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4.2.2021 5 NEWS TECH.MT, an entity established in 2019 by the government and the Cham- ber of Commerce to promote Malta within the innovative technology and digital sector, yesterday inaugurated its new offices. Silvio Schembri, minister for the econ- omy and digital services, present for the inauguration, said the importance and role of technology in most aspects of everydy life it were becoming increas- ingly more apparent. "Now more than ever, we are coming to the realisation that the pandemic has rapidly propelled us into the future and has shed light on the valuable role of technological advancement. Demand for telecommunications services has increased, the need for teleworking has developed and strengthened. Where previously teleworking was considered as a luxury, this unprecedented situa- tion has reinstated teleworking as a ne- cessity," he said. "is rapid evolution of how we view the workplace has brought about nu- merous challenges, but also a sense of stability and continuity. Adapting to this scenario is an ongoing process for our workers, but it is now inevitable that businesses must and are being led to cater for new technologies." Schembri said that recent statistics by Eurostat confirmed that businesses have adapted and adopted new tech- nological methods, particularly cloud computing. In fact, during 2020, 53% of businesses based in Malta made use of cloud computing, a significant increase when compared to the 35% registered back in 2016. is number significantly surpasses that of the European average. "is number sends a strong message – the commitment and change of mind- set of our businesses, which are now us- ing technology for their operations. It is through this line of thinking that we want to nurture and sustain with more resourc- es the strong foundations we have careful- ly set down earlier," Schembri said. Tech.MT chairman Mark Bugeja said that, over the years, Malta had success- fully diversified its economy, with the technology sector not only establishing itself as a key player for the local econ- omy, but also as a sector that supports the growth of other important sectors. e technology sector showed resil- ience during the pandemic, so much so that it still recorded a positive trend. "It is estimated that 70% of the gross added value that will be created in to- morrow's economy will all come from the digital economy and technology platforms. erefore, it is crucial that our country continues to invest in the sector in order to truly be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that this will bring," Bugeja said. David Xuereb, President of the Cham- ber of Commerce, said that Tech.MT would be essential for Malta's econom- ic recovery and to aid businesses adept to changing circumstances, due to how deep tecnology was ingrained within the economy. "Now, more than ever, businesses must incorporate technological meth- ods in their operations, hence why busi- nesses will be guided, through Tech.Mt, to explore the opportunities the digital economy holds," he said. Minister Silvio Schembri touring the new Tech.MT offices New Tech.MT offices inaugurated A Maltese company has broken into the highly-competitive German market with its range of professional disinfec- tion services and products. Sanoserv has signed a new master franchise in Germany for its Sanondaf disinfection system, as it looks to ex- pand its reach within Europe, with ad- ditional franchise agreements expected throughout 2021. is strategic initiative stems from increased demand for quality, effective disinfection services from business- es and individuals around the globe to ensure safe working and habitable envi- ronments. Jason Degiorgio, CEO of Sanoserv, said Sanondaf 's expansion into addi- tional international markets through approved Franchisees would allow the company to get closer to its customers around the world and be in a position to offer a better, faster service. "Sanondaf has seen a spike in requests to provide its professional disinfection services to international clients, which prompted our team to speed up our in- ternationalisation drive," he said. "We follow all established guidelines and protocols issued by health authorities with regards to use of chemicals and their certifications and hence have be- come one of the leading companies in the sector." Commenting on this strategic initia- tive, German Master Franchise owner Dr. Andreas Sachs said he was excited to finally bring the revolutionary disin- fecting system to Germany. "e dual effect of both our spraying devices and disinfectant solutions ena- bles the air and surface in a room to be disinfected and safe," he said. "e Sa- nondaf system has been used extensive- ly in, amongst others, hospitals, schools, aircraft, vessels, pharma companies and catering establishments, with optimal results, thus making us the go to choice due to our experience and specialisa- tion in the sector." Sanondaf marks its entry into German market

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