Russian GDP growth could shrink in 2009 - first deputy PM

MOSCOW, February 4 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's government expects GDP growth to drop to 0% or below in 2009, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov told an investment forum on Wednesday.

"With domestic and foreign demand for our commodities declining, growth could slow, but we will deliberately support the slowdown to preserve our reserves," Shuvalov was quoted as saying at the forum.

"GDP growth could equal 0% or less," Shuvalov said at the forum.