The pilot boat Echo 1 was this evening inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The Prime Minister welcomed the new investment by the Malta Maritime Pilots Cooperative saying it showed the determination and entrepreneurship of the Maltese investor.

The cooperative, he said had taken on challenges and transformed them into opportunities.

Through its investment the Malta Maritime Pilots Cooperative would continue contributing to the cruise liners sector which was continuously increasing in importance.

Up to November last year, the number of cruise liners visiting Malta increased by 60 per cent on the previous year and cruise passengers increased by 12 per cent.

He said that the cooperative movement in Malta consolidated itself in recent years. There were now more than 60 cooperatives which had around 5,700 members who together contributed more than €55 million to the Maltese economy.

Photo: DOI, Martin Attard

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