Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday the government would be starting a public consultation process that would lead to the drawing up of the pre-budget document.

Following the positive economic results of the recent past, the government was committed to continue introducing several initiatives for the different sectors of society, with particular emphasis on women, youths and the elderly.

Speaking in Qawra, Dr Gonzi said the government last year attracted Lm575 million in foreign investment, when a Labour government led by Alfred Sant had only managed to bring in over Lm19 million.

He mentioned the investment to be made by Lufthansa Technik which, added to that already made by HSBC, De La Rue, Excelsior Hotel and other companies, showed that entrepreneurs had confidence in the country.

Past successes had enabled the government to reduce income tax by Lm12 million for 2007. He added that Malta’s changeover from the lira to euro would be a clear indication that the country’s economy had made giant steps forward.