WASHINGTON: Asian nations face heightening risks to their economic outlooks as the US-China trade war and slumping Chinese demand hurt the world’s fastest-growing region, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday.
In its World Economic Outlook report on Tuesday, the IMF cut its economic growth forecast for the Asia-Pacific region to 5.0 percent for this year and 5.1 percent for 2020 — the slowest pace of expansion since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago.
“Headwinds from global policy uncertainty and growth deceleration in major trading partners are taking a toll on manufacturing, investment, trade, and growth,” Changyong Rhee, director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific department, said during a news conference at the IMF and World Bank fall meetings.
“Risks are skewed to the downside,” he said, calling on policymakers in the region to focus on near-term fiscal and monetary policy steps to spur growth.
“The intensification in trade tensions between the US and China could further weigh on confidence and financial markets, thereby weakening trade, investment and growth,” he said.
A faster-than-expected slowdown in China’s economic growth could also generate negative spillovers in the region, as many Asian countries have supply chains closely tied to China, he added.
The IMF slashed China’s growth forecast to 6.1 percent for this year and 5.8 percent for 2020, pointing to the impact from the trade conflict and tighter regulation to address excess debt.
IMF warns of Asia’s darkening growth outlook as trade war bites
IMF warns of Asia’s darkening growth outlook as trade war bites
- The IMF cut its economic growth forecast for the Asia-Pacific region to 5.0 percent for this year and 5.1 percent for 2020
- It also slashed China’s growth forecast to 6.1 percent for this year and 5.8 percent for 2020
IsDB announces $2.41bn in new financing for strategic development sectors
JEDDAH: The Islamic Development Bank has approved $2.41 billion in new financing for a series of transformative projects during its 364th Executive Board meeting, chaired by IsDB President Mohammed Al-Jasser.
The approvals underscore the bank’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation, economic development, and climate- and environment-friendly investments that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals across its member countries.
The new financing includes an additional $40 million for the Central Asia–South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000) in Tajikistan, aimed at boosting regional energy trade, improving electricity access and reliability, and mitigating climate change through the export of clean and renewable energy.
The bank also approved €116 million ($135 million) to upgrade Senegal’s Dakar Expressway Project.
The initiative is designed to improve health, education, and economic services for local populations, reduce traffic congestion and peak travel times, and enhance road safety measures to halve traffic-related deaths and injuries, with a particular focus on women and young pedestrians.
A $1.307 billion allocation was approved for Kazakhstan’s Economic and Industrial Zones Project to foster sustainable industrial development.
The initiative is expected to promote economic diversification, attract investment, create jobs, and boost global competitiveness through infrastructure upgrades and operational efficiency in special economic zones, industrial zones, and specialized industrial zones.
Bahrain will receive $330.07 million to expand its industrial capacity and strengthen economic competitiveness. The funding will support the development of modern industrial land with resilient infrastructure, advanced export-oriented manufacturing, effective internal connectivity, and reclaimed land facilities.
The project aims to stimulate private investment, generate employment, and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional industrial and logistics hub.
The IsDB approved $160 million to enhance utilities, water, and urban development sectors in Jordan.
The financing will secure future drinking water supply for Aqaba, Amman, and northern regions, support climate adaptation and mitigation, foster economic growth, and promote private sector participation in sustainable, long-term water solutions to alleviate severe water stress.
Azerbaijan was granted $436.67 million to improve agricultural productivity by reducing irrigation water losses and supporting sustainable rural development, in line with Azerbaijan’s 2030 vision.
The project will also promote green growth, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure long-term food security.
The approved projects reflect the IsDB’s strategic focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive growth across member countries by addressing critical infrastructure, energy, water, transport, and industrial development challenges.
These initiatives are expected to deliver lasting impact and contribute effectively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
