The latest Gozo Business Sentiment Survey, released by the Gozo Regional Development Authority and the Gozo Business Chamber, reveals a positive outlook among local businesses as of March 2025.

The biannual survey highlights that 30% of firms reported improved business conditions over the past six months, up from 20% in the previous period. Although some sectors, like accommodation and food services, faced challenges, overall sentiment remains upbeat, especially in manufacturing, construction, and transportation.

Businesses planning to grow their workforce over the next six months are seeking a broad range of skills, which differ depending on the sector and the operational requirements of each enterprise.

Labour shortages remain the most significant challenge, with 53% of respondents affected, particularly in construction and tourism. Despite this, 58% of businesses plan to increase their workforce in the coming months, singling strong labour demand.

Cost pressures are easing, with fewer firms expecting price rises for inputs and selling prices compared to previous surveys. While 66% of firms still expect input costs to rise in the next six months, this is a decrease compared to earlier in 2024. Similarly, only 31% of businesses plan to increase selling prices, the lowest level recorded since the survey began, indicating easing cost pressures across sectors. Investment intentions also increased, with 55% of businesses planning new investments, mainly in manufacturing and construction.

The survey also sheds light on employee wellbeing, noting that many firms are promoting work-life balance and professional development, though mental health support remains limited.

With 41% of businesses optimistic about future activity, the survey points to a resilient and hopeful business community in Gozo.

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Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works, Omar Farrugia, inaugurated the opening of the first Cat Café in Żurrieq.

In Triq il-Belt Valletta, Żurrieq, the Public Works Department completed maintenance work at the Cat Café in the area.

During a visit while the work was ongoing, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works, Omar Farrugia, explained that the work being done in the area creates a better environment both for those who visit and feed the cats and for the cats themselves.

The Mayor of Żurrieq, Rita Grima, said, “Today is a special occasion for the Żurrieq Local Council because after many months of work, the first Cat Café managed by the local council has opened. I thank various entities, volunteers, Councillor Marisa D’Amato, as well as Executive Secretary Josianne Cilia Munford, because without their efforts this project would not have been possible.”

Alicia Bugeja Said explained that through this Cat Café, the ministry continues to work on its electoral promises, including increasing the number of cat cafés and dog parks. She said, “Projects like these play an important role in the care and protection of stray cats. Today we opened this beautiful space where visitors can spend some time with these cats in a safe environment.”

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The second part of the consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia was held in Xewkija, Gozo, where several people expressed their views on the document. Attendees from various backgrounds came together to share their opinions, including individuals who have experienced the suffering of relatives with terminal illnesses.

The session was led by the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, who is overseeing this consultative process on behalf of the Government, engaging both members of the public and civil society entities.

During the meeting, she reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue investing in palliative care. She referred to the strategy for strengthening palliative care launched earlier this year, which outlines the planned investments over the next ten years.

The document clearly states that every person with a terminal illness should be offered palliative care and that voluntary assisted euthanasia can only be requested by the person themselves, who has a terminal illness and meets the established criteria.

Rebecca Buttigieg explained that the Government is not willing to consider models used in some other countries and has therefore introduced safeguards to ensure this option is only available to adults.

She added that disability, mental health conditions, and old age can never be reasons for a person to request voluntary assisted euthanasia.

Parliamentary Secretary emphasised that the Government remains committed to considering all perspectives throughout the consultation process. She highlighted that more than 350 submissions have already been received via the website facts.gov.mt. The consultation will remain open until 2 July 2025, allowing further contributions from the public.

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