Nikkei Asia, in its recent article, praised Bangladesh's growth describing how the economy has boomed and exports soared. The article also described how Bangladesh's economy has even exhibited resilience during the coronavirus pandemic and appreciated the government's timely stimulus packages and decision to reopen factories as early as May 2020. The article titled "Bangladesh at 50: how the country has fared since independence" mentioned that since 1971, it has outstripped Pakistan in generating growth, with apparel exports and a surge in remittances helping to drive the economy. Bangladesh marked the 50th anniversary of its independence from Pakistan "buoyed by economic progress and a relatively successful response to the coronavirus pandemic." Also read: UK PM hails Bangladesh’s growth But, the article suggested that the progress still needed to lift more of its 163 million people, 2% of the global population, out of poverty and highlighted challenges and concerns. Bangladesh's growth rate exceeded 8% in 2019, according to World Bank data. When the country seceded from Pakistan, its gross domestic product per capita was about three-quarters of Pakistan's; by 2019, it was almost 45% more.