Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said he was still optimistic that economic growth in 2011 still could reach 6.5 percent and if there was no serious turmoil it would reach 6.7 percent in 2012.

"This year we will have a 6.5 percent economic growth and next year the figure be 6.7 percent," he said recently.

He said that the IMF report had mentioned that the Asian region was facing risks as a result of the debt crisis in Europe and the economic slowdown in the United States.

The IMF predicted that the economic growth in Asia would be recorded at 6.3 percent in 2011 and 6.7 percent in 2012, or lower than the previous prediction of 6.8 percent and 6.9 percent in 2012.

The downward correction in the economic growth projection indicated that the escalation of economic crisis in Europe had obvious impacts on macroeconomic and financial developments in Asia.

According to the IMF, Asia is challenged to develop a stronger economy under the support domestic economy.

Therefore, the government continues to monitor and take anticipatory measures in the face of possible impact of declining world economic growth in 2012, Hatta said.
(Uu.A014/HAJM)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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