This authority will be addressing Gozo’s socio-economic development of Gozo by recommending projects and policies that broadly address the needs of Gozo and will also present a framework for its socio-economic policy.

Minister Camilleri said that, “the Gozo Regional Development Authority will also be involved in the implementation of these projects and policies, and will provide, among other things, a vision that enjoys the support of all parties and stakeholders that make up Gozitan society, including the government, the private sector as well as non-governmental entities.”

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri noted that since 2013, “Gozo has recorded unprecedented economic growth by growing at an average annual rate of 9.2%.” However, he said there was “still a lot of potential that could be exploited.”

He went on to say that, the Gozo Regional Development Authority will have a fundamental part to play in helping this to be done, as with the initiatives that Gozo will be taking it will be able to continue to attract more and more services with high added value.

The Minister for Gozo explained that through this authority, the characteristics of Gozo will be addressed more urgently and adequately, especially among them, connectivity and better use of resources, both natural and financial, as well as human ones.

The President of the Authority Michael Grech said that the Gozo Regional Development Authority will be consulting with the government, the private sector, constituted bodies and non-governmental organisations, as well as the general public to prepare and publish a Regional Development Strategy for Gozo.

Following this, the Authority will be managing and monitoring the implementation of this strategy, he said.

“This will be done either by taking direct implementation of such measures or through agreements with other government departments and entities that have been assigned responsibility for the implementation of specific measures,” Grech said.

The Chief Executive of the Authority Mario Borg stated that in addition, the Authority will see to it that regional studies are carried out on the impact on Gozo for any national proposal that is considered that could affect Gozo.

This will ensure that the significant economic, social and environmental characteristics of Gozo are taken into account in any national strategy, policy making and planning.

The Minister for Gozo Clint said that he is “confident that this authority will play a crucial part in helping to transform Gozo’s many challenges into opportunities by taking holistic and consistent actions with regard to environmental, social and economic realities of Gozo.”

Minister Camilleri also added that the study that will be required to be carried out by the Authority, will be ensuring that “the realities of Gozo are taken into account in a studied and professional manner in any proposal.”

Mr. Michael Grech is being appointed as the President of the Gozo Regional Development Authority while Mr. Mario Borg will be its Chief Executive.

Photo: MGOZ

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