October 19, 2006	Thursday	Ramazan 25, 1427

MEXICO CITY, Oct 18: Mexico's economy will grow by 4.5 per cent this year, more than previously thought, Finance Minister Francisco Gil said on Wednesday. Gil told reporters gross domestic product growth would be greater than an estimate of 4.2 percent he gave last month.

“I think it is going to be 4.5,” Gil told reporters.

The minister leaves office on December 1 when the government of President-elect Felipe Calderon takes over.

Agustin Carstens, the man tipped to be the next finance minister, said on Tuesday economic growth will slow next year as Mexico follows a US downturn.

—Reuters