The World Bank on Tuesday lowered its growth forecast for the world economy to only 1 percent in 2009 due to the impacts of the global financial crisis.

World Bank President Robert Zoellick attends a news conference during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Chiefs Meeting in Sao Paulo Nov. 8, 2008. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo]

Meanwhile, the bank lowered its growth forecast for developing country economies to 4.5 percent for 2009, compared to a previous projection of 6.4 percent in June.

The revision was due to "a combination of financial turmoil, slower exports and weaker commodity prices," said the bank in a statement.

It also expected high income country economies to contract by 0.1 percent next year, compared to a previous projection of 2 percent.

Calling for a rapid response to the spreading global financial crisis, the World Bank said it would make new commitments of up to US$100 billion over the next three years to the developing countries.

"This increase in financial support will protect the poorest and most vulnerable from harm, support countries facing big budget short-falls, and help sustain long-term investments upon which recovery and long-term development will depend," said the World Bank in a statement.

"Leaders meeting on Saturday to discuss the global financial crisis must not lose sight of the human crisis. As always, it is the poorest and most vulnerable who are the hardest hit," said World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick.

"The response to this crisis must be global, coordinated, flexible and fast. While the challenges need to be addressed at the country level, it is more critical than ever that the international community acts in a coordinated and supportive way to make each country's task easier," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2008)