Gozo seminar for SME week with particular emphasis on crafts

by Gozo News · October 5, 2016

Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo attended a seminar entitled 'Preserving heritage through Crafts,' organised by Malta Enterprise in collaboration with the Ministry for the Economy, Industry and Small Businesses as part of the SME Week Malta 2016, with particular emphasis on crafts.

Minister Refalo noted with satisfaction the launching of a website geared specifically towards SMEs in order to provide them with information regarding investment opportunities.

He said that the idea of the portal www.gozoartisans.com is to provide a common platform for Gozitan artisans. "This excellent tool will enhance the online presence for the crafts businesses which one can find in Gozo, and increase their local and international visibility."

Dr Refalo explained that this launch is just the beginning of a broader journey which will rope in other important stakeholders in Gozo. "The focus is to help artisans, and to guide them on how they can tap into the opportunities offered to them with the aim of maximising their business potential."

"The Ministry for Gozo is committed to attracting new types of businesses to Gozo, and this tool will consolidate the Government's vision in this sector."

Minister Refalo noted that the main goals of the SME week are to provide information on what kind of support are being offered to micro, small and medium-sized businesses on both an EU and national level.

"Moreover, it showcases the help being offered by regional and local authorities, and promotes entrepreneurship."

Minister Refalo encouraged more people, and in particular younger ones, to seriously consider the challenging but fulfilling life of an entrepreneur as a career option.

"This website will give recognition to entrepreneurs for their contribution to Europe's welfare, jobs, innovation and competitiveness."

Refalo welcomed this initiative and thanked Malta Enterprise for their hard and sterling work. The Minister for Gozo pledged the Government's continuous support in the interest of small and medium enterprises, whom he described as the backbone of the local industry.

He mentioned the €16 million investment at the former MDP, at tal-Hofra, in the Xewkija Industrial Zone and also the infrastructural investment in the SME's village in Xewkija.

Minister Refalo said that the next step is to attract investment which provides jobs for locals and those who decide to settle down in Gozo.

Minister Anton Refalo emphasised that the Ministry for Gozo is fully committed in supporting such initiatives, which will improve SME's business operations both locally and on an international platform. "This is geared towards a healthier economy."