The global economy will expand at a slightly tapered pace in 2005, as regions with open trade grow.(Economy: how supply managers see business)(Brief Article)

Purchasing, December, 2004

* The global economy will expand at a slightly tapered pace in 2005, as regions with open trade grow faster than areas where local barriers remain, the World Bank forecasts. In a study entitled "Global Economic Prospects 2005," the Washington-based lender expects the world economy to grow 3.2% in both 2005 and 2006, after expanding 4% this year.

Overall growth in developing economies is likely to slow somewhat from this year's 6.1% expansion, the bank says, to 5.4% in 2005 and 5.1% in 2006.