Challenges and opportunities ahead of South Asian economies
However, rising interest rates and risks in the banking sector in the United States and Europe have increased uncertainties in South Asia’s outlook, given their significant impact on balance of payments, exchange rates, and financial markets.
Women’s challenges in the age of big data
March, and more precisely March 8th, is a time to raise awareness about the remaining path toward equal opportunities for women and men. This is especially challenging in the current days of infoxication where algorithms on the Internet nudge us to jump the discussion from one topic to another day after day. March 8th has passed, yet many gender challenges remain.
Could ChatGPT be a game changer for international development?
Large language model artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, Bard and others, has great potential in the world of international development. But – at least for now – it also has serious limitations.
How pandemic accelerated digital transformation in advanced economies
As the world does its best to move on from the pandemic, one of the lasting legacies for many advanced economies has been greater adoption of digital technologies. Working from home is now common, and many companies have expanded online operations.
Navigating supply chain risks and why is it important to de-risk the supply chain?
Businesses face supply chain risk, which can cause delays, increased costs, and loss of revenue. To de-risk the supply chain, businesses should identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. In a globalised world, businesses depend on suppliers from different countries, making disruptions far-reaching and potentially damaging. Mitigating supply chain risk is especially important for Bangladesh's manufacturing industry to remain competitive and continue its growth. Implementing risk management strategies can help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Overall, de-risking the supply chain is essential for businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth of the economy.
Asia’s easing economic headwinds make way for stronger recovery
The economic headwinds that faced Asia and the Pacific last year have started to fade. Global financial conditions have eased, food and oil prices are down, and China’s economy is rebounding.
How to tackle soaring public debt
Public debt soared to a record during the pandemic, topping global gross domestic product. Now, with government debt still elevated, the rise in interest rates and the strong US dollar is adding to interest costs, in turn weighing on growth and fueling financial stability risks.
Fiscal policy can help tame inflation and protect the most vulnerable
High inflation can impose serious and lasting costs on the economy and people. But the distributive effects of inflation—the way it transfers money from some individuals to others—are complex.
How Asia can ease scarring from lower investment, employment and productivity
The pandemic, coupled with trade disruptions and Russia’s war on Ukraine, caused lasting harm to Asia-Pacific economies, damaging growth, productivity, and investment.
Women must be at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon economy
Can we truly reimagine a path to a low-carbon transition and change the climate narrative? This is hard to envision when we witness the unprecedented damage we are inflicting on the planet.
Volatile commodity prices reduce growth and amplify swings in inflation
Food and energy prices surged to near historic highs in recent years amid the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which prompted major supply disruptions. This was accompanied by a sharp rise in the volatility of commodity prices as well.
Central banks must enhance transparency to build trust
The Bank of Canada published a detailed summary of its Governing Council deliberations for the first-time last month, joining nearly two dozen other central banks in regularly releasing detailed information on monetary policy decisions.
Bridging data gaps can help tackle climate crisis
A famous physicist once said: “When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it.”
Grameenphone’s SIM sales ban sends wrong message to the world
Grameenphone recently celebrated its 25 years in Bangladesh. It is a story to be proud of, a story of how telecom technology was made available to people from all walks of life.
How fiscal restraint can help fight inflation
Government support was vital to help people and firms survive pandemic lockdowns and support the economic recovery. But where inflation is high and persistent, across-the-board fiscal support is not warranted. Most governments have already dialed back pandemic support.
Workers are heading back overseas: here’s how govts should respond
Deployment of migrant workers from Asia is slowly getting back on track after plummeting due to the Covid-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020. Some countries are recording departures of migrant workers exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
