerate changes, as more vineyards were needed.
However there is still one difficulty for Maltese wine makers because very little land is
available. Nevertheless you can find several brands of Maltese wines on European
supermarkets today.

Today agriculture in Malta has to face more challenges than ever before. Although
agricultural produce and food products are exported in limited quantities the
worldwide interest in alternative food offers opportunities for Maltese producers to
open up new markets and to ensure the survival and the development of the sector.

8. Sources

Magazines
Country Profiler Magazine 2008-2009 edition

Websites

Malta Tourism Authority - www.mta.com.mt and www.visitmalta.com

www.wikipedia.de
http://www.go2-malta.de/images/MGARR-areal.jpg
http://www.malta4you.ch/assets/images/fischen_malta_gozo_1.jpg
http://www.go2-malta.de/images/montekristo1.jpg
http://www.malta4you.ch/html/malta_wirtschaft.html
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5382.htm
http://www.countryprofiler.com/Malta09_ebook/flash.html
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2010/05/articles/mt1005019i.htm
http://www.maltaproducts.com/glass_and_pottery/malta_glass/

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http://www.maltaproducts.com/malta_filigree/
http://traveldk.com/dkimages/tt_malta040musart_014_attrlist.jpg

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