Internationalisation is a challenging yet rewarding journey, requiring ambition, resilience, innovation and sustained commitment, yet, across a diverse range of sectors, Malta-based exporters are rising to these challenges, breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success on the international stage.

Celebrating their achievements means recognising not only how far they have come, but also the courage, perseverance and commitment it takes to be successful globally and contribute to Malta’s growing presence in international markets.

Against this backdrop, TradeMalta has officially launched the fourth edition of the Malta International Business Awards (MIBA 2027), recognising and celebrating the outstanding successes and achievements of Malta-based exporters in international markets. At the heart of this year’s edition are four revamped award categories, designed to better reflect the diverse internationalisation journeys and achievements of Malta-based exporters across different sectors and stages of international growth.  For the first time, participation is free of charge, encouraging more successful exporters to come forward, share their internationalisation stories and gain recognition for their success, while the Awards continue to uphold their commitment to a fair, independent, and evidence-based judging process.

TradeMalta CEO Tania Brown described internationalisation as fundamental to Malta’s economic strength. “Malta has always been an outward-looking economy, and our relatively limited domestic market has made international trade an essential driver of growth and competitiveness,” she said. “When Malta-based companies expand internationally, the benefits extend well beyond their own commercial success, stimulating local supply chains, encouraging innovation, supporting higher-value employment and strengthening our resilience to external shocks.”

Among the changes this year is the removal of the registration fee, making participation in the Awards completely free for the first time. “We wanted to remove barriers and encourage broader participation,” Ms Brown explained. “We want companies to come forward, share their internationalisation story and be recognised on merit, achievement and potential.”

The Awards have also been restructured around four categories designed to reflect different stages of international business development. The Micro and Small Exporter Excellence Award recognises smaller enterprises competing in international markets, taking into account their size and resources. The Medium and Large Exporter Excellence Award rewards sustained international performance, strategic investment and measurable economic impact. The Emerging Exporter Award acknowledges businesses that have secured their first international sales or contracts, while the Export Innovation and Diversification Award recognises companies using new products, technologies, business models or market-entry strategies to expand overseas. One of the four category winners will also receive the Overall Export Excellence Award.

“Success is not always measured by the absolute size of a company,” Ms Brown noted. “It must also be assessed in how effectively a business leverages its resources, capabilities and innovation to achieve international growth, and the wider value it creates for Malta’s economy through its contribution to exports, competitiveness and economic development.”

The adjudication process will place particular emphasis on evidence-based assessment. Applications will first undergo technical evaluation and due diligence conducted by TradeMalta in collaboration with Grant Thornton. Shortlisted companies will then present their achievements and growth strategies to a judging panel comprising representatives of TradeMalta, its shareholders, the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, together with representatives of HSBC Bank Malta, the Awards’ strategic partner. The panel will be chaired by an independent chairperson with extensive expertise in international trade.

The launch event was also addressed by Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, who emphasised how international competition can strengthen businesses as they grow. Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, referred to proposals in the Chamber’s pre-budget document Reset & Lead, aimed at supporting and strengthening internationalisation, noting that geographic size is no barrier to world-class achievement. Joyce Grech, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC, the Awards’ strategic partner, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting TradeMalta and the Awards, reflecting its ethos of collaboration.

Applications for MIBA 2027 opened on 12th October 2026 and close on 16th November 2026. The awards ceremony will take place on 5th March 2027.

“Whether you are an established exporter, a smaller company competing overseas, a business that has recently entered its first international market, or one that is innovating and diversifying its exports, we want to hear your story. Malta may be a small domestic market, but that is not a limitation to the international ambition of the businesses that call it home,” Ms Brown concluded.

The Malta International Business Awards are organised and administered by TradeMalta, in collaboration with HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. as Strategic Partner and with the participation of Grant Thornton. The Awards are endorsed by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

For more information and to apply, visit TradeMalta.org/MIBA or contact the MIBA team at [email protected].