Prime Minister Robert Abela claimed that the Regional Development Authority of Gozo (GRDA) can push forward ambitious initiatives in Gozo so that the economy of this island will be the first to do the core in favor of carbon neutral.
While he was inaugurating new offices of the Authority in Victoria Gozo, the Prime Minister defined the GRDA as a tool to give the best economic opportunities for this generation. The Prime Minister showed his satisfaction for the work being carried out by this Authority whose aim is to provide a vision for the future of Gozo. He reiterated that the fact that this Authority was established at the height of the pandemic clearly shows that when faced with challenges, this Government looks forward to overcome them and realize a more long-term vision, which leads to more successes in our country.
Dr. Abela stressed that Gozo is at the center of the Government’s policy and as unprecedented investment has already been made in several areas, the Government is committed to continue implementing more measures and attract more investment that will continue to lead to more economic growth in this island. The Prime Minister also mentioned how investment is being made by the Government to incentivize the private sector where in the last three years, in Gozo alone, Malta Enterprise has helped around a thousand businesses in initiatives designed to strengthen and expand operations theirs and were given €17 million in aid.
“As a Government committed to Gozo being a main driver of economic and social progress. For us Gozo is an essential part of the change we want to see in our country towards a better quality of life”, claimed the Prime Minister while stating that the GRDA has a crucial role in this context because in addition to developing a strategy of ‘ regional development for Gozo, it also has the authority to protect the interests of Gozo whenever there are political decisions or projects that may affect this island.
During the inauguration, the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri also spoke where he explained how the biggest project that the Authority has worked on and is still working on is that of the Gozo Regional Airfield. The Government believes in the potential of Gozo and the independent studies carried out by the Authority all indicate that this project is feasible, therefore the application was submitted to the Planning Authority.
Minister Camilleri also explained how in the coming months, the Authority will assume more responsibilities that will continue to raise its profile and further establish its dimension. This is because the GRDA will be coordinating the plan of how the €60 million allocated under the Urban Sustainable Development fund will be used efficiently.
Mario Borg, Chief Executive of the Authority said that over the last two years, the Authority has managed to establish itself as a leading entity in Gozo. He mentioned how, among others, the Authority has worked on many policies and projects related to more sustainable socio-economic development, as well as setting up structures through which continuous contact is maintained with all stakeholders.
During the day the Prime Minister Robert Abela met with a number of representatives of the Gozitan social partners. The representatives noted with satisfaction that the measures being taken by the Government in Gozo are having a positive impact among them in tourism and they look forward to more work that continues to increase wealth.
