Bangladesh consults US, EU, G77 about export cut fear: Momen

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh has consulted with the USA, European Union (EU) and Group 77 to take special measures as Dhaka fears losing around two billion US dollars’ export orders due to outbreak of deadly COVID-19.

“We informed concerned trade authorities of EU, USA and Group 77 about our fear and to take measures regarding it,” he said through a video message to media this evening, reports news agency BSS.

The foreign minister said the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) has predicted that Bangladesh will lose export orders worth two billion US dollars and the readymade garments (RMG) sector may witnesses hundreds of job cut due to the prevailing global situation.

Momen also said there is a possibility to see decline of the country’s remittance flow due to the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The foreign minister said he directed all heads of Bangladesh missions abroad and urged foreign ministers of concerned countries over phone to take special care of Bangladesh expatriates and overseas workers in their respective countries.

The minister also said China will donate medical supplies including 10,000 test kits and 10,000 PPE (personal protection equipment) and 1,000 infrared thermometers that are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 26 March on board a special aircraft.

He also said China will hand over 1,500 respirators that is known as N95 masks on 28 March.

Momen said Bangladeshi businessmen are also importing Chinese medical supplies to combat the killer bugs. The first consignment of purchased medical supply will arrive tomorrow, he added.