Iran econ strong;nuclear plans hurt investment-IMF

WASHINGTON, Mar 5 (Reuters) Iran's near-term prospects for economic growth look favorable, but tensions over its nuclear plans have had some impact on private investment, the International Monetary Fund said today.

In its annual health-check of the Iranian economy, the Washington-based global lender said economic growth was likely to increase to 5.8 per cent in 2006/07 from 5.5 per cent last year, based on strong activity in the country's non-oil sector.

REUTERS SP BST2228