BEIJING: The World Bank on Tuesday (Dec 20) slashed its China growth forecast for the year as the pandemic and weaknesses in the property sector hit the world’s second-largest economy.
In a statement, the institution slashed its forecast to 2.7 per cent from 4.3 per cent predicted in June. It also revised its forecast for next year from 8.1 per cent down to 4.3 per cent.
Both figures are well below Beijing’s GDP growth target of around 5.5 per cent for the year, a figure many analysts believe is now unattainable.
“Economic activity in China continues to track the ups and downs of the pandemic – outbreaks and growth slowdowns have been followed by uneven recoveries,” the World Bank said.
“Real GDP growth is projected to reach 2.7 per cent this year, before recovering to 4.3 per cent in 2023, amid a reopening of the economy.”
After years of sudden lockdowns, mass testing, long quarantines and travel restrictions, China this month abruptly abandoned its zero-COVID policy.
But disruption to businesses has continued as cases surge and some restrictions remain in place.
Health authorities have admitted that official figures no longer capture the full picture of domestic infections now that mass testing requirements have been dropped.
“Continued adaptation of China’s COVID-19 policy will be crucial, both to mitigate public health risks and to minimise further economic disruption,” Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director for China, Mongolia and Korea, said.
Last week the IMF warned it too would likely downgrade its projections for China again, blaming a predicted continued rise in cases.
The fund cut its growth projection for China in October to 3.2 per cent this year – the lowest in decades – while expecting growth to rise to 4.4 per cent next year.
OTHER STRESSES
“Accelerated efforts on public health preparedness, including efforts to increase vaccinations, especially among high-risk groups, could enable a safer and less disruptive reopening,” Warwick said.
“Persistent stress” in the real estate sector – which accounts for about a quarter of annual GDP – could have wider macroeconomic and financial effects, the World Bank noted.
And it added that youth unemployment, the risks from extreme weather caused by climate change and the wider global slowdown also threatened growth.
The world economy is being battered by surging interest rates aimed at fighting runaway inflation that has been triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine as well as global supply chain snarls.
Beijing has sought to mitigate low growth with a series of easing measures to provide support, slashing key interest rates and pumping cash into the banking system.
“Directing fiscal resources towards social spending and green investment would not only support short-term demand but also contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth in the medium term,” said the World Bank’s Lead Economist for China Elitza Mileva.
Source: AFP/gs
