Growth in South Asia is expected to increase to 6.4 percent this year, exceeding earlier projections and keeping the region on track to be the fastest growing in the world. Unlocking untapped potential by increasing women’s participation in the labor force and opening further to global trade and investment could help the region grow even faster and achieve its development goals, says the World Bank in its twice-yearly regional outlook.
Released on October 10 ,2024, the latest South Asia Development Update, Women, Jobs, and Growth forecasts a broad-based upturn in the region, supported by strong domestic demand in India and faster recoveries in most other South Asian countries. Growth is expected to remain robust at 6.2 percent a year for the next two years.
This forecast is subject to downside risks including extreme weather, debt distress, and social unrest. Policy missteps such as delays in planned reforms could also set the region back. Fragile fiscal and external positions leave little buffer against these risks.
At this online seminars, Franzisca Ohnsorge, Chief Economist for South Asia Region, Zoe Leiyu Xie, Senior Economist, and Jonah Rexer, Economist, Office of the Chief Economist for South Asia Region, shared the main findings of the report.
Speakers:
Franzisca Ohnsorge
Chief Economist for South Asia Region, World Bank
Zoe Leiyu Xie
Senior Economist, Office of the Chief Economist for South Asia Region, World Bank
Jonah Rexer
Economist, Office of the Chief Economist for South Asia Region, World Bank
Presentation Material
South Asia Development Update, October 2024 – Women, Jobs, and Growth（英語、PDF）