| | DECEMBER 20238IN FOCUSADB BOOSTS 2023 GROWTH FORECAST FOR DEVELOPING ASIAN NATIONSThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has adjusted its economic forecasts for developing nations in Asia and the Pacific, attributing the upward revision to robust domestic demand leading to higher-than-expected growth in China and India. As per the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for December 2023, the regional economy is anticipated to expand by 4.9 percent in 2023, an increase from the previous September forecast of 4.7 percent. The outlook for the subsequent year remains unchanged at 4.8 percent.The People's Republic of China (PRC) distinguishes itself in the revised forecasts, as its economic growth for 2023 is expected to reach 5.2 percent, surpassing the earlier projection of 4.9 percent. This enhancement is linked to strong advancements in both household consumption and public investment during the third quarter. India also experienced an upward revision, with its growth outlook raised to 6.7 percent from 6.3 percent, driven by double-digit expansion in the industrial sector during July-September.However, Southeast Asia witnessed a slight downturn, as the growth outlook for the region was adjusted to 4.3 percent from the initial projection of 4.6 percent, primarily due to lacklustre performance in the manufacturing sector. The Caucasus and Central Asia saw a modest uptick in their economic outlook, while projections for Pacific economies remained unchanged. ADB Chief Economist Albert Park expressed optimism despite the challenging global environment, highlighting the region's resilience and robust growth.Park said, "Developing Asia continues to grow at a robust pace, despite a challenging global environment. Inflation in the region is also gradually coming under control. Still, risks remain, from elevated global interest rates to climate events such as El Nino. Governments in Asia and the Pacific need to remain vigilant to ensure that their economies are resilient and that growth is sustainable". Park emphasized the need for governments in Asia and the Pacific to remain vigilant in ensuring economic resilience and sustainable growth, especially in light of potential risks such as elevated global interest rates and climate events like El Nino.The inflation forecast for the region in 2023 has been adjusted downward to 3.5 percent from the initial estimate of 3.6 percent. Looking forward to 2024, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) expects a slight increase in inflation to 3.6 percent, compared to the prior projection of 3.5 percent. The economic outlook faces notable risks, with one of the key concerns being the enduringly high-interest rates in advanced economies, especially in the United States. This situation poses potential challenges to the financial stability of regional economies with elevated debt levels.Moreover, apprehensions regarding supply interruptions caused by the El Nino weather pattern or geopolitical occurrences, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have the potential to rekindle inflationary pressures, particularly within the food and energy sectors. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) remains steadfast in its dedication to realizing a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, alongside ongoing endeavors to eliminate extreme poverty.
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