€16m foreign direct investment by A2W Pharma inaugurated

A2W Pharma chose Malta to expand its operations to research and develop innovative products in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors

A multi-million investment by Amino Chemicals, established more than 30 years ago, inaugurated the subsidiary facility A2W Pharma to produce products related to medical cannabis.

The €16m investment was carried out at Marsa Industrial Estate. A2W Pharma will produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for this sector, as well as continue to develop innovative products based on research and development. This is yet another milestone achieved by Amino Chemicals, as this multi-million investment includes capital investment, both in its infrastructure and machinery, laboratories and operations.

At the inauguration, Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise remarked how this specialised niche will lead to an important economic activity.

“This investment shows a force of confidence by foreign investors towards Malta. This investment will not only contribute to Malta’s economy but also contribute to foreign direct investment, which will see an increase in high quality employment, all the while continuing to ensure that manufactured products produced in Malta will continue contributing to the global economy, especially within the medical sector as it reaches patients across the world.”

Malta Enterprise, the national economic development agency, has been crucial in assisting A2W Pharma to set up its operations in Malta. ME chief Executive Kurt Farrugia said: “Malta has the potential to become a biopharmaceutical hub. This is because our country is at the forefront in the fields of innovation, research and development, as well as in the medical sector. As Malta Enterprise, we know exactly where we are heading to and therefore we are continuously working to attract more companies to Malta. We believe that this sector is heading towards diversification of the pharmaceutical sector, as it continues to create quality jobs and research and development activities.”

Minister Dalli explained how government is committed to offering support within the research and development sector. She then added that Malta should not only be known for its high-quality products, but also as a centre of excellence generating intellectual property and innovative products and processes.

“The pharmaceutical sector is indeed a key enabler of growth for our economy, as it provides quality careers and upskilling opportunities for more than 1,100 people. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, this industry registered an impressive growth of 7.3% in skilled employment opportunities. This is a testimony of the resilience of this industry and the right economic environment for our country,” added Minister Dalli.

“The opening of A2W is an important step towards becoming a leader in the medical cannabis space and putting Malta on the map as a great place to do business in this industry,” said A2W Pharma director Peter Paul Farrugia.

The Ambassador of China to Malta Yu Dunhai and representatives from Malta’s Medicine Authority were also present for the inauguration.