Amazon expresses interest in strengthening partnership with Malta

Global e-commerce leader Amazon has signalled its intention to deepen collaboration with Malta following high-level discussions between company executives and Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The meeting, held at Malta's embassy in New York, focused on exploring future partnerships and identifying synergies between the technology giant and Malta's growing digital economy sector.

Amazon's cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), already maintains an active presence in Malta, serving multiple local clients. Company representatives acknowledged Malta's substantial advancement in digital transformation and technological innovation during the discussions.

The AWS delegation, led by vice president Susan Pointer and AWS director Franco Spicciariello, said its programmes which support start-ups and digital skills “could be of greater benefit to Malta.” This would be another string to the bow of Malta’s flourishing start-up ecosystem with Europe Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA) recently labelling the country as the EU’s fourth most attractive location for innovative start-ups.

Amazon executives noted that Malta Vision 2050 “aligns with the long-term AWS strategy”, adding that “a sound regulatory environment can serve to attract and grow investment”. = The vision is a national initiative shaping Malta’s long-term economic development and sets a clear direction for the economy with measurable targets for 2035 and beyond.

Prime Minister Abela emphasized that Malta's strategic planning through Vision 2050 is generating increased attention from major international corporations. The Amazon discussions represent part of a broader trend of global technology companies exploring opportunities within Malta's business ecosystem.

"Through the opportunities that this long-term vision can create for our country, we can see major companies edging closer to the Malta’s business and technology ecosystem”, Abela noted following the meeting.

Malta has been actively pursuing growth in the technology sector as part of its strategy to diversify the economy. It has already started attracting various international technology companies in recent years, thanks to its innovative regulatory environment, strategic location between Europe and the Middle East, and cohort of English-speaking industry professionals.

While these were only preliminary discussions, both sides indicated that they would be open to exploring a more concrete partnership that benefits both Malta’s digital economy and strengthens Amazon’s presence on the island.