"Figures published by the National Statistics Office clearly confirm the positive change that has occurred in Gozo under this administration," the Government said in a statement today.

"These statistic show how growth in 2014 increased fourfold compared to the last year of the previous administration, from 1.8% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2014."

In 2012 the national wealth per head in Gozo was 66.9% of the national average. Two years after this national wealth reached 68.7%. Meaning that there was a reduction in the national wealth gap between the two islands, the Government said.

"While in 2012 the Gozitan economy grew only 1.8% compared with growth of 5.1% in Malta, during 2014 growth was better in Gozo than Malta. Gozo's contribution to the gross domestic product during 2014 grew by 8.1% against the 5.8% registered in Malta," it said.

The Government added that among the sectors that have grown most in Gozo during 2014, even at a higher rate than in Malta, were in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail, hotels and restaurants, information and communication, professional and technical services and the sector of arts and recreation.

It said that "this positive outcome came about in the first two years of a new Government, employment in Gozo increased by 774, or 7.3%. In 2014 only, it increased by 520 jobs, ie three times the increase in 2012."

While in 2012 the increase in employment in Gozo was half that of Malta (Gozo 1.6% against 2.9% in Malta), in 2014 the increase in Gozo was more than that of Malta "(4.8% in Gozo against 3.9% in Malta)."

The Government concluded by saying that it will remain committed to build on the hard work of Gozitans, therefore to strengthen the economy, to create more jobs and wealth for Gozitans.

Photograph: Alain Salvary

Permalink: Gozo’s growth quadrupled and employment tripled – Government