(TALLINN) - Economic growth in new European Union member Estonia surged ahead by 11.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 on a 12-month basis, preliminary official data showed on Tuesday.

Growth had slowed slightly from 11.8 percent in the third quarter but that was more than five times growth of 2.1 percent in the whole European Union, which Estonia joined in 2004.

"Economic growth (in Q4) was most influenced by the growth of manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade activities," the statistics office said in a statement.

"A big impact on economic growth was also exerted by transport, storage and communication, and financial mediation activities," the statement said.

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