Why is the Pacific Rim considered to be growing and productive?

[Yutu]

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #288 "An economic profile of the Pacific Rim", question 7

The British Commonwealth nations of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are prosperous in terms of their per capita incomes, although they have exhibited only ......... rates of economic growth in recent years.

(a) major
(b) minor
(c) moderated
(d) modest

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #288 "An economic profile of the Pacific Rim", answer 7

The British Commonwealth nations of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are prosperous in terms of their per capita incomes, although they have exhibited only modest rates of economic growth in recent years.

Correct answer: (d) modest
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Why is the Pacific Rim area of Australia and New Zealand considered to be growing and productive?

Yutu

[Mister Micawber]

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Sorry, I am just a grammarian, not an economist. However, a 'modest' rate of growth is not an enthusiastic endorsement of their productivity.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's