budget reaction
BUILD frets over budget deficit amid revenue collection struggles
The proposed budget deficit is above 6% of GDP amounting to Tk 2.11 trillion, which may reach to 8% as the revenue collection has been showing slow trend in pandemic period, according to BUILD, a business development platform, in its budget reaction.
The Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) thinks the deficit will mainly be filled taking loan from the banking sector and foreign loan.
Also read: New budget unveiled with focus on protecting lives and livelihoods
The dependence on foreign financing has been increased 162% than previous fiscal which is 'alarming', it said.
The social safety net will be expanded, higher than the current fiscal. Government has given enough emphasis on health safety issues, which need proper implementation.
Also read: New budget: Tracking prices going up and down
In terms of export diversification in Medical and Personal Protective Equipment(MPPE), extension of tax exemption benefits up to June 2022 may encourage export diversification in this sector, BUILD said.
On the other hand, it seems, sluggish investment will continue as COVID uncertainty remains, and private sector credit growth is still at a lower level(8.7%), according to BUILD.
3 years ago