In an analysis of the statistics, Mr Aguis said investment between April and June this year had fallen by Lm1.3 million, compared to the same period last year. The fall was spread over all sectors of industry – clothes manufacturing, food and metal products among others.

Total sales for this period were down by Lm8.7 million and the negative trend was carried through to employment, as there were 989 less jobs registered in June this year, Mr Aguis noted.

The Labour MP said the government had promised new investment, but these figures show that this promise is not being fulfilled. The government cannot be faced with such a situation and not do anything about it, he concluded.