The higher estimate of 6% for FY 2023 (ending on June 30, 2023) reflects strong net exports as imports fell more sharply than expected and export growth slowed less than expected, says the Asian Development Bank (ADB). On the supply side, manufacturing firms of all sizes leveraged supportive government policies to contribute to growth. Crop losses to floods, cyclones, and droughts were partly offset by subsidies, incentives, and other measures. The service sector was buoyed by higher warehouse and support activities and health and social services. Enhancing growth, promoting prosperity: BIMSTEC retreat held in Bangkok On the demand side, growth in public consumption outpaced expectations, as did public investment. The ADO April 2023 forecast for growth in FY 2024 is unchanged at 6.5%. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is maintaining its growth outlook for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific at 4.8% this year, as robust domestic demand continues to support the region’s recovery. Inflation is expected to continue falling, approaching pre-pandemic levels as fuel and food prices decline, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) July 2023, released on Wednesday (July 19, 2023). Bangladesh sets $72 billion export target with 11.52% growth for FY 2023-24 Inflation in developing Asia is forecasted at 3.6% this year, compared with an April forecast of 4.2%. The inflation outlook for 2024, meanwhile, is raised to 3.4% from an earlier estimate of 3.3%. The reopening of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is bolstering the region’s growth. The PRC’s economy is projected to expand 5.0% this year, unchanged from the April forecast, amid strong domestic demand in the services sector. However, demand for developing Asia’s exports of electronics and other manufactured goods is slowing, as monetary tightening drags on economic activity in major advanced economies. The region’s growth forecast for next year is marginally revised down to 4.7% from a 4.8% estimate in April. Despite over 8% revenue collection growth, Tk 44000 crore shortfall in FY 2022-23 “Asia and the Pacific continues to recover from the pandemic at a steady pace,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park. “Domestic demand and services activity are driving growth, while many economies are also benefiting from a strong recovery in tourism. However, industrial activity and exports remain weak, and the outlook for global growth and demand next year has worsened.”

Bangladesh exported goods worth $27.22 billion in the first six months till December of the current fiscal year 2022-23 amid a growing crisis of foreign exchange, according to an official report. The country received $10.37 billion from exports only in the last two months (November and December), which is the highest ever export earnings in two months. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported goods worth $5.37 billion in December, which is also the highest single-month export earnings. Read More: Bangladesh's ASM Packall Export to invest $4.8m in Mongla EPZ In November 2022, the export earnings crossed $5 billion for the first time. In December, the export earnings made another record. The export earnings in December 2021 were $4.9 billion. The export grew by 9.33 percent year-on-year in December this year. The readymade garment contributed the highest in the export earnings as usual. Read More: July-November: Bangladesh’s exports to major countries show "encouraging growth" The export earnings from the ready-made garments increased by 15.35% year-on-year in December from $4.04 billion in December 2021 to $4.67 billion in December this year. Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the apparel sector has seen good growth in December due to a unit price hike. The contribution of the apparel sector soared due to good prices and the increase in the ratio of high-end products in recent times, he said. Read More: Export of jute products a boon for Satkhira women He also said that Bangladesh witnessed a rush of orders after the post-Covid-19 pandemic period due to the increased credibility of the country keeping factories operational during the pandemic. He said now garment makers are exporting jackets at prices above $40 per piece, against previous $30. The export earnings were $3.91 billion and $4.36 billion in September and October this year. The export was registering a 14.70 percent rise to bag $3.98 billion year-on-year in July, thanks to the good performance of the apparel sector. Read More: Bangladesh seeks zero tariff on apparel exports to US at 6th TICFA meeting Bangladesh bagged $4.60 billion through exports in August, registering a 36.18 percent year-on-year growth while it slipped by 6.25 percent (Y-o-Y) to $3.91 billion in September as the flow of orders for garments slowed amid higher inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war.