East Asia and the Pacific Confronts the “New Normal”

Abstract

Developing East Asia is leading the global economic recovery, although performance varies across the region. In some countries, the monetary stance is already being tightened in light of emerging inflationary pressures; but it is premature to withdraw the fiscal stimulus until the global recovery is on a firmer footing. Fortunately, most countries in the region have adequate fiscal space and relatively low debt burdens. To ensure that the momentum of the recovery transitions into sustainable and inclusive growth over the medium term, the governments in the region must once again focus their attention on medium-term structural reforms. This means different policy priorities in different countries especially given the diversity of the region. In addition, the region faces two common priorities regional economic integration and climate change. Making progress on both fronts will be critical to the region's medium-term prospects.