OREANDA-NEWS  On 20 October was announced, that according to the State Statistics Committee, real GDP grew 6.9% y/y in 9M2008 (7.3% in 9M2007), though slowed down in monthly terms from 10.9%, y/y in August to 5.5%, y/y in September. The GDP level amounted to USD 145.9bn in 9M2008 (USD 97.5bn in 9M2007).The highest growth rates were in agriculture (15.7%, y/y) and transport and communications (10.4%, y/y) in 9M2008. While wholesale and retail trade slowed from 10.7%, y/y in 8M2008 to 9.4%, y/y in 9M2008. A significant deterioration was seen in the growth rates of construction (-10.3%, y/y), which is a record decrease over the last two years. Manufacturing continued its deceleration, reducing its growth from 7.3%, y/y in 8M2008 to 5.9%, y/y in 9M2008. Growth rates in education and health care were negative in 9M2008 (-0.1% and -0.9%, y/y, respectively).