Malta Enterprise Returns to Libya: A Strategic Bridge for European and North African Expansion

Building the European Gateway: Malta Enterprise’s Charles Saliba speaks to The Libya Observer on reopening channels with Libya and help Libyan businesses expand internationally

 

Following its formal return to Tripoli, Malta Enterprise is reopening key commercial channels between North Africa and the European Union. In this exclusive interview, Charles Saliba—Economy Envoy of Malta Enterprise for North Africa and former Maltese Ambassador to Libya—outlines the agency’s primary mission: serving as a strategic bridge for serious Libyan businesses aiming for European market entry, while guiding Maltese investors through the practical realities and opportunities of the evolving Libyan economy. Saliba discusses the comprehensive support available for prospective investors, the critical importance of due diligence, and why Malta remains a natural launchpad for regional expansion.

Question 1:

Malta Enterprise has returned to Libya after a number of years. What is the primary objective of Malta Enterprise in Libya?

The primary objective of Malta Enterprise is to attract quality business and investment to Malta. Through our presence in Libya, we want to encourage serious Libyan companies, as well as businesses from across North Africa, to consider Malta as a platform from which they can expand internationally.

 Our objective is to attract  companies looking for genuine economic activity, investment, value creation and employment. We want companies that can grow from Malta and use the country as a base for accessing European and international markets.

Malta is an EU Member State offering a safe and stable political and business environment, a well-established legal and regulatory framework and access to the European Single Market. At the same time, geographically and culturally, Malta has always been very close to North Africa, and particularly to Libya.

Our message to Libyan businesses is therefore quite simple: if you are considering establishing a presence in Europe, diversifying your operations or expanding internationally, Malta is a country you should consider.

 

Question 2:

What does Malta Enterprise offer to companies interested in establishing a business in Malta?

Our role goes beyond simply telling investors about Malta. We want to understand the proposed business project, the company’s objectives and its plans for growth, and then guide the investor towards the opportunities and support that may be available.

Malta Enterprise  offers a broad range of support measures covering areas such as investment, business development, innovation, start-ups, skills development and sustainable investment. Depending on the nature and eligibility of the project, support can include tax credits, cash grants, financing-related assistance and support towards eligible investment and business costs.

The important point is that eligibility depends on the specific project, the company and the applicable scheme. We therefore encourage investors to engage with Malta Enterprise before making major investment decisions, so that the appropriate support and requirements can be properly assessed.

 

Question 3:

You have considerable experience in the business sector, in addition to having served for six years as Malta’s Ambassador to Libya. Do you believe it is now time for Maltese investors to return to Libya?

Libya is a country with significant opportunities, but we also have to be realistic and recognise that it continues to face challenges. Libya has never been an easy market in which to operate and understanding the local business environment is extremely important.

I believe Maltese entrepreneurs have a particular advantage. We are neighbours, we have a long history of commercial relations, and Maltese businesspeople generally understand the Libyan market, culture and business environment very well. Malta is also a trusted partner in Libya.

There are certainly business opportunities, but opportunities must always be considered alongside the risks. Maltese companies interested in doing business in Libya should therefore remain properly informed about the political, economic and security situation and undertake the necessary due diligence before entering the market.

Malta Enterprise works closely with the Embassy of Malta in Libya, with each institution operating within its respective remit, alongside other government entities.

Having spent many years working in Libya, both in the business sector and later as Malta’s Ambassador, I have gained considerable experience and knowledge of the Libyan market and its business environment. Where my experience can be of assistance to a particular Maltese company or business initiative, I would of course be very happy to support the work of the Embassy.

I would therefore encourage Maltese companies considering business activities in Libya to establish contact with the Embassy, which can provide appropriate guidance, including the latest political and security information. Where additional business experience or local market knowledge is useful, Malta Enterprise and the Embassy can work together within their respective roles.

With the right preparation, reliable local partners, proper due diligence and a good understanding of the market, Libya can offer significant opportunities for Maltese businesses.

 

Question 4:

How can a company interested in establishing a business in Malta contact Malta Enterprise in Libya?

The process is very straightforward. Companies can contact Malta Enterprise in Libya by email and provide us with a brief overview of their existing business, their activities and what they are considering doing in Malta.

We will then contact them and, where appropriate, arrange a meeting at our office in PalmCity, Janzur. We can also arrange visits to companies at their own premises because, in many cases, seeing their existing operations gives us a much better understanding of the business, its capabilities and its plans.

From there, we can identify how Malta Enterprise may be able to assist and, where necessary, connect the company with the appropriate teams and institutions in Malta.

I would encourage companies to approach us at an early stage. They do not need to have every detail finalised before contacting us. In fact, an early discussion can be useful because it allows us to understand the proposed investment and explain what may be possible, what requirements apply and where further information may be needed.

 

Question 5:

Why has Malta Enterprise decided to return to Libya, and what message does this send to the Libyan business community?

I think the return of Malta Enterprise sends a very positive message. Malta has always been close to Libya. Our relationship is not only geographical; it is based on many years of friendship, business relations and people-to-people contact.

Malta Enterprise’s return to Libya is another practical step in strengthening this relationship. We want to be physically present, meet Libyan businesses, listen to their plans and explain what Malta can offer.

It is also important that we listen to the Libyan business community. We want to understand what companies are looking for, what challenges they face when considering international expansion and where Malta can genuinely add value.

For a Libyan company wishing to establish a presence in a European country, Malta is a natural option. We are neighbours, we understand each other, and Malta offers the advantage of operating from within the European Union and accessing the European Single Market.

At the same time, Malta offers more than market access. It has developed a business ecosystem covering areas such as technology, manufacturing, logistics, aviation, maritime activities, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and other specialised sectors. Malta Enterprise’s support measures are also designed to encourage investment, growth, innovation, employment and increased competitiveness.

I therefore see our return not simply as reopening a presence in Libya, but as creating another bridge between the Libyan and Maltese business communities.

 

Question 6:

What would you say directly to a Libyan entrepreneur who is considering expanding into Europe?

I would say: come and talk to us.

You do not need to have everything decided before approaching Malta Enterprise. Tell us about your business, what you are doing successfully in Libya, what challenges you are facing and where you want to take the company in the future. We can then discuss whether Malta could form part of that strategy.

Malta should not be seen only as a small domestic market. Its real strength is its position as a European business platform, offering access to the EU market and strong connections with North Africa and the wider Mediterranean region.

For eligible projects, Malta Enterprise can also provide access to a range of support measures designed to encourage investment, business development, innovation, employment and competitiveness.

But the first step is always a conversation. We need to understand the business and its plans before determining whether Malta is the right fit and what support may be available.

For the right Libyan company with a serious international strategy, establishing a presence in Malta could be an important step towards European and international expansion.

Malta Enterprise is back in Libya. Our door is open, and we are ready to meet and engage with the Libyan business community.