Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537397
4 maltatoday | FRIDAY • 11 JULY 2025 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Gozo will host high-profile retreats for investors and af- filiates, including the SiGMA Affiliate Retreat from 28 to 30 August, which will welcome 50 top-tier affiliate leaders and around 100 international in- vestors. "This collaboration marks an important step in our efforts to establish Gozo as a strategic center for sustainable invest- ment," Camilleri said. "With improved digital infrastruc- ture, such as a second fibre op- tic cable, and upgraded physi- cal connectivity through fast ferry services and an upcoming airfield, Gozo is now better prepared to attract high-value industries." Director for Tourism and Economic Development, Ron- ald Sultana, said that hosting investors on the island offers more tangible opportunities than virtual exposure alone. The Gozo Ministry will take an active role in the main SiG- MA conference, with visibility and networking opportunities aimed at building long-term partnerships. SiGMA Group CEO Emily Micallef said the retreat will focus on digital affiliates who play a key role in shaping con- sumer journeys and driving online traffic. "We're proud to launch two major events in Gozo as part of SiGMA Eu- ro-Med 2025," Micallef said. Gozo's participation in SiG- MA is being supported by In- vestGozo and forms part of the Gozo Regional Develop- ment Strategy and Malta Vi- sion 2050, both of which aim to foster sustainable economic growth while preserving the is- land's identity. 'An important step for Gozo' In a statement the Gozo Busi- ness Chamber said that "Fol- lowing the investment in the second fibre optic link and the Gozo Innovation Hub, such developments help to position Gozo as a potential investment destination for technology companies. This is an impor- tant step for Gozo to start a process of economic diversifi- cation which is highly needed." The chamber said that this initiative needs to be accom- panied by efforts targeting the creation of a holistic targeted investment package for the set up of such companies in Gozo, accompanied by the creation of a start-up ecosystem for Gozo in value added niches such as technology, and the green economy. "Such a targeted approach should lead to the creation of high value-added economic niches which would contribute significantly to the diversifica- tion of the Gozitan economy," the chamber said. Gozo will host high-profile retreats for investors and affiliates THE World Summer Cup Jun- ior Trot will be held for the first time in the Maltese Islands, with events taking place in both Mal- ta and Gozo. The opening races are scheduled for this Friday at the Ta' Xhajma racecourse in Xewkija, Gozo. Sponsored by the Eques- triMalta Authority, this inter- national trotting competition will feature young riders aged 11 to 16. Details of the event were announced during a press conference on Tuesday, attended by Minister for Edu- cation, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri. The championship kicks off on 11 July in Gozo as part of a broader summer racing programme organized by the Ministry for Gozo, in collab- oration with the Malta Racing Club and with financial sup- port from EquestriMalta. The programme, which began on 13 June, has already attracted close to 200 horse registrations from both islands. Maltese participants for the international leg were select- ed by the Malta Racing Club Trotting Academy, which is financially and administrative- ly supported by EquestriMalta. The academy, active since the beginning of the year, is report- edly gaining popularity among young horse riders. Eight young Maltese compet- itors have been grouped into four teams of two, each set to represent Malta in different legs of the championship— starting in Gozo, and contin- uing in Sweden, Belgium, and France. The representatives are: • Gianluca Debono and Xa- vier Borg (Malta) • Mason Bilocca and Tiffa- ny Zammit (Sweden) • Gianluca Gauci and Gi- useppe Zammit (Bel- gium) • Sven Caruana and Shazney Abela (France) Present at the launch were the young athletes, EquestriMalta Chairman Dr Dean Hili, Malta Racing Club Chairman Antho- ny Mifsud, Deputy Chairman Tony Demanuele, and other club officials. Grima emphasized the signif- icance of the event, calling it "the result of the success of two important pillars of our econ- omy—education and sport." Minister Camilleri highlighted the benefits for both the sport and Gozo, citing youth engage- ment and sports tourism as key factors. He noted that the Ministry has worked to ensure the Ta' Xhajma facility meets international standards for fu- ture events. EquestriMalta CEO Max Zammit stated that investing in youth is a direct investment in the future of the sport. He expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Eques- triMalta, the Ministry, and the Gozo racecourse, and indicated further partnerships are under- way to enhance the sporting landscape in Malta and Gozo. The World Summer Cup Junior Trot to be held in Gozo for first time The championship kicks off on 11 July in Gozo as part of a broader summer racing programme (Photo: DOI/Kian Bugja)