The MacDonalds branch in Gozo, was inaugurated in 1998 and since then has been in constant service to its customers in Gozo. In recent weeks the Victoria establishment has been undergoing renovation works that will mean even more improvement in their service, was well as a introducing a new image that this international chain has adopted for their franchise.

Besides the presence of one of the most internationally renowned establishments in it’s field, it has also meant more job opportunities for Gozo. Mr Melo Hili, who is the Managing Director, said that his company is currently employing about 60 people in the branch in Victoria. He also commented that the Gozo operation had doubled it’s volume of work.

During the inauguration of the renovation works, Mr Anton Borg, Head of the Secretariat within the Ministry for Gozo, read out a message on behalf of the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono. Mr. Borg remarked that the success of this establishment on the small island of Gozo compares favorably with that of larger countries. He commended the initiative taken by the Hili brothers with their investment in Gozo. He explained how Gozo benefited from investments of this nature, while protecting the interests of the enterprise, they also create job opportunities, as well as giving added value to enhance the development potential of socio – sustainable economic Gozo.

The message from the Minister for Gozo also made reference to the Gozo Employment Aid Scheme, operated by Malta Enterprise and the ETC and that between 2007 and 2009 assistance had been given to 90 enterprises that operated around 264 workers and gave them almost € 1.3 million as reimbursement of part of the cost of wages of these workers. The fact was also mentioned that in February 2009 the Employment Aid Scheme started running on a national scale, which hitherto provided 139 jobs in Gozo. Moreover, Gozo has also been given particular attention through schemes which provide incentives through cash grants, such as that of research and development financed by European funds. These are all schemes that are addressing the challenge of job creation in Gozo.