Luxembourg, 09/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to Eurostat, Euro-zone and EU15 GDP both grew by 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2000 on the third quarter (during which growth had reached 0.6% for both zones). In comparison with the fourth quarter of 1999, the Euro-zone and EU15 GDP grew by 3.0% and 2.9% respectively. During the year 2000, GDP rose by 3.4% in the Euro-zone and 3.3% in the EU15, compared with 2.5% for both zones in 1999. During the fourth quarter of 2000, both exports and imports rose sharply. The fastest growth was recorded in trade, transport and communications. By way of comparison, the US economy grew by 0.3% and Japan by 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2000.