Philippines says economy to grow 6.0% this year

[MANILA] The Philippines is likely to post full-year growth of 6.0 per cent this year, supported by its strong industry and manufacturing sectors, a senior government official said on Thursday.

"Our year to date performance reflects a steadily growing economy and we are very optimistic the economy will grow at 6.0 per cent in 2015," economic planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan told a media briefing.

The forecast, although below the government's 7-8 per cent target, is enough to keep the Philippines in the list of Asia's fastest growing economies.

REUTERS