WB Retains Philippines Growth Forecast

The World Bank on Friday said it maintained its economic growth forecast for the Philippines despite global uncertainty, ABS/CBN reported. Gross domestic product may grow by up to 6.7% in 2018 and 2019, with election-related spending expected to aid the expansion towards the end of the year and early next year, the World Bank said. “The government’s ability to carry out its investment spending agenda will determine if the Philippines can achieve its growth target of 6.5-7.5% over the medium term,” said World Bank lead economist for the Philippines Birgit Hansl. “In addition, higher private investment levels will be critical to sustain the economy’s growth momentum as capacity constraints become more binding,” she said. Exports, a key growth driver, will be “moderate” with global growth expected to decelerate in the coming years, the Washington-based lender said. The World Bank said “uncertainty” in global growth rose due to looming trade and policy shocks from major economies.