Mgarr Harbour expansion is necessary, Gozo Business Chamber says in pre-budget document

The Gozo Business Chamber has published its proposals for Budget 2027, entitled Budget 2027: From commitment to implementation.

As the first budget of the new legislature, the Chamber argues that the focus must now move from identifying structural challenges and announcing policy commitments towards establishing credible implementation pathways that deliver tangible outcomes for Gozo.

A number of proposals and objectives advanced by the Chamber in recent years are now reflected, wholly or partly, in the government’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 milestones.

The document identifies eight principal priorities for Budget 2027:

Regionality – undertake an evidence-based assessment of alternative governance models and develop a roadmap for the progressive exercise of an appropriate devolution of responsibilities and powers to a regional autonomous entity.

Mġarr Harbour – finance the expansion and futureproofing of the harbour, aligned with future ferry-fleet requirements.

Logistics hub – move the government commitment from concept to implementation, with a defined location, functions, governance, financing 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 support measures that will support the development of such eco-system.

Rural airfield and air connectivity – provide a realistic annual capital allocation and commence implementation of the Gozo Rural Airfield project.

Financial and professional services – introduce a pilot regular MFSA presence in Gozo and develop a coordinated proposition for attracting substantive operations to Gozo.

Skills and talent – implement employee upskilling support, align training with Gozo’s economic priorities and develop the Youth4Entrepreneurship into a structured entrepreneurship platform for youth.

Existing businesses – extend transport assistance, strengthen direct support for digitalisation and productivity, and implement the proposed Valletta facility for Gozo-based enterprises.

The Chamber stressed 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 businesses must form part of one coherent, place-based development framework for Gozo.

Implementation should also be underpinned by transparent decision-making, clear accountability, objective criteria and effective consultation. The inclusion of many of these measures in the present government’s manifesto, following proposals also put forward by the Chamber, makes their implementation a binding priority for the next legislature and provides a clear strategic direction for the way forward.