Bulgaria's GDP growth remained strong in the first quarter of 2006, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute on Monday, June 19. The economy expanded by 5.6% quarter-on-quarter, outpacing the official government forecast of 4.4% but falling short of the 5.9% recorded a year ago. The value of GDP during the review period was reported at 9.815 bln levs. The robust economic growth was attributed to the influx of foreign investment and higher domestic consumption. Source: Dnevnik