Pope John Paul II addresses government ministers and the diplomatic corps on his arrival at Gudja airport yesterday. The frail Pope is expected to beatify three Maltese persons today at the Granaries in Floriana. Photo credit Curia

Local News
Melita Optika closes down
The loss of its US client led to the decision of Melita Optika to close its Malta operations, General Workers’ Union section spokesman Andrew Mizzi told The Business Times yesterday

Angelo Xuereb on worker shortage
AX Holdings Chairman, Angelo Xuereb, speaking to The Business Times highlighted the employment woes currently facing the construction industry

Ten-year tourism plan
A study commissioned by the Tourism Ministry has found several factors that are limiting the country’s tourism growth, which contributes some 25 per cent toward Malta’s Gross Domestic Product

Millions from Eurovision
The Eurovision song contest is expected to make a contribution of more than Lm4.2 million to the Danish economy, according to the organisers. This amount excludes contributions made by the sponsors

Malta has cheapest diesel rate in Europe
Maltese diesel car owners pay the cheapest fuel rate in Europe according to information obtained from the International Automobile Association

Retail price index up by 0.6%
The rate of inflation for March 2001 stood at 1.92 per cent, a drop of 0.9 per cent over February’s inflation rate

New Economy discussed at BoV Gozo conference
Bank of Valletta, in conjunction with the Ministry of Gozo, last Friday held the ninth edition of its annual Gozo Conference at l-Imgarr Hotel Gozo.