Bangladesh seeks EU, US assistance
Bangladesh has sought assistance of the European Union, USA and G77 countries to help tackle Covid-19 that raised risks of a global economic downturn with losses of production and jobs.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said this yesterday in a video message to journalists -- first of its kind in the wake of coronavirus.
"Bangladesh's exports have already been hit in a big way because of coronavirus in the European Union and USA. According to BGMEA, order worth two billion dollars has already been halted," the minister said.
There is a possibility that a few lakh workers could lose jobs, while the remittance flow may also be hampered due to Covid-19.
About one crore Bangladeshi migrants annually send over $15 billion to the country. On the other hand, the EU and US are the major markets for the $34-billion RMG sector that employs about 40 lakh workers.
Migrant remittance and RMG are the two major foreign exchange earning sectors, contributing heavily to the balance of payment of Bangladesh.
Due to coronavirus, 1.5 lakh aspirant migrants could not go abroad with jobs in the last two months. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said several lakh workers in the sector may be jobless if the RMG importing countries, especially the EU and US, halt import orders.
"Considering all these aspects, Bangladesh government has already informed the European, US and G77 countries to work in unison to tackle the crisis," said the minister.
Bangladesh also requested the migrant-worker receiving countries to take the best care of Bangladeshis during the coronavirus pandemic, which the World Health Organization said could accelerate if appropriate and immediate measures are not taken.
"I have also talked to some foreign ministers. They are also concerned over coronavirus pandemic. They assured Bangladesh of providing all assistance and cooperation."
He also said China will provide Bangladesh with 10,000 Covid-19 testing kits; 10,000 personal protection equipment (PPE); 1,000 infrared thermometers and 15,000 surgical N95 respirators under the Chinese Emergency Humanitarian Aid Project.
"This will be a gift from China on our independence day. The medical equipment will be coming to Bangladesh on March 26," said the minister. Some local companies may also import medical equipment from China.
Some countries, including the US, also sought medical equipment from Bangladesh, said Momen, adding, "Bangladeshi companies also produce these equipment. They are looking into these demands."
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