Minister sees French growth at 2.5%

French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said today she maintained an economic growth objective of 2

French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said today she maintained an economic growth objective of 2.5 per cent for next year.

Ms Lagarde said she hoped the conservative government's planned reforms and tax breaks, including on home loans and overtime pay, would boost the economy.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development last month forecast French growth of 2.2 per cent in 2007 and 2008.

The Paris-based think tank said on Wednesday that France needed to keep reforming its labour market and pensions and healthcare systems to lift growth.