According to data from the NSO the unemployment rate in Gozo had dropped from 7.1% in 2012 to 6.9% in 2014. This was stated by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, during a visit to two companies in Gozo – Keen and M.Meilak & Associates, both of which are based in Victoria.

He added that, “the number of registered unemployed in Gozo dropped to 639 in August 2015, from 742 at the end of the previous administration, this represents an improvement of 14%. Full-time employment had increased by 8% during 2013/201,” he said.

He also pointed out the need for more entrepreneurial initiatives and reiterated the even more space in Gozo was required, in order to further encourage companies to invest and expand their companies.

Keen is an information technology and advertising company, founded by graphic designer John Falzon in 2009, which already employs 12 people. Mr Falzon explained that it is now investing in new offices in Xewkija to increase the company’s workload and employ up to 40 new people. M Meilak & Associates started in 2006 as an initiative of Malcolm Meilak, and currently employ six professionals which specialises in accounting services. These services are offered to companies and individuals, as well as some Local Councils..

The Minister commented that “these types of companies are ideal for Gozo.” Adding that RS2, which recently began operating in Gozo, opened up a new market, therefore creating more job opportunities for Gozitans in Gozo.

“Through measures announced in the last Budget Malta Enterprise may approve a tax credit for start-ups equivalent to 45% of eligible expenditure, and that Gozitan enterprises would be awarded a bonus of 25%, leading to a total tax credit of 65%,” Dr Refalo said.

The Minister concluded by saying that these two companies are in line with the mission of the Government, which is to attract new economic investment to Gozo.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri

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