Construction should not be considered as an enemy, the Malta Developers Association said.

It was replying to comments made by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana who said that Malta’s economy should shift away from dependency on the construction industry.

In a statement signed by CEO Deborah Schembri, the MDA said it understood the people’s sentiment but the solution is not to make an enemy of the industry but embrace laws and policies that are more environmentally-friendly.

What investors want are clear laws, certainty and the removal of excessive bureaucracy, and they are ready to face the challenges of an economy built on environmental parameters and strategic planning for sustainable development.

The economy should not suffer, but neither should the 40,000 families whose livelihood depends on this “precious industry”, the MDA said.