Some €16.7 million were being invested in upgrading industrial zones, €6 million being spent in Ħal Far alone, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said.

The project, co-financed by the EU, would also include the construction of three child care centres in Corradino, Mosta and Xewkija, Mr Fenech said.

During a site visit to Ħal Far, Mr Fenech pointed out that works in that area would include an improvement in traffic systems, an increase in parking, the development of green areas and reservoirs to collect rain water.

In Ħal Far, more space would be made available for new factories, he said, adding a number of companies had already expressed interest in expanding in the area.

Works will also be carried out in Bulebel, the Mosta Technopark, Corradino and Xewkija and will include the laying of new roads, installation of services, landscaping and reservoirs for rainwater.

The works were taking into account small businesses, Mr Fenech said, pointing to a €10 million investment in the hutment area in Corradino, which would provide about 70 small scale units for such enterprises.