“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, and provides support by placing its expertise at the disposal of Gozitan entrepreneurs and with 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, chairman of Bank of Valletta, during a meeting held with the Minister for Gozo 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 focusing on the bank’s client base in Gozo, as well as the Gozitan community in general.

During his meeting with Mrs 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 thanks 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,” Mr Chalmers said.

Referring to the bank’s special activities 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 in Victoria, we currently employ 26 Gozitan employees out of a total of 61 employees. 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 the 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,” Mr Depasquale said.

Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono thanked Bank of Valletta for its continuous efforts to improve the island’s economy through specific initiatives targeting Gozo and its residents. Mrs Debono commended Bank of Valletta for choosing to transfer its back-office applications to Gozo with the setting up of a local bank’s first Operations Centre. Mrs Debono expressed satisfaction that BOV is now seeking to upgrade its Gozo Operations Centre and hoped that other organisations would follow BOV’s lead. Mrs Debono mentioned the government’s endeavours to establish excellent IT infrastructure for Gozo, which makes it

possible for the continuous development of back-office operations on the island.

During their one-day visit to Gozo, Mr Chalmers and Mr Depasquale also had meetings with the Gozitan business community and with a number of BOV customers. They also visited the bank’s branch in Victoria where they were greeted by the bank’s manager for Gozo, Jack Theuma. An exhibition to mark the occasion featured historical banking items on show at the branch and customers were treated to displays of lace and ganutell together with other typical Gozitan crafts.