French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin on Friday called the introduction of the euro a success, noting its sphere economy is expected to grow by nearly 3 percent in the next fiscal year. Speaking at a luncheon meeting with Japanese business leaders in Tokyo, Jospin said that launching the euro helped put European countries on a track of sustainable economic growth. Under the stable economic environment in the euro sphere, France has managed to achieve positive development in its economy, Jospin said, pointing to the falling jobless rate -- which has been declining for nearly 30 months in row -- and the restored business confidence. Jospin also called for greater foreign direct investment in his nation, noting the French government is arranging favorable environment for foreign businesses by setting up an agency to assist them and simplifying administrative procedures. Referring to Toyota Motor Corp.'s decision to build its second European assembling factory in France, Jospin pointed to the quality of French workers and that of the auto parts industry.Jospin also stressed that France is investing for future growth by investing more than 10 percent of its gross domestic product in such fields as research and development, the development of computer software and education.
