Private consumption, one of the main drivers of the economy, grew 5.36 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, comparing to a 5.68 growth rate in the previous quarter. Investment also decelerated to 7.29 percent from 10.02 percent, and government expenditure contracted 3.34 percent from a year earlier, compared to a 3.22 percent growth in the third quarter.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, the economy contracted 1.45 percent in October-December, compared to a 3.18 percent growth rate in the third quarter.
During the whole year of 2012, the economy expanded 6.23 percent relative to the previous year. The fastest growth among sectors was registered in Transport and Communications (9.98 percent), while the slowest growing sector was Mining and Quarrying (1.49 percent).