Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Series

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt global economic activity, developing Asia's gross domestic product is now expected to contract by 0.7% in 2020. GDP is projected to grow by 6.8% in 2021.

The background papers and notes for the Asian Development Outlook 2020 Update theme chapter are made available here to communicate the results of the underlying research work with the least possible delay.

This publication provides updated economic forecasts for Asia and the Pacific, taking into consideration the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The background papers and notes for the Asian Development Outlook 2020 theme chapter are made available here to communicate the results of the underlying research work with the least possible delay.

Growth in the region is expected to slow sharply to 2.2% in 2020 under the effects of the current health emergency and then rebound to 6.2% in 2021.

This Supplement projects growth in developing Asia of 5.2% in both 2019 and 2020, having revised forecasts down given the challenging global environment.

Developing Asia’s gross domestic product is forecast to slow from 5.9% in 2018 to 5.4% in 2019 and 5.5% in 2020. Inflation across developing Asia is forecast to increase from 2.5% in 2018 to 2.7% this year and in 2020.

Growth in Developing Asia is projected to expand by 5.7% in 2019 despite the trade conflict between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States (US).

The ADO 2019 provides economic analysis and growth projections for 45 economies in Asia and the Pacific. Its theme chapter analyzes trends in disaster impacts and suggests policies to strengthen disaster resilience.

Backed by robust domestic demand, developing Asia continues to weather external headwinds.