France's 2013 GDP Growth Was Likely 0.1%-0.2% -- Finance Minister

   By Inti Landauro 
 

PARIS--France's finance minister Sunday said the country's gross domestic product in 2013 likely expanded between 0.1% and 0.2% as the government had expected, despite a slight contraction in the third quarter.

"I have all reasons to think economic growth was close to 0.1% and 0.2%, which is certainly not enough," Pierre Moscovici said in an interview with French radio RTL Sunday evening.

He reiterated a forecast he had made three months ago after a slight 0.1% contraction in the third quarter.

The French government expects economic growth will speed up this year with a 0.9% expansion.

Separately, Mr. Moscovici said it is important car maker PSA Peugeot stays majority-owned by French investors even after Chinese car maker Dongfeng takes a stake in the company as part of a deal expected in the coming weeks to inject capital into Peugeot.

Write to Inti Landauro at [e-mail]