Deep Dive

Bangladesh's merchandise exports surged by 17.72% year-on-year in December, reaching $4.63 billion, driven by the robust performance of the readymade garment (RMG) sector. This marks the fourth consecutive month of growth. Export earnings for July–December 2024 totaled $24.53 billion, up 12.84% from $21.74 billion during the same period last year. The RMG sector, contributing 81% of total exports, recorded $19.88 billion in earnings—a 13.28% year-on-year rise. Other sectors also posted remarkable growth, including leather goods (+24.19%), home textiles (+20.47%), and agricultural products (+14.41%). This consistent growth underscores the resilience and adaptability of Bangladesh's manufacturing sectors in navigating global challenges. Read more: https://lnkd.in/geUkdy5R #exports #growth #trade #stableeconomy #deepdive

The National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh has partially launched the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), streamlining import, export, and transit document processing through a unified online platform. Seven agencies, including the Department of Environment and Export Promotion Bureau, are now integrated, with 12 more joining by February 28 for full implementation. Backed by The World Bank funding, BSW digitizes 46 out of 119 licenses and certificates, reducing paperwork and boosting efficiency. Officials emphasize tackling bureaucratic hurdles to unlock its full potential for a "Smart Bangladesh. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/g4abHRpJ #digitalbangladesh #tradesimplified #innovation #smartbangladesh #deepdive

AI technology is advancing quickly, but its unpredictability led to notable failures in 2024, according to Rhiannon Williams of MIT Technology Review. The rise of generative AI tools has flooded the market with poor-quality content from simple prompts. AI-generated marketing materials often distort reality, leaving customers disappointed. For instance, images of absurd scenarios like Donald Trump firing a bazooka or Mickey Mouse holding a bomb have become common. As businesses rush to adopt AI for efficiency, issues arise: chatbots fabricate information, making them unreliable, while AI search summaries, like Google's AI Overviews, suggest bizarre ideas like adding glue to pizza or eating rocks. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/eTFTqUBd #aitroubles #generativefail #chatbotwoes #aibiases #contentcrisis #deepdive

Maysaa Sabrine has been appointed as Syria's first female governor of Central Bank of Syria, a historic milestone in the institution’s 70-year history. With over 15 years of experience, Sabrine previously served as deputy governor and has a strong background in banking oversight. Holding a master's in accounting from Damascus University, she has also been a member of the Damascus Securities Exchange (DSE) board. She replaces Mohammed Issam Hazime, who was removed after the December rebel offensive. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/gcwq8HNc #syria #womenleaders #centralbank #historymaking #deepdive

As 2024 ends, the global economy grapples with challenges and opportunities. Geopolitical tensions rise, with U.S. and EU central banks cutting rates after record inflation, though price pressures persist. Public debt remains a growing concern. In the U.S., President-elect Trump’s second term ushers in a shift in trade policy and new tariffs. Europe faces economic instability, struggling with Brexit's fallout and Eurozone challenges. China contends with a sluggish recovery, while many developing nations battle debt and inflation. The Central banks of many countries aim for a "soft landing," trying to curb inflation without derailing growth. Additionally, global forums like Davos emphasize a “new prosperity paradigm” focused on sustainable, equitable growth. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/epR9bdnf https://lnkd.in/gt-vZ24J #globalgrowth #ratecuts #tradewars #softlanding #debtcrisis #inflation #deepdive

Robi Axiata PLC.'s current CFO M. Riyaaz Rasheed has been appointed the company’s acting CEO, as confirmed in a letter by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). With over 28 years of experience, including 25 in mobile telecom, he has held senior roles at global firms like Millicom (Tigo), Etisalat and Hutchison. Starting his career at Ernst & Young, his most recent role before Robi was Deputy CEO at Hutchison Telecommunications, Sri Lanka. Read more: https://lnkd.in/grrC-jEF #RobiAxiata #TelecomLeadership #BSEC #CEO #DeepDive

Bangladesh has seen a surge in remittance inflows this year, totaling nearly USD 27 billion in 2024, a 22% increase from USD 21.92 billion in 2023. This growth is fueled by a 9% rise in the official dollar rate and a crackdown on money laundering. As part of our regular coverage we have been tracking news on remittances < http://surl.li/pvsygr>. Monthly remittances have consistently surpassed USD2 billion, except in July due to internet and banking disruptions. As of December 28, remittances reached USD2.42 billion for the month, the second-highest on record, pushing foreign exchange reserves to USD21.33 billion. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gk4fB-eH #bangladeshremittance #forexgrowth #moneyinflux #bangladeconomy #deepdive

Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector has achieved solid growth in 2024, with exports hitting $37.71 billion, a 6.23% increase from last year. This growth comes despite challenges such as energy shortages, high interest rates, and labor unrest. While factory closures and financial pressures raise concerns, the sector’s resilience stands out. Industry leaders are optimistic that with improvements in energy supply, law and order, and labor relations, growth could accelerate further. Strategic moves to diversify products, boost branding, improve wages, and enhance worker protections can sustain this growth in the industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHM4mUDn #RMGgrowth #bangladeshexports #garmentsector #industryresilience #deepdive

Manmohan Singh, the soft-spoken former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 26, 2024. He will be remembered for his transformative role in shaping India into an economic powerhouse. In 1991, as Finance Minister, Singh rose to national prominence by steering India through a severe financial crisis. With foreign reserves dwindling to cover just two weeks' worth of imports, he introduced bold reforms, including currency devaluation, tariff reductions, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises. These measures helped stabilize the economy and set the stage for growth. As Prime Minister, Singh continued his mission despite significant opposition, working relentlessly to reduce poverty and drive India’s rise as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/g6bUC64X #economicreforms #indiagrowth #transformativeleader #legacyofleadership #deepdive

A recent Swiss Re study underscores the superior safety of Waymo's autonomous vehicles compared to human-driven cars. Analyzing 25.3 million miles driven in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, the study found an 88% drop in property damage claims and a 92% reduction in bodily injury claims for Waymo vehicles. Even when compared to advanced human-driven cars with the latest safety features, Waymo's autonomous vehicles showed an 86% reduction in property damage claims and a 90% decrease in bodily injury claims. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/gPmExJWN #waymo #autonomous #safedriving #selfdriving #insurance #deepdive