A light regulatory touch has long attracted companies to establish R&D and manufacturing plants for generic pharmaceuticals in Malta in the knowledge that products developed on the island can be launched globally immediately on the expiry of the originator drug – a massive draw factor for cost- and time-concious generics companies.

Building on this base, Malta continues to seek niches in which it can establish competitive advantages. The KOLs, government officials and company heads featured in this report touch on many of these new niches – including medical tourism, medical cannabis production, clinical research, as well as distribution and logistics – capitalizing on Malta’s highly strategic geographic position as a link between Europe and Africa.