The meeting will coincide with the opening of the new headquarters of UK passenger transport group Fraser Eagle in Lancashire by the Prime Minister.
Mr Green, who retired from Virgin in 2005 and is now a non-executive director of Network Rail, the company that owns and operates Britain’s rail infrastructure, will be speaking at the opening.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, Fraser Eagles’s managing director Kevin Dean said the company will use the opportunity to meet Dr Gonzi to discuss further opportunities to invest in Malta.
“I visit Malta a number of times and I have noticed that traffic congestion is a problem. Chris Green is one of the best-known figures in the railway industry and his knowledge is extremely valuable. I thought it a good idea for him to meet the Prime Minister while he is here,” Mr Dean said.
He said the meeting will be an opportunity to explore the options with Dr Gonzi: “Something might or might not come out of the meeting. However, Chris is more than happy to offer his advice if he can be of help.”
Mr Dean said a number of light rail options, such as a monorail or cable car system, had potential and could be introduced in Malta.
“For example, one option to ease traffic between Sliema and Valletta would be a monorail system over water. I believe a radical approach is required and the solution chosen, apart from being feasible and economically viable, can also be a tourist attraction in itself,” Mr Dean said.
Apart from opening the new £1.8 million headquarters, which will house all its head office staff under one roof, the Prime Minister and Mr Dean will be discussing the group’s future investment plans in Malta, including the construction of a business/residential centre that will cost between Lm10 and Lm15 million.
Fraser Eagle first came to Malta to find a company to develop its transport management software, and eventually awarded a major software project to Crimonwing and another to Megabyte. The group also appointed the Maltese-wed developer Dmax to design its online presence.
Mr Dean was so impressed by what he found here, especially the quality of the staff, that the decision was taken to open the control centre in Malta. The centre now employs 30 members of staff.
Since then it has set up an office in Ta’ Xbiex to identify suitable investment opportunities in Malta and overseas and Fraser Eagle is also planning to transfer its telemarketing activity to Mosta.
During his three-day visit to Lancashire, the Prime Minister will also attend an assembly at Hapton Primary School and Blackburn Rovers’ fixture with Arsenal on Saturday.
Fraser Eagle Group is a multi-million pound group of companies delivering customised corporate transport solutions. It established in 1919 as a regional coach operator and still runs its own coaching division today with tours and excursions across the UK and Europe.
The group also comprises an international interior design and contract furnishing company, an independent travel agency and a quality used-car dealership.