Malta in 2007

This will be a year of growth. It is the first year of benefiting from the financial allocation of €855 million the EU provided our country over the financial period that kicks off today and ends in 2013.

The government is prepared for this challenge. Malta is the first country to have been given the green light over projects for European financing.

The preparations meticulously carried out by the various ministries will reap results.

We have ended last year by bringing the deficit below the three per cent threshold. This year we'll move that deficit further down - 2.5 per cent.

We are confident that inflation can be kept under check and we look forward to notification that, as of next year, the euro will be our currency.

Preparations for that turning point, including an information campaign, dual pricing and removing bank charges to change to or from the euro will be among this year's characteristics.

That will serve as a catalyst for added growth, foreign direct investment and new initiatives facilitating the nation's economic well being. Announcements are in the pipeline.

As of today all taxpayers benefit from discounts resulting from broader tax bands.

All public sector employees will, moreover, gain as a result of a reasonable collective agreement.

After going through a difficult year, tourism is expected to recover and consolidate.

This will be the first full year where we can assess the impact of major low-cost carriers operations being added to the mix of our visitor sources.

A total of Lm25 million of investments in new hotels or extensions comes on line. Over the coming weeks, Malta begins to benefit from an electronic state of the art booking portal.

A sum of Lm5.6 million will be spent directly on different aspects of our tourism product over and above monies spent by other ministries that impact tourism.

Today, the tourism plan that was meticulously discussed with stakeholders, not least through the Consultative Group, enters into force.

We are committed to review on a regular basis its implementation.

On a cultural level, 2007 will be beaming with large-scale events of calibre. Some events such as Notte Magica: It-Tre Re on January 6, or Notte Bianca in October, apart from the Summer Arts Festival at Teatru Rjal, the Historic Cities' Festival, another International Choir Festival and more will be organised directly by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture.

Other events that will be organised by the private sector, often with financial and other logistic support from my ministry, will provide for an exciting year.

International personalities appealing to different music tastes have already signed up to be on a Malta stage in 2007.

On Friday, January 19, many will gather at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, to express their gratitude to Mgr Giuseppe Mercieca who led the Church for 30 years.

His has not been an easy Episcopate - the attack against Church schools and against the Curia are among his more difficult moments.

A week later, the people will welcome with enthusiasm Mgr Pawl Cremona as our new Archbishop. His charisma, his appealing smile, his genuine concern for all those who in one way suffer from neglect, his determination to build bridges, and, ultimately, his open mindedness that is at the same time anchored to fundamental values and beliefs will do much to help the Church go through a period of needed revival across its grassroots. This is an occasion for great national unity and joy.

The year 2007 will be remembered for various happenings.

In July we'll have the opening of the new Mater Dei Hospital - a quality leap not only as a building structure but also as regards equipment and services available.

This year we shall also benefit from more investment in educational and environmental projects.

In March, the European Union turns 50 and Malta will join the other 26 members in celebrations.

The political pitch will be at a high. Much attention will be given to the local council elections on Saturday, March 10, but that will be only marginally important in comparison to the build up that will follow later in preparation for the forthcoming general election. Campaign events at all levels will be intense and all pervasive.

Dr Zammit Dimech is Minister of Tourism and Culture.