Global Macroeconomic Prospects

Improved economic performance in the global economy increasingly overshadowed by heightened risks and humanitarian concerns; armed conflicts a major impediment to progress on sustainable development; need for a redoubling of policy efforts to support conflict prevention and resolution

Rising levels of public debt fueling fiscal sustainability concerns in many developing countries Several countries highly vulnerable to a sharp increase in government interest burden in the event of a financial shock High debt service obligations limit the availability of resources to pursue development objectives

Global growth expected to reach 3.2 per cent in 2018 and 2019 Key downside risks to the global economy include rising trade tensions, elevated debt and uncertainty over monetary policy adjustments in the developed countries Recent strengthening of economic growth carries environmental costs

Rising trade tensions pose a risk to the global trade outlook Africa marks an historic step towards the creation of a regional trade bloc

Short-term prospects for the world economy continue to strengthen, but more efforts are needed to ensure the gains are widely shared Weak productivity growth and a lack of secure employment are constraining progress in many countries in Africa, Latin America and Western Asia Rising inequality in China and India poses a risk to medium-term growth prospects

Stock market volatility returns amid concerns over inflation and monetary policy tightening Macroprudential policy measures in emerging economies can help address financial vulnerabilities and limit systemic risks Global investment conditions have improved markedly, but investment gaps remain large in many developing countries

Declining headline unemployment rates mask deeper labour market challenges in both developed and developing regions High youth unemployment not only bears significant costs for the individual but also damages the social fabric Long term investments in education, fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing social safety nets promote more inclusive labour markets

WESP 2018 highlights that the strengthening global economy is an opportunity to address structural challenges Several economies in Africa, Latin America and Western Asia still see negligible per capita income growth East and South Asia remain world?s most dynamic regions

WTO?s Eleventh Ministerial Conference to be held against a backdrop of major challenges to the multilateral trading system Rising financial imbalances prompt policy responses in China and the Republic of Korea Higher oil and metal prices driving South America?s economic recovery