German economy to add 500,000 jobs in 2017: survey


BERLIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A survey published by the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) on Monday suggests that the German economy will maintain its momentum to add 500,000 jobs in 2017.
   According to the survey, 130,000 positions will be added, compared to last year, in the health care sector alone, where strong demand for labor is driven by the effects of Germany's aging society.
   Service industries catering to businesses, such as advertising agencies and market research firms, are also predicted to create a combined 130,000 jobs.
   Martin Wansleben, Director of the DIHK, further pointed to a net gain of 100,000 positions in trade, transport and tourism sectors, as well as 50,000 new jobs in education.
   "The education sector is benefiting from a high demand for further training due to the effects of digitalization and need of refugees to gain qualifications," Wansleben said.
   Anticipated jobs growth in the construction industry reached a record high of 35,000, driven by low interest rates and rising demand on housing.
   The German figures underline the wider picture of a strengthening Eurozone economy.
   An updated Eurozone estimate recently put GDP growth in the bloc at 0.6 percent in the first three months of 2017. The currency area outpaced the U.S. and British economies with year on year growth of 1.9 percent.

   Unemployment in the Eurozone is at its lowest level since 2009 and all 19 members recorded positive growth at the start of the year.