Earlier today Malta Chamber of SMEs COO Mr Andrew Aquilina participated as a panellist during a high level conference, the European Employment and Social Rights Forum organised by the European Commission in Brussels.
The conference was also address by LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky and Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs organised another successful information session for its members in collaboration with the Occupation Health & Safety Authority | OHSA MALTA.
Over 300 participants registered for this session
The Malta Business Registry issued a notice to inform all relevant parties that as of 1st of March, all company incorporations , dissolutions documents – (Companies regulated by the Companies Act, 1995 – (Form B (1) – Notice of dissolution and voluntary winding up, Form B (2) – Declaration of Solvency together with a statement of assets and liabilities, Form L – Notice of appointment of liquidator), Form L (3) – Notice of Resignation of Liquidator, Form L (4) – Liquidator’s Statement with respect to pending winding up, and the accounts, scheme of distribution and auditors report, and the liquidators return), (Companies regulated by the Merchant Shipping Regulations – Form S – Notice of dissolution, Form P – Notice of appointment of liquidator, Form T – Notice of resignation of liquidator, Statement of Liquidator with respect to pending winding up (Reg. 131 (1), Accounts scheme of distribution and auditors report, Form Q – Notice of completion of liquidation, Liquidators Return), must be submitted through the MBR’s online system, BAROS (Business Automation Registry Online System). This transition highlights MBR’s persistent dedication to evolving into a fully paperless agency, building on earlier efforts. The initiative is designed to enhance processing efficiency while fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
Dr. Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO and Registrar of MBR, emphasized that the success of BAROS has underscored the industry’s need for continued digital transformation to benefit practitioners, clients, and the sector. Such step follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and practitioners who played a crucial part in the transition process.
“The ability to incorporate companies online has been eagerly awaited by the industry. With the proper submission of required documents (including due diligence documents) and being fully compliant with legal requirements, companies can be incorporated within 24 hours. Something that many practitioners adapted to, it strengthened Malta’s competitiveness and now it is the apt time to enforce such measure. Similarly, online company dissolutions will not only shorten waiting times but also improve monitoring processes. These initiatives are set to streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and compliment other projects headed by the MBR to ultimately offer holistic services” explained Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas.
Detailed instructions and support resources can be found on the following link.
In addition to this, the MBR will also deliver a training session in mid-January. Registration for this training session can be done here.
Between the 24 and 26th of February a delegation from the Malta Chamber of SMEs visited Tunisia to build stronger business ties and explore new opportunities.
Over three days, the SME Chamber delegation met with key officials, including Trade Minister Samir Abid and CEPEX CEO Mourad Ben Hassine, to discuss ways to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
They also connected with the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) to learn more about Tunisia’s business climate and investment incentives.
The visit was packed with B2B and B2G meetings, allowing Maltese and Tunisian businesses to exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships. In Sousse, the delegation visited Novation City, where they discussed innovation and industry trends, followed by structured networking sessions at CCI Sousse.
The delegation was composed of Mr Paul Abela, Mr Philip Fenech, Mr Joe Zerafa, Ms Joan Haber, Mr Dino Fino, Mr Karmenu Zamit, Mr Mario Debono, Mr Sergio Camilleri, Mr Beppe Muscat, Mr Joe Attard and Mr Jamie Tanti.
They also met Mr.Ben Anaya Huile, where they got a firsthand look at Tunisia’s olive oil production and export potential, reinforcing the many ways businesses from both nations can collaborate.
The SME Chamber would like to thank particularly H.E. Joseph Mario Sammut for his assistance throughout the visit.
The Malta Food Agency will soon be launching a platform aimed at reducing food waste while supporting communities and consumers. This initiative focuses on food products nearing their expiry dates by promoting establishments that significantly reduce their prices for consumers’ benefit. Additionally, businesses will have the option to upload details of food products approaching their expiry dates onto a new digital platform, where they can be donated to registered voluntary organisations.
The official launch is scheduled for the 10th of March, and interested businesses, particularly food retailers, are encouraged to participate.
If you are interested in attending kindly send an email on by not later than the 3rd of March 2025.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs acknowledges the need for legal improvements in the proposed inquiries reform. However, the Chamber is concerned that the reform, as currently presented, the amendments undermine the independence of the judiciary. The SME Chamber insists that any changes should reinforce trust in the system rather than diminish it.
The latest SME Barometer, published by the SME Chamber in collaboration with MISCO, highlighted that 42% of respondents identified the “lack of good governance,” while 40% pointed to the “level of corruption” as two of the most pressing issues the country is facing. These findings underscore the need for government action to address these concerns and implement measures to strengthen the fight against corruption.
Therefore, any amendments to the inquiries system must ensure they enhance good governance and actively combat corruption.
The SME Chamber also notes that the proposed changes are being fast-tracked. Given the significance of the matter, the Chamber also urges authorities to address and prioritize pressing issues and concerns raised by businesses, particularly:
– A reduction in income tax for businesses
– A stronger fight against corruption, particularly in light of Malta’s lowest-ever ranking on the international corruption index
– Improvements in governance, especially in public procurement processes
These, among other recommendations, were put forward by the SME Chamber in its Budget 2025 proposals.
The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), in consultation with the Malta College of Arts Science & Technology (MCAST), and the Malta Chamber of SMEs, would like to announce that it is currently receiving project proposals under the MCAST Research Fellowship Scheme.
An online information session will be held on Thursday 13th February 2025 at 14:00 CET. Kindly access the information session event via this link.
The scheme shall provide financial support (up to €30,000) for part-time Research Fellowships fostering joint Research & Innovation Projects between economic stakeholders and the MCAST in the following areas: Smart Manufacturing, and/or Sustainable use of Resources for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and/or Future Digital Technologies, and/or Health and Well-being. Proposals are to be submitted by email to:
Closing date for application submission – 25th March 2025 at 23:59 CET
More information on this funding opportunity, the guidelines and regulations, and the application form, can be found via this link:
Research Fellowship Scheme
Queries relating to the Research Fellowship. Scheme may be emailed to:
The Malta Chamber of SMEs presented its official feedback on the proposed Malta Labour Migration Policy, emphasising the need for a balanced, practical, and business-friendly approach. Recognising labour shortages as a critical challenge, the SME Chamber advocates for policy adjustments that ensure efficiency without imposing undue burdens on businesses.
Key recommendations include extending work permit renewal periods from one to two years, revising fee structures to support new businesses, and enhancing direct access to Third-Country Nationals (TCNs).
The SME Chamber also calls for flexibility in workforce application limits, reconsideration of nationality quotas, and a streamlined recruitment process. It stresses the need for clearer definitions, reduced bureaucracy, and fairer employer obligations.
Moreover, proposals for seasonal work expansion, integration courses, and strategic partnerships aim to enhance workforce sustainability.
Ultimately, the SME Chamber urges a dynamic policy that supports both economic growth and fair labour practices, ensuring Malta remains competitive and attractive for investment.
SME Chamber President Mr. Paul Abela and Deputy President Mr. Philip Fenech met with MCESD President Architect David Xuereb as part of ongoing consultations regarding MCESD.
The discussion focused on key economic and business matters, reinforcing collaboration to support SMEs and enhance economic development in Malta.
