UPDATE 1-Argentine econ grew 8-8.5 pct in Jan, Feb-minister

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WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - Argentina's economy grew at a rate of 8 to 8.5 percent in January and February, Economy Minister Felisa Miceli said on Friday.

"We're growing very well and at high rates," Miceli told Reuters ahead of chairing a meeting of the G24 in Washington. "In the first two months of the year growth will be around 8 to 8.5 percent. That's a projection," she added.

The IMF's top official said on Thursday that growth in Argentina, which has seen booming growth since a steep currency devaluation and record sovereign debt default in 2002, is moving slowly to a more sustainable path.

The Fund forecast Argentine growth of 7.5 percent this year after successive years of growth around or exceeding 9 percent.