The GDP expanded for the fourth straight quarter, mainly driven by investment and private consumption while net external demand dragged growth down.
Year-on-year, the economy rose 1.5 percent, up from a preliminary estimate of 1.4 percent and 0.6 percent in the previous quarter. Private consumption rose 1.5 percent, driven by non-durable goods and services spending. Investment showed no growth while public expenditure shrank 0.5 percent. Exports rose 6.8 percent and imports went up 6.6 percent. As a result, net external demand posted no contribution to growth.