Important to maintain growth says Draghi

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 11 - It is Important for Italy to maintain GDP growth, Premier Mario Draghi told a press conference Friday.
    Draghi said growth will slow in the first quarter even though Italy's GDP hike of 4. 1% forecast by the EU is still higher than Germany or France.
    He said there were risks attached to rising energy costs and inflation.
    "We have these categories of risk in mind and the government is working (on them)", he said.
    "The important thing is to maintain growth in order to face the markets with confidence".
    Also at the press conference was Economy Minister Daniele Franco who said that privatising newly scaled down airline ITA was a priority and the government was seeking a partner.
    He said the economy ministry would hold on to its stake in the beginning but would then go on to sell stakes. (ANSA).