Asia: update on capital stock

Capital stock values grew (on average) six percent per year, excluding Lebanon.

The Asia region includes 16 modeled countries and areas (including 8 in the Middle East). The minimum annual growth rate for this region was Jordan at two percent, and the maximum annual grow rate (excluding Lebanon) was Vietnam at 11 percent.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Asia grew faster than other regions around the world. Growth was faster in countries with large manufacturing sectors, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, where investment was bolstered by foreign direct investment and increased demand for exports. For example, Vietnam's capital stock growth accelerated from increased investments aimed to counter global supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. High-income economies, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, experienced rebounds in construction activity following pandemic-related disruptions; however, new investment is beginning to moderate. In the Middle East, growth in capital stock has been moderate.

Lebanon experienced significant economic challenges in recent years. According to the World Bank, Lebanon is currently in one of the worst economic crises globally since the mid-nineteenth century. Since 2021 annual inflation has averaged triple-digits and Lebanon's currency has lost more than 90 percent of its pre-crisis value.