Collection of important news, policy update and industry insights in relation to impact on SMEs/businesses in Bangladesh due to Covid-19 situation.
Financial inclusion agenda gets a lift
The central bank’s order to open bank or mobile financial service (MFS) accounts for disbursing the salaries of employees of export-oriented factories from the government’s Tk 5,000 crore stimulus package will give a leg up to the digitalisation and financial inclusion agenda, experts said.
The Daily Star | Bangladesh / Industry Impact
Chattogram heavy industries in for bad times
The nationwide lockdown to prevent the coronavirus spread is going to have a significant impact on sales and production of four Chattogram-based heavy industries at least for a short-term, market players said.
The Business Standard | Bangladesh / Industry Impact
Bangladesh IT and Digital Sector Tackling COVID-19 Implications
With the challenges now apparent for the IT and digital sector, it’s crucial that the government pays significant attention to its third-engine post coronavirus Bangladesh.
Bloomberg | Global / News Update
Goldman Sachs cuts India GDP growth forecast to 1.6%
American brokerage firm Goldman Sachs on Wednesday lowered India’s GDP forecast to 1.6 per cent for FY2020-21, making it the lowest multi-decade expectation.
The Star Malaysia | India / Economy
Coronavirus could turn back the clock 30 years on global poverty
Half a billion people could be pushed into poverty as economies around the world shrink because of the coronavirus outbreak, a new study has warned.
The Guardian | Global / Economy
Consumer electronics industry sales may fall 50% in Q1 due to lockdown: Panasonic
Having suffered an unprecedented sales decline of 6-7 per cent in 2019-20, the industry will be up against challenges in both supply and demand sides due to the coronavirus pandemic, Panasonic India and South Asia President and CEO Manish Sharma said.
The Economic Times | Global / Industry Impact
Rice prices surge to 7-year high as coronavirus sparks stockpiling
The price of rice — a staple food in Asia — has hit 7-year highs due to the coronavirus outbreak as importers rush to stockpile the grain while exporters curb shipments.
CNBC | Asia / Industry Impact
Singapore Partial Lockdown to Cost Economy S$10 Billion
Singapore’s partial lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus could cost the economy about S$10 billion ($7 billion) in lost output, Maybank Kim Eng Research Pte. estimates.
Bloomberg Quint | Global / Economy
Case Update
| Region | Confirmed Cases | Confirmed Death |
| Bangladesh | 330 (+112) |
21 (+1) |
| World Wide | 1,536,091 | 89,876 |
aaaaaaaa
