No matter the size of any challenge, clear vision and self-trust are key factors for success. Consequently, irrespective of the size of the country, self-respect and will-power makes it a high achiever.

The endless list of excellent results we are constantly achieving as a nation proves the self-respect and trust that the Labour government has injected into the country’s attitude when facing its targets.

According to the European Commission’s summer forecast, Malta’s economic growth is expected to remain robust in the near future and throughout 2019. The forecast indicates that domestic demand is set to become the main driver of growth in the second half of 2018, strengthened by an expansion in public and private consumption. Investment is also expected to recover strongly in 2019, supported by projects in the health, technology and telecommunications sectors.

 

Forecasting more growth

Overall, the real gross domestic product is forecast to increase by 5.4 per cent in 2018 (second only to Ireland) and five per cent in 2019. The Commission said that the economic momentum is expected to further support the creation of employment creation, on the back of record low unemployment and increasing labour supply, as a result of the rising number of women participating in the labour market and the inflow of foreign workers.

 

In the field of international economic reviews, it is known that financial projections are based on past and current performances and results. It is also well known, unfortunately in the local political scenario, that there is a section that passionately criticise such positive results or forecasts and will attempt anything under the sun to obstruct them. This will not, however, deter us from striving harder, fully aware of the fact that it is even more challenging to secure and sustain our levels after progressively achieving high positions in EU-wide performance statistics.

 

Gozo – an island-region

This week I addressed the Annual General Meeting of the Islands Commission within the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, which was held in Corsica. We discussed island-regions such as Gozo, in the EU’s post-2020 Cohesion Policy. The specific objective and function of the Cohesion Policy is to reduce disparities between levels of development in European regions, while strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion. This investment and cooperation framework can easily be regarded as the most concrete expression of European solidarity which must be felt and truly experienced by all.

Looking more specifically at Gozo, the tangible results achieved so far through the Cohesion Policy can be seen in our schools, businesses, infrastructure and health care and in our natural and cultural environment. The government has ring-fenced 10 per cent of all EU funding allocation to and for Gozo so that we ensure that Gozo gets its fair share of funds. The total commitment to Gozo’s needs is clearly indicated in the formulation of an integrated territorial development strategy to ensure that Gozo absorbs adequate funding from the 2014-2020 European Structural and Cohesion funds.

In the coming years, in fact, a package of measures that will be part-financed by the European Union will be implemented in Gozo, in line with the purpose behind this strategy. It will continue addressing the specific concerns and realities of the island while meeting overall EU objectives, such as boosting competitiveness and jobs, promoting social inclusion, preserving and protecting the environment, increasing resource efficiency and other regional requirements.

 

Constraints and challenges

In my address I stressed how important it is to achieve this goal through adequate EU co-financing which cannot be sufficiently underlined. It is essential that, through such multi-lateral meetings, we continue improving the rules and securing adequate resources to ensure that the Cohesion Policy addresses the real constraints and situations of our islands.

 

With regard to the post-2020 Cohesion Policy legislative package that the Commission published some weeks ago, we particularly welcome the fact that all regions remain eligible for resources the Policy, including those that have achieved a degree of convergence. This is important in instances where maintaining and sustaining convergence is a continuous challenge. In fact, Malta overall has experienced strong growth but, being an island Member State on the periphery of Europe, and with limited natural resources, EU funds have played a considerable role in achieving this growth which, of course, we want to nurture and sustain.

In addition, and most importantly for Gozitans, our island suffers from additional permanent vulnerabilities arising from its double insularity that need to be factored in – a long-standing challenge that the Government is actively addressing. Our active presence at ministerial level in such meetings demonstrate that, as well as placing Gozo at the heart of the national agenda, we are also seeking  fruitful interaction at high-level Mediterranean and European fora.

 

Festive summer weekends

Apart from the political schedule and decisions that need to be taken, we are also fully geared up with administrative measures and specific initiatives to implement our programme of establishing Gozo as an all-year attraction. This week I have launched yet another cultural and entertainment programme for Xlendi. ‘I love ix-Xlendi’ is a series of late evening variety shows that Munxar Council, with the Ministry’s support, will be holding for families visiting the popular tourist spot every weekend from July to September.

The varied line-up of events for I Love ix-Xlendi will ensure that there is something for all ages to enjoy, starting today and running until 15 September. Similar events have been already established for Marsalforn and Mġarr during the summer weeks and the success so far is huge. Such entertainment activities will add more attraction to the already popular spots, while serving as a promotion for local talent and direct support to the local business community.

 

‘Keep Gozo Tidy’

The Gozo Ministry is also committed to ensuring the best upkeep of all areas in Gozo, particularly those mostly frequented by families and tourists during the holiday season. We are fully aware that, during the holiday season, the Gozo population doubles in size, creating a demand for more services and expenditure. We strive to keep such areas in the best possible condition, despite the various challenges that are particular to these locations.

Following last year’s initiative in Xlendi and Marsalforn, we will be providing an additional collection of waste in the evening, alongside the normal daily cleaning services. It is only natural that I should appeal to residents and business outlets to appreciate our efforts and fully cooperate to ensure a clean environment for the residents themselves, as well as for visitors, swimmers and diners. My heartfelt thanks go to all our employees entrusted with cleaning and upkeep.

We intend to complement a packed season of popular village feasts with such entertainment activities, spreading further attractions all around Gozo. While trusting that our families and our welcome visitors can enjoy such events, may I also wish the Victoria community a total success today as they celebrate the Feast of St George – one of Gozo’s major attractions during the festa season.