Gonzi: 3,200 jobs created in 12 months

More than 3,200 new jobs were created in the year up to March 2012, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday as he launched the 55th edition of the Malta International Trade Fair.

While other countries were still in decline, Malta continued to generate new jobs, he said at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali.

Although there were challenges, Malta’s economic situation was much better than that of other developed countries, he said.

Countries were lowering working conditions, especially in the public sector, and were trying to solve their problems through wage reductions, expenditure cuts in health and education, and tax increases.

All this led to fewer people on payrolls and an increase in unemployment, Dr Gonzi said.

Malta’s achievements were being recognised and, along with a few other countries, it was being seen as a model of efficient economic management, he added.

The trade fair will be open every day between 6.30 and 11 p.m. until July 8.