Paris  - The French economy grew by 2.2 per cent in 2007, the government's statistical office INSEE announced on Thursday, revising upward its original estimation of 1.9 per cent.

The result, which is the same as for 2006, was driven primarily by robust consumer spending, which increased by 2.5 per cent in 2007 over the previous year.

Industrial production rose by 2.5 per cent last year, after an increase of 1.5 per cent in 2006, INSEE said.

Purchasing power also increased last year, up by 2.4 per cent after a more modest rise of 1.7 per cent in 2006. (dpa)