Need to find solutions to enable free trade: Finance minister

Germany's return to economic growth in the first quarter is a "first ray of hope" following two quarters without expansion, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told Reuters on Wednesday, but he added that this should be no reason to give the all-clear.

"The international trade disputes are still unresolved. We must do everything possible to find acceptable solutions that enable free trade," Altmaier said. Altmaier, a confidant of conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel, repeated his call to help companies by cutting red tape and lower taxes.