Speaking at a party activity held at the PN club in Nadur, Dr Gonzi said the rising oil price should make the Maltese reflect on everyday choices, making reference to the increasing demand for electricity. With soaring oil prices, the bigger the demand for electricity, the more losses Enemalta will make with a resulting negative effect on the economy, he said.
Malta cannot escape the realities of a globalised economy, he explained. Oil prices have shot through the roof as a result of a number of factors. Terrorism and internal unrest in oil producing countries, the war in Iraq and the fast pace at which China is developing are all affecting the international oil market, he added.
Dr Gonzi pointed out that growing demand is an indication of the progress the country had made over the years, as it showed a widespread use of electrical-powered equipment, especially air-conditioners.
Dr Gonzi said that contrary to the present situation, when the Labour Party had increased water and electricity bills in 1996 as well as introduced a Lm48 tax on every water meter, the price of oil was on the decline. Oil was quoted at $12 a barrel then, he said; today that figure has grown fourfold. It is imperative, Dr Gonzi said, that the government does not lose the progress it made with its finances over the past months.
Dr Gonzi also spoke of the government’s work in Gozo. He said that the sister island was one of the government’s priorities, adding that measures were being introduced to give investors more opportunities to invest in Gozo because the government recognised the particular difficulties facing the island.
He announced that the government was holding talks with a private company, which is interested in the Malta-Gozo helicopter service. The government is committed towards providing a safe and efficient air travel service between the two islands, he added. He also mentioned a request made by the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Authority a month ago for an airstrip to be built in Gozo.
In the past months important decisions were taken regarding Fort Chambray, he said, adding that as soon as the investor prepares the necessary documentation, a resolution will be presented in Parliament.
He called on everyone to see the opportunities ahead and mentioned the growing pharmaceutical sector. He said that an important factor contributing to the growth of an industry was the supply of adequately trained employees.
Both parents and students need to recognise new job opportunities and identify the country’s needs.
Regarding Gozo Channel, the Prime Minister said that if the government had not taken the right decisions, the company would have gone bankrupt. He said that the reforms implemented helped address the company’s losses. During the first six months of this year Gozo Channel carried 70,000 and 25,000 more passengers and cars respectively, when compared to the same period last year.
It is important for Gozo to develop its conference facilities, because the island has great potential which has to be exploited, he said, adding that in the same manner there should also be a golf course in order to attract a different brand of tourism.
Speaking of the opposition, Dr Gonzi said that the Labour party should stop being so negative. “Whoever listens to the opposition’s criticism should ask himself; what alternative is the Labour party offering? You will find that the answer to that question is nothing,” he said.
The government is ready to exploit any good idea even if it comes from the opposition; however, the Labour Party has to change its tracks and start making concrete and viable proposals instead of depicting a negative picture all the time, he concluded.