As Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds I was excited to launch the public consultation on the Gozo strategy, a fair funding deal for the island alongside the Minister for Gozo last week.
Economic growth, social prosperity, accessibility and the creation of new and better jobs in Gozo will remain a key priority. The objective is to contribute towards improving the quality of life of Gozitans.
New impetus will aim to foster both private and public sector investment in relevant key areas of the economy while enhancing Gozo’s potential and preserving its natural environment.
This consultation document has been developed in line with the partnership principle and aims to provide synergies while ensuring a coordinated app-roach contributing towards the maximisation of economic, social and environmental benefits to the island.
This strategy is expected to facilitate EU-funded projects such as the Xewkija Industrial Park with a budget of €10m and the Gozo Museum which will receive €3.6m.
The development of Gozo hinges upon maximising its inherent strengths including its geo-physical and social characteristics.
This government’s efforts to increase Gozo’s productivity have started to reap results. However, regional disparities between Malta and Gozo remain pronounced, particularly in terms of contribution towards GDP, share of youth population, tourism seasonality and prosperity of businesses.
While focusing on Gozo’s economic development as a distinct island, the well-being of Gozitan residents also remains an important commitment for me.
Measures to improve the quality of life of Gozitan residents, such as through improved sports facilities, the regeneration of cultural sites and natural areas, incentives to foster educational advancements, improved health and social services as well as incentives for the private sector to continue creating jobs, are also being promoted.
With the strategy announced last week, we aim to build a policy framework for Gozo’s development that incorporates a seriesof complementary development options that aim to boost the economic and social dimension of the island.
As part of the public consultation process, I encourage interested stakeholders to provide us with views in reaction to this document. Our aim is to finalise this integrated territorial development strategy for Gozo in the coming months in order to implement on the ground the measures that will enable Gozo to thrive in the coming years.