The Polish economy grew an estimated 4.3% last year, slightly above the 4.2% expected by analysts.

Investments grew 8.7% last year and domestic demand rose 3.8%, the country’s Central Statistics Office said Friday, giving preliminary estimates.

After the results were announced, Finance Minister Jacek Rostowski said he was increasingly confident the economy would this year grow by the 2.5% written into the 2012 budget.

“I feel considerably more calm in terms of achieving 2.5% real growth in 2012," Rostowski told reporters.

But he would not be tempted into predicting higher GDP growth.

"I think it is way too early to consider any type of change or hike to this forecast," Rostowski said.

Central bank governor Marek Belka said last week he expected the Polish economy to grow at least 3% this year, adding that Poland could escape any "notable" slowdown.