Romania's gross domestic product (GDP) growth stood at 8.9% in the first nine months to a preliminary RON 335.2 billion (EUR 87.7 billion) on the year versus a 5.8% growth in the respective period last year, said country's statistics office.

In the third quarter, Romania's economy grew by a real 9.1% on the year to RON 139.4 billion on a preliminary basis versus 5.7% on the year, in line with analysts' estimates. Romania's Prognosis Commission expects GDP growth of 9.1% at the end of 2008 and 6% in 2009.

Romania's economic growth could slow down below 4% in 2009, from 8% growth estimated in 2008, have said analysts. Analysts see GDP growth to slow down to 6.3% in the fourth quarter of the year.

Moody's went further and forecast a recession in Romania and a 0.3% annual economic growth. However, Fitch Ratings agency said Romania will see an 8% economic growth in 2008 that will roughly fall to only 3% at the end of next year.

The country's economic growth stood at 6% in 2007.