WORLD BANK PROJECTS 5.6 GDP GROWTH FOR MALAYSIA IN 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The World Bank has projected a 5.6 per
cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for Malaysia in 2011 and 5.9 per cent
growth in 2012.

Its projections were based on a sustained economic recovery in the US and
other countries as well as the government's structural reform agenda.

Its chief economist East Asia and Pacific Region, Vikram Nehru, said the
country would also benefit from the greater optimism by exporters as restocking
inventory activities was at faster pace.

"Exports will likely gain momentum on the back of strong demand from
emerging East Asian economies, particularly China," he told reporters at the
launch of a new bi-annual report on "Malaysia: the Malaysia Economic Monitor" by
the bank here Wednesday.

Malaysia Economic Monitor November 2009, a bi-annual review of the Malaysian
economy by the bank has included Malaysia's policy recommendations to address
the medium-term economic challenges.

The World Bank's report is part of a wider effort to promote sharing of
knowledge among internal and external stakeholders-a requisite for the
innovation and knowledge driven economy and a key pillar of the World Bank's
partnership with Malaysia government, the bank said in a statement.

For Malaysia to reach its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2020,
the World Bank proposed a four pillar strategy, efforts to specilise the economy
further, improve the skills of its workforce, make growth more inclusive and
strengthen public finances.

"Strengthening public finances will help generate the resources for the
high-income model, address concerns about the fiscal deficit and reduce the
crowding-out of private initiative," it said.

The Malaysia Economic Monitor is available at www.worldbank.org/my.
-- BERNAMA