Despite resources such as the harbour, a relatively decent road network and a rich history, Cottonera lagged behind other parts of the country. Unemployment, low literacy levels and low economic growth are characteristic of the area.

Recent figures published by the Malta Tourism Authority, Dr Sant said, show that while places like Mdina attract some 800,000 tourists a year, Cottonera only managed to pull in a meagre 70,000.

Chamber president Louis Apap-Bologna reiterated the chamber’s commitment to keep abreast with all matters of national interest and shared the Labour Party’s concern over the welfare of the area.

Although Cottonera has been neglected over the years, recent developments in the harbour area, and the number of yachts that have already taken up berths, are encouraging.

However, Mr Apap-Bologna added, these can be exploited further. There is a great potential for the repairing and servicing of the yachts that berth in the Cottonera Marina. In addition, being a profitable enterprise in its own right this kind of business creates “spill-over” business into a wide range of other industries.

Dr Sant expanded on Mr Apap-Bologna’s comments and said that the marina was a case in point where a facility located in Cottonera actually created economic activity elsewhere. In fact a study carried out by the Joint Committee shows that this is a recurring pattern with a number of industries.

“We see great potential in the area” said Dr Sant, which is why the committee has embarked on this process of consultation with the parties involved.