The European Union (EU) needs the contribution of Malta and all its Member States in order to be competitive in the global value chain of the semiconductor industry, Prime Minister Robert Abela said.
The Prime Minister made this statement as he addressed the opening of the European Forum for Electronic Components and Systems (EFECS), being organised for the first time in Malta through the work of Malta Enterprise.
"A competitive Europe requires that all Member States, regardless of size, can contribute to and benefit from the semiconductor value chain. For this reason, Malta reiterates that all Member States must benefit from the European Competitiveness Fund, ensuring balanced growth and EU-wide technological resilience", Abela remarked.
He spoke of Malta's longstanding strengths and growing ambition within the industry: "Our semiconductor sector is built on a proud 50-year legacy, anchored by the presence of STMicroelectronics, whose operations have been central in shaping Malta's technological capabilities and industrial resilience," the Prime Minister stated. "This sector continues to make a significant contribution to capital investment, high-quality employment, and export performance."
He said that Malta now stands at a "pivotal moment," as the country continues moving up the value chain through higher-value, technology-driven activities that deliver long-term economic and social benefits. "Our focus is clear: to continue enhancing productivity and generating higher-value activity that translates into a better quality of life for our citizens," he added as he referenced Malta Vision 2050.
A key highlight of Malta's forward strategy is the establishment of the Malta Semiconductor Competence Centre, designed to strengthen local expertise, promote advanced manufacturing techniques, and support the development of innovative technologies, a government statement read. Complementing this initiative is a semiconductor start-up incubator programme, developed by Malta Enterprise in partnership with Silicon Catalyst, aimed at nurturing early-stage innovators and attracting international talent, it added.
"Government is also formulating Malta's national Semiconductor Strategy, built through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, academia, and international partners. This strategy will define future national priorities, identify emerging opportunities, and consolidate Malta's position within the European semiconductor value chain."
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister underscored Malta's growing potential to serve as a European hub for specialised semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, testing services, and sustainable semiconductor processes.
The Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri held that around the world, semiconductors have become essential to our economies and our daily lives. "Malta recognised this early on. We may not have natural resources beneath our soil, but we chose to invest in this strategic resource of the future, proving that even a small nation, with a clear direction, can play a meaningful role in Europe's technological competitiveness. Today, this vision is delivering results, and we are strengthening our systems so that our people can benefit from even better opportunities," Minister Schembri said.