16 January 2001, 14:27  Fabius sees French, euro-zone GDP 2001 around 3 pct

PARIS (AFX) - Finance Minister Laurent Fabius said French and European economic growth should be around 3 pct over the full-year 2001 in spite of the U.S. downturn and uncertainty in Asian economies. Speaking at a press conference, he said also that French unemployment should fall below 2 mln in 2001.
In November the number of registered unemployed who are "immediately available" for work fell 1.8 pct to reach 2,175,500 on a seasonally-adjusted basis, according to figures from the Insee statistics office.
Fabius said that in the coming year inflation would be kept under control thanks to lower oil prices and a stronger euro.
He said the year would be marked by continuing reorganisation of the finance ministry in cooperation with trades unions.
Speaking about the transition to euro notes and coins, Fabius said an intensive awareness campaign will be launched on Jan 25 and will target small and medium sized businesses, young people and those least able to cope for themselves.

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