The Bank of Valletta is a main sponsor of the ‘Insuleur Forum – Gozo 2007′, the annual european meeting of the Network of the Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the European Union which, this year, is being hosted by The Gozo Business Chamber. This will be the 7th edition of the Insuleur Forum. The main focus of the discussions that will take place will be on the future of the EU maritime policy and the European Islands. The Forum is being held at the Grand Hotel in Ghajnsielem, Gozo between 1st and 2nd November 2007 and will bring together delegates from a number of island regions in Italy, Scotland, France, Spain and Greece, amongst others.

Michael Galea, Head, PR, Communication & Corporate Branding at Bank of Valletta, met Joe Grech, Vice-President of The Gozo Business Chamber and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee, and Joseph G, Grech, C.E.O. of The Gozo Business Chamber, to discuss the final preparations that are taking place.

“As the Official Bank of the Gozo Business Chamber and as one of its main sponsors, we are delighted to extend our full support towards the organisation of this prestigious international event in Gozo,” said Mr. Galea. “The fact that the 7th edition of Forum Insuleur is being held in Gozo highlights the active role that the Gozo Business Chamber plays within the Network of the Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the European Union,” added Mr. Galea. He said that Bank of Valletta is actively involved in the promotion of sustainable development in Gozo and believes that this Forum will contribute to address specific issues and put forward policy recommendations from which Gozo will stand to benefit directly.

Thanking Bank of Valletta for its support, Joe Grech explained that the Bank’s contribution encouraged The Gozo Business Chamber to host the Forum. The EU Maritime Policy, which is the main item on the Forum’s agenda, is of utmost importance to Gozo since it concerns maritime transport – Gozo’s only key link to the outside world. Presidents of Chambers from the network of European Island Regions, backed by high-powered speakers, including EU Commissioner Joe Borg, will discuss the Future EU Maritime Policy and put forward recommendations to address the needs and constraints of Island regions.

The Forum seeks to provide an overview of the current situation within the European islands, reviewing methodologies for developing a sustainable and thriving maritime economy, while meeting the needs of competitiveness and addressing a policy vision of sustainable tourism. The Green Paper on the future of EU Maritime policy and its developments will be presented during the Forum. Subsequently, the Insuleur position on the Paper will be presented.