EC sees Italy in 'moderate growth' (2)

(see related) (ANSA) - Brussels, May 3 - The European Commission said Tuesday that it saw Italy continuing "moderate growth" in 2016, although it revised down its forecast GDP rise to 1.1%, down from the 1.4% it predicted in February.
    "Over the course of 2015, the pace of growth declined and resulted in a lower-than-expected carry-over for 2016," the Commission said in its spring economic forecasts. "This, together with a further slowdown in global trade, mainly explains the downward revision of GDP growth for 2016 to 1.1% compared to 1.4% in the winter forecast". However, the EU executive confirmed its forecast of a 1.3% rise in Italy's GDP next year.
    "Economic expansion is set to continue in 2017 at 1.3%, thanks to more dynamic external demand and investment," it said.