1 October 2007 Rating 21% No Comment  

The National Euro Changeover Committee has taken its educational campaign about the European currency to Gozo by opening an office in Victoria and launching initiatives aimed specifically at the residents of Gozo. An information official has been appointed, who will have the responsibility of providing advice and information to Gozitans. Traders in Gozo are also being urged to prepare for the changeover properly and responsibly, with the assistance of six euro assistants. Other activities held in Gozo recently have included information meetings for the elderly, women, teachers and students. The Gozo Minister, Giovanna Debono, thanked the NECC for its work and appealed for everyone to pull together and help each other during the changeover. Malta, she said, would be the smallest member of the EU which would be adopting the world's second largest currency. For the economy in Gozo, this was a huge step forward, she said. Malta would be using a currency used daily by 320 million people and the biggest advantage Gozo would gain would be the attraction of more investment. NECC executive director Alan Camilleri said that over 750 traders in Gozo had already joined the FAIR scheme. This was a very high proportion and a clear signal to consumers in Gozo that they should not be afraid of the changeover. The information office which has been opened in Gozo is located at the Inland Revenue Department, in front of the Seminary in Victoria, telephone 22107313. Although the euro helpline 154, which has already received over 15,000 calls, should still be considered the main avenue for information regarding the euro.