France revises 2009 GDP projection of 2.25 percent contraction

France revised its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 2.25 percent in 2009, versus an earlier forecast of a drop of 3 percent, said Friday Villepin, Francois Fillon.

Fillon said the GDP growth forecast for next year will be increased to 0.75 percent, compared with a previous target of 0.5 percent growth.

"The recovery is taking shape, is fragile but beginning to grow," said the prime minister at a ceremony in Paris.

"We will review our economic forecasts after the rebound observed in the second quarter," he added.

France reported a surprising jump in the second quarter as defied forecasts with an expansion of 0.3 percent after shrinking 1.3 percent in the first quarter.