(by Sh. Nakata)

The World Bank’s forecast for the economic growth in East Asia was lowered as for 2005 with the stable growth in 2004.

2005 economic growth forecast for East Asia was down at 5.9% while 2004 growth (excluding Japan) is expected to remain at 7.1% peak.

East Asia recovery reached its highest peak for 2004, specialists say, pointing at the possibility of lowing in 2005. The figures for 2004 are the strongest since East Asia Pacific economical crisis in 1997.

"We are estimating that by the end of this year, the number of people living on less than two US dollars a day will be around one third of the region’s population," said Jemal-ud-din Kassum, regional Vice President for East Asia and Pacific.

Southeast Asia is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2004, with Indonesia by 4.9%; Malaysia by 7%; the Philippines by 5.4% and Thailand by 6.4%.

South Korea will add 4.9% in its growth; Japan will see 4.3% in 2004, estimate says.