MANILA - The Asian Development Bank lowered its 2016 growth forecast for developing Asia on Monday, citing the slowing US economy and near-term shocks from Britain's decision to leave the European Union.
Developing Asia, which groups 45 countries in the Asia Pacific region, is now expected to expand 5.6% this year, slightly weaker than a March forecast of 5.7%, the ADB said in a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook 2016.
For Thailand, the bank kept its projection at 3% for this year and 3.5% for next year, the second worst in the region after Singapore, in line with its Southeast Asia forecast (see chart). But it revised down the inflation forecast for the country this year in light of relatively low oil and commodity prices and the slow pace of economic growth.
The shock British vote in June to secede from the EU has chilled already tepid growth in the euro area and has shaken global financial markets.
The Manila-based multi-lateral lending agency kept its 2017 growth estimate for the region at 5.7%, however.
"Although the Brexit vote has affected developing Asia's currency and stock markets, its impact on the real economy in the short term is expected to be small," said ADB chief economist Shang-Jin Wei.
"However, in light of the tepid growth prospects in the major industrial economies, policy makers should remain vigilant and be prepared to respond to external shocks to ensure growth in the region remains robust."
The ADB believes China is still on track to grow 6.5% this year and 6.3% in 2017, with government plans to cut excess industrial capacity in the world's second-largest economy expected to weigh on growth next year.
China's economy expanded slightly faster than expected in the second quarter but private investment growth shrank to a record low, suggesting future weakness which could pressure the government to roll out more support measures.
India's economy is still forecast to grow 7.4% this year and 7.8% in 2017, the ADB said.
Growth forecasts for Southeast Asia were also left unchanged at 4.5% this year and 4.8% next year.
Source: Asian Development Bank