PARIS (AFX) - French GDP growth is seen at 2 pct for both 2001 and 2002, according to a report from the economic forecasting unit of the Expansion publishing group, which lowered its projections by 0.5 pct due to the impact of the US economic slowdown. Inflation is seen rising at a 1.8 pct rate by the end of this year, before slowing to 1.5 pct in 2002. Rising prices, along with a decreased tax burden from cuts announced by the French government for this year, will continue to fuel consumer spending, said Philippe Lefournier, director of the forecasting unit. Last week, French statistics office INSEE forecast 2001 GDP growth of 2.3 pct, well below the current government growth forecast of 2.9 pct.