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The world economy is close to recession and developing nations will suffer 
the most severe impact, according to yearly prognostications published by 
the World Bank.  The GNP of developing nations will grow by 2.9% this year, 
but only 1.1% in 2002, according to the report.  If China, with annual 
growth approaching 10%, is removed from the mix, the developing world may be 
in recession in 2002.  The report noted that "what makes this situation 
particularly risky is that, for the first time since 1982, the US, Europe 
and Japan are registering deceleration at the same time."  The World Bank 
prescribed the same old medicine - increased "free" trade.  The world 
economy grew by 4.5% in the 1970s, before free trade policies took hold, 
then grew by 3.5% in the 1980s and 2.5% in the 1990s, after the free trade 
model was in full bloom. 
Meanwhile, the Bank of Mexico predicted that steep declines in the 
industrial and service sectors would result in increased unemployment next 
year.  Bancomer predicted a 3.5% decrease in industrial exports to the US 
this year.  Manufacturing and services account for 90% of the Gross National 
Product of Mexico. 
