Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546604
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS Gozo Chamber urges concrete action on Gozo priorities ahead of Budget 2027 THE Gozo Business Chamber has published its proposals for the upcoming budget, entitled Budget 2027: From Commit- ment to Implementation. "As the first Budget of the new legislature, the chamber argues that the focus must now move from identifying structural challenges and an- nouncing policy commitments towards establishing credible implementation pathways that deliver tangible outcomes for Gozo," the chamber said in a statement. The chamber said a number of proposals and objectives advanced by the Chamber in recent years are now reflected, "wholly or partly, in the Gov- ernment's programme for the new legislature." "While this convergence is welcome, it also means that Budget 2027 should focus on translating commitments into clear programmes supported by institutional responsibility, adequate resources, realistic timelines and measurable mile- stones." The document identifies eight principal priorities for Budget 2027: Regionality – undertake an evidence-based assessment of alternative governance mod- els and develop a roadmap for the progressive exercise of an appropriate devolution of re- sponsibilities and powers to a regional autonomous entity. Mġarr Harbour – finance the expansion and futureproofing of the harbour, aligned with fu- ture ferry-fleet requirements. Logistics Hub – move the Government commitment from concept to implementa- tion, with a defined location, functions, governance, financ- ing and connection with Mġarr Harbour. Innovation and Enterprise – reposition the Gozo Innovation Hub as the anchor of a wider start-up ecosystem together with designated start-up sup- port measures that will sup- port the development of such eco-system. Rural Airfield and Air Con- nectivity – provide a realistic annual capital allocation and commence implementation of the Gozo Rural Airfield project. Financial and Professional Services – introduce a pilot reg- ular MFSA presence in Gozo and develop a coordinated proposition for attracting sub- stantive operations to Gozo. Skills and Talent – implement employee upskilling support, align training with Gozo's eco- nomic priorities and develop the Youth4Entrepreneurship into a structured entrepreneur- ship platform for youth. Existing Businesses – extend transport assistance, strength- en direct support for digitalisa- tion and productivity, and im- plement the proposed Valletta facility for Gozo- based enter- prises. The Chamber said that these priorities are interconnected and should not be pursued as isolated measures. Stronger regional governance, strategic infrastructure, connectivity, logistics, diversification, skills and support for existing busi- nesses must form part of one coherent, place-based develop- ment framework for Gozo. "Implementation should al- so be underpinned by trans- parent decision-making, clear accountability, objective crite- ria and effective consultation. The inclusion of many of these measures into the present Gov- ernment's manifesto, following also proposals by the Chamber, make these binding steps for the next legislature providing already the strategic direction that needs to be taken," the chamber said. The full Budget 2027 docu- ment can also be downloaded from the Gozo Business Cham- bers website. The Gozo Business Chamber publishes its proposals for the upcoming budget, entitled Budget 2027: From Commitment to Implementation Servizz.gov opens new regional centre in Gozo SERVIZZ.GOV has opened a new regional centre in Pjaz- za San Franġisk, Rabat, Gozo, bringing the total number of Servizz.gov centres across Malta and Gozo to 27. The new centre was inaugu- rated by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Head of the Pub- lic Service Tony Sultana, in the presence of Servizz.gov chief executive Massimo Vella. According to Servizz.gov, the new centre will allow Gozitans to access hundreds of govern- ment services from one loca- tion. These include services relat- ing to benefits, education, tax forms and assistance schemes for businesses. The government said the centre forms part of efforts to make public services more accessible and efficient and to bring them closer to citizens. "More services accessible, efficient and closer to the peo- ple," Servizz.gov said in a post announcing the opening. The Chamber says that these priorities are interconnected and should not be pursued as isolated measures According to Servizz.gov, the new centre will allow Gozitans to access hundreds of government services from one location