The government is to foster economic development and competitiveness of Gozo, by creating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and training. In support of these goals, an agreement was signed between the Ministry for Gozo, MCAST, the Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks, to ensure coordination and complete synergy for Gozitan workers to enable them to adapt to future market needs.

Education and Labour Minister, Evarist Bartolo stressed the importance of technological developments in today’s world and how these developments are affecting the current job market. While it is crucial that innovation propels Gozo’s economy, it is also important that its charm is safeguarded. He reiterated that urban infrastructure and economic growth must be combined with a sustainable environment that includes trees, gardens and flowers.

Minister Bartolo underlined that while we need to prepare for the future with the necessary digital skills, it is also vital to nurture employees working in various other sectors which need to develop their knowledge and skills to keep up with digital developments taking place. Lifelong learning is of utmost importance to address the gaps in our skills, especially in the realm of digital literacy.

Minister for Gozo, Justyne Caruana, stated that the government’s vision is to transform Gozo into a key contributor to the national economy and create good jobs for Gozitans to work in Gozo. She said that her Ministry needs to ensure that the workforce is ready to embrace change and the creation of new opportunities. It is with the goal of achieving these ambitions that the Ministry for Gozo, together with MIP and ME, signed this Memorandum of Understanding with MCAST.

Minister Caruana continued that the aim of the Ministry is to establish Gozo as a centre of excellence, research and innovation and to this end is doing its utmost to bring on board internationally renowned names.

Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Chris Cardona announced that Gozitan company J2 Group, together with Microsoft Corporation, will be operating from the Innovation Hub in Gozo.

J2 Group together with Microsoft Corporation will work in the spheres of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, productivity and efficiency, and augmented reality amongst other innovations. Through research and development, they will implement this technology and contribute substantially to several sectors including health, tourism, traffic, the supply chain, management and logistics.

Source: one.com.mt