Japan represents, in fact, Malta’s 6th biggest Trade Partner outside the European Union. Malta’s highest trade surplus for 2018 is with Japan with importation standing at around €67m, exportation at around €150m and with trade balance standing at a surplus of around €84m. 

“Our goal is to improve the level of trade by assisting the development of further business opportunities between Japan and Malta”, said Mr Micallef.

The President of the Malta-Japan Chamber of Commerce Anthony Micallef stated that 44 companies in Malta export to Japan products like steel, metal alloys and electrical switches. 

In addition, the minister spoke about Malta’s commitment to open an embassy in Japan by 2020 as part of its holistic strategy to expand its horizons worldwide. The preparations are currently underway in the identification of premises, according to the DOI press statement. 

The representatives present of the Malta-Japan Chamber of Commerce were President Anthony Micallef, General Secretary Stephanie Mizzi, Treasurer Joseph Pirotta and Council Member Jesmond Pace. 

The Ambassador of Malta to Japan André Spiteri and Chief Executive Officer of Trade Malta Anton Buttigieg were also present. 

Mr Abela also noted that Malta has politically supported Japan’s bid to host the World Expo in the city of Osaka between 3 May and 3 November 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

The post Maltese foreign minister talks boosting business with Japan first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Anthony Buttigieg fills the position of Chief Banking Officer in his new role. He joined APS Bank as Head of Banking in 2016 after working for Mid-Med Bank and HSBC Bank Malta in successively senior and executive positions, including that of regional director. Over a career of 41 years, he has headed teams and projects in commercial, retail and direct banking, contact centre and risk. 

Aaron Mifsud has been appointed as Head of Retail. He joined APS Bank in 2000 and over the years held positions as a commercial relationship manager and branch manager. He held the position of senior manager retail in 2017 with overall responsibility for the retail branch network and sits on the Bank’s Management Credit Committee. Mr Mifsud has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Financial Services and is also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Mario Gauci is now the Head of Commercial. He joined APS Bank in 2014 and was appointed Senior Manager Commercial in 2017. He started his career with Mid-Med Bank in 1981 and spent a period of secondment with Investment Finance Bank. Since 1994 and over a 20-year span he held senior positions including with HSBC Bank Malta, as deputy head of credit, area commercial manager and deputy head of corporate banking. Mario is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Financial Services.

“These appointments reflect the scaling up of responsibilities in line with the growth and transformation of the bank. We congratulate Anthony, Aaron and Mario, professionals of many years’ experience, as they take over their new roles,” said CEO Marcel Cassar.

The post APS Bank names three new senior managers first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.