World Bank Projects 4.5% Growth for East Asia and Pacific in 2026
The Bank forecasts Vietnam’s economy will grow 7.4% and Thailand’s 2.0%. Pacific Island economies are projected to expand 2.2%, below the previous forecast.
The World Bank projects East Asia and Pacific will grow 4.5% in 2026, while its regional outlook highlights the challenge of extending artificial intelligence adoption beyond production of AI-related goods.
The Bank’s Oct. 6 update puts Vietnam’s growth forecast at 7.4% and Thailand’s at 2.0%. It also points to high-tech exports supporting global investment in artificial intelligence.
Pacific Island countries face a slower outlook. Their economies are projected to grow 2.2% in 2026, 0.5 percentage point below the previous forecast. The Bank describes the islands as especially vulnerable to high energy prices because they have limited buffers against external shocks.
The update says businesses face high costs, limited expertise, and security and privacy concerns when adopting AI. The Bank sees wider use of the technology as a way to raise productivity and create more and better jobs.
John Kim
John Kim reports on the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.