Last week Mr Tonio Fenech, Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment launched the pre-budget consutation paper for 2009. Details included a section on their proposals for Gozo:

STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY AND GENERATING MORE WORK

Introduction:

Gozo’s labour market is characterised by a low activity rate and employment in low value-added activities. When compared to Malta, the employment rate in Gozo is lower, and stood at 52.04 per cent at the end of 2006. The labour market in Gozo is facing a number of challenges as shown by its structure of employment and GDP generation, given its dependence on agriculture, crafts manufacturing and the services industry, notably tourism.

Government remains committed to support and increase employment in Gozo by creating an enabling environment to support those economic sectors which exhibit growth potential and higher value-added while identifying and attracting new ones.

Efforts will be made to improve incentives for businesses as a means to attract potential investment to Gozo particularly in those sectors which are not excessively sensitive to the higher unit production costs engendered by smallness and peripherality, as this is crucial for job creation.

Emphasis would also be made on the need to encourage the transfer of more public sector employment through the identification of other Government activities that can be effectively carried out in Gozo.

Objectives:

Broadly, the key economic objectives for Gozo are as follows:

? Strengthen existing and potential economic sectors to support existing employment levels while identifying new ones; ? Attract investment to create employment opportunities; ? Encourage the transfer of more public and private sector back office work to Gozo so that more Gozitans will find employment there.

Proposals:

In order to achieve these objectives Government, with the co-operation of all stakeholders, will work to:

? Create an attractive and enabling environment;? Improve incentives to attract investment;? Identify and transfer more public and private sector back office operations.

TOURISM

Introduction:

Tourism is the backbone of the Gozitan economy. It is possibly the main contributor to it and many Gozitans are choosing career pathways or jobs connected with this industry. It should be ensured that tourism is strengthened further and that existing assets are used to promote Gozo as a unique experience to visit and good value for money. Furthermore, the growth which is achieved in this sector should be sustainable.

Objectives:

In order to consolidate and strengthen Gozo’s tourism sector more work should be covered in order to:

. Improve Gozo’s tourism infrastructure; . Foster up-market tourism and attain higher tourism arrivals and increasing bed nights.

Proposals:

In order to develop further Gozo’s tourism sector, Government is proposing a number of actions and activities that should contribute towards achieving these objectives. These are complimentary to and should re-enforce the proposals that are being made in other sections of this chapter. Hence it is proposed to:

. Develop further Gozo’s characteristic niches. . Continue the upgrade of the road network; . Embellish the entrance route to Victoria; . Launch the development of a strategic plan for the northern and north-eastern coast of Gozo including San Blas Bay, Dahlet Qorrot, Marsalforn and the Qbajjar area; . Prepare the Masterplan for the Cittadella; . Open a Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art; . Construct the cruise liner berthing facility at Xlendi and Mgarr; . Evaluate the possible development of cruise liner berthing facilites at Marsalforn; . Initiate the project for the construction of international standard sporting facilites at Ta’ Xhajma, limits of Nadur; . Draw up plans for the construction of an indoor pool adjacent to the Sports Complex in Victoria; . Launch a study on the options available for the provision of additional berthing spaces for yachts; . Together with the MTA and the GTA, launch a marketing plan for Gozo as a distinct tourist destination; . Conclude plans for the development of a prehistoric park at Xaghra involving also the Ggantija and stone circle sites. This is to be carried out in conjunction with Heritage Malta and the Xaghra Local Council; . Upgrade the existing network of country walks and the development of new ones.

ECO-GOZO

Introduction:

The environment is Gozo’s main asset, both for the well-being of the island’s population and also for the Gozo, Government’s vision for the island lays down a series of actions that will render the island a place where the environment is safeguarded and promoted and where one takes a pro-active approach towards eco-friendly living. This vision can only be attained if Government, the Local Councils and NGO’s lead by example and if the population takes up the examples given and emulates them.

Objectives:

As promised in its electoral manifesto, Government intends to: . Transform Gozo into an eco-friendly island, that is, ‘ a model for sustainable living, development and environment protection.’

Proposals:

In order to achieve this objective, Government proposes to:

Set up the necessary structure to coordinate and implement the Eco-Gozo strategy;. Provide incentives to households to invest in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency;. Assess the possibility of installing renewable energy infrastructure; . Launch an outreach programme in households providing advice on energy and water efficiency and conservation, linking it to a system of prizes or benefits for households attaining specified goals;. Launch an internal transport master plan, including the reform of the public transport system;. Set up appropriate competences within the Ministry for Gozo to provide expertise and direction to the agricultural community to promote organic/bio-farming practices as well as agro-tourism;. Launch the development of a Centre for Mediterranean Research, Development and Innovation in the area of agriculture, traditional products and the protection of local species studied at the current Experimental farm in Xewkija;. Launch the formulation of an integrated plan for the management of water, including rain-water and other natural resources.

TRANSPORT

Introduction:

The island’s accessibility is critical for its continuous development. However, this accessibility and connectivity will not be ensured unless existing access from the port of Mgarr is complemented by reliable and continued aerial access. The air transport link complements the sea transport link and makes a significant contribution to economic and social cohesion and to the island’s balanced development, because this service is highly sought after by tourists who choose Gozo as their holiday destination. Moreover, public transport services require improvements so as to maximise the synergic effect of an integrated approach to the transport infrastructure on the island.

Objectives:

The proposals to improve Gozo’s system of public transport are being made in order to:

? Improve accessibility of Gozo; ? Improve the Gozitan tourism product; ? Attract more tourists to Gozo; ? Improve the quality of life, of the general population.

Proposals:

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, it is proposed to: ? Study effective ways for reintroducing a reliable air transport service to and from Gozo; ? Introduce reforms and innovative services in public transport across Gozo with the aim of having better acce
ssibility and efficiency.

EDUCATION

Introduction:

Education is one of the principal keys to sustaining economic and social development. The maximum utilisation of the island’s human resources is of vital importance to its economic future. In the competitive and fast-changing world of today, the Gozitan workforce needs to acquire new skills in line with the changing requirements of the economy.

In a small economy such as this, the educational output has to be particularly focused on the economic activities undertaken on the island. There is also the need to give a strong foundation of such knowledge and skills to potential new entrants into the Gozitan workforce.

Objectives:

The proposals to improve education are being made in order to: ? Maximise the utilisation of human resources available on the island; ? Link human resource development to Gozo’s strategic development objectives; ? Formulate manpower policies with the aim of reducing skill mismatches and the lack of labour market knowledge.

Proposals:

In order to achieve these objectives, it is important to:

? Provide strategic direction and the establishment of core development strategic aims; ? Provide incentives to Gozitan students to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses which are directly related to the economic and social needs of the island; ? Strenghten the role of guidance and counselling in schools while encouraging school leavers to undertake courses referred to above; ? Provide and support the development of courses in management and information technology related to the emerging requirements of business and industry;? Provide further support to the Gozo University Centre including that for the development of distance learning programmes in education aimed at upgrading human resources in line with development needs.

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SECTOR

Introduction:

Social development depends crucially on its orientation towards the citizen and is particularly aimed at the improvement of the welfare of the community. In this context it is essential that Gozo makes the best possible use of its limited resources to improve its community services and ensure that such services are being provided to a high standard.

A holistic approach should be taken to improve the quality of life of all citizens in a way which guarantees respect, opportunity and dignity to each individual. Hence Government must intensify its efforts in giving opportunities to all, irrespective of gender, age and health. Moreover Government should strengthen further its health service which is both preventive and curative.

Objectives:

To achieve its strategic Vision and objectives in the social and health sectors, in Gozo, it is important to:

? Ensure that the community services that are provided are of the highest quality; ? Have adequate social and community facilities; ? Improve and increase the provision of health services.

Proposals:

In order to realise its Vision and achieve its objectives, Government proposes to:

? Complete the Adult Training Centre in Victoria;? Provide further professional services in health and education at the Adult Training Centre, the Special Unit in Sannat and in public schools, for the individual needs of persons with disabilities;? Provide child day-care centres to encourage women to take up employment;? Provide an adequate structure to women working at home and children who are facing serious family problems;? Completion of the new Radiology Department;? Introduce and ensure electronic files and medical records at the Gozo General Hospital are complimentary to and compatible with the records at Mater Dei Hospital.

ADMINSTRATIVE EFFICIENCY IN GOZO

Introduction:

Since its inception, the Ministry for Gozo has assumed more responsibilities and functions in order to be better placed to exploit the island’s strengths and opportunities. For instance, the extrication of funds from the Votes of the operating Ministries in Malta and their subsequent transfer to that of the Ministry for Gozo have in essence resulted in significant increases in both the Ministry’s personnel and the amount of funds being appropriated. Moreover, following Malta’s accession to the European Union, its sister island was allocated 10 per cent of allocated funds. The Ministry for Gozo is not only responsible for the co-ordination and monitoring of the implementation of projects being co-financed by the European Union under the Gozo Priority Axis, but it also contributes to other projects being implemented by other Ministries or entities as a result of its horizontal responsibility. Apart from the above, during the last years, further departmental activities have been transferred from Malta with the aim of creating as far as possible work opportunities within the general service grades.

Nowadays the Public Sector has by far the largest share of the island’s domestic product. Hence it is imperative that optimal use is made of the human resources available in the sector and of the latter’s financial resources. It is equally imperative for the Ministry for Gozo to be re-structured such that it will be in a better position to address future challenges.

Objectives:

Government intends to:

? Ensure that the Ministry for Gozo focuses not only on the day-today running of its line departments but also on the economic and social development of the island;? Effectively implement measures aimed at fostering economic growth; ? Ensure that all departments and operating agencies in Gozo better prioritise issues in their working agendas; ? Undertake public policy and allocate resources in a more eff ective and efficient manner; ?Ensure that the Ministry for Gozo will be in a better position to align national policy with regional issues.

Proposals:

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, it is being proposed to:

? Re-structure the Ministry for Gozo so that the latter will be in a position to address future challenges; ? Set up a new directorate within the Ministry, which will be responsible for the promotion of the island as an exclusive tourist destination; ? Conduct a training needs analysis and design a training strategy as a key element in the plans for organisational development;? Enhance administrative facilities;? Set up an office assisting Local Councils, non-Government organisations and the private and public sectors how best to apply for EU funds;? Strengthen the National Statistics Office in order to develop island specific statistics;? Reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency in programme and service delivery.

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