The first privately-run park for SMEs in fast taking shape at Ta' Maggi, near Zabbar, and construction work is due to be completed by the end of the year.

The €4.6 million project, a joint-venture between the government and the private sector, will create industrial space for small businesses, many of which currently work in residential areas amid complaints from neighbours. A number have already moved to the new facility.

Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi, who visited the new park this morning, said that up to six such parks would be built, with the one at Zabbar employing some 300 people.

Kenneth Abela, one of the directors of other SME park, said that 70 per cent of the 79 available business spaces had already been taken up.

The park would include mechanics, panel beaters, sprayers, metal workers, carpenters and other trades.

Dr Azzopardi reiterated the government's commitment to improve the business environment for SMEs and congratulated two former dockyard workers who had set up a business manufacturing stainless steel products and were now employing three workers who were working long hours in overtime.