Views of participating economists on strengthening domestic economy; Courtesy: FICCI's Economic Outlook Survey, May 2015
A median GDP growth of 7.4 per cent is forecast for the fiscal year 2017-18, with a minimum and maximum level of 7.0 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively, says the latest round of Economic Outlook Survey conducted by FICCI. The industry and services sectors are expected to grow by 6.9 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively, in 2017-18.
The survey was conducted during March and April 2017 amongst economists belonging to the industry, banking and financial services sector. The participants felt that with the process of remonetisation almost complete, consumption activity has witnessed an uptick and will further build up going ahead. Also, Indian Meteorological Department’s latest forecast of monsoon arriving on time and being sufficient provides some reprieve amidst earlier reports of El Nino having a dampening effect this year.
Moreover, the outlook of economists with regard to prices remains benign and is in line with RBI’s projection put out in the monetary policy statement announced in April this year. According to the Economic Outlook Survey results, Consumer Price Index has a median forecast of 4.8% for 2017-18 with a minimum and maximum level of 4.0% and 5.3% respectively.
Another area where the participating economists were asked to share their views was on the wave of protectionism engulfing the global economy. The respondents were asked to opine on how they see this development unfolding and what steps should India take to minimise the impact resulting from such moves.
Economists participating in the survey unanimously believed that protectionism is becoming a new normal led by certain advanced economies which are increasingly looking inwards to propel growth and increase employment. This could result in increased tension between nations which could lead to trade wars according to some of the respondents.
The economists felt that while protectionism is a challenge, India needs to keep its focus on implementing reforms. The situation calls for improving the investment climate in the country, enhancing hard and soft infrastructure and continuing the efforts on tackling the issue of non-performing assets. Economists felt that higher government and private investments towards infrastructure development and capacity expansion can play a pivotal role in revitalising domestic demand and would encourage the domestic industry.
Participating economists were of the view that strengthening the domestic economy, in terms of sustainablemacroeconomic stability, enhancing skills among youth and the workforce and continuing on the reform path will help India manoeuvre the rough patches.
It was also suggested that India should look at signing preferential trade agreements with other emerging market economies. (RKS)
Source:Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India