A series of incentives to promote Gozo’s industrial and other potential were launched by a high-powered government delegation yesterday.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, flanked by Investments Minister Austin Gatt and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, launched three schemes that aim at creating more jobs in Gozo.

The first scheme revises the Cottage Industry Rules so that part-time skilled workers who earn Lm5,000 a year will be VAT-exempt.

The second scheme provides aid to help the employment of “disadvantaged” workers. This will increase ETC and Malta Enterprise aid schemes which may be as much as paying half the first year’s salary to people in this category who are employed.

The third scheme helps enterprises invest in Gozo through an investment aid grant linked to the jobs that are created. Companies suitable for this scheme are eligible for tax credits under the Business Promotion Act. The cash grants can reach a maximum level of Lm2,500, the maximum State aid permitted by EU rules.

In yet another initiative, Lm40,000 from the Good Causes Fund will be spent to help create activities that will attract people to visit Gozo between October and May of every year.

Before the press conference, and a party activity in Xaghra later on, Dr Gonzi and the ministers visited the Pamargan Products (Malta) facility at the Xewkija industrial estate. The company, which now employs 130 workers, is expanding from a 2,000 sq metre site to a 4,500 sq metre one and will be inaugurated in the coming days with the help of Malta Enterprise and Malta Parks.

Speaking at the party activity later on, Dr Gonzi reminded his listeners that these initiatives were the direct result of the party’s general council held in Gozo some weeks ago.

The capital vote for Gozo this year is 10 times what it used to be under Alfred Sant.

Nor have the factories that Dr Sant had said were in trouble due to EU accession suffering from any such trouble: on the contrary they are now flourishing as a result of EU accession.