The Gozo Business Chamber, has presented a number of proposals for the upcoming budget 2020 which is taking place on Monday, the 14th of October.

The GBC said that the following proposals have been presented within the Gozo Regional Committee:

“The continuation of the project of the subsea tunnel between Gozo and Malta.” The Chamber also proposed that the waste generated by this project should be used for the enlargement of the berthing facilities in Mgarr, Gozo.

It said that this project however should be accompanied by a holistic plan ensuring the sustainable development of the island of Gozo, such as for example that the green belts between localities are retained, and that the unique character of each locality is preserved.

The Chamber said that it believes that the present Outside Development Zones (ODZ) in Gozo should not be touched. Accessibility needs to be accompanied by a sustainable development approach.

“Better parking facilities to serve Gozo’s retail facilities in Victoria, accompanied by a holistic traffic management plan. An underground multi-storey parking facility for Victoria should be considered.”

The introduction of the fourth ferry on a permanent basis. Solutions for commercial operators however should also be envisaged. The GBC said that this may include the introduction of a pre-booking system for commercial operators on trips dedicated only to commercial vehicles.

“This would offer commercial operators the opportunity to better plan their transportation activities between the two islands.”

The Chamber said that it also notes that more dedicated services for commercial operators may need to be considered.

The introduction of the fast ferry service;

The introduction of a helicopter service, with a schedule which is aligned to all major flights, and with pricing that does not discourage usage.

Setting up of agencies which complement the work of the Ministry for Gozo. “The Chamber positively notes the endeavours to set up the Gozo Regional Development Authority.”

The Chamber said that it “is of the opinion that specialised agencies need to be set up to complement the work of the Ministry for Gozo, such as ‘Agenzija Kultura Ghawdex,’ and the setting up of an economic development agency.

‘Agenzija Kultura Ghawdex’ would be a dedicated cultural agency that would ensure a holistic set-up and coordination which is required given the substantial number and calibre of events that are taking place in Gozo, said the Chamber.

“On the other hand an economic development agency would: (a) take over the work related to economic measures of the Ministry for Gozo but would still be answerable to the Ministry; (b) host a one stop shop for all the entities related to the economy in Gozo e.g. Malta Enterprise, Business First, Trade Malta etc; and (c) assist enterprises to foster economic growth through participation in EU projects and consortia.”

Civil Society. The Gozo Regional Committee within MCESD should have an allocated budget and a permanent representation on the island, said that Chamber.

Barts Medical School and Health Services. The Chamber said that it notes the positive developments with respect to the Barts Medical School.

It pointed out that “there should continue to be a strong focus on health services in Gozo to ensure that the required level of service is maintained. Community and economic development are interlinked and strong community services especially in the health sector will ensure that Gozo will continue to progress in the right direction.”

“The development of the health sector in Gozo should also be seen in a holistic perspective. Apart from the Barts Medical School one should also consider an area of specialisation which Gozo could eventually focus on in the health sector.”

Extension of Existing Schemes, such as the reduced stamp duty for properties purchased in Gozo should continue to apply, said the Chamber.

Finally, on the University of Malta Gozo Campus, the Chamber said that, “there should be a strategic rethinking of the Gozo Campus with the setting up of a specialised faculty at the Campus with courses which will be offered only from Gozo.”

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