The Double Tax Agreement between Poland and Malta was signed in 1994 and came into force in 1995. The two countries have signed a number of other bilateral intergovernmental agreements over the years, including economic, commercial, aviation, healthcare and cultural and scientific cooperation agreements.
Polish-Maltese trade is growing constantly and has increased significantly over this last decade. In 2007 Polish exports to Malta were valued at €15.4 million and imports from Malta amounted to approximately €12.5 million. Statistics indicate that commerce between the two states reached €27 million in 2010. Poland chiefly exports organic chemicals, tobacco, meat, vegetables, tools, base metal, cars, electrical machinery and parts. Goods imported from Malta include pharmaceutical products, rubber, plastics, boilers, machinery and mechanical parts.
There are concrete business opportunities and incentives for Maltese investors in Poland. Malta, too, has become very competitive in the fields of financial services, maritime sector, pharmaceutical products and medical equipment, information technology and telecommunications and the teaching of English language. In recent years, Polish IT specialists have moved to Malta to work for Maltese branches of various international companies. Some Polish nationals also run small businesses in the field of transportation and tourism. Others work as employees in gastronomy and hotel services. Participation in the two states’ respective international trade fairs further helps to promote trade exchanges.
The boosting of economic activity remains a top priority. The opening of a Polish embassy in Malta in 2008 reflects the close, friendly and cooperative relations between Poland and Malta. The then Polish Ambassador to Malta Mr. Chmielewski had opined that “Poland is a country seeking new partners for developments of European programmes linked to information technology and Malta is perceived by the Polish government as a very attractive partner in this activity.” In 2010 Malta opened an embassy in Warsaw to further promote the relations between the two countries.
In October 2002, President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco visited Poland on a State Visit and met former President Kwasniewski, who in March 2004 paid a reciprocal visit to Malta. In 2010 former Solidarity leader and President of the Polish Republic Lech Walesa paid a visit to Malta and in 2011 President Emeritus Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami returned the visit. A delegation of Maltese businessmen accompanied him to Poland to explore business opportunities in sectors such as ICT, food preparation, pharmaceutical products, travel and construction.
[Full List of Malta Double Taxation Agreements]
