Both the economy and employment have taken a turn for the better, according to a report published on Thursday by the Finnish employment and the economy ministry and the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

Depite the positive results, growth is expected to remain moderate and pre-recession levels are not to be reached for some time.

Construction and retail sectors have survived the recession better than expected. Big investments are expected in the capital city region, Kouvola, Pori and Kuopio. In southeastern and eastern Finland, the significance of Russian buyers is rising.

Construction has remained above the surface through repairs and stimulus projects. New building is also picking up.

The gloomiest clouds overshadow areas around Turku and Varkaus.

STT