INAUGURATION OF GOZO OFFICE IN MALTA

INAUGURATION OF GOZO OFFICE IN MALTA

The Minister for Gozo together with the Chairman of Bank of Valletta, yesterday officially inaugurated the Gozo Office in Malta at 67, South Street, Valletta.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, stated that "the need for this office is a clear example of the particular circumstances in which Gozo and the Gozitans find themselves in, when in Malta to work, study, negotiate, receive special treatment and for other needs"

The Minister stated that although throughout the years Gozo has become very popular with Maltese and foreign tourists, there is still a need for Gozo to be marketed as a unique tourist destination all year round. It was this reason that spurred the Ministry to take the initiative and inaugurate this office in Valletta, the commercial and cultural centre of Malta. The Hon. Debono, thanked Bank of Valletta Chairman, Mr. Joseph F.X. Zahra, who during a meeting between both parties, acknowledged the need for a Gozo Office to be opened in Malta and proposed that this initiative be taken together with the BOV's collaboration by offering a premises to host this office.

Addressing the inauguration, Mr. Joseph F.X. Zahra stated that "Bank of Valletta is doing its utmost to ensure that due support is given to businessmen and this spurred the Bank to offer a section within its premises in Valletta to host the Gozo Office."

Mr. Zahra explained how the Bank's role has always been directed towards the support of the local economy. Mr. Zahra stated that "the Gozitan industries such as factories, retail outlets and tourism, have always benefitted through Bank of Valletta's support. This support which the Bank is giving to Gozo, is being further enhanced through initiatives in favour of the development of a number of sectors. Worth mentioning is the organisation of the annual Gozo Conference, as well as one of the Bank's millennium projects which entails the sponsorship for the rehabilitation of 'Ramla l-'�amra Bay' in Gozo, an environmental project with the aim of rehabilitating and protecting of one of the most beautiful bays on the Maltese Islands.

Further information can be requested by contacting the Gozo Office on telephone number 227313.