This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview

Malta has made great strides in developing an information society.  According to the 2018 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) published by the European Commission, Malta ranks 12th out of the 28 EU Member States.  Malta is performing above the EU average in broadband connectivity and the use of internet services by citizens.  Malta remains a European leader on the availability of fixed broadband (basic, fast and ultrafast), as the only Member State with full coverage of ultrafast networks.  Malta also scores very well in the provision of digital public services. The key challenges are digital skills, especially the low number of STEM (science, technology and mathematics) graduates.  The improvement of digital skills is also vital to enhance the integration of digital technologies in enterprises. 

Under the Vertical Strategic Alliance (VSA) program, the government joined with leading global ICT players to promote far-reaching education and assistance to industry programs, entering into VSAs with Microsoft Corporation, HP, Oracle, IBM, SAP, and ESRI.  According to Malta’s Information Technology Authority, the estimated overall value of the investment made by these corporations exceeds $125 million.

There are considerable ICT Investment projects set up in Malta.  The single largest is the development of SmartCity Malta, a $300 million project undertaken by TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings.  By 2021, the project expects to generate 5,600 jobs and serve as a regional ICT service hub, transforming Malta into a global ICT leader.

Opportunities

Opportunities exist for U.S. suppliers of products and services in the e-business and e-commerce fields.  The Maltese ICT sector needs assistance in the ever-growing software support and process management sectors.  Opportunities also exist for ICT research, intelligence, and data-monitoring organizations that might be interested in setting up regional operation centers in Malta.  The focus on the local ICT sector will also increase local demand for highly specialized staff.  As a result, opportunities for U.S. companies in the ICT training and human resources fields abound.

Malta has a healthy and growing ICT and high tech industry that generally views expansion into the United States as the next step to growth and accessing the global market.  This view provides opportunities for U.S. partners.

Web Resources
Malta Communications Authority
Ministry for the Economy, Investment, and Small Business
Malta Information Technology Agency
Smart City Malta

 

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