Malta's current account estimated at a surplus of €179.5 million during second quarter

Provisional estimates show that during the second quarter, Malta’s current account recorded a net surplus of €179.5 million.

Malta Today 22/09/2014: Provisional estimates show that during the second quarter, Malta’s current account recorded a net surplus of €179.5 million, according to the National Statistics Office.

The NSO release said that these updates do not allow for comparison with previous periods as this is the first Balance of Payments statement produced in accordance with the guidelines provided in the ‘Sixth Edition of the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6)’. For the first time, the statement is including...read on.

Busy Day for Valletta Cruise Port

Malta Independent 24/09/2014: Tuesday 23 September was a busy day for the Mediterranean port of Valletta as it hosted a total of five cruise liners.

Early in the afternoon four chartered AIDA cruise liners: AIDAaura, AIDAblu, AIDAdiva and AIDAvita berthed along Pinto Quays, bringing with them a total of 7,000 guests for an event marking the 40 th anniversary of German company Deutsche Vermögensberatung (DVAG). 

The ships were greeted with a full gun salute from the saluting battery at the Barrakka Gardens and a water display by...read on.

Language, Mediterranean food, and the European currency: how the Maltese see themselves

MaltaToday Survey • Language makes us Maltese, food makes us Mediterranean and the euro makes us European

Malta Today 21/09/2014: Language is what makes us Maltese, food is what makes us Mediterranean and the use of the euro currency is what makes us European.

This emerges from a survey asking 400 respondents who were asked to mention up to three characteristics constituting their Maltese, European and Mediterranean identities.

The survey reveals that more than 1 in 4 could not give an answer when asked to mention at least on...read on.

Malta’s insurance market

Times of Malta 21/09/2014: Insurance activities have long been part of Malta’s tradition because of the link with Malta’s maritime trade with other Mediterranean countries. This long tradition can be traced as far back to the 14th century, when Maltese merchants partnered with Catalan seafarers in maritime trade and insurance. Already a developed business activity in the 18th century, insurance received a further boost under Britain’s dominion with the establishment, from 1807 onwards, of insurance companies that underwrote maritime risks with strong inflows of...read on.

Diving in Malta: on a deep learning curve in the Med

The Telegraph Travel by Lizzie Porter 19/09/2014: Fresh from my Padi Open Water Diver course, completed in Britain a few months before, I was keen to get my Padi Advanced qualification – although it would be stretching things to call myself an advanced diver, more an improving beginner. The idea of the course is to build confidence and skills with a range of “adventure” dives, and the place I chose to do it was Malta – popular with British club divers, because it offers...read on.

Mark Vella: Malta is bigger than we think

Publisher-turned-author Mark Vella tells us that his debut novel, ‘X’Seta Gralu Lil Kevin Cacciattolo?’ made him realise that Malta is actually far bigger, and far more mysterious, than we give it credit for.

Malta Today 10/09/2014: “The thing is, I live in Luxembourg,” Mark Vella tells me roughly mid-way through our conversation about his debut novel, the Merlin-published X’Seta Gralu Lil Kevin Cacciattolo?, a two-tiered story looping back and forth between the 80s and the 90s in Malta, much like the cassette tape that the titular – and ultimately elusive – protagonist keeps like a talisman.

“But though Luxembourg is much bigger than Malta, it’s also a lot more polished and gentrified – a bit like a gated community. So a walk across...read on.

Gozo: 18 fascinating facts

Telegraph Travel 13/09/2014: With Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie enjoying an extended stay in Gozo, we've unearthed 18 fascinating facts about the island

1. Edward Lear described Gozo’s coastal landscape as "pomskizillious and gromphiberous". The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys can be found in Xaghra, a village that is thought to be one of the earliest inhabited parts of the island.

2. The island has already appeared in several films, including Single-Handed, from 1953, and Inseminoid, a 1981 UK horror.

3. Residents of Gozo – there are 37,000 - are called Gozitans.

4. Despite its small population, and tiny proportions – it is just eight miles long and four miles wide – there are 46 churches on the island.
...read on.

Holidaying like Hollywood: Our guide to Malta

South Wales Argus 11/09/2014: HOLLYWOOD icons Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent their honeymoon on the islands of Malta after a secret wedding in France, while shooting their new raunchy blockbuster By the Sea.

Famed for its natural rugged landscapes, clear azure Mediterranean waters, natural wildlife and year-round sunshine, the Maltese Archipelago saturated spanning in 7,000 years of rich eventful history and culture, is the perfect destination for a honeymoon.

Here’s some things Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may have done during their stay – and you should do when you take a trip to Gozo...read on.

Maltese trainee doctors finish second in European competition

Times of Malta 11/09/2014: A team of three Maltese doctors, all higher specialist trainees in respiratory medicine, placed second in a competition held by the European Respiratory Society in Munich.

The competition consisted of case scenarios with relative questions on diagnosis and treatment, testing medical knowledge in respiratory medicine.

 The Maltese team, made up of Michael Pace Bardon, Joelle Azzopardi, and Eleanor Gerada, led for most of the competition. Poland finished first, Germany third and Greece fourth. The Maltese team was prepared by consultant respiratory physician Martin Balzan. (source)

Middlesex University Malta welcomes English language campaign

Malta Independent 11/09/2014:b Middlesex University Malta welcomes the announcement that the Education Ministry is embarking on a programme and campaign to raise the standards of English language use in Malta.

Maltese students at the Middlesex campus in Pembroke have always displayed high levels of English language proficiency; however any investments to improve the use of English are most certainly welcome.

Malta is home to Middlesex University’s third global campus and with Malta’s bilingualism there is the potential to...read on.

Finnair to operate direct Malta route

Times of Malta 11/09/2014: Finnair has decided to operate a direct flight from Helsinki to Malta, which could operate all year round, Ambassador Michael Zammit Tabona said.

Mr Zammit Tabona, who was appointed Malta’s Ambassador to Finland in May, said that the direct air links will pave the way for many other economic exchanges – from tourism to real estate purchases and foreign direct investment. Until now getting to Helsinki took most of a day.

He also sees the route as being potentially of great interest to Chinese tourists to Malta, as they could fly over the pole rather than via Dubai, saving several hours.

The Finnish government holds over 55 per cent of the airline shareholding. It made a pre-tax profit of €27 million in 2013, a considerable turnaround from a loss of €111 million just two years earlier. Mr Zammit Tabona said that a direct flight could boost property purchases – replicating the...read on.

Independence 50th anniversary silver coin

Malta Independent 11/09/2014: On 15 September the Central Bank of Malta will issue a silver coin commemorating the 50th anniversary of Independence. The coin has a face value of €10.

The coin was minted at the Royal Dutch Mint. It is struck in 0.925 silver and has a weight of 28.28 grams and a diameter of 38.61 mm. The coin is of proof quality and the mintage is limited to 5,000 coins. The coin was designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason.

The reverse of the coin features the first Prime Minister of Independent Malta, Dr George Borg Olivier, waving the Independence Instruments which were presented to him by the Duke of Edinburgh at a public ceremony held in Floriana on 21 September 1964, the first day of...read on.

Malta's national table football team wins bronze

Times of Malta 09/09/2014: The Maltese table football national team this weekend won a bronze medal during the World Cup organised by the Federation of International Sports Table Football in Rochefort, Belgium.

Malta played in Group 2 winning against Gibraltar (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-0) and losing to Italy.
In the quarter finals Malta faced Portugal winning 2-1 and progressed to the semi-finals losing 1-2 to Spain.

The Malta team was composed of Mark Gauci (Captain) Charles Aquilina, Massimo Cremona, Joseph Mifsud, Angelo Borg and president Joe Zammit Pavia. In the open individual events Mark Gauci placed second in the group after a shootout with Massimiliano Nastasi. In the last 32 he eliminated Italian...read on.

Knight stars in Air Malta’s new animated in-flight safety video

Gozo News 03/09/2014: An animated Knight is the star of Air Malta’s new in-flight safety video which has been rolled out recently onboard the airline’s Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft fleets.
In line with other international airlines, Air Malta did away with its usual on-board safety video in favour of a more creative clip to inform passengers about the safety features of the aircraft.

“Safety is our top priority. This year we decided to refresh our safety video to make it more captivating to our audience, by striking a friendlier tone. Using a charismatic Knight of St John allowed us to continue following Air Malta’s focus of becoming a destination airline, Ambassador and guide to what the Maltese islands can offer whilst highlighting another proud element of Malta’s heritage,” said Chief Officer Cargo Systems an...read on.
» Video on YouTube

Government committedto protectinggaming industry– Herrera

Malta Independent 03/09/3014: Parliamentary secretary for competitiveness Jose Herrera today reiterated the government’s commitment to the gaming industry, which employs 7,000 people in Malta and accounts for 12% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said the government will protect the industry and looks forward to further expansion.
Speaking during a visit to Tipico, a gaming company, Dr Herrera said he is delighted to see such serious companies operating in Malta’s jurisdiction.

Tipico’s consumer responsibility is top notch, he said, and can serve as a model for the whole gaming industry. He said Malta has a strong legislative framework, as well as...read on.

An island fit for a Duchess! How stunning Malta is gearing up to welcome Kate on her first solo foreign tour

Daily Mail 01/09/2014: Malta is a small island - and Valletta is the smallest capital in the EU. But now the former British colony is getting a planet-sized chunk of attention. 

Later this month, the Duchess of Cambridge will represent the Queen on her first official overseas trip without Prince William (or Prince George) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Maltese independence.

Already the island has gone Kate-crazy. People could talk of little else as I travelled around Malta and its neighbour, Gozo.

» read on.

Malta – a reputable flag of choice

Link to Ship Registration

ILO 13/08/2014: Due to the vital impact which shipping activities have on our everyday lives, the regulation of vessels has become inevitable and is a topic that is constantly reviewed in international forums, primarily to ensure that international safety standards are met. International law consequently requires that vessels plying international waters and in certain cases those navigating local waters be registered in a specific country, referred to as a 'flag state'. A vessel that hoists the flag of a chosen country is considered to be part of the territory of its flag state and, from that moment is regulated and bound by the law of that state. The flag state whose laws govern the operation of a vessel exercises regulatory control over the vessel and is required to inspect it regularly with a view to ensure compliance with certain set standards.

Maltese maritime flag
With its centuries-old maritime tradition and as an EU member state, Malta has become the largest European maritime flag and also the seventh largest flag worldwide. Thanks to the unstinting efforts of the government and the maritime industry, Malta has developed...read on.

Pastizzi, Qaghaq tal-Ghaseland the occasional gossip... in Canada

Malta Independent 25/08/2014: ucked away at the west end of The Junction, in Toronto, the bakery shop is extremely popular. Newspaper cuttings, photos and maps of Malta are lined on the wall. On a television screen, a live stream of the Grand Harbour is featured. People make their way in to buy pastizzi (cheesecakes), qaghaq tal-ghasel (honey rings) or to dip some krustini in their tea.

In the area known as Little Malta, local traditions have been kept alive – be it religious processions or the traditional figolla during Easter.

Charlie and Antoinette have almost become like trusted family members for the regular customers.
Only a few weeks ago, the couple closed the shop for a day, because one of their daughters was getting married.  The customers panicked, thinking it had...read on.

Russians, Chinese keen to buy EU passports from Malta

EUobserver 26/08/2014: Russians, Chinese, and people from the Middle East have shown the most interest in Malta's sale of EU passports so far.

A spokeswoman for Henley & Partners, the British firm handling the controversial passport scheme, told EUobserver that “over 200” people from 30 different nationalities have applied since it got up and running in early 2014.

She added that: “The main geographic areas from which applicants originate are the MENA [Middle East and north Africa] region, Russia, China, and South East Asia”.

She also said the well-heeled applicants will bring in more than €200 million in foreign investment to the tiny Mediterranean state.

None of them have passed due diligence tests, designed to weed out shady characters and being carried out by Henley and by Maltese...read on.

Ancient Shipwreck's Cargo Found off Malta

The cargo of an ancient shipwreck was found off Malta.

HNGN 26/08/2014: An ancient ship's cargo, which experts are calling some of the oldest Phoenician artifacts, was found off a Maltese Island, according to the Associated Press.


Malta's Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, said the Phoenician shipwreck was found Monday, Xinhua reported.

Timothy Gambin, a University of Malta researcher, said the artifacts found on the ship, 20 grinding stones and 50 amphorae, which are containers to hold wine, date back to 700 B.C., IB Times reported.

"The discovery is considered to be unique not only here but internationally as well because it is the oldest, or considered to be the oldest shipwreck in the central Mediterranean and it is in a fantastic state of preservation," Gambin told the...read on.

‘I was happy to see the Maltese flag go up’

Click here to start video

Times of Malta 27/08/2014: Hugh Hurrell was sad to see the Union Jack lowered but glad that the Maltese were hoisting their own flag with its symbolic cross of bravery on top of a long white mast at the Independence Arena in Floriana, 50 years ago.

“We changed into our uniform at the barracks and we were called to attention in preparation for the Union Jack to be lowered and the white and red Maltese flag to go up.

“I felt sad that Malta, which I was and still am fond of, was being separated from England, but at the same time I knew how truly special that moment was for the Maltese, so I was happy for them,” 74-year-old Mr Hurrell, who now lives in Malta, said.

Just a week short of his 24th birthday, Mr Hurrell was part of the Royal Navy detachment on the parade ground at the...read on.

Malta's economic confidence 'highest in eurozone'

Government says that Malta's economic sentiment is currently at its highest since 2008. 

Malta Today 2778/08/2014: “In August, Malta registered the highest level of economic confidence out of all the eurozone countries,” the Government said. It quoted results from a survey issued by the European Commission.
“The majority of Maltese people who took part in this survey predict that the economy will continue growing, that unemployment will continue decreasing, that inflation will decrease and that their own financial situations will improve,” the...read on.

Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival 2014

DI-VE 1208/2014: The IXth edition of the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival organized by Inizjamed will be held on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th September, at the Msida Bastion Historic Garden, in FLORIANA, with the participation of Noria Adel (Algeria), Clare Azzopardi (Malta), Antoine Cassar (Malta), Marc Delouze (France), Abdulrazak Gurnah (UK), Walid Nabhan (Malta), Bel Olid (Catalonia, Spain), Marlene Saliba (Malta), Peter Semolič (Slovenia), Giacomo Sferlazzo (Lampedusa), and Anna Szabó (Hungary).

Entrance to all events is free. Short poetry films from Reel Festivals, and one directed by Kenneth Scicluna on two poems by Doreen Micallef and sponsored by V18, will be shown during the festival.
The writers will be in Malta throughout the first week of September to take part in the LAF Malta Literary Translation Workshop. They will be translating each other’s works into their languages, and reading some of these translations during the three nights of the festival. This year’s edition is celebrating the European Day of Languages.

Two exciting Maltese bands Plato’s Dream Machine (Thursday) and Kantilena (Friday and Saturday) will be playing music from the albums they have just released, respectively Għera and...read on.