Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party yesterday emphasised the need to create more jobs in Gozo.

In a press conference held in Gozo, AD chairperson Harry Vassallo stated that “a more concerted effort is needed to increase job opportunities in Gozo. This will not only contribute towards the economy in Gozo but more importantly, will provide much-needed jobs on the island for Gozitans, thereby reducing the hardship faced by many Gozitans who have to travel to Malta each and every single day.” Spokesperson for Gozo Victor Galea stated that “AD has for a long time been insisting that two areas in which jobs can be created are in the establishment of call centres and in building back-office facilities. Recently we have seen the establishment of private call centres in Malta. This activity is very positive and has served to create more job opportunities. However there is little of such activity in Gozo as yet. We believe that Gozo is ripe for such investment, and can probably be even more competitive than Malta.

“We appreciate that this type of investment is private and not public. However we also believe that government can do its part to promote this type of job-creating investment in Gozo, mainly through tax incentives, direct lobbying, as well as the provision of facilities in industrial buildings which are not being utilised.”

Dr Vassallo stated that “while tourism is key to Gozo’s economy, other investment is needed to provide alternative employment. Gozo’s lower cost base can and should be marketed.

“It is high time that government took serious action to promote call centres and back-office operations in Gozo. We have heard only talk in this regard. Now the Gozitans demand action.”