Picture this: Malta, a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean, hosting the world’s largest film production in 2021. How did this happen? Not by chance, but by design. Malta’s smallness, often seen as a hindrance, is actually our greatest strength. It demands statecraft, not cynicism.

Malta’s landmass is just 316 square kilometers, smaller than many airports. Yet, our GDP per capita is higher than many European countries. Why? Because we’ve learned to punch above our weight. Our smallness forces us to be agile, innovative, and outward-looking.

Take our film industry. In 2021, Malta hosted productions like House of the Dragon and Foundation. How? By offering competitive incentives, investing in infrastructure, and fostering a culture of collaboration. We’re not just a location; we’re a partner.

Malta’s history is one of adaptation. Once a fortress, we’ve evolved into a service hub. We’ve traded cannons for cameras, and our ancient cities now echo with film dialogue instead of battle cries. This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It required vision, planning, and a willingness to change.

Remember the days when Malta was known only for its historic sites? We’ve built on that heritage, but we’ve also diversified. Today, we’re a hub for finance, technology, and gaming. We’ve done this not by accident, but by design.

Malta’s iGaming sector is a testament to our ability to adapt and thrive. In the early 2000s, we saw the potential of this new industry. We regulated it, attracted investors, and created a supportive ecosystem. Today, Malta is the iGaming capital of Europe, contributing significantly to our economy.

This didn’t happen because we’re lucky. It happened because we’re smart. We saw an opportunity, and we seized it. That’s statecraft. That’s Malta.

As the late Prime Minister Dom Mintoff once said, “Malta is a small country, but it has a big heart.” Let’s ensure it also has a big future, one that we shape with our own hands, guided by statecraft, not cynicism.