The governor of the Romanian national bank has expressed his belief that the economy will keep growing in 2009.

However, Mugur Isarescu conceded that external problems such as the global financial crisis mean that the rate of growth will be slightly down on previous years, SeEurope.net reports.

Furthermore, he said the unpredictable nature of the market turmoil means it is difficult to estimate the likely rate of expansion next year.

He estimated that it could be between three and six per cent, depending on the economic circumstances over the next 12 months.

Mr Isarescu commented: "It is a personal opinion when I affirm that economic activity will slow down."

He added that country's current account deficit will have to be altered in response to continuing growth.

This comes shortly after the European Investment Bank confirmed that it would be lending €1 billion to Romania.

The financial institution is loaning the money to the Romanian government for use in a variety of investment programmes across the country, including infrastructure improvements.