TOKYO, Nov. 2 (Kyodo) - A top government economist indicated Friday the government will revise downward its growth projection of 1.7% for fiscal 2001 to a contraction of around 1%, following a similar move by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Eiji Kawade, vice minister for economic and fiscal policy, cited the BOJ's report Monday that the central bank has revised downward its economic growth projection for fiscal 2001 to minus 0.9-1.2% from the 0.3-0.8% growth predicted in April. "I think these levels are within the range of projections to be made by private institutions and the International Monetary Fund. Our view will not be one that is far away from them," Kawade said at a press conference. The Cabinet Office is expected to release next week the revised growth projection for the current fiscal year through March 2002.