Gozo is an example of how economic growth must continue to result in the common good and the protection of identity, said Prime Minister Robert Abela speaking on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Gozo Chamber of Commerce.

During a celebration that marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Gozo Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister stated that, “today we no longer talk about Gozo not falling behind, but about Gozo as an example in which economic growth has been combined with the common good.”

He explained how this also comes with the protection of the Gozitan identity which encompasses not only the Gozitan culture but also the rural and urban heritage of Gozo.

He described the Gozitan Chamber of Commerce as a strategic partner and an important voice for the Government on Gozo.

Abela mentioned the issue of double insularity and accessibility, which the Gozitan Chamber of Commerce refers to a lot, and reiterated that the Government remains determined to address this.

He mentioned not only the second fibre optic cable that has been completed and that the necessary permits have now been obtained to begin work on the airfield.

Dr Abela explained that once this project is completed, it will not only create a connection between the two islands but will also bring an economic niche that offers high-value activities to Gozo.

The Prime Minister noted how Gozitans can now choose to work in Gozo. “We have also seen that in recent years Gozitan businesses feel confident enough to invest in Gozo. This is against a background that in 2023, the per capita economy in Gozo grew by more than one and a half times what it grew between 2008 and 2013.”

He referred to the fact that today in Gozo, twice as many people work in the private sector as they did ten years ago.

Dr Abela pointed out the strong investment being made in Gozo, including infrastructural investment through the primary schools in Victoria and Nadur, while work is progressing well on the aquatic and sports centre, he said.

He wished the Gozo Chamber of Commerce further success, and noted how the Government has looked more towards the future with the Gozo Regional Development Authority, the GRDA.

“For the first time, Gozitans have a voice and control over decisions that were previously taken elsewhere and imposed on them,” said the Prime Minister.

He described the strategy of Gozo as an “island of villages” an important one and said that “with the efforts of everyone, including the business community, we can strengthen the Gozitan identity together with economic growth and common good.”

Abela commended the Gozitan Chamber of Commerce as “an agent in favour of positive change over the past 25 years.”

Photo: DOI

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