Continuing to browse our website indicates your consent to our use of cookies. For more information, see our Privacy policy.

Sustainable trade

Asian Development Outlook 2020 Supplement: Paths Diverge in Recovery from the Pandemic


Published 09 March 2021 | 1 minute read

The report shares updated economic forecasts for Asia and the Pacific and outlines diverging projections for the region.

According to the report, the overall forecast for Developing Asia (46 ADB member economies across Asia and the Pacific) is a contraction of 0.4% in 2020, less than the 0.7% envisaged in September. Growth will rebound to 6.8% in 2021, but output will remain below what was envisioned before the pandemic.

Projected 2020 growth in East Asia is upgraded from 1.3% to 1.6%. Growth in 2021 is still forecast at 7.0%. The earlier South Asia forecast of 6.8% contraction in 2020 is upgraded to 6.1%, and growth of 7.2% is expected in 2021. In Southeast Asia, contraction of 4.4% is now expected in 2020 (previously 3.8%), and growth in 2021 is anticipated at 5.2% instead of 5.5%. Central Asia is still projected to contract by 2.1% this year, and the Pacific economies by 6.1%.

© The Hinrich Foundation. See our website Terms and conditions for our copyright and reprint policy. All statements of fact and the views, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author(s).


Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members – 49 from the region.

Articles by this expert

View bio

Have any feedback on this article?

contact us