IMF projects Bhutan's growth rate at 11% in 2017-18

Increase in hydropower generation capacity will boost electricity exports, and as a result, the current account deficit will decline rapidly, said IMF

The International Monetary Fund has projected an impressive 11% growth rate for Bhutan in 2017-18 as the country has made significant economic progress in recent years.

"Growth is projected to accelerate further in the coming years, to 6.4% in FY2016/17 and to over 11% in FY2017/18, supported by hydropower construction and the commissioning of new hydropower plants, as well as solid growth in domestic services," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said at the conclusion of its annual consultations with Bhutan.

IMF said the increase in hydropower generation capacity will boost electricity exports, and as a result, the current account deficit will decline rapidly, from over 30% in FY2016/17 to around 5% in FY2020/21.

Reflecting accelerated capital spending in the final years of the 11th Five-Year Plan, fiscal balance is projected to turn to a moderate deficit in FY2016/17 it said.

Bhutan has made significant economic progress in recent years and the GDP per capita more than doubled during 2004-2014, rising from $1,108 to $2,612, IMF said.

In a statement, the IMF Executive Directors welcomed the improvement in Bhutan's macroeconomic performance and commended the authorities for the significant economic and social gains of recent years.

They also considered that the outlook was favorable going forward.

However, the current account deficit and external public debt remain high, mainly reflecting developments in the hydropower sector, it said.

Accordingly, Directors cautioned that while hydropower development brings opportunities, it also creates macroeconomic challenges that need to be managed carefully to avoid overheating and imbalances, IMF said.

Moreover, strong efforts are required to increase employment opportunities, especially for the youth, through enhanced skills and training, and economic diversification, the IMF said.