The World Bank on Monday said the East Asia and Pacific region may see a weaker growth this year and the next than projected in May amid a more-than-expected slowdown in China.

In East Asia, growth among developing economies is expected to decline a full percentage point to 7.2 percent this year from 8.3 percent in 2011. This was weaker than its May projection of 7.6 percent growth.

The economy is seen recovering to 7.6 percent in 2013, backed by continued strong domestic demand and an uptick in global trade growth. This was, however, lower than earlier prediction of 8 percent growth.

This is the slowest growth rate in the Asia Pacific region since 2001, according to the report.

Growth in China is forecast to slow to 7.7 percent this year from 9.3 percent last year, driven by weak exports and lower investment growth. This is lower than the bank's 8.2 percent forecast issued earlier.

China's growth is expected to recover next year to a projected 8.1 percent, which is lower than 8.6 percent expansion predicted in May.

RTTNews