In focus: Asia reforms key for global economic growth, says IMF chief

Lagarde says region ‘now affects the world more than ever before’

NEW DELHI: International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde said Asia is “the world’s most dynamic region”, but structural reforms are key given its increasing importance to the global economy.

Asia already accounts for 40 percent of the world economy and stands to deliver nearly two-thirds of global growth over the next four years, Lagarde, the IMF managing director, told the Advancing Asia conference in the Indian capital.

“Given this vital economic role, making the most of Asia’s dynamism is of great interest to the entire world,” said Lagarde, on stage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Increased interconnectedness means that Asia now affects the world more than ever before,” she said. “By the same token, Asia is now more deeply affected by global economic developments than ever before - and must respond to them.”

With the global economy facing challenges, it is vital that Asian countries carry out structural reforms to boost competitiveness, jobs and ensure future growth, the IMF chief added.

She cited examples including the need for China to rebalance its economy away from debt-led investment, the need for corporate governance reforms in Japan and for improvements in Indian infrastructure.

“Strengthening the business environment and developing bond markets will be crucial across the region.”

Also speaking at the conference, Modi said that India has “dispelled the myth that democracy and rapid economic growth cannot go together.”

India has projected an economic growth of 7.6% for the financial year 2015-16, making it the world’s fastest-growing economy.

“My agenda of ‘reform-to-transform’ still needs to be finished,” said Modi.

In January the IMF lowered its outlook for global economic growth this year, warning of substantial risks in major emerging market economies.

Slower Chinese growth, a stronger US dollar, collapsed oil prices and political turmoil could wreak further havoc in struggling economies like Russia and Brazil, putting the brakes on global recovery, it said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2016.

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