Prime Minister Robert Abela met with members of the Regional Committee for Gozo, as he launched a series of consultative meetings with social partners in preparation for Budget 2027.
This meeting focused on the future of Gozo, the economic opportunities that are being created on the island, as well as the realities that development is bringing with it and the need for this to continue to be managed in a balanced and, above all, sustainable manner.
Prime Minister Abela stressed that the Government is committed to continuing to implement measures that place the individual’s quality of life at the centre of decisions.
Among the priorities discussed was connectivity between Malta and Gozo, with an emphasis on increasingly efficient, accessible and reliable services for Gozitan workers, students, families and businesses. In this context, the Prime Minister made reference to the call for tenders for the chartering of a fourth ship, for which two companies have shown interest, as well as the continuous strengthening of the fast ferry service, which is expected to have reached almost two million passengers by the end of this year.
Dr Abela stressed that investment in public infrastructure and urban regeneration will also remain at the forefront of the agenda, with further improvements to roads, public spaces and village centres, along with further investment in safety, accessibility and the quality of the urban environment.
The Prime Minister continued to say that the same vision extends to sports, culture and recreational facilities, with more quality spaces and opportunities for young people, families and the entire community.
The members of the Regional Committee for Gozo presented to the Government a number of proposals based on five main pillars, which include accessibility and connectivity, health, economic diversification, education and human capital, energy, environment and climate change.
During this meeting it was mentioned how over the last few years Gozo has continued to register very positive socio-economic development, with growing economic activity, new opportunities and growing confidence on the part of businesses. Tourism also remains an important pillar for the Gozitan economy, while interest in investment and the creation of new jobs is also increasing.
The need for the Gozitan economy to continue to diversify and attract quality investment that will continue to create sustainable jobs and new opportunities, particularly for young people, was also highlighted.
Present at the meeting were Ministers Anton Refalo, Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Clyde Caruana, Jo Etienne Abela as well as the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.
Photo: OPM
