Finance and Economy

China has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most significant economic partners. In FY 2023–24, Bangladesh imported goods worth $16.637 billion from China, accounting for 26.4 per cent of the country’s total imports, indicating the growing demand for Chinese products.

Retrenchment is the dominant theme on both sides. However much the West and China may wish to compete for the Global South’s affections, the constraints of their respective political economies limit their offer.

Sri Lanka's largest export market, the United States, looms with potential trade policy shifts.

Trump’s crackdown on international drug pricing is poised to have far-reaching consequences for developing nations, where access to affordable medicines has historically relied on such price disparities.

Bangladesh Bank has confirmed the formation of a task force to evaluate the situation. It is also drafting a new “Bank Resolution Act” that will provide a legal and procedural framework for the proposed mergers and acquisitions.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.

This slump is largely attributed to domestic unrest, contractionary monetary and fiscal policies, and a broader climate of uncertainty that has discouraged both foreign and domestic investment.

Experts say that if Bangladesh is to achieve its ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2031, it must confront the growing dominance of business elites in its political system.