VALLETTA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The biggest concerns for the manufacturing sector in Malta in the next 12 to 18 months include rising costs of raw materials, freight and difficulties in recruiting skilled workers, according to a survey released on Thursday.

       The survey was conducted by auditing firm Ernst and Young in March among top officials from manufacturing firms across Malta. Results were revealed during an event focusing on manufacturing, held in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

       Material and component costs have increased at a higher rate than freight costs, while labor costs have increased the least for the sector, the survey revealed.

       Jobs in the public sector are the most attractive for those employees who choose to leave the manufacturing industry while the construction sector attracts the lowest number of manufacturing employees when leaving their companies, according to the survey.