Immediate risks include:
the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal deadlock in the US
the impact of the withdrawal of monetary stimulus from advanced economies
an abrupt slowdown of investment in China.
The Federal Reserve’s decision to delay tapering of quantitative easing stabilized markets for now, giving countries some reprieve and a second chance to take measures to lower risks from future volatility, including a reduction of reliance on short term and foreign exchange denominated debt and continued flexibility in the exchange rate.
Tapering in the US could in part be offset by the planned monetary expansion in Japan. Japan’s Abenomics includes a doubling of the money supply by the end of 2014, which would translate into some $55 billion per month in asset purchases by the Bank of Japan—almost as large as the US’ $80 billion—and the regional impact could be considerable.
In the long term, as higher global interest rates are likely to affect investment, accelerating growth and poverty reduction depends critically on structural reforms.
China appears to be on the cusp of major reforms—including changes in the way they manage urbanization, the household registration system and financial sector. Such reforms would help China rebalancing of its economy, increase the efficiency of investment and maintain a relatively high growth rate.
Countries need to improve their investment climate and invest more in infrastructure, while making public investment more efficient.
They also need to address fiscal risks and create space to support long-term growth, with measures including reducing energy subsidies.