Virtu Ferries has played a central role in facilitating a new trade and cooperation agreement between business organisations in Italy and Malta, aimed at strengthening economic ties and unlocking new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The agreement brings together CNA – Associazione Territoriale di Ragusa and the Malta Chamber of SMEs, creating a framework for closer collaboration between enterprises operating in Malta and southern Italy. The initiative is designed to improve the flow of goods and services between the two markets while encouraging new commercial partnerships.

At the heart of the agreement is Virtu Ferries’ long-established role in connecting Malta and Sicily through its daily fast ferry service between Malta and Pozzallo, the commercial port serving the Province of Ragusa. The route operates as a Regular Shipping Service under European Commission regulations, providing a compliant and reliable maritime link for both passengers and freight.

As part of the collaboration, Virtu Ferries will also make available key infrastructure assets to support cross-border trade. These include a 24,000 square metre logistics hub currently under construction in Pozzallo, as well as the Sicily Business Centre located within the Sea Passenger Terminal. Together, these facilities are intended to support logistics, distribution and business development activities for companies operating across the Malta–Sicily corridor.

Under the terms of the agreement, CNA Ragusa and the Malta Chamber of SMEs will work closely to provide joint support services for their members. This includes sharing expertise, facilitating introductions between businesses, and assisting companies in navigating regulatory and operational requirements in each market.

A particular focus of the collaboration will be helping enterprises access European Union funding opportunities, with the aim of encouraging new commercial links, joint ventures and start-up initiatives. Organisers say this support structure is designed to deliver practical benefits for SMEs by reducing barriers to entry and enabling businesses to scale across borders more efficiently.

The agreement reflects growing interest in strengthening regional trade ties within the central Mediterranean, particularly between Malta and southern Italy, where geographic proximity and existing transport links offer clear advantages. By combining institutional cooperation with logistics infrastructure and regular maritime connectivity, the initiative seeks to translate policy intent into tangible economic outcomes for businesses on both sides.