BERLIN, Jan 25 Reuters The German government has revised up its economic forecast with Europe39;s largest economy now expected to narrowly avoid recession this year as inflation eases, according to its annual economic report published on Wednesday.

It said gross domestic product was forecast to grow by 0.2 this year, up from the autumn forecast of a 0.4 decline.

Inflation is seen at 6 in 2023, down from the previous 7 forecast, as energy prices ease following the initial shock of the energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine war.

There are no signs of a significant recession, which many observers have long considered inevitable, Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in the report.

While the energy crisis and central banks39; interest rate hikes are making the German government cautious for this year, Habeck said the crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine was now manageable.

Germany has proven its resilience and has done very well economically, he said.

He added that the initially very pessimistic scenario, with a historic downturn feared in the event of a gas shortage, had been averted.

Energy supplies remain secure and stable, he said. But the task now is to become even more energetically independent, he said.

German unemployment is seen at 5.4 in 2023, slightly above the 5.3 seen in 2022, the report said.

Companies are also regaining confidence, the Economy Ministry said.

On Wednesday, the closely watched ifo business climate index recovered…