The figure was 4,5 percent in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry said in a statement posted on its website that Russia's foreign debt, including former Soviet-era debt, has been reduced to $50.1 billion.
(Interfax)
Russian Arms Exports
Russia's advanced S-300 air-defense system (epa file photo)
BOOM TIMES: In 2005, Russia sold more than $6 billion in weapons to more than 60 countries around the world. The state arms exporter says it has $17 billion in orders in hand....(more)
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