Turnover volume increased by 5.3 percent in the Albanian construction sector in the first quarter this year, compared with the same period last year, Albanian authorities said Monday.

According to the Albanian Institute of Statistics, Albanian construction volume also saw a 2.7-percent rise, and the number of employees in this sector grew by 8 percent, with their wages up 8.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the report also indicated that turnover volume in the service sector increased by 4.2 percent, mainly due to the vigorous activities related to hotels.

According to the prediction of the International Monetary Fund, the Albanian economy will grow 3.4 percent this year, based on a large influx of direct foreign investment.