Currently, the bulk of Malta's
internally generated revenues come from foreign-owned industry
and tourism. After the British navy left, the government paid
considerable attention to social measures such as public housing,
welfare payments, and medical facilities.
Tourism accounts for more than one third of the country's
national income. More than one million people visit Malta
annually. The second largest industry is agriculture. Crops
such as potatoes, onions and grapes are are exported to mainland
Europe. Ship repairs done at the dockyards on Malta still
provide an appreciable portion of the country's income, however
this is declining, reflecting the international scene. Malta's
manufacturing industry has grown considerably in recent years
and is also an important source of income, especially in the
fields of electronics and textiles.
LABOUR FORCE
Total: 127,200. By occupation: 37 percent are employed by
government, 26 percent in services, 22 percent in manufacturing,
9 percent in training programs, 4 percent in construction,
and 2 percent in agriculture.
BUSINESS CULTURE
Malta combines history and romance, lying as it does halfway
between Europe and Africa and therefore subject to cultural
ambivalence. Maltese generally have a relaxed attitude toward
business protocol, but the longer-established firms tend to
retain some of the reserve British culture is noted for. The
only thing foreign businesspeople can expect is variety; there
is no one sure method for dealing with Maltese businesses.
Punctuality is always appreciated.
BUSINESS ATTIRE
Light clothing is adequate in summer as the weather can become
quite warm. Layering is appropriate in winter as it can get
somewhat cool. Dress conservatively for business meetings
and official occasionions. |