MOSCOW, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Russia's economy grew by an estimated 6.7 percent in 2006, slightly below official expectations, the country's national statistics body reported Wednesday.
The economics ministry had predicted a 6.8 percent growth in the domestic product, the Russian Information Agency Novosti reported.
The Russian economy grew 6.4 percent in 2005 and 7.2 percent in 2004.
Russia's construction sector registered the strongest national growth, at 14 percent, the State Statistics Service said.
Transportation, communications and finance grew around 10 percent. Wholesale and retail trade, automotive and household-appliance repair registered 8.7 percent growth, the service said.
Manufacturing grew 4.9 percent, mining 2.1 percent and agriculture 1.7 percent.
