RIO DE JANEIRO, November 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's economic growth will reach around 7% in 2008, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday at a meeting between representatives of Russian and Brazilian businesses.

"Economic growth will remain at a level of 7%, although everybody will face certain difficulties," Medvedev said.

Medvedev, currently in the middle of a Latin American tour, also said the opening next year of a representative office of Russian energy giant Gazprom in Brazil would boost bilateral oil and gas cooperation.

He also urged action to adopt a convention on the avoidance of double taxation between Russia and Brazil, which should spur up bilateral economic contacts.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said earlier on Tuesday that Russia's gross domestic product was expected to grow 7.3% in 2008.