Germany's new economy minister Michael Glos said he sees GDP growth at 1.5-1.8 pct this year. "We are feeling an economic recovery," Glos said at a CSU party meeting, while cautioning that it remains to be seen whether such a recovery will have an impact on the country's soaring jobless rate. In October, the previous German administration had slashed its 2006 GDP growth forecast to 1.2 pct from 1.6 pct previously after oil prices rose significantly and the duration of the increases was longer than originally expected. However, in December the Ifo Institute raised its forecast for 2006 growth to 1.7 pct from 1.2 pct citing expanding exports and an expected end to the decline in domestic construction spending. Glos said he is sure the government will be able to work out a forecast for its annual economic report -- to be published later this month -- that shows his figures as minimum expected growth. But he said that future investments are a key factor for the economy's further development. "We have to make sure that employees receive more of their gross income and that they feel their jobs are secure enough to spend money," he said.