The Bank of France said companies polled in its monthly business sentiment survey reported activity in March was stronger than in February in the industrial sector, as well as in services and in construction. — Bloomberg
PARIS: The French economy is set to grow around 0.2% in the first quarter of 2023, up from around 0.1% forecast last month, the central bank says, as activity in three main sectors picks up steam.
The Bank of France said companies polled in its monthly business sentiment survey reported activity in March was stronger than in February in the industrial sector, as well as in services and in construction.
The improving sentiment comes despite widespread strikes against pension reform that have weighed on transport and energy.
Millions have taken to the streets in protest after President Emmanuel Macron’s government pushed through a plan to raise the retirement age by two years to 64.
For April, companies expected a further improvement in services and the industrial sector, but a decline in construction, the central bank said.
Meanwhile, supply chain troubles eased further in construction, with only 20% of companies mentioning them as an issue in March against 24% in February. — Reuters
