Gozo Regional Committee within MCESD – Measures for 2017 budget

by Gozo News · September 8, 2016

The Gozo Regional Committee (GRC) which is represented on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) has presented its proposals for the next budget.

The proposals which consist of twenty measures worth € 14 million, were presented at a meeting of the Gozo Regional Committee, attended by Minister Helena Dalli Minister and Minister Anton Refalo.

Opening the meeting, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli, stressed the importance of holding this kind of consultation with stakeholders to further strengthen social dialogue in this country.

Minister Dalli explained how the consultation on the budget is the most important exercise of any year, through which the government hears from social partners and constituted bodies, on the outlook to be considered of all those taking part .

The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo said that "through the cooperation and participation of the Gozo Regional Committee in the process of social and civil dialogue, the voice of each entity represented, both on a local and a regional basis, are given due attention, ensureing that the Gozitan voice is heard."

Dr Refalo said that the ultimate aim of these proposals is for Gozo to be competitive and have the capacity to really create employment in various sectors of the Gozitan economy.

"The measures put forward by the GRC focus specifically on creating more job opportunities, along with schemes aimed at trade in Gozo to continue to contribute more in the economic growth of our country."

In a presentation made by the economist Gordon Cordina, he said that the two measures are divided into four different categories:

· Investing in connectivity – investment of € 10.1 million

· Physical and environmental capital – investment investment of € 3.3 million

· Investing in human capital – investment of € 500,000

· Social dialogue and formulation of policy

The MCESD is expected to meet again on the 12th of September, during which the discussions and consultations will continue on the 2017 budget between the social partners, constituted bodies, unions and representatives of employers.