Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022 Update

In this report, ADB has lowered its forecasts for economic growth in developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.3% in 2022 and 4.9% in 2023, amid mounting challenges. Its theme chapter looks at how digital entrepreneurship spurs growth and innovation.

The region's economy is expected to grow 4.3% this year, compared with ADB's projection in April of a 5.2% expansion, while the growth forecast for next year is lowered to 4.9% from 5.3%. The downward revisions have been driven by increased monetary tightening by central banks, fallout from the protracted Russian invasion of Ukraine, and recurrent COVID-19 lockdowns in the People's Republic of China. Inflation in developing Asia this year is likely to reach 4.5%, up from ADB's earlier projection of 3.7%. The forecast for 2023 is 4.0%, up from 3.1%. While inflation in the region remains lower than elsewhere, supply disruptions continue to push up food and fuel prices.

The report's theme chapter looks at the role of entrepreneurship in achieving inclusive growth, and how governments in the region can create a more enabling environment for digital entrepreneurs.