https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34795 2026-04-05T12:29:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34926 Title: The role of the private sector in export strategy development Abstract: A strong united voice from the private sector is vital to promote the importance of trade in national development plans. In recent years, there has been much greater awareness of the need to engage the private sector directly in policy dialogue, particularly in trade negotiations related to enhanced market access. This has been further accelerated by the global financial crisis, which has put a spotlight on the economic importance of strong enterprises and their contribution to socioeconomic well-being. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34924 Title: Helping small firms trade effectively with the Internet Abstract: The case of Malta shows how a national trade promotion organization can help SMEs take advantage of the Internet to boost exports. In Malta, trade promotion necessarily starts with creating visibility for the country. Due to its small size, foreign investors and potential commercial partners do not see or hear enough about Malta to appreciate its potential as a supplier of goods and services. Few people know that Malta manufactures and exports a broad spectrum of products ranging from sophisticated industrial equipment and semi-conductors to general consumer goods such as giftware and furniture, to management and financial services. Few know that Malta's export-per-capita ratio exceeds that of some of the most developed economies. Trade support institutions have an important role in Malta, to firmly establish Malta on the world trade map. As the national trade promotion organization, the Malta External Trade Corporation (METCO) is the lead agency responsible for projecting Malta's image as a business partner. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z