World Economic Forum projects growth rates for Southeast Asian economies in 2026
The latest in this situation
How it started
What happened
The World Economic Forum projected that Malaysia's economy will grow 4.7 per cent in 2026, supported by domestic demand, investment, and technology-related exports. The outlook for Southeast Asia remains broadly resilient, with 73 per cent of chief economists expecting stronger or very strong growth over the next 12 months. Country-specific forecasts include 7.5 per cent for Vietnam and 1.9 per cent for Thailand in 2026.
From thestar.com.my
Why it matters
The forecasts indicate that manufacturing, exports, investment, and steady domestic demand continue to support growth across developing Southeast Asia. Furthermore, inflation expectations have improved, with developing Southeast Asia projected to see 3.9 per cent inflation.
From thestar.com.my
Who's involved
- Southeast AsiaThe region whose growth outlook was analyzed by the World Economic Forum.
- MalaysiaThe country projected to grow 4.7 per cent in 2026.
- VietnamThe country projected to achieve 7.5 per cent growth in 2026.
- ThailandThe country projected to grow 1.9 per cent in 2026.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MalaysiaSpeculative
Malaysia might see changes in investment and export revenue based on the 4.7 per cent growth projection.
- ThailandSpeculative
Thailand might face adjusted market expectations for investment due to the 1.9 per cent growth projection.
- VietnamSpeculative
Vietnam could attract increased foreign investment due to the projected strong growth of 7.5 per cent.
- Southeast AsiaSpeculative
The broader Southeast Asia market could see shifts in capital flows based on the resilient regional growth outlook.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- World Bank raises Thailand's growth forecast while Thailand trails Malaysia and Vietnam in economic momentum.Sub-event
WEF assesses regional growth outlook for Southeast Asia, including projections for Malaysia's 2026 growth rate.1 source
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The entities involved
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Southeast Asia
south-eastern region of Asia
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Vietnam
country in Southeast Asia
- Tensions rise in the region as Hun Manet leads the government of Cambodia, with border issues cited as a major factor affecting bilateral relations with neighbors.
- Koreans are engaged in diverse global activities, including construction in Saudi Arabia, work in Vietnam, and labor in European mines and hospitals.
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Thailand
country in Southeast Asia
Related events
- Vietnam and Southeast Asia are aiming to become a key regional hub, leveraging their strategic locations and growing economies.
- Nations in Southeast Asia are competing for skilled professionals and aiming to improve their national rankings.
- Vietnam overtook the Philippines in nominal GDP, while the Philippines remains behind Singapore, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
- Vietnam is described as a vibrant travel market within the Southeast Asia region.
- The IMF released projections showing economic growth rates for Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam for 2026.