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PM announces Huge Relief Package to tackle Economic Slowdown due to Covid-19 Pandemic

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Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday announced a huge relief package aimed at providing financial support to the different sectors of economy affected by the economic slowdown unleashed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) all over the globe.

During an interaction with media persons, the prime minister said the government had decided to allocate Rs 200 billion for the labour class, which had been hit hard in the difficult times.

To help the industrial sector and especially the export sector, it was decided to release tax refunds amounting to Rs100 billion, besides, deferring of the interest payment to bolster this sector, he added.

For the small and medium industry, and agriculture sector, another amount of Rs 100 billion was set aside with deferred interest payment, the prime minister said, adding concessional loans would also being extended to the sectors. The government wanted to bring down the input costs for the farmers.

Other packages, he said, included additional amount of 50 billion for the Utility Stores, Rs 280 billion for the wheat procurement, slashing of petrol and diesel prices by Rs15 per liter for which the government would have to bear the burden of Rs75 billion. An amount of Rs100 billion was allocated separately for the emergency situation, he added.

The prime minister said power consumers using 300 units and gas users with Rs 2,000 monthly bills would be facilitated to deposit their bills through three monthly installments. A sum of Rs 50 billion was also allocated for the medical staff. The National Disaster Management Authority would get Rs 25 billion for purchase and procuring of kits, he announced.

Imran Khan said for the vulnerable families who were bearing the brunt of the difficult time, it was decided to allocate an amount of Rs 150 billion for a period of four months.

He said they were also expanding the network of Panagah (shelter houses) where the precautionary measures had been strictly practised.

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Besides, he said, it was decided to either completely cut taxes or reduce them on different edible items.

For the construction industry, the government would announce a separate package within days, which, he promised, had never been witnessed in the country’s history. Reiterating that the country could not afford a complete lockdown with the imposition of curfew, the prime minister said the situation in the country so far did not warrant for resorting to that last step.

However, he added, the government would review the situation after a couple of weeks. The provincial governments after the 18th Constitutional Amendment could take their decisions while the role of the Federal Government was only that of an advisory, he replied to a query.

The Federal Government, he said, could only give guidelines but could not direct the provinces against their decisions. The provincial governments could react to a situation, but should also give consideration to the evolving situation.

“God forbids, nobody knows the evolving situation, which might also compel us for the imposition of curfew after two weeks,” he added.

Advisor to the PM on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Food Security Khusru Bakhtiar, Advisor to the PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal were also present on the occasion.

Comparing the situation in Spain, Italy, France and other European countries, the prime minister said with about 900 cases in Pakistan, the government team had been taking cognizance of the evolving situation regularly.

Enforcing a curfew would lead to complete halting of transport, which could badly affect the food and medical supplies.

__PM Imran Khan

Such steps could have strong damaging effects upon the society and economy, especially on the downtrodden or the poor class, who had been living in clusters in the Katchi Abadis.

The prime minister differentiating between the lockdown and curfew also shared his concerns that the evolving situation of the COVID 19 outbreak could stretch over to six months.

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“Whatever decisions the government take, I am fully responsible for them. All the economic decisions are being taken with the consensus of my economic team,” he added.

To another question, he regretted that the economic situation had been improving in the country as the macroeconomic indicators witnessed rising, but the COVID 19 outbreak cast unintended consequences upon the economy. The year 2019 had been the most difficult time of his life, he added.

The prime minister, to a question, replied that in case of emergency, the country would require a volunteer force comprising the youth, besides creation of funds. The youth and overseas Pakistanis would be tapped in such like scenario.

Dilating upon the issue of complete lockdown, he further regretted that confusion and impression had been created in the country. Taking wrong decisions at the current critical stage was more dangerous than the spread of coronavirus, he warned.

The prime minister said the government was extra cautious in taking certain steps, which should benefit the country and the nation. During the first National Security Committee meeting, when the country had reported just 21 cases, the gradual lockdown started with the closure of the schools, besides stoppage of public gatherings.

In the past, decisions were taken for the interests of the selected elite class and there were different systems for different classes, he said and regretted that the same response was being also witnessed in the country over the coronavirus.

The prime minister said it was a collective fight of humanity and a single government could not fight it alone.

The public response to the government’s measures like those witnessed in China was vital for achieving the objectives, he stressed and urged the nation to fully cooperate with the government’s calls to control the spread of the Pandemic .

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Analysis

The US Faces a Market Shock: An Analysis of the Soaring Debt and Its Impact on the Economy

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Introduction

The US economy is facing a significant challenge as the national debt continues to soar, reaching unprecedented levels. The independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has warned that the fiscal burden is on an ‘unprecedented’ path, echoing concerns raised by the UK’s former Chancellor, Liz Truss, who faced a similar market shock due to her government’s debt management strategies. This article aims to provide a well-researched and analytical perspective on the current state of the US economy, comparing it with other countries, and discussing potential debt management strategies.

1: The State of the US Economy
The US economy has been experiencing a period of significant growth, with the GDP expanding at an annual rate of 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, this growth has been accompanied by a surge in the national debt, which has reached $31.4 trillion, or 126% of GDP. This is the highest debt-to-GDP ratio since the end of World War II. The CBO has projected that the debt will continue to grow, reaching $36.5 trillion by 2033.

2: Comparison with Other Countries
The US is not alone in facing a debt crisis. Many other countries, including the UK, Japan, and Italy, are also grappling with high levels of debt. However, the pace at which the US debt is growing is particularly concerning. As of 2023, the US has the highest total public debt of any country in the world. This is partly due to the large stimulus packages implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have contributed to a significant increase in government spending.

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3: Impact on the US Economy
The soaring debt has several potential negative impacts on the US economy. Firstly, it could lead to higher interest rates, as investors demand higher returns to compensate for the increased risk of lending to the US government. This could slow down economic growth and potentially trigger a recession. Secondly, the debt could lead to a loss of confidence in the US dollar, as investors may perceive it as a less safe investment compared to other currencies. Lastly, the debt could lead to a decline in the US’s credit rating, making it more expensive for the government to borrow money.

4: Debt Management Strategies
To mitigate the negative impacts of the soaring debt, the US government could implement several debt management strategies. These include:

  1. Fiscal consolidation: Reducing government spending and increasing taxes to reduce the deficit and lower the debt-to-GDP ratio.
  2. Structural reforms: Implementing reforms to increase economic growth and reduce the burden of the debt on future generations.
  3. Debt restructuring: Negotiating with creditors to restructure the debt, potentially reducing the interest rate or extending the repayment period.
  4. Inflation targeting: Managing inflation to ensure that the real value of the debt does not increase too rapidly.

Conclusion
The US economy is facing a significant challenge due to the soaring national debt. This debt can potentially impact the economy negatively, and the government must implement effective debt management strategies to mitigate these risks. By comparing the US situation with other countries and analyzing the potential impacts of the debt, this article provides a comprehensive perspective on the current state of the US economy.

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China

Decoding China’s Consumer Price Rebound Amid Deflation Risks: Insights & Analysis

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Introduction

China’s consumer prices have shown signs of rebounding, thanks to a holiday boom. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 0.7% year on year in February, surpassing expectations and marking the first rise after six consecutive months of decline. However, amidst this positive development, there are looming concerns about deflation risks as factory gate prices continue to fall for the 17th consecutive month. This article delves into the intricacies of China’s current economic landscape, analyzing the factors contributing to the CPI growth and exploring the implications of persistent deflation risks.

1: Understanding China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) Growth
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a key indicator of inflation and reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. The recent 0.7% year-on-year growth in China’s CPI in February has sparked optimism among economists and policymakers. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased consumer spending during holidays, rising demand for certain goods and services, and government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption.

2: Implications of CPI Growth on China’s Economy
The rebound in consumer prices has significant implications for China’s economy. A positive CPI growth indicates a healthier level of inflation, which can stimulate economic activity by encouraging spending and investment. It also reflects improved consumer confidence and overall economic stability. However, it is essential to monitor the sustainability of this growth and its impact on other economic indicators.

3: Analyzing Deflation Risks in China’s Economy
Despite the encouraging CPI growth, there are concerns about deflation risks looming over China’s economy. The continuous decline in factory gate prices for the 17th consecutive month is seen as a warning signal by analysts. Deflation can have detrimental effects on an economy, leading to reduced consumer spending, lower corporate profits, and potential economic stagnation. Policymakers must address these deflation risks proactively to prevent long-term negative consequences.

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4: Factors Contributing to Deflation Risks
Several factors contribute to the deflation risks faced by China’s economy. Overcapacity in certain industries, weak global demand, trade tensions, and technological advancements leading to cost reductions are some of the key factors driving down factory gate prices. Addressing these underlying issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves structural reforms, targeted stimulus measures, and strategic policy interventions.

5: Strategies to Mitigate Deflation Risks
To mitigate deflation risks and sustain economic growth, policymakers in China need to implement effective strategies. These may include promoting domestic consumption through incentives and subsidies, fostering innovation and technological advancement to enhance competitiveness, addressing overcapacity through industry restructuring, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment through prudent monetary and fiscal policies.

Conclusion
China’s consumer price rebound offers a glimmer of hope amidst challenging economic conditions. While the CPI growth signals positive momentum in the short term, it is essential to address the underlying deflation risks to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. By understanding the factors contributing to CPI growth and deflation risks, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. Monitoring economic indicators closely and implementing proactive measures will be crucial in safeguarding China’s economy against potential downturns.

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Economy

Unveiling the Potential: Lake Street Analyst Raises Price Target on Crexendo to $7

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Introduction

In the dynamic world of stock markets, analysts play a crucial role in guiding investors with their insights and recommendations. Recently, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi made waves by raising the price target on Crexendo (NASDAQ: CXDO) to $7 from $5.50, reaffirming a Buy rating and showcasing his bullish outlook on the company’s prospects. This move not only reflects Martinuzzi’s confidence in Crexendo but also sheds light on the underlying factors driving this optimistic stance.

1: The Analyst’s Perspective
Eric Martinuzzi, a seasoned analyst at Lake Street, has demonstrated his faith in Crexendo’s growth potential by revising the price target upwards. His Buy rating underscores a positive outlook on the company’s trajectory, indicating a belief in its ability to thrive in the competitive market landscape. By delving into Martinuzzi’s rationale behind this decision, investors can gain valuable insights into what sets Crexendo apart and why it is poised for success.

2: Unpacking Crexendo’s Market Position
Crexendo, a technology company specializing in cloud communications solutions, has been making strides in expanding its market presence and enhancing its offerings. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, Crexendo has positioned itself as a key player in the industry. The heightened price target from Lake Street signals a strong conviction in Crexendo’s capabilities to further solidify its market position and drive growth.

3: Factors Driving Optimism
Several factors contribute to the positive sentiment surrounding Crexendo and justify the increased price target set by Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi. These may include strong financial performance, innovative product offerings, strategic partnerships, market trends favoring cloud communications solutions, and overall industry outlook. By examining these factors in detail, investors can better understand why Crexendo is garnering attention and what potential opportunities lie ahead.

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4: Implications for Investors
For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish outlook for Crexendo, understanding the implications of the revised price target is crucial. It signifies not just a numerical increase but also a vote of confidence in the company’s ability to deliver value and generate returns for shareholders. By aligning investment strategies with this optimistic outlook, investors can position themselves strategically to benefit from Crexendo’s growth trajectory.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi’s decision to raise the price target on Crexendo to $7 reflects a positive assessment of the company’s prospects and underscores its growth potential. By exploring the analyst’s perspective, unpacking Crexendo’s market position, analyzing the factors driving optimism, and considering the implications for investors, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into why Crexendo is an intriguing investment opportunity worth considering.

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