On Friday, 14th March 2025, Gozo hosted a landmark business conference. “Empowering Growth – Unlocking Business Potential in Gozo”. This event was organized by InvestGozo within the Ministry for Gozo & Planning in collaboration with Business First, Malta Enterprise and the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Planning and was geared towards the Gozitan business community, including entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and startups.
With around 140 delegates in attendance, the conference at the Gozo Innovation Hub in Xewkija provided a dynamic space for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploration of government-backed schemes. Key to the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Gozo & Planning, Business First, which will pave the way towards more strategic collaboration to support Gozo-based businesses.
The conference welcomed several high-profile speakers and panellists. Prime Minister Robert Abela, in his keynote speech, shared how, over the past two years, Malta Enterprise has distributed over €14 million to businesses in Gozo. These were done primarily through the Micro Invest Scheme, through which €13M were allocated to encourage investment and business expansion. Meanwhile, another €590,000 was allocated via the Gozo Transport Grant, which focuses on facilitating connectivity and logistics and another €460,000 was dedicated to other initiatives like Business Start, Rent Subsidy and Allocation of Space The Prime Minister emphasized that these initiatives are essential for Malta’s Vision 2050, which pursues long-term integrated and sustainable economic growth fuelled by the synergy of Government and entrepreneurs’ efforts.
Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo & Planning, explained the importance of such a conference in creating a networking environment between government entities and the business community, sharing information about readily available support and schemes, and providing a platform where specific business challenges can be addressed. This is ultimately also the objective of the InvestGozo online platform which focuses on being a central point for all business and investment-related and support schemes available. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Planning Silvio Schembri spoke about strengthening the country’s economy through coordination and cooperation between Malta and Gozo, resulting in more investments, higher-paying jobs, and a better future and higher quality of life.
Expert panels explored the ease of doing business and digital evolution. Andrew Buhagiar from the Malta Tax & Customs Administration, Tania Brown from Identità and Mark Scicluna Bartoli discussed the challenge of red tape and bureaucracy and how to usher in a more business-friendly environment. The aspect of digitalizing business and related opportunities were explored by Christian Vella Manche from Tech.mt, and Bernard Montebello from European Digital Innovation Hub. Another compelling keynote speech was delivered by Dr Joe Gerada, Regulator of the Family Business Office. Dr Gerada discussed the role of the family business and its legacy as a backbone of Malta’s economy. Another panel discussion featured Ronald Sultana, from Ministry for Gozo & Planning; George Gregory, CEO of Malta Enterprise; and Roderick Zerafa, CEO of SEM(Servizz Ewropej Malta). The discussion centred on the range of available incentive schemes, with a particular focus on those targeting Gozo.
One of the highlights of the conference was the panel of successful Gozitan entrepreneurs who took the stage and offered insight through their journeys in the world of business. Frank Sciberras from 3Bit, Omar Tanti from Thres, and seasoned businessman Joseph Cefai of Cefai Formal Wear told of how their business evolved from humble beginnings to established firms. Joe Muscat and Michael Galea represented the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber respectively. Upon opening the discussion to the floor, other fascinating business journeys came to light as a number of foreign entrepreneurs residing in Gozo shared their journeys of transition in setting up and operating their ventures from the island of Gozo. Other local business people highlighted industry-specific challenges that they are encountering, such as human resources hurdles in the tourism sector.
The event, the first of its kind for the island of Gozo, undoubtedly facilitated interactions in various directions, both between the public and private sectors and between local and foreign entrepreneurs, startups, and established firms. The conference generated a much-needed space where a connected and informed business community on the island could meet and interact.
Speaking on behalf of InvestGozo, Mr Ronald Sultana reflected that “The Conference ticked many boxes, but most importantly, the feedback was that such avenues that nurture networking were very much needed in Gozo. The dialogue on pertinent aspects of the business ecosystem in Gozo was a healthy one, and I believe the conference also offered spells of info-sessions that promoted the services and opportunities that the Government offers on a horizontal level. It was also of utmost pleasure to welcome such strong participation, and we are also highly satisfied with the attendance, not only of the local business community, which remains the centre of the island’s enterprise but also by the interest of several international prospects. Encouraged by the positive feedback received, we believe this momentum will pave the way for future editions, further strengthening the island’s position as a hub for business dialogue and collaboration.” This aligns with the InvestGozo initiative as the team strives to offer support and information about the incentive schemes that match Gozo’s business landscape.
True to its name, the business conference was key to unlocking the business sphere in Gozo, and it can be considered a milestone for Gozo’s economic trajectory. The strong attendance, matter-of-fact dialogue, and insight that resulted, along with the backing of the Government and its entities, will undoubtedly serve as building blocks for future events. Ultimately, this will help Gozo consolidate as a thriving economic hub.
