Top private sector group predicts 3.5-4% GDP growth
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has kept its key economic forecasts unchanged, citing threats of external risks that could impede recovery. Chen Namchaisiri, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, who chaired the JSCCIB meeting on March 7, said these factors include US economic policy and the political situation in the European Union. The JSCCIB is maintaining its forecast of Thai economic growth at 3.5-4% in 2017. It is also keeping to its forecast of this year’s export growth at 1-3% and inflation at 1-2%. The forecasts are based on the assumption that government spending will play a major role in stimulating the economy, creating jobs and increasing purchasing power, he said.
