PREMIER Alain Juppe predicted yesterday that France's economic growth in 1997 would be double this year's figure.

"With growth of more than two per cent a year, we will create 100,000 jobs," he said in a live television interview.

"There is a whole series of signs" indicating "that our economic prospects are good. Growth will be "twice as fast in 1997 as in 1996," he said.

According to Economy and Finance Minister Jean Arthuis, the 1997 budget has been calculated on 2.3 per cent growth in gross domestic product. This year the figure was 1.3 per cent.

The International Monetary Fund says France and Germany will enjoy an equal growth of 1.3 per cent this year and 2.4 per cent in 1997.

"When the euro appears it will be of equal power to the dollar and yen," Juppe added. He said it would be a "fantastic asset" for France and Europe.