Labour plan for Gozo hinges on tourism

Meeting with some 105 businesspeople at the Kempinski hotel in San Lawrenz, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said a new Labour government would see that Gozo becomes an economic motor for the Maltese islands.

"Unfortunately, the little of foreign investment carried out in Gozo failed to leave an impact. A Labour government would work on attracting investment," he said. 

He also gave a rundown of the PL's proposals to generate quality jobs in Gozo for Gozitans.

"At the end of the day, the private sector is crucial towards the creation of more jobs," Muscat insisted. "We are in fact proposing that new business benefit from a tax credit of €50,000 euro for the first four years."

Another substantial benefit is for businesses employing new workers on an indefinite contract, or for at least three years, to receive a €5,000 wage refund for every workers. Muscat said the PL was envisaging this measure would create jobs for 200 workers, and estimated the scheme would cost €1 million.

Muscat said the fulcrum of Gozo's economy was tourism. "We believe that, together with the private sector, a cruise terminal should be developed," he said, insisting that this will bring in more tourists.

He reassured that a Labour government "wouldn't want to spoil virgin land and was looking at committed land".

The Labour leader also clarified that a new Labour government would be committed in opening a Gozo representation office in Dar Malta in Brussels. Earlier in the day, Muscat said a future government would be electing a representative to Gozo in Malta's EU representation.

During one of the interventions made, Gozo Tourism Association president Joe Muscat welcomed the proposals made for a Gozo representation in the EU and the development of a cruise passenger terminal. He however asked whether the PL had any plans to upgrade the tourism directorate within the Ministry for Gozo to an authority. No answer was given to this question.

On his part, Gozo Business Chamber president Michael Grech also welcomed proposals attracting investment and went on to propose the development of a yacht marina in Mgarr.

On increased connectivity, Muscat said a Labour government would be prioritising fast taxis between Gozo and Valletta and would reopen studies for the construction of a helipad.

The Labour leader reiterated that a future government would work on recognising the agro-industry as an industry within itself and "giving it space" to grow and prosper.

On the abandoned desalination plant in Qala, Muscat said a Labour government was looking into the possibility of developing it into a sports complex.

Muscat also confirmed the PL has included the rehabilitation of the Marsalforn breakwater in its proposals.