Gozo Trade Fair is biggest ever

THE third Gozo Trade Fair, organised by the Gozo Chamber of Commerce at the Sports Complex in Victoria, was inaugurated by Minister Giovanna Debono on Friday.

It is the biggest so far, with 66 participants and, for the first time, with an international dimension.

Mrs Debono, opening the fair, said Gozo's economy no longer depended so heavily on the traditional manufacturing sector, but is diversifying towards the manufacture of specialised products and services, also connected with the IT sector.

The minister referred to the work carried out by the Gozo Ministry and by Malta Enterprise to promote investment in Gozo, and thus create jobs on the island for Gozitans. She said the island's human resources were a tremendous asset, and produced high-quality goods and handcrafts.

EU membership provide excellent opportunities for Gozo's economic growth, she added.

Mrs Debono thanked the Gozo Chamber of Commerce for organising the fair which, she hoped, would make Gozo products and services better known.

The minister, together with representatives of Gharb council, the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association, then signed co-operation agreements with three Italian agencies: Comunità Montana Valle dell'Aniene (which, together with the province of Taranto, is taking part in the fair), the Rome province development agency, and Colline Romane SpA for joint projects involving small enterprises, handicrafts and typical Gozo products.

The fair, which will also be open today and tomorrow, includes an art exhibition and a marathon of musical talent by the Dorthese Ellis Foundation, prizes for visitors, and dogs shows and song and karaoke shows.

The Italian exhibitors will also offer visitors wine and pasta.