19 December 2016 – At the official launch of the 2017 edition of the OECD Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India,  on December 15, the OECD forecast the Philippines, together with Viet Nam, to have the fastest growth among the ASEAN-5 countries in 2017.

“Amongst the ASEAN-5, the Philippines and Viet Nam are expected to remain in the lead [in 2017]”, according to the Economic Outlook. “Robust economic demand, together with steady remittances, has contributed to growth in the Philippines, which will reach 6.8% in 2016.”

The Philippines and Viet Nam are expected to grow by 6.2% in 2017. They are followed by Indonesia (5.5%), Malaysia (4.5%) and Thailand (3.3%).

During the launch, the Philippines’ priorities as Chair of ASEAN in 2017 was presented as well.

NEDA Undersecretary Jose Miguel De La Rosa shared with OECD Members States and ASEAN Embassies in Paris the Philippines’ thematic priorities for its ASEAN chairmanship, namely (1) a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN; (2) peace and stability in the region; (3) maritime and security cooperation; (4) inclusive innovation-led growth; (5) a resilient ASEAN; and (6) ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player.

The OECD Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India is a biannual publication on Asia’s economic growth, development and regional integration processes. The Philippines, together with the Republic of Korea, is Co-chair of the Economic Outlook. END