The German government said it raised its 2007 GDP growth forecast to 2.3 pct from 1.7 pct previously and estimated next year's growth rate at 2.4 pct. A statement from the economy ministry said the average jobless figure is estimated to fall below 3.5 mln next year, with the number of people employed increasing by around 470,000 and another 310,000 next year. "The number (3.5 mln) will be the lowest in more than 10 years," Economy Minister Michael Glos said.