Although the EU as a whole is Malta’s major commercial partner, bilateral relations with Portugal have been, until now, of little significance and carrying little weight in the commercial accounts of the two countries.

In the period between January and May of 2007, Malta was Portugal’s 78th client and its 89th supplier, with a proportion of 0.02% of total Portuguese imports as well as of exports.

In 2006, Portugal was Malta’s 28th supplier, contributing 0.28% of its imports.

Portuguese exports to Malta are primarily concentrated on particular products. About half of the exported value is made up of two groups of products: paper cellulose pulp and wood and cork.

On the other hand, imports from Malta are even more concentrated: 69% of the total value pertains to two particular groups: mineral fuels and chemical products.

The pattern of bilateral commerce is of an unstable nature, thus indicating the necessity of greater efforts by businessmen and entities in both countries to intensify the knowledge of their respective potential.

Malta has a marginal role in investment influx into Portugal. Although 2001 saw a net investment of Eur 27.235 million, subsequent years were marked by acute disinvestment, especially in 2006, when a net disinvestment of Eur 19 million was registered.

As regards (PODI) Portuguese Overseas Direct Investment, up to 2007 this was practically inexistent vis-à-vis Malta. In the period 2001-2006, it was only in 2004 that there was an investment of Euros 583,000.  This year, Malta placed 56th in the ranking of destinations for net PODI.

In 2007, BANIF commenced operations in Malta, thus altering this situation. A total investment of Euros 25 million and the creation of 300 jobs are planned in this regard.

Even as regards tourism, Malta’s contribution as a country of origin is marginal. In 2006, Portugal registered 4,700 bednights in hotel establishments from the Maltese market, from a total of 44.407 million. April and August appear to be the most sought after months while Lisbon, followed by the Centro Region, appear to attract the largest share of Maltese tourists.