This year’s budget aims to strengthen our economy and create more jobs. The government is acting boldly to help revive our economy, to jumpstart job creation and to invest in areas like creativity, education, health care, tourism and infrastructure that will help our economy grow.

The government is incentivising economic, fiscal and price stability and a greater competition in our markets, together with productive investment to generate wealth and jobs. We are investing more than ever in stimulating creativity; in providing better health care; in upgrading our training and educational services and in raising our infrastructural levels, with particular emphasis on the environment, roads and national heritage.

For all those cynical about how serious the government’s plan was to turn Gozo into an eco-island, this budget eliminates any doubt with the allocation of e25m and 80 measures to be implemented over three years. The eco-Gozo vision is a project which ensures that the island sees not only a sustained improvement in the environment, but also a growth and increase in the wealth of the economy.

Tourism is of course one of the most important pillars of Gozo’s economy. It is also a strong generator of employment. Attempts at advertising Gozo as a distinct tourist destination have already been made but it is high time that we take this strategy on a new level and emphasize the distinct characteristics of the island. It is also time to increase our efforts to diversify from the sun/sea product and, in so doing, tackle the problem of seasonality.

In this year’s budget the government is proposing to carry out a market analysis to identify the most appropriate types of meeting, conferences and incentive travel to Gozo. This is one of the most important, and yet hardly tapped, niche markets that would go a long way towards increasing occupancy during the so-called lean months.

Among other measures, the government will also create the infrastructure for additional temporary berthing facilities and support the cruise liner market while exploring the possibilities for permanent and new berths. The continuation of an international marketing campaign on Gozo as a unique diving destination, adopting a regional agro-tourism policy specifically for Gozo, and supporting and marketing existing high-quality cultural festivals at an international level are all included in the document containing the proposed action plan for Gozo for 2010-2012.

Employment in Gozo will not benefit only from the measures contained in the eco-Gozo project proposals. The 2010 budget boosts industry and enterprise. One of the main driving forces behind enterprise in Malta, Malta Enterprise, will go through a transformation that will see it become an agency of a wider economic development incorporating enterprise development and the provision of integrated services for those undertaking an economic activity. It will also promote foreign and local investment, facilitate business and the grant assistance to enterprises engaged in international business.

Moreover, more than e16 million will be invested in the Kordin, Hal Far, Bulebel, Mosta and Xewkija industrial areas while two micro-enterprise parks will be set up in Mellieha and Xewkija.

Self-employed persons and small enterprises are the backbone of Gozitan entrepreneurship. The government recognises this and the budget contains specific measures for Gozo. A 40 per cent tax credit will be given to self-employed persons or small enterprises, employing a maximum of 10 persons and sole traders who make an investment in the coming two years. Those carrying out an investment in Gozo will have a tax credit of 60 per cent instead of 40 per cent – positive discrimination.

These, along with the increase of e2 million in the ETC’s allocation, a e6.2 million allocation for youth training and six new schemes dedicated to research are just a few of the measures taken in the budget to strengthen employment, increase employability and create opportunities.

This is our vision, a vision that incorporates the specific needs of Gozo. Though geographically minute, different regions in Malta have specific needs and face particular challenges. The government understands this and the budget, together with the proposed action plan of the eco-Gozo project, addresses these challenges and ensures that Gozo is geared to face the future with optimism on the basis of a strong employment sector and a thriving economy that is a natural consequence.

Chris Said is parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister