The Malta Development Bank (MDB) has welcomed more than 30 representatives from 17 promotional banks across the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom for the quarterly meeting of the Network of European Financial Institutions for SMEs (NEFI) in Malta.
The NEFI Permanent Working Group, meeting in Malta for the first time, aims to provide expertise and guidance to the EU and its financial institutions on the design and implementation of EU-wide promotional and financing schemes, with a strong focus on supporting SMEs. The meeting in Malta is addressing current challenges and exploring solutions to improve small businesses’ access to finance.
Welcoming the delegates, MDB CEO Paul V. Azzopardi highlighted the value of collaboration within the network, recalling how the Permanent Working Group has proven to be an indispensable platform, not only for discussing key financial and policy developments but also for forging meaningful partnerships.
“In a world where challenges are ever-changing—whether it be economic uncertainty, sustainability imperatives, or digital transformation—our collaboration has never been more important. By working together, sharing insights, and learning from one another, we strengthen our ability to respond proactively and effectively to emerging needs of SMEs”, Mr Azzopardi said.