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Global Economy To Expand By 4% In 2021-World Bank

The World Bank Group, on Tuesday, issued a guarded growth forecast for the global economy this year, saying ‘a four per cent overall expansion was likely, although the recovery would likely be a “subdued” one.’

Therefore, ‘policy makers must move decisively, according to January’s Global Economic Prospects, and although it is already growing again following the 4.3 per cent contraction of 2020.’

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic has caused ‘a heavy toll of deaths and illness, plunged millions into poverty, and may depress economic activity and incomes for a prolonged period,’ across the world

This was slated  rities should now focus on controlling the spread of coronavirus and ensuring rapid and widespread vaccine deployment.’

Support economy recovery, authorities also need to facilitate a re-investment cycle aimed at sustainable growth that is less dependent on government debt,’ the Bank advised.

World Bank Group President, David Malpass said ‘while the global economy appears to have entered a subdued recovery, policymakers face formidable challenges—in public health, debt management, budget policies, central banking and structural reforms—as they try to ensure that this still fragile global recovery gains traction and sets a foundation for robust growth.’

‘To overcome the impacts of the pandemic and counter the investment headwind, there needs to be a major push to improve business environments, increase labour and product market flexibility, and strengthen transparency and governance.’

Obviously last year’s collapse in global economic activity, due to the onset of the pandemic, is estimated to have been slightly less severe than previously projected, mainly due to shallower contractions in advanced economies overall, and a more robust recovery in China,’ the forecast revealed.

However, for most emerging market and developing economies, the impact was more acute than expected.

Vice President and World Bank Group Chief Economist, Carmen Reinhart revealed that ‘financial fragilities in many of these countries, as the growth shock impacts vulnerable household and business balance sheets, will also need to be addressed.’

The variables in the near-term remain ‘highly uncertain’ the World Bank warned, and a continuing rise in infections coupled with a delayed vaccine rollout, could limit global expansion this year to just 1.6 per cent.

‘Meanwhile, in an upside scenario with successful pandemic control and a faster vaccination process, global growth could accelerate to nearly five per cent,’ the statement added.

‘In the United States, for instance, the Gross Domestic Product(GDP), is forecast to increase by around 3.5 per cent this year, after an estimated 3.6% contraction in 2020. In the Eurozone, output is anticipated to grow 3.6%, following a 7.4% decline in 2020. Activity in Japan, which shrank by 5.3% during 2020, is forecast to grow by 2.5% in 2021.’

‘Aggregate GDP in emerging market and developing economies, including China, is expected to grow 5% in 2021, after a contraction of 2.6%, according to the World Bank prospects.’

The projection is more favourable for China’s economy, which is expected to expand by 7.9 percent this year, following 2 percent growth last year.

‘Excluding China, emerging market and developing economies are forecast to expand 3.4 percent in 2021 after a contraction of 5 percent in 2020. Among low income economies, activity is projected to increase 3.3 percent in 2021, after a contraction of 0.9 percent in 2020,’ the statement added.

‘The prospects also examine how the pandemic has amplified risks around taking on increasing debt and its impact on long term growth.’

Similarly, the bank’s Acting Vice President for Equitable Growth and Financial Institutions Ayhan Kose said ‘the pandemic has greatly exacerbated debt risks in emerging market and developing economies.’

According to him weak growth prospects will likely further increase debt burdens and erode borrowers’ ability to service debt.

‘The global community needs to act rapidly and forcefully to make sure the recent debt accumulation does not end with a string of debt crises. The developing world cannot afford another lost decade.’

Apparently, the pandemic is expected to leave long lasting adverse effects on global activity, the World Bank warns, ‘with a likely slowdown in global growth stretching through the next decade, due to underinvestment, underemployment, and labour force declines in many advanced economies.’

The global economy could be heading for a decade of ‘growth disappointments unless policy makers put in place comprehensive reforms to improve the fundamental drivers of equitable and sustainable economic growth.’

The apex financial institution urged policymakers to continue to sustain the recovery, gradually shifting from income support to growth-enhancing policies.

It was noted that in the longer run, ‘in emerging market and developing economies, policies to improve health and education services, digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and business and governance practices will help mitigate the economic damage caused by the pandemic, reduce poverty and advance shared prosperity.’

However, in the context of reduced public spending and elevated debt, institutional reforms to spur organic growth are particularly important.’

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