Lower economic growth forecast for Singapore

Singaporean private sector economists have forecast the nation’s economic growth at 1.4 percent this year, down from their previous projection of 1.8 percent, according to a survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on December 14.
Lower economic growth forecast for Singapore ảnh 1A container ship enters Singapore port. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Singapore (VNA) – Singaporean private sector economists have forecast thenation’s economic growth at 1.4 percent this year, down from their previous projectionof 1.8 percent, according to a survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS) on December 14.

The survey alsoshowed that the country’s GDP was forecast to rise 1.5 percent, lower than theprevious quarter’s prediction at 1.8 percent.

Previously, Singapore’sMinistry of Trade and Industry slashed the 2016 growth expectation for theeconomy by 0.5 percentage point to 1 – 1.5 percent. The ministry also said thenation’s GDP will gain between 1 – 3 percent in 2017.

According to thelatest MAS survey, the lowered forecasts come to sectors like finance andinsurance, construction, and particularly wholesale and retail trade, which waspredicted to drop to 0.1 percent.

Singaporeaneconomists project that the all-item consumer price index (CPI) this year willremain unchanged from the previous survey, at 0.5 percent. The core inflationis estimated at 0.9 percent in 2016, lower than the previous forecast of 1percent.

Meanwhile, theunemployment rate will fall to 2.1 percent from the previously predicted levelof 2.2 percent.

Statistics showthat Singapore’s economy grew 1.1 percent in the third quarter of this year, down0.9 percent from the previous second quarter.-VNA
VNA

See more

The RoK's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok speaks at a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts in Georgia. (Photo: Yonhap)

ASEAN+3 to create new financing facility against regional crises

The Republic of Korea (RoK), China and Japan agreed on May 3 to reinforce the regional financial safety net, along with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), by launching a new financing facility programme meant to extend greater support in case of a financial crisis.

Thailand to apply VAT on imports sent via post

Thailand to apply VAT on imports sent via post

The Customs Department of Thailand is scheduled to commence the collection of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods sent via postal services, regardless of the goods value, starting in May.
Malaysia asserts pioneering role in halal industry

Malaysia asserts pioneering role in halal industry

Malaysia should harness the collective expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth and development of the halal industry, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
ASEAN Future Forum 2024 enters first session

ASEAN Future Forum 2024 enters first session

The first session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) in Hanoi on April 23 focused on fast and sustainable growth for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN youth empowered to unleash potential: ASEAN chief

ASEAN youth empowered to unleash potential: ASEAN chief

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed ASEAN leaders' commitment to empowering the youth to unleash their full potential when he had a dialogue with ASEAN youth in Hanoi on April 22 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Future Forum (AF 2024).
ASEAN bolsters intellectual property cooperation

ASEAN bolsters intellectual property cooperation

The 72nd meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and related meetings are being held by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of Vietnam in the central city of Da Nang on April 22-26.