The Government will be issuing calls for expression of interest for new yacht marinas in Ta' Xbiex and Sa Maison, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness Edward Zammit Lewis said this evening.

He said these areas would remain accessible to the public.

He was speaking during a public consultation meeting held at the Mosta Technopark as part of government's series of meetings with the public entitled A Government that Listens.

He said government was also working with the private sector to carry out a project that the previous administration had not found funds for -  a fibre optic network.

On March 4 government would be launching a new digital strategy that would pave the way until 2018.

Speaking about gaming, he said, he would soon be able to announce new gaming companies that would be investing in Malta. A digital gaming foundation would be set up to market the country.

Turning to property, he said he was working on branding Malta as a place where foreigners could buy high value property and more details would soon be announced.

As for shipping, the secretariat was working with the Education Ministry to have a school for maritime skills.

Talks had been started with major shipping companies in Italy and Norway who were interested in moving some of their operations to Malta.

Economic Minister Chris Cardona said the economy was strong and was generating jobs. One year on, a message was made clear - that the Labour government built a strong relationship with the private sector. 

He said the government would be issuing a call for expressions of interest for the use of the former White Rocks complex.