“Gozo has immense potential and must be treated differently from Malta – by being rebranded as a quality destination. But for Gozo to truly become a destination of quality, the necessary investment must be made to strengthen and enhance what the island has to offer,” said Leader of the PN Alex Borg during another in a series of meetings with social partners ahead of the 2026 Budget, this time in Gozo, with the Gozo Business Chamber.
During the meeting held on Saturday morning at the Chamber’s offices, officials from the Gozo Business Chamber presented their proposals to the PN delegation, led by Alex Borg, as part of their pre-budget document.
In particular, the Chamber emphasised the need for improvements in accessibility and connectivity between Malta and Gozo. While recognising that the fast-ferry service was necessary, the Chamber said it is calling for its extension and is also appealing for “serious investment in the infrastructure of the Mgarr Harbour, restructuring of the Gozo Channel’s operations, and better management of the Cirkewwa Terminal.”
Its proposals are built on three main pillars – connectivity, diversification, and investment in people – with Chamber officials explaining to the Opposition Leader that the first must be prioritised in order for Gozo’s economy to successfully diversify.
The Gozo Business Chamber noted that Gozo needs a long-term vision, as its economy has the potential to contribute significantly more.
PN Leader Alex Borg agreed that the fast-ferry service between Malta and Gozo is crucial, serving as an alternative to the traditional ferry and benefiting students and workers commuting to Valletta, but stressed that urgent investment is needed in a new fleet of Gozo ferries.
He said that Gozo Channel is still operating the “same three ferries that were introduced thanks to the PN’s vision, along with a second-hand vessel that costs taxpayers thousands of euro every day.”
He also referred to the Gozo Innovation Hub, noting that its potential has not been properly exploited since quality companies could have been attracted there, but this has not materialised. A future Nationalist Government, he said, will ensure the Hub’s full potential is maximised.
On the Gozo Court, Borg reiterated the need for a new courthouse to be built in a different location from the current one, so that all the required needs in this important sector are adequately addressed.
While stressing that Gozo cannot continue depending on the public sector, Borg pointed to other areas that can be developed for the benefit of Gozo and Gozitans – such as gastronomy, culture, and traditional crafts.
He also reiterated the importance of introducing a “skyline policy to regulate construction across the country,” reaffirming that, as he has already stated, “the Nationalist Party guarantees that no towers will be built in Gozo, in order to safeguard the island’s unique character.”
For the talks with the Gozo Business Chamber, Alex Borg was accompanied by Shadow Minister for Employment Ivan Castillo and Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed and Small Enterprises Robert Cutajar. The Gozo Business Chamber delegation was led by President Michael Galea and CEO Daniel Borg.
Photo: PN