The government has set aside a huge chunk of the EU budget allocation for 2007-2013 to generate more and better jobs, create a knowledge-based economy and improve the environment and the infrastructure, the Prime Minister said yesterday.
Closing a seminar on how Malta will spend €855 million in Cohesion Funds, an upbeat Dr Gonzi said that after 24 months of consultation, the government had identified priority areas where EU money will be put to generate added value and transform the island into a more competitive place with a better quality of life.
An unprecedented sum close to €1 billion - combining the EU allocation and what the government will fork out on each project - will be injected into the economy in seven years.
The operational programmes for the Cohesion Funds which in Dr Gonzi's words set "bold and ambitious targets", put human capital at the centre of future success.
"We plan to give a boost to research and innovation and ICT at all levels, starting from the very young to higher education institutions extending to companies and individuals wishing to re-train and, or to continue education and training," Dr Gonzi said.
Investments such as SmartCity, Lufthansa Technik and a host of other hi-tech job opportunities required well-trained, highly skilled knowledge workers.
No fewer than €120 million will target the creation or upgrade of five industrial zone projects, 10 research, technological development and innovation (RTDI) projects, assistance to a minimum of 450 SMEs and the upgrading of Ta' Qali Crafts Village.
The programmes dedicate €120 million to support investment in more blue flag beaches and in the restoration and preservation of the cultural heritage, and to improve the service to tourists.
"A number of specific measures include the upgrading of at least five beaches, together with investments in six main areas including Valletta and Grand Harbour, the Mdina, Rabat and Dingli area, Sliema, St Julians and Paceville, Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul's Bay, Gozo and other coastal areas."
The government's commitment towards the environment remained clear. From just over €44 million in three years under the 2004-2006 programme, investment will reach nearly €300 million over seven years, which is equivalent to a 200 per cent rise in investment in absolute terms.
The environmental projects which will benefit from these funds, Dr Gonzi said, include the rehabilitation of the Maghtab landfill, the South Water Treatment Plant, a project that will address emissions at the Delimara power station and a water and flood prevention project to resolve the storm water flooding problems in the country's central region.
Large projects are planned to continue upgrading roads, with around one-fifth of the funds earmarked to improve road and sea transport.
Upgrading the Ten-T route would contribute to economic and social needs, Dr Gonzi said, adding that a further €170 million will be invested.
The government has identified seven priority projects that will be divided in two phases.
By 2009, 11.5 kilometres of road are expected to be built in Luqa, Floriana, Gzira, Mellieha and Victoria. Later, key intersections such as Marsa and the Paceville/St Andrews area will be addressed.
The programme also establishes the need for the construction of a passenger terminal at Cirkewwa and the upgrading of port infrastructure such as breakwaters and quays in Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to spend 10 per cent of the funds on Gozo given its particular needs.
Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech said the conclusion of the programming process marked the first phase of implementation.
The managing authority, which is the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division at the Office of the Prime Minister, would eventually issue calls for proposals through the intermediate bodies - such as public agencies and ministries - responsible for the implementation of projects.
Stressing the need to get going with the work, Mr Fenech said the first monitoring committee for each programme will meet today, paving the way for the launch of the first calls for project proposals shortly.
Mr Fenech, who also chaired the National Strategic Reference Framework steering committee, said attention had been given to those projects through which the country could achieve maximum results in terms of impact and absorption.