Italian growth 1.5% in 2018, 1.3% in 2019-OECD

(ANSA) - Rome, March 13 - The OECD said in its interim economic report on Tuesday that it expects Italian growth to continue in 2018 and 2019, but "at a more moderate pace" than Germany and France. It forecast Italian GDP rising 1.5% this year and 1.3% in 2019. OECD Acting Chief Economist Alvaro Pereira said that the organization has a positive outlook for Italy, adding that the inconclusive outcome to this month's general election "did not have an impact on our growth forecasts". "We are quite positive about Italy. It is the first time it has a growth rate of 1.5% since the euro was introduced," Pereira said.
    "The markets have reacted well to the elections. The labour market is recovering thanks to the reforms that have been made".
    He added that Italy "will benefit" from the good performance of the European economy.