Country Economic Updates

Malaysia;

the Malaysian economy is projected to grow again at 4.1 percent in 2010, following a contraction of 2.3 percent in 2009.

The Malaysia Economic Monitor calls attention to four key policy thrusts to meet this challenge:
* Promoting further specialization of the economy
* Improving the skills base of the labor force
* Making growth more inclusive
* Bolstering public finances

Philippines;

Real GDP growth is projected to reach 3.5 percent in 2010 and 3.8 percent in 2011.Our analysis shows that, so far, the size and pace of the peak-to-trough and the projected recovery in 2010 is closely aligned with past recessions in the Philippines. However, unless reforms address long-standing growth bottlenecks, the recovery’s shape over the medium-term will move from V to \/¯¯ , i.e., stabilize at a lower equilibrium growth rate.