At the launch of ‘An Economic Vision for Malta 2020-2025 by the Malta Chamber, one of the 59 recommendations, includes the recommendation that the Government should reconsider the investment in the Gozo tunnel, and instead direct the funds towards a multi-transport system, including a metro and improved ferry service connectivity, including with routes between Gozo and locations in Malta, such as to Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema and Cottonera.

The Gozo Business Chamber is in complete support of the project and in a statement following the Budget 2020 welcomed the fact that there is “a clear plan for the completion of the subsea tunnel between Gozo and Malta,” adding that it believes that “this project should continue in earnest.”

However the Gozo Tourism Association, during a meeting on the tunnel last year said that “the ongoing tunnel debate is based mostly on perceptions.”

During that same meeting, the Gozo University Group said that, “the majority of Gozitan students who travel both weekly and daily to Malta are not in favour of the proposed tunnel project, in fear of what it might cause to the quite island we so proudly call home.”

The Association of Gozitan Employees in Malta, following what it said was the “resounding success” of the fourth Gozo Channel ferry, went on to question  the “usefulness of the proposed tunnel project between Malta and Gozo given the success experienced with the ferry in these last months.”

Perit David Xuereb, President of the Malta Chamber said at the launch today, “through its business-leader members, the Malta Chamber is proactively being a force for change as it is once again proposing an economic blue-print to Government to sustain and assure a sustainable and competitiveness-based economy for the future.”

He added that, “following the success of the original Economic Vision 2014-2020, the Malta Chamber saw fit to propose a new vision, this time looking at the upcoming five years, to set the economic agenda and propose recommendations, rather than wait for Government to dictate its business proposals.”

Mr Xuereb explained that “the Economic Vision is the result of a long process of research, foresight and vision. The document is in line with the Chamber’s mission To support, represent and connect businesses to grow and engage in shaping Malta’s future.”

He also pointed out how the document was ready for publication in December 2019, however given the political developments at that time, the launch was postponed to allow for the political climate to calm down and for the situation to be brought back under control.

In conclusion the President thanked all the individuals, CEOs who actively contributed to the ideas behind this document.

The document, includes 59 recommendations and was drafted in consultation with 26 leading business leaders, CEOs and chairpersons.

The Chamber said that the Vision is based on growth in a number of traditional and new economic sectors and more importantly on two key thrusts namely, Objectives aiming at achieving smart economic growth and securing sustainable economic development.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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