MOSCOW, September 26 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will see a 9.8% growth in fixed capital investment in 2005, a slower growth rate than it experienced in 2004 (10.9%), the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry said Monday.

According to the ministry's review of Russia's social and economic development in January-August 2005, investment growth was 9.7% against last year's 11.9%. August figures showed investment growth of 9.8%, compared with 10.8% last August.

Analysis of the investment structure confirmed the growing role of the manufacturing sector in the economy and an increase in investment in that sector but a decline in investment in the mining industry.

Investment in the manufacturing industry grew by 12.4% year on year in the first half of 2005. High growth rates were registered in metallurgy (38.6%), chemical production (36.2%), textiles (44.4%), construction (38.1%), and trade (24.4%).

Borrowings grew by 1.4% to 52.8% of total investment, with bank loans decreasing from 7.3% in the first half of 2004 to 6% in early 2005.