SmartCity Malta to draw from experience of Dubai's knowledge-based industry clusters

Speaking at a workshop on the topic, "Malta - Your ideal business partner in the Mediterranean" organized by the Consulate General of Malta and the Malta Trade Centre, Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulrahman said: "We will be bringing to SmartCity Malta several concepts that have been successful in Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City."

In April this year, SmartCity, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai, both Dubai Holding companies, signed an agreement with the government of Malta to develop SmartCity Malta, a new knowledge-based industry cluster that will create a new hub of ICT and media excellence in the heart of the Mediterranean region. SmartCity's objective is to build a global network of industry clusters based on the models of DIC and DMC. SmartCity Kochi, in the south Indian state of Kerala, joined SmartCity Malta as the second project in SmartCity's global network, following an agreement signed last month.

Abdulrahman said that one of the concepts successful in DIC and DMC that will be implemented in SmartCity Malta is the one-stop-shop. "The idea behind this concept is to help businesses eliminate the bureaucratic hassles in setting up a company so that they can stay focused on their core competencies.

"The Government of Malta will facilitate the one-stop-shop concept at SmartCity Malta through a Government Services Unit (GSU). This unit, which will operate hand in hand with the various Ministries, will be offering a range of support services like business set-up, licensing, registration, incorporation, events and hospitality services from one single window."

To be developed at an investment of $300 million, SmartCity Malta is the largest foreign investment initiative in the ICT sector in Malta. The initiative is expected to bring wide-ranging economic benefits to Malta. SmartCity Malta is projected to generate four per cent growth in the Maltese job market. About 65 % of this will be new jobs in knowledge-based industries. The project is set to be the largest job-creator under one roof in Malta's history. Several other benefits are expected to be generated not only by direct development activity but also through inter-industry linkages and multiplier effects.

Abdulrahman said availability of talent, commitment of all stakeholders and infrastructure development will be some of the factors that will determine the success of SmartCity Malta.

"Knowledge-based industries are hungry for talent. The world over, talent is seen as the primary resource for the ICT and media industries. So, for the success of this project, it is vitally important to have a large pool of skilled knowledge workers available in Malta," he said.

On the crucial role that the Malta government will play in the development of the project, Abdulrahman said: "Their support will be crucial in many areas - from enhancing the urban infrastructure to providing services for companies in SmartCity Malta. Developing the one-stop-shop of business support services will require the strong and dedicated involvement of the Government. We have established a very close rapport with the Government and we are confident this will translate into strong long-term cooperation."

"On the infrastructural front, we are eagerly following the Government's efforts to expand the city's infrastructure. In our conversations with the ICT industry, many major players have expressed the opinion that the urban and logistics infrastructure, in addition to the availability of talent, will be critical to Malta's ICT competitiveness."

In building the project, overseas Maltese business communities around the globe could play an important role, said Abdulrahman. "We believe they are very proud that Malta has been chosen as the location for the first SmartCity. We believe they can play a huge role in attracting investment to Malta.

"SmartCity Malta will also be looking to attract back some of the Maltese talent that has left the Island to work in other markets. Many industry experts in Malta have expressed concerns over the flight of scientific and technological talent. This project will contribute towards reversing that trend," he added.