The launch of a new operating system is the launch of something which will definitely influence the way we operate and work, Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt said yesterday.

Speaking during the official launch of three new products by Microsoft, the Microsoft Office 2007, the Microsoft Operating System – Vista and the Exchange Server 2007, Dr Gatt referred to the relationship between Malta and Microsoft, a relationship which is bearing fruit and is translating in opportunities for the Maltese students, businesses and the economy.

He thanked Microsoft for the opportunity it gave to Maltese students to be the first owners of the new software at a substantially discounted price.

Minister Austin Gatt referred to the ever-increasing role that IT plays in the Maltese economy. This sector is superseding that of tourism in importance and employment.

Investment in this field is on the increase and this is mainly due to the attraction of Malta as a country wherein to set up business in the ICT field. Major reasons are the quality of the workers, our competitiveness when it comes to salaries and the knowledge of English.

Minister Austin Gatt said that the challenge is to keep up the momentum and provide supply for the demand for workers in this field. Minister Gatt added it in was in this respect that the decision was taken for MCAST to partner with the private teaching industry, to be able to provide the tuition to the students who applied for courses in IT at MCAST.

Austin Gatt concluded that the opportunities are there, more are coming and we have to be ready to exploit them.