Hot on the heels of the European Commissions’ affirmation, in its Winter 2016 Economic Forecast, that the main engine of economic growth in 2015 continued to be investment, the latest figures on foreign direct investment (FDI) published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Friday 12th February 2016 show that FDI flows in Malta, increased in all productive sectors during the first half of 2015.

Total FDI flows increased by €3.0 billion in the first six months of 2015 when compared to the corresponding period in 2014, while FDI flows in the Maltese productive non-banking sectors increased by €31.9 million.

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FINANCE

Whereas in 2012 the manufacturing sector, the professional, technical and scientific activities sector, and the other activities sector each recorded negative inflows of FDI, in the first half of 2015 all three sectors registered positive inflows. Indeed, in total these three sectors recorded a negative inflow of €106.8 million in the first half of 2012, in contrast to a total positive inflow of €59.4 million in the corresponding period of 2015.

Worthy of note is the hefty growth in inflows of FDI in the first half of 2015 in the information and communication sector and the transportation, accommodation and real estate activities sector.

Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna commented: “This is yet another attestation that the recurrent statements that Malta’s economy is strong and enjoys a robust growth outlook are not just a groundless slogan but are indeed backed by data. The increase in inward FDI in all productive sectors of our economy is boosting investment in Malta, positively impacting economic growth and employment, and this is the direct result of this Government’s commitment to make Malta more attractive to FDI. The Government is committed to continue to improve the country’s attractiveness to investors, particularly by eliminating the remaining bureaucratic disincentives to setting up shop in Malta.”

As a result of the positive performance in inflows of FDI, the stock position of FDI in Malta increased significantly in the first half of 2015, rising to €148.2 billion as at end of June, up from €136.5 billion a year earlier.

Friday 12th February 2016