This development would result from the expected decline in activity at the level of the branches of "specialized construction works" and "civil engineering", as well as the expected activity increase in the branch of "buildings' construction", said the HCP in a note on the results of business surveys of companies in the manufacturing, extractive, energy, environmental and construction industries.

This decline in the construction sector would be accompanied by a decline in the workforce, said the same source.

In the 3rd quarter of 2020, activity in the construction sector would have decreased, noted the HCP, adding that this development would have been due, on the one hand, to the decrease in activity in the branches of "specialized construction works" and "civil engineering" and, on the other hand, to the increase in activity in the "buildings' construction" branch.

Construction order books were said to have been at a lower than normal level and employment would have fallen. Under these conditions, the capacity utilization rate in the construction sector would have stood at 62%.