The Gozo Business Chamber is publishing its document containing its proposals for the 2025 Budget.  This document outlines the context in which the Chamber is formulating its proposals.  This means that these should not be taken out of the context of the present state of the nation which calls for transparency and ethical conduct at all levels of government.  These proposals also have a strategic and regional outlook.  This means that while addressing specific concerns they outline the necessity for a long-term vision especially for initiatives which are necessary for Gozo’s integral development.  Gozo’s integral development also calls for an independent debate on Gozo’s regional status which assumes a level of maturity across all the political spectrum.  It is only then that Gozo can really move forward. To this end the Chamber is formulating the following proposals.

Targeted Proposals for Specific Sectors

  • The Property Sector
    • Fiscal Incentives for those retaining and restoring existing dwellings, both within and outside the urban conservation area.
    • Property owners in urban conservation areas, selling to third country nationals should also be exempt from stamp duty.
    • Co-owners who remain in co-ownership of a property for a span of more than three years and opt to sell their undivided share from the property to another co-ower shall enjoy a more advantegeous tax rate.
    • Providing an incentive whereby people who would finish their property within a two-ear time frame woul recoup part of the VAT.
  • A Start-Up Eco-System for Gozo
    • The Chamber is proposing mandatory business consultation with a business mentor for start-up accessing government grants and funds.
    • Provide continuous mentorship to startups to help them adapt to challenges, manage resources effectively and refine their strategies.
    • Establish a Startup Incubator within the Gozo Innovation Hub,  with a dedicated co-working space and comprehensive support services.
  • The Artisan Sector
    • Assist Gozitan artisans, registered in the Registrar of Crafts, to cover travel expenses for events organised by, or in collaboration with, the Malta Crafts Foundation.
  • A Transport Support Scheme for Gozo’s Wholesale, Import and Retail Sectors
    • The Gozo Business Chamber is proposing the introduction of a transport support scheme for the wholesale, import, and retail sectors in Gozo.  The proposed scheme would be modeled similarly to the Malta Enterprise’s Gozo Transport Grant which supports transportation costs for the manufacturing sector.
  • The Cultural Sector
    •  The Chamber is proposing a support scheme which would encourage the private sector, especially in the tourism and catering industries to enhance their events by engaging artists, who would increase the overall profile of the initiative.

Long-Term Planning

  • Health Services in Gozo
    • Pursue effectively the master plan for the new Gozo General Hospital
    • Ensure that services to people with disabilities are offered in Gozo.  When these services are offered by NGOs it should be ensured that these NGOs are adequately assisted by the State.
  • The Education Sector
    • Cater for an induction programme for secondary school aged migrant learners in Gozo.
  • Connectivity
    • Replace the present Gozo Channel fleet  with a more sustainable fleet, and the possibility of the introduction of a fifth ferry.
    • Ensure that the winter timetable of the fast ferry service is adequate with respect to the needs of the Gozitan population.
    • Align the public transport timetable with the Gozo Channel and fast ferry timetables/arrivals.
    • Ensure the expansion of the Mġarr Port or the creation of an alternative port.
    • Start preparations for the elctrification of both the Ċirkewwa and the  Mġarr ports.
  • The Energy Sector
    • Ensure an accelerated transtion to renewable energy sources in Gozo with a diversified mix which in the long run can lead to more energy security.
    • Develop an enhanced regulatory framework specifically for Gozo which would also consider the participation of the private sector through international partnerships, leading to Gozo being a test-bed for the deployment of such solutions prior to these being implemented on a national level.
  • The City of Victoria
    • Follow through on projects which will see the creation of underground car parking facilities and new green spaces in Victoria.
    • Create a task-force to identify and implement temporary solutions intended to alleviate traffic in Victoria.

The whole document can be accessed through the following link GBC – Budget 2025.