Bangladesh consults with USA, EU, G77 about export cut fear: Foreign Minister Dr Momen

DHAKA, March 24, 2020 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh has consulted with the USA, European Union (EU) and Group 77 to take special measures as Dhaka fears to lose 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.

The foreign minister said the BGMEA 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.

Besides, Momen said there is a possibility to see decline of the country’s
remittance flow as adverse affects of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

The foreign 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 March 26th on board a special aircraft.

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

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