New opportunities for Malta also explored with international partners
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, led the Maltese delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM 2026, in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting brought together leaders from 56 countries, ranging from some of the smallest states to some of the world's largest economies, in the presence of King Charles III, with whom Dr Borg also had an exchange during the events. Foreign ministers and representatives of organisations and businesses also attended.
Dr Borg stressed that these meetings strengthen cooperation between member countries to create investment opportunities, quality jobs and more resilient economies.
During the leaders' executive session, Dr Borg explained that one of the main challenges is ensuring that investment also reaches smaller economies. He emphasised that good ideas need to be developed into well-prepared projects with clear implementation plans to attract the necessary financing. In this context, he stressed the importance of countries cooperating and learning from one another's best practices.
Dr Borg shared Malta's experience, highlighting how, despite its size, the country has continued to develop through an open economy, connectivity, stability and investment in people's skills. He stressed that the success of investment should be measured by the benefits it leaves behind, including good jobs, stronger local businesses, new skills and greater use of technology.
He also noted that Malta's strong economy enables the Maltese Government to continue supporting families and businesses, even amid international challenges such as those faced today, which featured prominently in the discussions. He emphasised that keeping people at the centre of decisions remains the guiding principle of the Maltese Government's policies.
In light of these challenges and the importance of strengthening the resilience of our economies, the Deputy Prime Minister also addressed maritime security and the protection of trade routes and undersea infrastructure. He cited cooperation between Malta and Antigua and Barbuda on the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring as an example of joint efforts to address shared challenges.
Dr Borg was also invited to address the Commonwealth Business Forum, where he took part in the session “Beyond Superpowers: The Rise of New Economies", attended by industry leaders and representatives of international companies. He discussed trade and investment opportunities, including for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“I am proud to have led the Maltese delegation to another CHOGM meeting. We came together for a number of events and meetings, including discussions among leaders on the values and principles that unite us, our historical ties and the many opportunities we can create by working together. We also underlined that, when facing challenges, politics must always keep people at its centre. My colleague, Minister Chris Fearne, and I took every opportunity to make Malta's voice heard on peace, the fight against climate change, cooperation and other important issues. We also held bilateral meetings to build relationships that can open new doors for our country," Dr Borg concluded.
