ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP): With growth prospects continuing to
improve and inflation remaining contained, Pakistan economy would
continue to grow at 5.2 percent in 2017, the World Bank (WB)
predicted in its recent report.
“In Pakistan, economic activity expanded by 4.7 percent in
2016 and is expected to continue to grow at 5.2 percent in 2017 with
growth prospects continuing to improve and inflation remaining
contained,” says WB the twice-a-year South Asia Economic Focus
report.
According to the report, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) projects have supported construction activity, which is
expected to stimulate industrial sector growth, it added.
These projects should help accelerating growth in the domestic
construction industry and increase electricity generation, it said
adding that sustainable and inclusive growth and poverty reduction,
will require greater private sector investment and the longer term
development of infrastructure.
Providing total picture of south Asia, the report also
confirms that South Asia remains the fastest-growing region in the
world, gradually widening its lead relative to East Asia.
Regional GDP growth is expected to rise from 6.7 percent in
2016 to 6.8 percent in 2017, and 7.1 percent in 2018, it added.
According to the report, possible protectionism in advanced
economies should not deter export-oriented growth in South Asia, a
region that could even benefit from the backlash against
globalization.
The just released edition of the twice-a-year South Asia
Economic Focus explores whether South Asian countries should worry
about mounting protectionist pressures.
“Simulations on the impact of hypothetical new trade barriers
show that South Asia is not only resilient to a potential rise in
protectionism but could possibly even gain from it in some
circumstances,” said Annette Dixon, the World Bank South Asia Region
Vice President.
Dixon said, advanced economies were recovering and could see
faster growth that will likely increase demand for South Asian
products, adding the region should seize this opportunity to
diversify its exports and enhance its supply response.
This could create a substantial number of jobs for new
entrants to the labor force, Dixon added.