PM explains his vision for Malta

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi highlighted the government's achievements under his stewardship over the past three years and laid out his vision for the country until 2015, when he spoke at a Nationalist Party conference in Gozo, yesterday.

He said the past three years were characterised by an increase in foreign investment and job creation. Public finances had been placed on a sound footing, the economy had gained momentum, and there was major government investment in education, the environment and health services.

He said that by 2015 the government wanted to see Malta become a European regional IT hub, the best financial centre of the region and a major tourist destination with particular attractions of history and culture and a focus on cruise liner and conference travel.

The government also wanted Malta to evolve into a home for international educational institutions, a manufacturing base for high value added products and a centre of health services with a new cancer hospital and new rehabilitation services, while health care for the Maltese remained free of charge.

As for Gozo, the government saw it developing as a centre for back office work for the private and public administrations. With investment in education, Gozo could also develop its potential in information technology services as well as a tourism, diving and cruise liner destination.

Dr Gonzi recalled the doom and gloom Labour had forecast with EU membership and said that, rather than a disaster, Malta was now awaiting an EU decision for the island to adopt the euro.