ADB sees improved growth prospects for developing Asia

Economic growth prospects in developing Asia for 2017 have improved on the back of stronger-than-expected export demand in the first quarter of this year, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.

In a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook 2017 report, ADB upgraded its growth outlook in the region from 5.7 percent to 5.9 percent in 2017 and from 5.7 percent to 5.8 percent for 2018. The smaller uptick in the 2018 rate reflects a cautious view on the sustainability of this export push.
“Developing Asia is off to a good start this year with improved exports pushing growth prospects for the rest of 2017,” said ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada. 

“Despite lingering uncertainties surrounding the strength of the global recovery, we feel that the region’s economies are well-placed to face potential shocks to the outlook.”
Combined growth for the major industrial economies is forecast to 

South Asia will remain the fastest growing of all subregions in Asia and the Pacific

remain at 1.9 percent in 2017 and 2018. Improved forecasts for the euro area and Japan due to robust domestic demand have offset the slight growth downturn in the US to 2.2 percent from the previously projected 2.4 percent as a result of disappointing first quarter results in 2017.

By subregion, growth for East Asia is revised upward to 6.0 percent in 2017 and 5.7 percent in 2018 from the original projections of 5.8 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively. After recent growth moderation, an increase in net exports and domestic consumption has improved the growth prospects of China. The world’s second largest economy is now expected to expand by 6.7 percent in 2017 and 6.4 percent in 2018.

South Asia will remain the fastest growing of all subregions in Asia and the Pacific, with growth on track to meet original projections of 7.0 percent in 2017 and 7.2 percent in 2018, according to the report. India — the subregion’s largest economy — is expected to achieve previous growth projections of 7.4 percent in 2017 and 7.6 percent in 2018, primarily from strong consumption.

Growth projections for Southeast Asia

Growth projections for Southeast Asia are expected to remain at 4.8 percent in 2017 and 5.0 percent in 2018, with accelerating growth for Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, although this trend is slightly dampened by the slower-than-anticipated expansion in Brunei Darussalam.

Robust domestic demand — particularly private consumption and investment — will continue to support growth in the subregion, according to the report. The outlook for Central Asia this year has also improved as stronger domestic demand and exports in some countries have fuelled an unexpected recovery in the subregion. Growth is expected to reach 3.2 percent in 2017 and 3.8 percent in 2018 compared to the 3.1 percent and 3.5 percent original projections, respectively.
Growth in the Pacific is expected to remain at 2.9 percent in 2017 and 3.3 percent in 2018 with Papua New Guinea — the subregion’s largest economy — continuing its gradual recovery due to rebounding mining and agriculture industries. Stronger tourism prospects are also expected to drive growth further in the subregion, particularly in Fiji and Palau.

Consumer price inflation in the region, meanwhile, is projected to be lower from the previous estimate on the back of steady international oil and food prices despite increasing demand due to enough supplies and favourable weather conditions. Price inflation is now expected to drop to 2.6 percent in 2017 and 3.0 percent in 2018 compared to the original projections of 3.0 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.