OREANDA-NEWS. December 4, 2008. 2008 economic growth equals 7.5% given robust indicators achieved in the first two quarters of the year, MED head Elvira Nabiullina said. "After having taken efficient measures to stabilize the economic environment in the country, we expect the Russian economy to expand 6.8% in 2008" – the minister said Wednesday at a meeting devoted to economic issues. According to her, inflation will come in at 13.5% in 2008. Meanwhile, cumulative inflation YTD, stands at 12.5%, the minister said.