A new scheme will help entrepreneurs look beyond Malta's shores and explore the possibility of franchising their business abroad.
The scheme will be managed by Malta Enterprise and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry with the help of a consulting firm, the International Franchise Centre.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said access to foreign markets was much easier following EU and eurozone accession, particularly through the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and persons.
He said business delegations were regularly given the opportunity to meet other businesses from around the world to establish new contacts and create new links.
Franchising allows businesses to set up branches of an existing brand in another country, operating on the same business model and using established trademarks, signage, proprietary products and systems.