The Federation of Industry believes that if Malta established itself as a hub for cruise liners, new opportunities would be created. FOI general director Ray Muscat spoke about the federation’s vision for Grand Harbour’s regional development at a consultation meeting with a Labour Party delegation led by acting leader Michael Falzon.

Mr Muscat said it was truly a shame that it was all neglect from the Ricasoli to the Menqa and Saint Elmo because Grand harbour with all its historical attractions offered great opportunities for tourism development. He went on that from a social aspect the development of the Vittoriosa waterfront was drawing a large number of people and the same should be done in Cospicua, Senglea and Kalkara.

As for Marsa, Mr Muscat said that this locality was suffering the terrible consequences of the presence of the power station and there was an urgent need for a timetable leading to the decommissioning of the power station. He referred to the potential which existed for super yachts maintenance at the Marsa Shipyard and suggested that the Kordin area could be developed for small industries functioning as clusters on super yachts services.

Dr Falzon said the MLP was consulting communities around Grand Harbour to implement the vision it had for the port. The party’s holistic plan would involve the economic, social and cultural sectors.