“Vision for the Development of the Island Region of Gozo”’ is the title of a full day conference being organised by the Gozo Business Chamber on Friday at the Grand Hotel in Mgarr, Gozo.

Speakers include Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Leader of the Opposition Joseph Muscat, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, two MEP candidates, economists, financiers and entrepreneurs.

“Gozo’s size – the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago – is both a strength and a weakness,” said Gozo Business Chamber president Joe Grech. “The Gozo Business Chamber feels these should both be addressed through a specific strategy for the island.”

The conference coincides with SME Week, which is being organised throughout Europe from 6 to 14 May. Mr Grech said the conference will enable the nation’s political leaders to give their vision for Gozo’s development and should provide concrete proposals on what The Gozo Business Chamber would like to see introduced in the 2010 Budget.

“We are confident that this conference will have beneficial long-term effects on the economic, social and environmental aspects of the Island Region of Gozo,” Mr Grech said.

After Mr Grech gives an overview of the prerequisites to be set in place for the realisation of a new vision for Gozo in his introductory address, the first speaker, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information Dr Said, will talk about “Gozo – an active player in the EU”.

The first session of the conference will be addressed by economist Gordon Cordina on “Towards a Vision for the Socio-Economic Development of Gozo”, and Alan Camilleri, chairman Malta Enterprise, on “Job creation with Special Reference to Foreign Direct Investment”. Sylvia Gauci, vice-president of the European Economic and Social Committee Employers’ Group, will chair all sessions, which will be followed by a discussion.

The second session has keynote speakers Tonio Depasquale, CEO of Bank of Valletta plc, on “Effects of the present financial challenges and how this is being addressed by the banking sector”, and entrepreneur John Magro on “The current threats and opportunities of industry in Gozo”.

After a discussion, there will be a break for lunch.

The third session will be addressed by two MEP candidates, Professor Edward Scicluna on “The potential for Gozo to grow” and Vincent Farrugia on “The role of entrepreneurship in Gozo”. Following a discussion, the closing session will be addressed by Dr Muscat and Dr Gonzi.

For more information contact The Gozo Business Chamber on 2155 0305 or e-mail [email protected]. The closing date for applications is next Wednesday.