As we move towards the third decade of the 21st century, it is undeniable that India is a major international financial and corporate powerhouse. Indian capital and corporate capability are major influences on global business. With this dynamic comes choice for Indians, and a major reversal of the recent historical experience. Many of the historical “Indian” communities around the world are not the result of positive choice. Whilst the Indian diaspora has been remarkably successful around the world, from East Africa to the UK and beyond, it cannot be denied that this success has come against a challenging backdrop and was not always the result of a positive choice. Today however a new generation of Indian business leaders have the choice to base themselves where a globalised world brings them the most advantage. Indian businesses are now global businesses. Indian corporate leaders are globally respected and are in demand across all major industrial vertical sectors. From technology to finance; from oil and gas to retail, Indian leaders are in serious demand. This demand brings a new decision for the Indian ultra-high net worth community. We are witnessing the creation of a new Indian diaspora, one that is the result of personal choice based on massive global corporate and financial success. So, where do the leaders of a new generation of “Global Indians” want to base themselves? Where makes most sense form both a business sense, but also in terms of lifestyle? As global leaders in the residency and citizenship planning, Henley & Partners knows that the answer is always entirely individual. There is no “standard” model, because all our clients have their own unique success story. However, we have seen a long standing and significant Indian interest in Malta as a base for Global Indians looking to access European and global markets. This is perhaps unsurprising, given Malta and India’s ties and Malta’s unique status as an historical trading and meeting point.
Malta & India; Historical ties, modern bonds
The Maltese global Indian community were originally the leaders of the Maltese silk trade, running family owned businesses that developed over decades through both the 19th and early 20th Century. The community remains an integral if small part of Maltese society, entirely integrated into modern Maltese economy and society. Significantly, the lines of communication remained in place following the independence of both India and Malta. International treaties have been agreed to facilitate efficient global trade, with significant Indian FDI flowing into Malta such as the Indian pharmaceutical company Aurobindo Pharma, which has invested €16 million and set up a manufacturing plant in Hal Far. The economic relationships are not purely industrial and investment based. Malta has built on its very strong tourism and hospitality industry and has provided an incredible venue for Indian wedding celebrations. The most expensive wedding in Maltese history was for an Indian couple, cost €2m, took place over three separate locations and was truly spectacular. With India’s growing global trading and economic muscle combined to a globally mobile population and Malta’s investor friendly policies combined with its strategic location, this relationship is set to grow and grow.
Malta as an international trading and cultural centre Malta has a unique global position. At the heart of the Mediterranean. It was for many years a fortress; however it would be wrong to overlook Malta’s role as a gateway, and meeting place between “West” & “East” and between “North” & “South”. Malta was and remains a place where diverse cultures interact and trade. Proudly both Maltese & European, the Maltese people are entirely welcoming to anyone that wishes to either visit or invest in the Maltese islands. We have been here for almost twenty years and I can honestly say I’ve never felt less than at home.
Malta as a natural FDI location
Over the past decades, the Maltese economy, backed by the necessary legislation, has diversified well in the highend manufacturing and services industries, establishing Malta as a sound financial jurisdiction, a popular tourist destination, and a hub for the information and communications technology and gaming industries. According to the latest EU forecast, Malta’s economic growth is expected to remain well above the EU average, securing the country’s public finance surplus and recordlow unemployment levels. The combination of Malta’s strategic location, EU & Schengen membership and investor friendly policy means that it is an ideal gateway for international investors looking to establish an EU presence. Malta creates multiple exciting possibilities for a new generation of Global Indians.
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals, families and their advisors rely on our expertise and experience in this area. Our highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 30 offices worldwide. The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s. As globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among the increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors whom we proudly serve every day.
The community remains an integral if small part of Maltese society, entirely integrated into modern Maltese economy and society.”
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