“Bank of Valletta is committed to play a leading role in supporting and promoting sustainable development in Gozo. BOV is also aware of the special economic needs of the Gozitan region. As a bank that is close to the communities in which it operates, BOV works closely with the Gozitan business community, providing support by placing its expertise at the disposal of Gozitan entrepreneurs and through the provision of added value services. Our understanding of Gozo’s unique needs is a key element that enables BOV to continue to support its customers’ success”. This was stated by Roderick Chalmers, Bank of Valletta chairman, during a meeting held today with Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono.
Mr Chalmers who was accompanied by the bank’s chief executive officer, Tonio Depasquale, was in Gozo for a full day of events as part of a series of initiatives focussing on the Bank’s client base in Gozo as well as the Gozitan community in general.
During his meeting with Minister Debono, Mr Chalmers reiterated that Gozo has always featured high on Bank of Valletta’s agenda. BOV plays an active role not only at an economic level but also in supporting cultural and social community initiatives. We continue to promote sustainable development in Gozo, taking a number of initiatives directed at fostering entrepreneurship. BOV enjoys excellent relations with the Gozitan business community due to its close collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association – two organisations whose incessant work is pivotal for the island’s continuous growth and development”, said Mr Chalmers.
Referring to the bank’s special events in Gozo, Mr Depasquale said, “The special offers available through our branches in Gozo underline the importance we place on strengthening the relationship with our customers”. BOV’s CEO also announced that BOV is planning to upgrade its Gozo Operations Centre. “At the Gozo Operations Centre, situated in Victoria, we currently employ 26 Gozitan employees out of a total of 61 employees who we employ in Gozo. This Centre was opened in 2003 as part of the Bank’s project to centralise its back office functions with the aim of enhancing efficiency. It was also an opportunity for relocating all those Gozitan employees who wanted to work in Gozo. Today, we have arrived at a stage when this Centre is reaching full capacity and plans for upgrading it are currently being evaluated,” said Mr Depasquale.
Mrs Debono thanked Bank of Valletta for its continuous efforts towards improving the island’s economy through specific initiatives targeting Gozo and its residents. Minister Debono commended Bank of Valletta for choosing to transfer its back-office applications to Gozo through the setting up of a local bank’s first Operations Centre. The Hon. Giovanna Debono expressed satisfaction when informed that BOV is seeking to upgrade its Gozo Operations Centre and expressed hope that other organisations would follow BOV’s lead. Minister Debono mentioned the government’s endeavours towards establishing excellent IT infrastructure for Gozo which makes the continuous development of back-office operations on the island possible.
During their one day visit in Gozo, Mr Chalmers and Mr Depasquale met with the Gozitan business community as well as a number of BOV customers.
They also took the opportunity to visit the bank’s branch in Victoria where they were greeted by the bank’s manager for Gozo, Jack Thewma. For this occasion, an exhibition featuring historical banking items was on display at the branch. Customers were also greeted with a display on lace and ganutell-making, together with other typical Gozitan crafts.