After addressing the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg outlined how the global economy is entering a new phase, one where resilience, strategy and trust are becoming just as important as growth.The message is clear: the global trade system isn’t just slowing down. It’s evolving fast.Here are five key shifts shaping what comes next for Malta and beyond:1. Efficiency is out. Readiness is in.For years, trade focused on speed and cost. Cheaper, faster, bigger. Now, that model is under pressure. Borg argues that bouncing back isn’t enough, the real advantage is being prepared before disruption happens.2. Globalisation is giving way to selective partnershipsThe idea of one fully connected global market is fading. Instead, countries are building smaller, trusted networks. Who you trade with now matters as much as how much you trade.3. Supply chains are now strategicWhat used to be operational is now political. Businesses are rethinking where they source and move goods, factoring in geopolitics, climate risks and technological change.4. Trust is becoming the real currencyIn an uncertain environment, reliability matters. Countries and companies are prioritising stability, transparency and long-term confidence in their partnerships.5. Malta is betting on agility and connectionsRather than scale, Malta is focusing on flexibility. With strengths in finance, digital, aviation and logistics, and links to the EU, the Commonwealth and beyond. The strategy is clear: stay connected, stay adaptable and move early.Share this with entrepreneurs and start-ups•