MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Russia's GDP grew by 2.8% over the nine months of this year, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting on economic issues.

"The period of adaptation to external challenges has largely passed, and by the end of this year we expect the Russian economy to grow. Based on the results of nine months, the increase in gross domestic product was 2.8% - this is a preliminary estimate of the Economic Development Ministry," he said.

According to the Prime Minister, in September, GDP was twice as high - more than 5% in annual terms. He pointed out that such dynamics became possible thanks to the work on solving strategic issues and targeted support for important industries and enterprises.

"By the middle of the year, the economy had almost completely recovered to pre-crisis level," Mishustin stressed.

But he noted that there is still some decline in the oil and gas sector.

"But there are changes here too. Coal production is growing. In September - more than 2% year on year," the Prime Minister noted.

He also drew attention to the fact that domestic production and the creation of a supply economy contribute to the overall dynamics of GDP growth. According to the Prime Minister, the country's output of industrial goods increased by more than 3% from January to September.

The driving force in this area is the manufacturing industry, its growth over nine months exceeded 7%, he said.

"For the fifth month in a row, mechanical engineering provided the main support with a rate of over 22%. Together with the chemical and metallurgical sectors, these three sectors provide almost 90% of the expansion of manufacturing output," the Prime Minister said.

He also mentioned the growth in production of computer equipment, electronics, optical products, electrical equipment, furniture and other sectors.