The Malta Federation of Industry (FOI) has been established since 1946 as an independent voice of the small, medium and large manufacturing and services enterprises, which constitute industry in Malta. The Federation's core services fall under the headings of:

¤ Representation (whether of an individual, sectoral or national nature);

¤ Influential/lobbying function with legislators, unions, other employer organisations and public opinion (through various meetings, conferences, seminars, reports and media):

¤ Promotional role (in developing its members' operations and investment in their enterprise through the setting up of various bodies);

¤ Being a contact point (for advice, information, discussion, and other business services, which support its members' efforts);

¤ Acting as a link point for its members with various business organisations in other countries of Europe and the Mediterranean region (this would also include the services of the Malta Business Bureau Brussels Office and Malta-based EU Help desk in providing its members with more knowledge about the European Union).

However, the FOI is continuously updating the already wide array of specific services that it offers its members, which include the following:

¤ Dissemination of export and joint venture opportunities, and other enquiries regarding licensing, franchising and subcontracting arrangements, etc. The FOI notifies its members of any serious business proposals received.

¤ Issue of certificates of origin and authentication of trade documents;

¤ Free subscription to FOI publications;

¤ Provision of independent advice to its members and prospective investors to Malta;

¤ Circulation of FOI reports, position papers and studies on issues of interest to industry;

¤ Circulars to keep FOI members regularly informed on issues of concern;

¤ Regular information updates being offered free of charge exclusively to FOI members (currently available relate to environment, social policy, EU funding opportunities, EU developments, shipping, information technology, health and safety);

¤ Monthly notification of new legislation and regulations (acts, legal notices, exemption of levies, national standards, and maximum prices); as well as information on various business opportunities and conferences being held;

¤ Organisation of information meetings, management education courses, seminars and conferences;

¤ Distribution of members' press releases to all media channels; and

¤ Regular updates through the FOI Website.

The above list is by no means exhaustive and is continuously on the increase. In fact, the list does not mention the beneficial services being provided to FOI members by the FOI sponsoring partners.

Want to know more on how your firm can benefit through FOI membership? Please contact the FOI on 2123-4428, 2122-2074 or e-mail info@foi.org.mt.