Economy

Citing solid growth, political stability, greater accountability and a low level of exposure to external shocks, Moody’s has joined Standard & Poor’s and Fitch in assessing the Philippines’ sovereign credit rating as investment grade, with the agency holding out the possibility of a further upgrade.

The latest data show that Kuwait’s GDP growth in 2012 was driven by a rapid rise in the oil sector, although the non-oil economy showed improvement. An uptick in consumer sentiment is set to support continued expansion in 2013, but Standard & Poor’s (S&P) says that long-term growth may be hampered by the government’s inability to meet its investment goals.

The IMF has predicted that Kenya’s current account deficit will improve this year, although its exports remain vulnerable to exogenous factors. As the government looks to boost its overseas sales, it must also work to encourage its two main trading partners – the EU and the East African Community (EAC) – to finalise a planned trade agreement to ensure it maintains preferential access to European consumers.

Increased investment in research and development (R&D), combined with targeting niche markets, are two cornerstones of a strategy being rolled out by Brunei Darussalam aimed at encouraging economic diversification.

Growth in Saudi Arabia appears to be gathering pace, with a rise in oil production and continued strong consumer demand likely to boost GDP in the second half of the year. While inflationary pressures could arise as a result, analysts expect any price increases to be moderate over 2013.

The government in Myanmar is ratcheting up its efforts to ready the country for a major influx of investors, as it continues making the transition to democracy.