Typical of SMEs in general, many companies rely on a limited number of foreign markets. Due to obvious constraints, traditional market research is sometimes given only minor importance and consequently is not regularly undertaken. This maximizes the risks associated with international marketing efforts. Maltese industry has developed during the past four decades under relatively sheltered conditions and has traditionally been orientated towards the local market. This has rendered some Maltese firms as relatively inexperienced operators in international trade, even if this characteristic is rapidly changing with more companies becoming increasingly active and successful abroad.
Industry needs to restructure and internationalize in the shortest possible time.
Given the extremely limited size of the domestic market, restructuring can only take place via export-led development that allows for the challenges and opportunities brought about by the digital economy. This is a scenario that many small countries and companies have to face and overcome. This in turn suggests that many SMEs are looking towards the Internet as a means for them to make the quantum leap into the global marketing environment something which they could not readily do before the advent of the Internet. Demand for more timely notification of trade and investment opportunities. Demand for more information on the realities of export potential and risks.