India to grow 6.5% in 2013 as demand outlook improves: Goldman

India's economic growth is likely to accelerate to 6.5 percent in 2013 backed by favourable external sector demand outlook and a pick-up in domestic reforms, Goldman Sachs said in a report on Thursday. The Indian economy is likely to grow at 7.2 percent in 2014, compared with 5.4 percent in 2012, the report said. Reportedly, India's economy expanded near its slowest pace in three years in the quarter to September at 5.4 percent.

Indian economy to grow at 6.5 pc in 2013: Goldman Sachs

(PTI)

Indian economy is likely to grow by 6.5 per cent in 2013 driven by favourable external demand outlook and domestic structural reforms push, a Goldman Sachs report said today.

According to a research note by the investment banking major, growth is likely to pick up gradually to 6.5 per cent in 2013 and further to 7.2 per cent in 2014.

This is on the back of "easing financial conditions, in part driven by some reduction in policy rates, a continuation of reforms boosting confidence, and a normal agricultural crop," it said.

The report further noted India's GDP growth is likely to accelerate from 5.

4 per cent in 2012 to 7.2 per cent in 2014, and remain high through 2015-2016, provided government continues with its reforms push.

A continuation of structural reforms is an important assumption underlying these views, it said.

"While allowing FDI in retail, the Goods and Services Tax, direct cash transfer of subsidies, and dedicated freight corridor will help, we believe further reforms on fiscal consolidation, financial liberalisation and infrastructure growth will be needed to sustain an improvement in trend growth," the report said.

The government's recent reforms include allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, aviation, hiking diesel price, capping the number of subsidised LPG cylinders, opening up pension sector to foreign investment and raising the FDI cap in insurance to 49 per cent.

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