PRESENTATION OF FIRST GOZO BUSINESS CHAMBER PUBLICATION TO MINISTER FOR GOZO

"The Effects of E.U. Membership on the Island Region of Gozo" is the first publication issued by the Gozo Business Chamber. It was presented on Wednesday, at the Ministry for Gozo, to the Hon. Minister for Gozo, Mrs. Giovanna Debono.

The publication, issued in collaboration with the University of Malta Gozo Centre and fully sponsored by the Ministry for Gozo, highlights multiple advantages and disadvantages which will have to be considered when assessing the benefits or otherwise of Malta's possible accession to the European Union. Contributors to the publication include Giorgio Boggio, Lino Briguglio, Giovanna Debono, Edward Fenech Adami, Michael Frendo, Jean Didier Hache, John Magro, Alfred Mifsud, Anton Refalo, Alfred Sant, and Anton Tabone.

The volume contains a selection of papers originally presented during a seminar held at L-Imgarr Hotel, Gozo, on 28 January 2000, on the theme "The Effects of E.U. Membership on the Island Region of Gozo". The seminar was organised by the Gozo Business Chamber and sponsored by the Ministry for Gozo and HSBC.

The papers deal with a number of aspects on the overall theme, including the strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities, posed by the small economic size and the double insularity of Gozo. A theme that recurs in the discussion relates to the intense competitive environment within which Gozitan business would be expected to operate when and if Malta joins the European Union. The funding opportunities that Gozo could access as an island region, following Malta's accession to the European Union is another common theme addressed in the papers.

The publication was produced by Formatek Ltd., Malta for the Gozo Business Chamber. It will be available throughout the Islands, and copies may be obtained from leading booksellers at the price of Lm2.50 for non-members and Lm2.00 for members.