The Biomalta life sciences facility will create new job opportunities in new and upcoming sectors, which in turn will create a brighter future, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced.

Dr Lawrence Gonzi was laying the first stone at the Biomalta project in San Gwann.

This Government believes that this life sciences centre will be a new engine to help drive Malta forward and shows the PN’s interest in investing in tomorrow’s industries.

The project will see the construction of a Life Sciences building said the Chairman of Malta Enterprise Lawrence Zammit. The concept of this centre is the result of a number of discussions with various organisations as well as the Government. The aim is for Malta to have the highest possible education and facilities for Healthcare professionals. It also opens up new possibilities for work in Malta in new sectors, as companies will be able to set up base here.

€38 million euros were made available for the project, which was co-financed through the EU. The centre will be 35,000 meters squared and will be divided into four buildings, with 116 units inclusive of laboratories. They will have all machinery used by companies in this sector and will be able to house companies interested in setting up in this area.

It will include meeting rooms, a child care centre as well as boardrooms. 3000 square meters will be allocated to business incubation.

Dr Gonzi spoke about the financial sector which employs over 12,000 workers, as well as mentioning SME’s.

Malta has become a global centre in gaming, Dr Gonzi said, adding that over 7,000 people are employed on the island in this sector. “Our priority is to create jobs for Malta’s future workforce”. Malta is investing to open up new opportunities for Malta’s youths. This centre will open up work for people interested In science, research and life sciences.

Minister for Finance, the economy and Investment Tonio Fenech said that the quality of life in Malta has risen, adding that the investment in this construction will help keep on elevating the quality of life. This will be the beginning of a new phase of the industrial revolution being undertaken in Malta.

This will help increase the opportunities for work available for people interested in this sector, the Minister said. These new industries bring with them better jobs and better pay, he said, mentioning the new job sectors available in Malta, including pharmaceuticals. This was part of the Government’s plan to build an economy based around job creation, reiterating that this project represents the change Malta has seen over the past years, by increasing its investment in the science sector.

Malta wants to participate in the research and development in the health sciences  sector, the Minister mentioned, adding that abroad, this industry has exploded. This Biomalta site is built next to the University and the hospital to increase the ties within this cluster. The PN will continue to build upon the success Malta has seen over the past few years.  23 companies related to pharmaceuticals operate in Malta, he said, mentioning the courses available in Malta and the need to further expand the available courses on the island.