Experts Doubt Growth Prediction

Economic analysts expressed doubt the German economy would reach the 2 percent growth rate in 2004 predicted by Economics Minister Wolfgang Clement. The analysts said growth was going to take place, just not at the rate Clement promised to the German parliament on Thursday. Bundesbank Vice President Jürgen Stark said that Germany could reckon with "increased dynamism" in the economy in 2004, but was skeptical of the high prediction. The Kiel Instititue for World Economics said the economy would only grow by 1.8 percent. The news is in any case good for Germany which has suffered from recession and depleted investment this year.