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Russia's GDP growth hits 6.6% in 9M06 - economy minister Gref

MOSCOW, October 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's GDP grew 6.6% in the first nine months of 2006, the economic development and trade minister said Monday.

German Gref also said the country's industrial output in the reporting period rose 4.2%.

"Industrial growth in September was at 4.1%, up 0.8%, year-on-year," he said.

He said the construction sector showed good dynamics, adding it grew 10.4% last year, 11.5% in the first nine months of 2006, and 18.3% in September.

Gref said other dynamic sectors include the manufacturing and motor industries, as well as the production of turbines and railroad cars.

He said the auto industry grew 20% in September.