国际英语新闻：UN: Inflation Fears Continue in Asia

A United Nations economic survey for Asia Pacific says the region is now a leading driver of global economic growth, continuing a dramatic recovery from last year.  U.N. economists warn that rising oil and food prices especially threaten millions of the region's poor.

U.N. economists say that although Asia continues to experience robust regional growth, there are still fears of rising inflation through food and fuel prices.

The annual survey released Thursday by the U.N.'s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) forecasts growth at more than seven percent for major developing economies across the region. Economists say India and Indonesia's booming economies lead Asia, buoyed by their "robust consumption and investment".

Growth forecast

China's economy is forecast to grow by more than nine percent due to government efforts to shift the economy to greater domestic consumption.

UNESCAP chief economist, Nagesh Kumar says foreign speculators drawn to Asia's high growth rates are contributing to higher inflation. The foreign inflows have led to excessive investment in areas such as property leading to vulnerable asset bubbles.