Regional perspective to our budget

Every year, the Gozo Business Chamber presents its pre-budget proposals. Over the years, we have focused on key strategic measures which we believe can have a significant impact on Gozo’s economy and society. However, we feel that Gozo’s regional distinctiveness, but also the costs, both economic and social, of being an island within an archipelago of islands, are not always grasped when decisions are taken at a national level. 

Major decisions that will shape Gozo’s immediate and long-term future often take far too long to be made or are not made at all. What concerns us even more is that planning for certain strategic initiatives, particularly those related to accessibility infrastructure, has not even begun. On the other hand, decisions relating to major infrastructural projects on the main island of Malta are continuously being taken and implemented. 

Difficulties often arise when ministries and national entities attempt to implement initiatives in Gozo. The island seems to fall into a kind of grey area. While there are ministries and entities that operate effectively in Gozo, this should not create the impression that something exceptional is being done. Gozo should be treated equitably and we must ensure that all services provided at the national level are also available on the island. Yet, questions remain.

Why is Gozo not in a position to take its own decisions and hold ministries and national entities to account when it comes to implementing initiatives on the island? Why is Gozo not in a position to assess that the annual budget allocated is equitable and in line with its needs?

Gozo should be in a position to outline its own priorities. This also applies to its economy.

Gozo has reached a stage where economic diversification is essential to ensure it continues to progress in step with national achievements. But how can this be realised? First and foremost, a shift in perspective is needed. We must move away from a fragmented approach and adopt a unified, cohesive strategy, one that positions Gozo as a priority investment area, fully aligned with the strategic objectives outlined in the Gozo Regional Development Strategy.

The Chamber believes that this approach would consolidate fragmented efforts into a clear and transparent framework, one that is essential for building investor confidence.

Difficulties often arise when ministries and national entities attempt to implement initiatives in Gozo- Daniel Borg

It would also send a strong signal to both local and foreign investors by promoting Gozo through a unified investment narrative and supporting the island’s growth through place-based innovation.

At the same time, Gozo must have the autonomy to identify and invest in its own priorities. The island has strong potential to thrive in sectors such as medical technology and green and clean technologies. The presence of the Queen Mary University of London Campus in Gozo demonstrates that high-quality investment is not only possible but already happening. Gozo can be a significant contributor to the national economy but this requires a shift in approach, particularly in governance.

We need stronger regional structures capable of attracting European Union funding to Gozo and investing it in key infrastructural projects. Decisions on how funds dedicated to Gozo are spent should be made at the regional level. At present, this level of decision-making is virtually non-existent.

If we, as Gozitans, are not empowered to make these decisions, we risk continuing to submit pre-budget proposals year after year that remain unimplemented and to discuss the same unresolved issues repeatedly. Gozo is not merely a geographical area, it is a region and it must be treated as such in every sense.

Daniel Borg is CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber.