Funds for a feasibility study for a fibre optic cable between Malta and Gozo have been allocated, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning.

Addressing a cabinet meeting in Gozo, he said this would help software companies like RS2 operate from the sister island.

Dr Muscat also said that the government was exploring ideas on how to attract medical tourism through a public private partnership. This could include the creation of a medical school in Gozo, he said, pointing out that the Gozo General Hospital was on a prime site that was under utilised.

The government, he said, was also consolidating the Gozo Mcast campus by having one centre rather than two in separate locations.

Gozo Regional Committee chairman Michael Grech highlighted the initiatives taken in the past year as part of its remit to advise the government on matters related to the sister island.

On his part, Gozo Tourism Association President Joe Muscat spoke about the need for incentives for Gozo to attract foreign direct investment, establish a Gozo brand and draft separate policies in niche tourism areas such as religious and agro tourism, as well as tourism in general.

He emphasised the need for niche tourism markets for winter and the setting up of different services that would only be available in Gozo.

The meeting continued behind closed doors with mayors taking the floor.

Cabinet is meeting in Gozo this morning as part of an initiative to hold cabinet in various localities.

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