Malta’s grey-listing plummets attractiveness for foreign investors

Oct 19 2021

Malta is currently at its all-time lowest in terms of attractiveness towards foreign investors. This comes following the FATF grey-listing, with only 37% of foreign investors deeming Malta attractive for FDI. A whopping 46% find the island unattractive. The statistics were revealed by the EY Malta Attractiveness Index which reported that 40% of respondents went from finding Malta attractive to either ‘no’ or ‘don’t know’ over the last two years.

The FDI attractiveness of Malta seems to have been on the decline since 2016, but the spiral downwards worsened after 2019. At that point, 77% of respondents found Malta attractive for FDI. Now, that figure ranks at 37%. The survey was carried out just after Malta was placed on the FATF grey list of jurisdictions. Asked on what could improve this state, respondents pointed towards reputation, governance, skills base improvement and tackling the grey listing as urgently as possible.

Despite 77% of existing FDI companies still looking at a future based in Malta, an increase of no responses was noted. 84% of investors believe that the grey-listing impacts Malta’s ability to be viewed as a reputable destination for business. Another massive 55% feel that doing business in Malta will be more difficult as a result of grey-listing.

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5 Maltese pasta spots you have to try at least once

Oct 19 2021

Pasta; a dish so internationally-beloved that it is commemorated globally every single year with its very own day. A legacy etched in history which has been a source of culinary comfort for as long as we can remember. Like every other country in the world, Malta loves its pasta, and of all the things we can boast about as residents of the Maltese Islands, our restaurants are definitely a selling point. From authentic Italian trattorias to modern spots which live to push the envelope, here are 5 Maltese pasta spots which you need to try at least once.

A Mano

This laid-back trattoria just recently opened at a gorgeous location in Kalkara and serves some of the most authentic Italian food on the island. Revel at the culinary prowess of A Mano’s highly capable chefs and take yourself on an impromptu trip to Italy.

When a restaurant’s name is a literal translation of ‘by hand’, you know it’s legit.

Marelli

Formerly one of Malta’s best kept secrets, now one of the most reliable cafés on the island, Marelli is the gift that keeps on giving.

With an incredible, ever-changing menu featuring a number of mouth-watering pasta dishes which will keep you coming back for more. From porcini tortellacci to slow-cooked beef ragu, you will never leave Marelli disappointed.

Giorgio’s Cafeteria

Serving probably one of the country’s most iconic pasta dishes, Giorgio’s Cafeteria was one of the first cafés to open in Sliema and it comes as no surprise that it is still a local favourite to this day.

Giorgio’s Penne Chicken with the crispy slice of bacon on top is a mainstay in local brunch lore and if you haven’t tried already, what are you waiting for?

La Buona Trattoria Del Nonno

A favourite foodie location built on family tradition, seasonal produce and absolutely unforgettable food. At La Buona Trattoria Del Nonno, each iconic dish is better than the last, but their Paccheri Pistacchio definitely deserves a spot on our list of iconic pasta dishes…

…and if its classics you’re looking for, their Carbonara definitely deserves a mention.

Zero Sei

Zero Sei trattoria romana in Valletta is the closest thing to an Italian holiday you can get without having to book the real thing. Immerse yourself in the taste of Italy and trust your palate in the hands of Zero Sei’s super-capable chefs.

Whether you fancy an authentic serving of Carbonara, a decadent dish of Amatriciana or anything in between, you need to head over to Zero Sei ASAP.

Which one of these is your favourite? Can you think of anywhere else?

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This Squid Game inspired cafe creates real challenges for customers

Oct 19 2021

You might have to travel a bit to get there, but this Squid Game inspired cafe is creating real life challenges for its customers. Cafe Strawberry opened in Indonesia, and fans of the dystopian Korean Netflix series have flocked to it to get both a taste for some delicious service but also a real life immersion into the top Netflix show of all time. The cafe is attempting to boost its pandemic recovery plan with the theme by giving games and challenges to all its customers, with staff all dressed as the masked guards armed with guns.

Upon arrival, customers are immediately greeted to a game of ‘Red Light, Green Light’ – minus the killing of course. Receiving over 200 customers a day, massively boosting the cafe’s post-pandemic sales. Such Squid Game themed shops and events aren’t popping up just in Indonesia either. The United Arab Emirates’ Korean Cultural Centre also put on an event inspired by the series. The craze the series created speaks volumes as to how popular it has become, despite it being on the darker and more psychological horror side.

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Photo Source: Reuters

Kanye West roams Europe wearing bizarre face masks

Oct 19 2021

Kanye West is quite known for bizarre acts and mind-blowing feats, but this one just takes the cake. The rapper, who, by the way is now legally named ‘Ye’, was spotted in Germany and Venice wearing Halloween-like face masks. Donning a pale, off-white, face covering, only West’s eyes, mouth and nose could be seen. Of course, he didn’t do this out of style as he still rocked Balenciaga x Crocs gumboots which are known to cost nearly $1,000.

The bizarre costume took social media by storm, with many commenting on just how absurd this all is. One said; ‘If you told me 10 years ago this was Kanye West – Tbh I’d probably believe you’, showcasing just how used to Kanye doing weird things we’ve become. Another pointed out how Kanye is ‘like one of the biggest rappers, designers, celebrities, people, billionaire and he’s just flying economy with a white face mask on.’

We aren’t sure as to why the rapper decided to don such an outfit. Did he do it to avoid paparazzi? If so, that really backfired. Or maybe its an art stunt… Either way, that’s Kanye for you.

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Photo Source: Chelle Twitter, WestSubEver