Internationalisation is really the only way for a successful business to continue growing in Malta

Source: Whoswho

Date: 04/09/2023

By: Edward Bonello

TradeMalta’s Head of Trade Promotion, Richard Scerri explains how the organisation’s bespoke intensive course ‘Go Global, Internationalisation and Export Management Training Course’, equips aspiring businesses to venture beyond Malta’s shores.

TradeMalta’s Head of Trade Promotion, Richard Scerri explains how the organisation’s bespoke intensive course ‘Go Global, Internationalisation and Export Management Training Course’, equips aspiring businesses to venture beyond Malta’s shores.

Many successful businesses in Malta quickly out-grow the local market and start looking for internationalisation opportunities. However, this is where the game changes considerably, and a great deal of different elements come into play, which might catch someone unfamiliar, unawares. For example, it would be gravely ill-advised for a male to reach out to shake hands with a female counterpart in a Muslim country where such a situation can bring an element of discomfort for all involved. The proper way of showing someone a friendly gesture in this case would be to place one’s open hand on one’s chest, showing a sentiment of welcome.

This is just one example of how cultural sensitivity plays a significant role when venturing the exciting world of internationalisation – a subject that TradeMalta, the organisation that supports Malta-based businesses and their exportation ambitions, know all too well. Richard Scerri, Head of Trade Promotion explains how TradeMalta offers a series of initiatives to assist businesses that are considering exporting their goods and services abroad.

“We know that the entire idea of internationalisation can be rather daunting, especially for someone who would be doing this for the first time. That is why TradeMalta is geared to provide hands on assistance to businesses that want to grow beyond Malta’s economy, into an international market,” Richard describes.

In fact, TradeMalta places a series of tools at the disposal of businesses, including organising trade missions, support to exhibit at trade shows, assistance for international digital marketing and many more.

Most significantly however is TradeMalta’s bespoke intensive course ‘Go Global – an Internationalisation and Export Management Training Course’, which promises to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to successfully master the art of internationalisation.

“It is a short but intensive course, specifically designed to provide a discussion-based environment best suited to benefit the participants. The topics chosen are all hands-on subjects, crucial in the area, such as strategy design, management imperatives, digitalisation, legal issues, marketing, networking, financials, creativity, and innovation, among others. The lecturers involved are a unique compliment of professionals, academics, and seasoned practitioners, with years of experience in teaching, research, and direct involvement with companies. The programme taps into the experience of these lecturers, who are specialist in their respective area, but coordinated together, to provide a seamless learning experience,” Richard explains.

The course, which is now in its seventh intake, is set to start in early October, in fact, the last registrations are being accepted.

“The course is open to all those Malta-based companies that wish to explore internationalisation opportunities. It is aimed at novice exporters as it gives a broad yet detailed overview of anything one will come across in this field,” Richard continues.

“We are especially satisfied when we note participants coming from companies we would have helped in the past. We perceive it as a significant seal of approval as veteran exporters encourage their teams to attend our course, as they see immense value in it.”

Go Global provides a wealth of business skills with a slant towards internationalisation in ten sessions over three months. Panel discussions and networking opportunities are set to make the whole experience the more valuable for participants.  At the end of the module, participants will be expected to present a detailed export marketing plan which they will in turn be required to defend during a viva, in front of a board of seasoned experts.

Most beneficially, after the viva, students will also have the opportunity to attend an ‘Export Clinic’, where they will be guided on how to improve their plan in a private consultation.

“Through Go Global, we want to address a number of misconceptions, offering a platform for discussion for executives who are ambitious about their business future. Export opportunities are not only available for the manufacturing sector, but also for the services sector.,”

“Internationalisation is really the only way for a successful business to continue growing in Malta., we are only too happy to assist Malta-based companies take the plunge, and take their next step towards success,” Richard concludes.

Go Global: Internationalisation and Export Management Training Course is set to run between the 4th October and 6th December 2023, every Wednesday evening, at the Life Sciences Park, San Gwann. Click here for registrations and more information. Prospective applicants may also contact Richard Scerri on Richard.scerri@trademalta.org or send an email to info@trademalta.org