Economies defy SARS

Despite the impact of the deadly Sars virus, Asia’s 41 developing economies will still outperform the rest of the world with 5.3% growth this year, down from 5.7% in 2002, the Asian Development Bank said in its annual forecast today.

China, hardest hit by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, will be the strongest performer with estimated growth of 7.3%, compared with 8% last year, the Manila-based bank said.