Gozo Business Chamber Welcomes Socially Driven Budget, Urges Stronger Regional Focus
The Gozo Business Chamber has published its reactions to the 2025 Budget, describing it as a socially conscious plan that continues to incentivise business growth while addressing key social needs.
The Chamber expressed satisfaction that this year’s Budget places strong emphasis on social welfare through measures such as revised income tax brackets which ease the burden on families. It noted that a robust economy must go hand in hand with the well-being of society.
The Chamber commended the Government’s measured approach to the introduction of new obligations related to occupational pensions, as well as maternity, paternity, and parental leave. It stated that this cautious strategy allows for proper consultation, ensuring that new measures do not place excessive strain on the private sector or create disparities with the public sector.
The Chamber welcomed the Government’s focus on start-ups, particularly in high value-added sectors such as med-tech, clean tech, and green tech. It urged that this framework also be implemented in Gozo, highlighting the need to fully utilise the Gozo Innovation Hub, which is currently underused. Developing a vibrant start-up ecosystem, it said, is essential for diversifying Gozo’s economy.
The Chamber also praised the commitment to make the opening of a bank account a legal right, noting that this is a significant step forward for businesses that have previously faced difficulties in accessing banking services. It further supported proposed legal amendments enabling young people aged 16 to 18 to become entrepreneurs in a regulated manner.
It described the new Micro Invest mechanism which will offer up to 80% support (up to €960 per year) for employees who have worked for more than four years with the same company in Gozo — as a positive incentive. The increase in eligible expenditure to €85,000 for Gozitan businesses was also noted as a significant boost.
The Chamber acknowledged the rise in the eco-contribution from €0.50 to €1.50 per night as a useful tool to strengthen tourism infrastructure. However, it insisted that revenue generated in Gozo should be ring-fenced and reinvested in tourism-related projects on the island.
It also welcomed investment in the Gozo General Hospital, including equipment upgrades and progress on the Health Care Campus Masterplan, reiterating that a new hospital is vital for both residents and the Queen Mary Malta University Campus in Gozo.
On transport, the Chamber commended the plan to electrify Gozo’s bus fleet by 2026, while calling for more frequent and strategically structured services. It also supported the extension of the fast ferry service to Ta’ Xbiex and Buġibba, but stressed the need for a long-term strategy for Mġarr Harbour and the creation of a second port.
Further investment in Gozo’s roads, the proposed rural airfield, and the redevelopment of Victoria Park and parking facilities in Rabat were also welcomed as crucial improvements.
Education and Regional Development
The Chamber praised the new €280 monthly allowance for Gozitan students pursuing post-secondary or tertiary education in Malta, describing it as a meaningful step in supporting equal opportunities.
Concluding its statement, the Gozo Business Chamber said that while the 2025 Budget will have a strong social and economic impact, Gozo must now move towards greater regional autonomy. This would allow the island to set its own spending priorities and pursue strategic projects that ensure the benefits of national economic growth are equally felt in Gozo.