ESCAP estimates Indian economy to grow at slower pace of 5.9%

19 Oct 2012 Evaluate

Supporting Indian industry’s long drawn concern about the excessive stringent monetary policy derailing Indian economic growth, the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has estimated the Indian economy to grow at a slower pace of 5.9 per cent during the current fiscal as compared to an expansion of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12, mainly on account of ‘severe’ monetary tightening by the country’s apex bank.

In its report, ESCAP pointed out that high inflation as well as high interest rates adversely impacted private consumption growth, industrial investments and business sentiment. The UN agency has also asked the sub-region to guard against the volatility that policies, such as the third round of quantitative easing in the US may bring in, include rising inflation as well as financial and exchange rate instabilities.

ESCAP is of the opinion that an enhanced sub-regional cooperation can reduce the wide development and infrastructure gaps in South and South-West Asia, stimulating growth that is more inclusive, sustainable and resilient to economic shocks and natural disasters. The report said that though the South and South-West Asian economies weathered the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 without any major disruption but the outlook for 2012 has been downgraded because of a general slowdown in economic activity. However, it added that ‘there are indications that the sub-region is turning the corner and is likely to do better in 2013 with the Indian economy projected to grow at 6.8% in 2013-14.’

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