Citi Economist Predicts Asian Rebound by 2000

Most Asian countries will resume positive economic growth by 2000, according to a forecast from Citigroup.

Arup Raha, chief economist at Citibank in Hong Kong, said he expected gross domestic product growth in Asia to reach around 1.5% in 2000. However, economies will continue to contract next year, ranging from flat economic growth in Singapore to a 4% decline in production in Indonesia.

The economist predicted in a release that one key to recovery across the region will be the ability of countries and companies to export their way back into profits.

"Traditionally Asian growth has come from investment and export," Mr. Raha noted.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER