A government statement mentions increases in industrial exportation, however also says that industrial production reduced in March 2016, when compared to the same month in 2015.

The statement read: “Following 2015, a year where industrial production was always higher that the same months the previous year, March 2016 registered a reduction that reflects the fact that in that month, the previous year, there was a very high rate of industrial production”.

“On the other hand, there was an increase of 1.9% production in intermediary products and capital objects”.

“According to the Customs figures, after the rise in 2015, industrial production increased by €152 million. Among the figures where the rise was observed, one notes that food products, plastic products, toys and pharmaceuticals”.

The relative majority of companies in the industrial sector expect an improvement in production in the coming months, the statement read, attributing this to increased orders etc.

Government said the opposition still says industry is doing badly, even though in 2015 “we saw an increase in industrial exportation, production, importation of machinery, employment and optimism”.

“Direct foreign investment increased by €195 million since the change in administration”.