World Bank expects GDP growth in East Asia + Pacific (excl. China) at 4% in 2021 (& at 7.7% including China)

Head of the World Bank Malpass says east Asia and the Pacific, excluding China, to grow 4% this year, and 7.7% with China

• says vaccine shortages mean many countries in e. Asia and Pacific may not fully vaccinate population until 2024 even as new variants emerge