13 August 2003, 15:58  Shroeder German Q2 was growth hit by strikes

BERLIN, Aug 13 - Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Wednesday that engineering strikes in east Germany earlier this year had a negative impact on economic growth in the second quarter. "The second quarter was influenced by strikes, among other things that are not so positive," Schroeder told a news conference. "The second quarter possibly won't meet expectations, but there are also clear signs of improvement," he added.
Still, Schroeder would not be drawn on whether the government planned to revise down its forecast for 0.75 percent growth this year. "I don't think much of constantly revising forecasts...it does not help confidence," Schroeder said. Schroeder was speaking at a press conference after the cabinet approved tax and benefit system reforms aimed at boosting growth.//

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