Retailers forecast 0.3% growth this year

(ANSA) - Rome, March 22 - Retailers association Confcommercio said Friday that it expects Italy's GDP to increase by 0.3 this year and 0.5% in 2020.
    The association had predicted growth of 1% for this year in October.
    It also revised down its forecast for consumer spending, saying it will probably rise by 0.3% this year, down from the previous forecast of 0.8%.
    Confcommercio also urged the government to take action to avert that hikes in value-added tax that are set to kick in unless alternative budget coverage can be found. It said VAT would rise by around 382 euros per capita a year if the hikes are not stopped.