Trade Malta – International Trade Promotion Incentive Scheme

Global markets open up a world of opportunities for ambitious businesses. Companies willing to gear up for international competition often become more creative with their products, services, and internal operations. The International Trade Promotion Incentive Scheme (ITPIS) is here to help businesses aiming to go global or those already exporting who want to reach new or existing international markets with their offerings.

Eligible Undertakings:

       i.          Undertaking incorporated under the Companies Act Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta being a partnership en nom collectif, en commandite or a limited liability company.

      ii.          Self-employed persons registered with Jobsplus.

     iii.          Co-operatives with the Co-operatives Board.

Eligible NACE Codes:

B – Mining and Quarrying

C – Manufacturing

E38 – Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery

E39 – Remediation activities and other waste management services

F42 – Civil engineering

F43 – Specialised construction activities

J58 – Publishing activities

J59 – Motion picture, video and television programmes production, sound recording and music publishing activities

J62 – Computer programming, consultancy and related activities

J63.1 – Data processing, hosting and related activities; web portals

M71 – Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis

M72 – Scientific research and development

M74.3 – Translation and interpretation activities

M77.4 – Leasing of intellectual property and similar products, except copyrighted works (franchise Agreements)

N82.2 – Activities of call centres

P – Education

Q86 – Human health activities

R90 – Creative arts and entertainment activities

Specifically excluded NACE codes:

Section A – Agriculture, forestry and finishing

Section K – Financial and insurance activities

Section L – Real estate, renting and business activities

Section N79 – Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation services and related activities

Section R92 – Gambling and betting activities

Further exclusions include undertaking defaulting on VAT, Income Tax and National Insurance; public entities; as well as undertaking involved in the manufacturing, trading or dealing in arms, ammunition and military equipment and hardware.

Maximum Aid:

€30,000 per year to a single undertaking

Aid Intensity:

SMEs –

-        50% of eligible costs

-        Per Diem costs shall be reimbursed at up to 50% of the official government rate

Large Enterprises –

-        40% of eligible costs

-        Per Diem costs shall be reimbursed at up to 40% of the official government rate

De Minimis rules apply

Exhibiting in Trade Fairs

Trade Malta seeks to support eligible undertakings in facilitating participation at B2B international trade events and fairs. Such events in turn support the presence and business development function of the eligible undertaking in the international market.

Type of Assistance:

Reimbursement

Applications for support under this schedule should be received by TradeMalta at least:

-        3 months prior to the first day of the event for real-life events

-        1 month prior to the first day of the event for virtual/online events

Eligible events:

a)     A B2B international trade event or fair, organised by a third party, shall be considered as an eligible event where the applicant is present as an exhibitor with a managed promotional stand, promoting the undertaking’s products and services to other economic operators

b)     Eligibility is applicable to the participation of the undertaking at both real-life and virtual/online B2B international trade events or fairs

Eligible Costs:

• Rental of exhibition space and/or stand paid directly or indirectly to the event organisers.
• Stand design including design and printing of backdrops, posters, banners and pop-up banners that are an integral part of the stand
• Design of other marketing collateral such as presentations (for online events only)
• Promotional material which is branded for the event.
• Subcontracted stand construction services.
• Rental of display aids.
• Freight expenses incurred for shipping materials and exhibits required to set up and run the exhibition space and/or stand
• Interpretation services specifically procured by the undertaking during the trade event or fair.
• WIFI connection paid by the undertaking at the event.
• Registration charges.
• Administration charges related to the setting up of the stand.
• Travel and Per Diem costs covering one (1) representative (employee or director) of the undertaking required to manage the exhibition space and/or stand.
• Travel and Per Diem costs covering a second representative (employee or director) of the undertaking required to manage the exhibition space and/or stand (where the stand is larger than 25sqm)

Trade and Business Missions (real-life and virtual events)

Businesses that qualify can get support to join in-person or virtual trade missions organized by TradeMalta. These missions are a great way to foster collaboration and business growth. They give participants the chance to boost their international presence and learn how to navigate specific markets.

Type of Assistance:

The application process for support under this schedule would be specified in the official event information published by TradeMalta. Applications are to be submitted as instructed in the expression of interest.

Eligible events:

Trade and Business Missions organised by TradeMalta as announced in relevant Expression of Interests issued by TradeMalta.

Eligible Costs:

Travel costs and Per Diem covering one (1) representative (employee or director) in an undertaking participating in the event in the case of a live event only. The maximum number of days covered by the Per Diem shall be limited to the number of full calendar days covered by the trade mission. Travel and Per Diem will be calculated in line with Section 7.1. The official event information published by TradeMalta may indicate a specific capping of fixed reimbursement for the event.

Market Research

Acquisition of market research tools, including industry and consumer reports, as well as statistical data from specialized data and market research providers. These resources can help businesses make informed decisions, identify market trends, and better understand their target audience, ultimately enhancing their competitive edge and strategic planning.

Type of Assistance:

Reimbursement

Eligible Costs:

Commissioning of bespoke marketing intelligence from specialised international market research companies.

The purchase of such reports or market intelligence must be pre-approved by TradeMalta.

Digital Marketing

Businesses may receive support to cover expenses related to digital marketing, including advertising on major search engines, social media, and other specialized online platforms.

Type of Assistance:

Reimbursement

Eligible Costs:

• Direct advertising on the main search engines (such as Google Ads or Bing Ads), as long as the expense is targeting an international market;
• Direct advertising on the main social media platforms (such as LinkedIn or Facebook) as long as the expense is targeting an international market;
• Other online platforms with direct digital advertising capabilities such as Taboola, Outbrain, Capterra, Reddit, Quora and others; especially industry and audience specific online platforms.
• Digital design costs (visuals, graphics, etc.) of the marketing campaign.

References:

https://www.trademalta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/International-Trade-Promotion-Incentive-Scheme-2023-v2-1.pdf

https://www.trademalta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Elegible-sectors_2021.pdf