TradeMalta sits at the intersection of ambition and opportunity, guiding Malta-based businesses as they navigate the complexities of internationalisation.
For two of its newest team members, Kylie Ghirxi and Ian Portelli, joining TradeMalta marked a meaningful first step in their professional careers, aligning closely with the organisation’s commitment to supporting local businesses in their international growth.
Ms Ghirxi, Senior Executive for Incentives and Grants, joined TradeMalta last November after completing a master’s degree in economics, building on a solid academic foundation in accounts and economics at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy. Having grown up in a business environment, trade was a constant presence from an early age, giving her an intuitive understanding of how businesses operate.
“When the opportunity at TradeMalta came up, it immediately felt right. The organisation’s mission resonates deeply with me as I have always been interested in a role that allows me to support businesses directly, helping them take their first steps into foreign markets. Today, I am pleased to work within the Incentive Schemes Unit, guiding companies in identifying the schemes they qualify for and supporting them throughout the application process,” Ms Ghirxi explains.
For Mr Portelli, who joined TradeMalta last summer as a Senior Executive within the Trade Promotion Unit, the organisation offered precisely the kind of work he had been seeking. During his studies in Accounts and Economics at the University of Malta, and later while completing his master’s degree in economics, he gained professional experience through roles within an advisory firm, an accounting firm, and the banking sector. Despite this varied exposure, he was always drawn to the dynamic world of trade promotion, describing it as adventurous, varied, and rich in human interaction.
At TradeMalta, Mr Portelli supports local companies in exploring international markets by coordinating structured business missions and trade-related events, including international fairs.
“While attending a trade fair can certainly be beneficial, structured missions often deliver greater impact. They offer bespoke programmes that are carefully designed to maximise value for participating businesses,” Mr Portelli notes.
From Ms Ghirxi’s perspective, demand for TradeMalta’s support continues to grow steadily. “The Global Growth scheme remains extremely popular, alongside our broader portfolio of financial assistance programmes. This includes the Digital Marketing scheme, which still holds significant untapped potential. What I find particularly interesting is that, while businesses may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of internationalisation, many of the challenges they face have already been encountered and successfully addressed by others, and TradeMalta’s guidance can help business grow internationally in a sustainable way,” she reflects.
Her role, she adds, is often about reassurance: helping businesses recognise that the opportunities are tangible and that they are not navigating the process alone.
Mr Portelli agrees, noting that exporting can feel daunting, particularly for companies with strong products but limited experience in foreign markets. “That is where TradeMalta plays a crucial role by providing expertise and access to a trusted network that transforms what may seem like a complex process into a realistic and achievable goal. When necessary, we take a hands-on approach, always focused on helping companies succeed,” he adds.
Although Ms Ghirxi and Mr Portelli hold different role functions, collaboration is a frequent and essential part of their work, particularly when supporting businesses at various stages of their internationalisation journey.
For Ms Ghirxi, working at TradeMalta offers the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals while also contributing fresh perspectives. “I truly value the diversity of backgrounds within our teams. Each colleague brings experience and knowledge, and together we support a wide range of businesses across different sectors,” she remarks.
Mr Portelli echoes this sentiment, describing his first months at TradeMalta as both stimulating and educational. “I see myself as a sponge, constantly absorbing knowledge from colleagues with extensive expertise in business, markets, and internationalisation. I am excited to contribute new ideas and eager to continue growing within the organisation.”
Both agree that what truly distinguishes TradeMalta is its close-knit culture and shared sense of purpose. “It may not be a large organisation, but it is one that fosters strong collaboration and a collective commitment to a mission we all believe in,” they conclude.
Comment from TradeMalta:
"At TradeMalta, we are proud to have a team that brings both expertise and passion to supporting Malta-based businesses on their international journey. Kylie and Ian exemplify the values that drive our work: guiding businesses, fostering growth, and turning opportunities into results. Their dedication reflects the collaborative and dynamic culture at TradeMalta, where experience meets fresh perspectives to help companies succeed abroad. This is at the heart of what we do: empowering local businesses to expand internationally."
Main Image:
