BRASILIA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Brazil's economy ministry on Monday lowered its budget deficit forecasts for this year, both in nominal terms and as a share of the economy, and reduced its end-year debt projections too.

In a presentation released on its website, the said it now sees a central government primary deficit of 844.3 billion reais this year ($156.3 bln) or 11.7% of gross domestic product, down from its previous forecast of 880.5 billion reais or 12.3% of GDP on October 30.

The wider public sector primary deficit is now expected to end the year at 856.7 billion reais or 11.9% of GDP, down from 905.4 billion reais, or 12.7% of GDP.

The ministry's new forecasts are based on GDP growth of -4.5% this year, compared with the -5.0% market consensus at the time late last month.

The ministry now sees Brazil's gross debt ending this year at 94.4% of GDP, compared with 96.0% last month, and net debt of 66.5% of GDP, down from 68.2% of GDP.

($1 = 5.40 reais) (Reporting by Jamie McGeever and Marcela Ayres, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)