The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has continued her programme of engagement with local businesses ahead of the provisional implementation of the Treaty.

As part of this ongoing work, Minister Arias-Vasquez recently visited a number of shops on Main Street, including Marble Arc, Valmar Pharmacy, Holland and Barrett, Oakberry, Music Corner, Seruya and Gela’ Ti Amo, meeting directly with retailers to discuss the practical issues affecting their businesses and to hear their views ahead of implementation.

The Minister has also recently visited Gib Maroc, where she met with the company to discuss the operational considerations facing the business and the wider implications of the new arrangements.

These visits follow the Minister’s earlier programme of business engagement, which has included meetings with a range of businesses across key sectors, including Bassadone Automotive Group, Restsso, Saccone & Speed and Peninsula Petroleum.

The Government continues to work closely with the business community to understand operational concerns, discuss transitional arrangements and ensure readiness across sectors. The Business Transition Advisory Group is also due to meet again this week and Minister Arias-Vasquez said she looks forward to continuing those discussions with business representatives at that meeting.

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said:

“Engagement with the business community remains one of my key priorities as we move towards the implementation of the Treaty.

“These visits are extremely useful because they allow me to hear directly from businesses about the practical realities they are facing, whether that is from large operators, specialist importers or retailers on Main Street.

“I am grateful to all those businesses who have taken the time to meet with me and to share their views so constructively. Their feedback is important and helps inform the work being undertaken by Government as we prepare for this next phase.

“I am also looking forward to the next meeting of the Business Transition Advisory Group this week. BTAG continues to be an important forum for direct and constructive engagement with the business community and I look forward to discussing the latest position with the group and continuing that practical dialogue.

“The Treaty represents a significant opportunity for Gibraltar, but we must ensure that implementation is handled carefully and practically. That is why we will continue to engage, continue to listen and continue to provide further information to businesses as soon as it is available.”