HSBC’s Gozo Service Centre was officially inaugurated yesterday at the Xewkija Industrial Park by Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and HSBC Chief Executive Officer Shaun Wallis.
HSBC Malta’s latest initiative, over and above the Swatar Call Centre where HSBC is also now employing 500 new, full time employees, will see an investment in the region of e800,000 (Lm343,440) and annual recurring operational costs of e1.2 million (Lm515,160).
“The transformation of the disused, derelict building into a fully-fledged and fully-operational Service Centre incorporating an Operations Centre and an outward-bound Call Centre was done in a very short span of 15 weeks, with a 10 km of cable laid out,” Mr Wallis said.
“Once again, it has been excellent teamwork all around, involving the various government bodies, including the ministries, Malta Enterprise, Malta Industrial Parks, and ETC as well as local suppliers and contractors, and our own staff. We are convinced this move will make a positive contribution to the social and economic development of Gozo. Fifty people are employed here already, having transferred 21 Gozitan employees from Malta to Gozo, close to their homes and families, thus improving their standard of living,” he added.
The bright and airy offices of the service centre host state of the art technology, and have a fresh, modern look. Construction, mechanical and electrical works were awarded to Gozitan companies.
Dr Austin Gatt said “this is a clear example of the taxpayers’ money being exceedingly well-spent by finding the right partner and the right incentives. Despite the criticism we had received we are very happy that we sold Mid Med Bank to HSBC. The HSBC service centre is a true partnership between a leading international company that is committed to Malta and Gozo, and a government that is dedicating funds and facilities to create the success that we are witnessing today.
“It is also proof that our vision for Gozo’s economy is delivering the results. We would be foolish to underestimate the potential that Gozo has to be a technology and services hub for technology companies, gaming companies, and research and development companies including bio-technology,” added Dr Gatt.
Mrs Debono said “the opening of the service centre is another vote of confidence by the private sector in the island of Gozo, which has seen a shift from traditional manufacturing to a more high-yield service-oriented investment in recent years.”
“The government’s policies, long-term vision and investment in the infrastructure brought concrete results including a record number of employees employed in the private sector in Gozo last year,” added Minister Debono. She also mentioned incentives such as the additional reduction by 25 per cent of trade licences for establishments in Gozo, and the investment in another underwater cable that strengthens the networking infrastructure for increased potential for Gozo to attract more high-end investment.
The Gozo Service Centre is managed by Ray Cassar and has been operational since early January 2008. HSBC Malta chairman Albert Mizzi and HSBC’s Chief Operating Officer Sally Robson, as well as the Gozo Bishop Mario Grech were also present for the official inauguration.