Increasing levels of private consumption and investment, backed by the government’s infrastructure programmes, helped Thailand’s economy expand in 2018, although a decline in external demand and lower tourism receipts are expected to dampen full-year growth.
Strong non-oil sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) growth combined to deliver Bahrain momentum through 2018, with the country’s biggest hydrocarbons discovery in decades expected to strengthen its fiscal position in the years ahead.
Stronger energy revenue for much of the year and liberalisation reforms have helped Saudi Arabia’s economy rebound in 2018, though falling oil prices late in the year and the potential fallout over security issues could affect growth moving forward.
Although Myanmar’s economy has grown above the regional average in 2018, a fall in overseas investment, crop losses and a weakening of the kyat have combined to slow the pace of that economic growth. However, moves to open up sectors of the economy to foreign ownership may boost inward investment in the coming year.
Higher energy returns are expected to have led Abu Dhabi’s return to growth in 2018, with expectations of further expansion in 2019 as the government rolls out an extensive stimulus programme
Increased state spending on infrastructure and construction projects supported solid growth in Dubai’s economy in 2018, despite muted performances from some key sectors.
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×