Malta Enterprise launched the Blue Med, a new initiative focusing on assisting businesses to develop further the blue economic potential in Malta.
Incorporated within the organisational structure of Malta Enterprise, the Blue
Med specifically targets local and international disruptors and innovators, in emerging blue economic niches. At the same time, it supports and assists traditional blue economic sectors in embracing innovative business solutions, making their business operation more sustainable in the long run.
Speaking during the launch event of the Blue Med, Minister Miriam Dalli noted that this initiative is an important pledge of this Government’s electoral programme, and its implementation marks a new milestone in Malta’s commitment towards a sustainable economy.
“The Government is fully committed to join the ranks of forward-thinking nations by embarking on a path toward long-term prosperity and global leadership in the blue economy arena. The Blue Med will take us one step closer to positioning Malta as a Hub for blue economic activities, creating many new employment opportunities in several related sectors,” Miriam Dalli said.
In recent months, Malta Enterprise has actively undertaken measures to channel the Blue Med's focus towards attracting vital, innovative enterprises in the Maltese blue economy. Furthermore, the Blue Med is also ensuring that businesses can benefit from mentorship and guidance from industry experts through its collaboration with international organisations such as the OECD, World Ocean Council, and Sustainable Ocean Alliance.
Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Malta Enterprise, referred to the growing number of businesses and investors that are channelling their investments into the sustainable blue economy. He added that there are ample business opportunities to harness through the sustainable use and management of ocean resources.
“Through the setting up of Blue Med as a focal point for blue economic businesses, Malta Enterprise is reinforcing its foundations to ensure that the blue economy is given the push it deserves. The Blue Med is also focusing its efforts on those blue economy sectors that are compatible with our nation's socio-economic and environmental needs,” Farrugia said.
As the first concrete initiative of the Blue Med, Malta Enterprise also launched an international challenge, inviting enterprises having innovative commercial solutions that address sustainable development goal 14 (SDG14) – “Life below water” to participate in the first edition of the Sustainable Development Goal Challenge.
Applications must be submitted through the client portal of Malta Enterprise, accessible through the following link: https://clientportal.maltaenterprise.com/login
For more information on the Blue Med and the SDG14 international challenge is available on [email protected]