The Gross Domestic Product for the third quarter amounted to €1,878.8 million, an increase of 3.8 per cent over the corresponding period last year, according to provisional estimates published by the National Statistics Office. In real terms, GDP went up by 1.9 per cent.

During the third quarter, growth in gross value added was generated by public administration, education and health activities; professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service activities; information and communication; and accommodation and food service activities.

A drop in gross value added was reported in manufacturing; construction; real estate activities; agriculture; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Total final consumption expenditure in nominal terms increased by 1.6 per cent.

In real terms, total final consumption expenditure edged up by 0.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation decreased by €10.7 million in nominal prices and by 6.2 per cent in real terms.

Real imports and exports increased.

Compared to the corresponding quarter last year, GDP at current prices went up by €68.3 million, and is estimated to have been distributed into a €25.8 million increase in compensation of employees, a €20.7 million increase in gross operating surplus of enterprises, and a €21.8 million increase in net taxation on production and imports.

Considering the effects of income and taxation paid and received by residents to and from the rest of the world, Gross National Income (GNI) at market prices for the third quarter was estimated at €1,792 million.

In a statement, the government said the country was reaching higher rates of economic expansion which would lead to the government's aim to ensure that all Maltese and Gozitans enjoyed a better standard of living.

It said that initial indications showed that private consumption was growing following the uncertainty that had been dominating under the previous administration. The deficit was also being curbed. The figures also showed that government expenditure was no longer growing at the pre-election alarming rate.

In another statement, the Nationalist Party said that although the economy registered a growth, several economic sectors were going through a difficult period with a drop in activity and sales, leading to an increase in unemployment.

Weak and substantial drops in activity could be seen in manufacture, construction, property, wholesale and retail and other services, including car repairs.

In fact, a substantial part of the registered growth was from public administration, as a result of the appointments made.