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4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWS THE Gozo Business Chamber has presented its document con- taining its proposals for the 2025 Budget. This document outlines the context in which the Cham- ber is formulating its proposals. This means that these should not be taken out of the context of the present state of the nation which calls for transparency and ethical conduct at all levels of government. These proposals also have a strategic and regional outlook. This means that while addressing specific concerns they outline the necessity for a long-term vision especially for initiatives which are necessary for Gozo's integral development. Gozo's integral development also calls for an independent de- bate on Gozo's regional status which necessitates a level of ma- turity from across all the politi- cal spectrum. It is only then that Gozo can really move forward, the Chamber said. To this end, it has formulated the following proposals. The Property Sector • Fiscal Incentives for those retaining and restoring ex- isting dwellings, both with- in and outside the urban conservation area. • Property owners in urban conservation areas, selling to third country nationals should also be exempt from stamp duty. • Co-owners who remain in co-ownership of a proper- ty for a span of more than three years and opt to sell their undivided share from the property to another co-ower shall enjoy a more advantegeous tax rate. • Providing an incentive whereby people who would finish their property within a two year time frame woul recoup part of the VAT. A Start-Up Eco-System for Gozo • The Chamber is proposing mandatory business con- sultation with a business mentor for startups access- ing government grants and funds. • Provide continuous men- torship to startups to help them adapt to challenges, manage resources effec- tively and refine their strat- egies. • Establish a Startup Incuba- tor within the Gozo Innova- tion Hub, with a dedicated co-working space and com- prehensive support services. The Artisan Sector • Assist Gozitan artisans, registered in the Registrar of Crafts, to cover travel ex- penses for events organised by, or in collaboration with, the Malta Crafts Founda- tion. A Transport Support Scheme for Gozo's Wholesale, Import and Retail Sectors • The Gozo Business Cham- ber is proposing the in- troduction of a transport support scheme for the wholesale, import, and re- tail sectors in Gozo. The proposed scheme would be modeled similarly to the Malta Enterprise's Gozo Transport Grant which supports transportation costs for the manufacturing sector. The Cultural Sector • The Chamber is proposing a support scheme which would encourage the pri- vate sector, especially in the tourism and catering industries to enhance their events by engaging artists, who would increase the overall profile of the initi- ative. • Long-Term Planning Health Services in Gozo • Pursue effectively the mas- ter plan for the new Gozo General Hospital • Ensure that services to people with disabilities are offered in Gozo. When these services are offered by NGOs it should be en- sured that these NGOs are adequately assisted by the State. The Education Sector • Cater for an induction programme for secondary school aged migrant learn- ers in Gozo. Connectivity • Replace the present Gozo Channel fleet with a more sustainable fleet, and the possibility of the introduc- tion of a fifth ferry. • Ensure that the winter timetable of the fast ferry service is adequate with respect to the needs of the Gozitan population. • Align the public transport timetable with the Gozo Channel and fast ferry timetables/arrivals. • Ensure the expansion of the Mġarr Port or the creation of an alternative port. • Start preparations for the elctrification of both the Ċirkewwa and the Mġarr ports. The Energy Sector • Ensure an accelerated tran- stion to renewable energy sources in Gozo with a di- versified mix which in the long run can lead to more energy security. • Develop an enhanced reg- ulatory framework specifi- cally for Gozo which would also consider the participa- tion of the private sector through international part- nerships, leading to Gozo being a test-bed for the de- ployment of such solutions prior to these being imple- mented on a national level. The City of Victoria • Follow through on projects which will see the creation of underground car park- ing facilities and new green spaces in Victoria. • Create a task-force to iden- tify and implement tempo- rary solutions intended to alleviate traffic in Victoria. Gozo Business Chamber outlines strategic priorities and economic initiatives for Gozo in 2025 Budget proposals The Gozo Business Chamber has proposed fiscal incentives for those retaining and restoring existing dwellings, both within and outside the urban conservation area While addressing specific concerns, the proposals outline the necessity for a long-term vision especially for initiatives which are necessary for Gozo's integral development

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