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China provides 2,000 tons of rice as emergency food aid to Sri Lanka

Posted on by SAT News Desk

COLOMBO — China decides to provide 2,000 tons of rice as emergency food aid to Sri Lanka, said the Chinese embassy here in a press release on Friday.

The donation, which was valued at about 2.5 million U.S. dollars (including freight cost), was made at the request of the Sri Lankan government upon its current difficulty of food shortage in the island country, according to the embassy.

As the continuously raging COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatically changing international situation have further worsened the global food shortage and shipping capacity, the technical teams from both countries will work closely to finalize the production and shipment arrangements, and deliver the aid to Sri Lanka at an early date, said the embassy.

Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, the Chinese embassy said the two countries have traditionally helped each other and shared weal and woe.

China will continue to support Sri Lanka’s social and economic development within its capacity, the Chinese embassy added.

  • Xinhua

 

Nepal and China signed nine-point agreement

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu —   Nepal and China has signed a nine-point agreement during the visit of Chinese FM and his team.   Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Nepali counterpart Dr. Narayan Khadka signed the agreement at the Foreign Ministry in Singha Durbar on Saturday.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the two sides for financial and technical assistance, feasibility study of the transmission line projects, and a team of Chinese health workers providing services in Nepal.

Apart from these, issues related to vaccine transfer, maintenance and upgradation of Araniko Highway and its hand over have also been agreed.

Talks at the delegation-level and Foreign Minister-level took place before the agreement was struck.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khadka led a 25-member delegation and his Chinese counterpart led a 17-member delegation to the talks.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yi will also hold talks with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba later in the evening.

The foreign minister, who arrived in Nepal on Friday, will return home on Sunday.

South Asian City to Detail Net-Zero Roadmap

Posted on by SAT News Desk

New Delhi —- Mumbai announced detailed plans to zero out carbon emissions by 2050, a target that puts it two decades ahead of India’s national goal and makes it the first city in South Asia to set such a timeline.

In the plan announced Sunday, India’s financial center, home to south Asia’s biggest corporations, stock bourses and the central bank, has proposed exhaustive changes to the way it manages energy, water, air, waste, green spaces and transport for its 19 million residents.

“We don’t have the luxury of time,” said Aaditya Thackeray, environment minister of the state of Maharashtra of which Mumbai is the capital. Without intervention, the effects of climate change could cost India $35 trillion over the next 50 years.

India’s richest city, Mumbai is also home to tremendous poverty, with slums and fishing villages along the southern coast that date to British rule. By 2050, rising sea levels are expected to flood those parts of the city. In total, unabated climate change could cost the city $920 million.

Drawing on inputs from officials, citizens, researchers and companies, Mumbai’s plan lists changes across six domains. This includes investments in housing, electrifying public transport and more walkable roads; flood-resistant drainage and water conservation apart from adding open spaces, investing in clean water and sanitation, and rooftop solar capacities.

– Bloomberg

Nepal happiest country in South Asia, 85th in world

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu — The 10th edition of the World Happiness Report released on March 18 has ranked Finland as the happiest nation on the planet.
Similarly, Nepal has been declared the happiest country in South Asia.

The recent World Happiness Report has listed Nepal’s ranking it 84th, way ahead of Bangladesh (94), Pakistan (121), Sri Lanka (127), India (136) and Afghanistan (146).
China, the northern neighbour, has been ranked 72nd, way above Nepal.

Nepal occupies the 85th place in the world and the top position in South Asia in terms of happiness, according to the 10th edition of the World Happiness Report 2022 released ahead of the annual International Day of Happiness on March 20.

 

Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Nepal

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Nepal later this week as part of a regional tour, seeking to repair ties with the Himalayan nation that is caught between the US-China rivalry.

Beijing has yet to confirm the trip, but according to Nepal’s foreign ministry, Wang – who is currently in Islamabad – will arrive in Kathmandu on Friday for a three-day visit. It would be the first visit to Nepal by a senior Chinese official since President Xi Jinping’s trip in October 2019.

Wang arrived in Pakistan on Monday and was expected to address a meeting of foreign ministers from over 50 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as a “special guest” on Tuesday. (SCMP)

Covid restrictions in India to be lifted from March 30

Posted on by SAT News Desk

NEW DELHI: All existing Covid restrictions imposed by the Centre are set to be removed on March 31, India Today has reported.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday said that the Disaster Management Act will no longer be invoked for Covid-safety measures. However, masks will still have to be worn in public places.

“There will be no further need to invoke the Disaster Management Act for Covid containment measures,” an MHA official said.

The Centre’s measures for Covid safety under the Disaster Management Act will expire on March 31.

India’s vaccination campaign has been going strong, with over 1,81,89,15,234 people vaccinated till Wednesday.

(Source: India Today)

Sri Lanka to hire int’l law firm to assist debt restructuring amid foreign exchange shortage

Posted on by SAT News Desk

COLOMBO — Sri Lanka will seek the services of an international law firm to assist debt restructuring, which will be done with the aid of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said a spokesman here on Tuesday.

The discussions with the IMF on debt restructuring will commence soon, said co-cabinet spokesman Ramesh Pathirana at a press conference.

Sri Lanka has in recent months been facing a foreign exchange shortage with its rupee now touching a record low following relaxed controls over exchange rates.

Pathirana said that the Sri Lankan government has taken a policy decision to work with the IMF as a way out of the ongoing crisis.

To assist with dealing with the IMF, the government appointed two committees, which recommended the government to hire a company to assist its engagement with the IMF, he said.

The company will be hired on a long-term basis and several senior officials from the Sri Lankan government have been entrusted with selecting the international law firm, he added.  (Xinhua)

UK hands over two lost artifacts to Nepal

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — The United Kingdom (UK) has handed over two artistic cultural artifacts that disappeared from Nepal.

At a programme organized at the London-based Nepali Embassy on Friday, Detective Superintendent Head of London Metropolitan Police Office, John Roch handed over the lost heritages to Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya.

Artifacts handed over to Nepal were the 16th century-old wooden inscribed Toran and the 18th century-old stone idol depicting a devotee with a gesture of Namaskar.

The wooden heritage was stolen from the Kumari Temple located in the eastern part of the Hanumandhoka Durbar area of Kathmandu in the decade of 1980-90. The stone-inscribed artifact was stolen from the Manjushree Temple, the London-based Embassy sources said.

On the occasion, Ambassador Acharya expressed gratitude to the metropolitan police and those others involved in the search and detection of lost heritages of Nepal.

Detective Superintendent Head Roch also expressed his pride in being successful in detecting and handing over priceless heritages to Nepal.

The artifacts would be handed over to the Nepal Government through the Department of Archeology soon, the Embassy said.

– RSS

Guinness World Records awarded four awards to Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja MBE

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London —- The Guinness Book of World Records has awarded four different awards to the veteran Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja MBE.

Guinness welcomed Mr. Purja  in London for an interview and certificate presentation.

Ex-British Gurkha Nims is also the star of the hit Netflix documentary ’14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible’ and a World Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal’s Tourism.

He now holds the record for the fastest ascent of all mountains over 8,000 meters in 189 days and the fastest time to climb the top five 8,000ers and the fastest time to climb 8,000ers without bottled oxygen in 70 days and the fastest triple-header of the Higher 8,000ers in 5 days, three hours, and 35 minutes.

Earlier this week Mr Purja was accorded high honors by the Eastleigh Borough Council of the United Kingdom.

Documentary 14 peaks – nothing is impossible on Netflix

After the release of the documentary 14 peaks – nothing is impossible on Netflix, Nirmal Purja aka Nims Dai has become the source of inspiration to many youths. Indeed he has created a new history by climbing 14 eight -thousander deadly peaks within seven months. If you want to know in detail about Nims Dai, then keep reading.

Who is Nirmal Purja aka Nims Dai?
Nirmal Purja is an ex-British army and a passionate mountain climber who broke different world records on Mountain climbing. Back to back, he held Guinness World records by climbing 14 death peaks just in 6 months six days by breaking the previous record of 8 years. Besides, he was the only Nepalese to join the special British Royal Navy.

Purja was born in a small village of Myagdi districts Nepal on July 25 1983. When he was four years old, his family moved to the Chitwan district, where he spent the rest of his childhood. He was a very energetic and hard-working kid who always followed his passion.

As his parents were of different castes, his family was abandoned by society. His father was a Gurkha soldier. Therefore, he was very clear about what he wanted to become in life. To pursue his aim to become a British army, he worked hard even in his school life.

Besides studies, he was good at kickboxing during his school.

Nirmal Purja – Career and achievements

Nirmal joined the Gurkha army when he was 20 years in 2003. After serving six years, he applied for the Royal Navy force; which is the most prestigious and elite British unit, in 2009 .Where Nims served as a cold-weather warfare specialist.

Despite his incredible career, he resigned from the special air service (SAS) unit to focus on his passion for mountain climbing. Moreover, he didn’t care for the huge pension he could get if he had served six years more to the air force. Similarly, his Family’s income was the sole earning, but he chose to be a mountaineer.

While serving in the army, he got an opportunity to climb Mount Everest in 2012. Since then, he developed his interest in mountain climbing.

After resigning from special force, Nirmal’s mission was to show the world you can achieve anything if you have willpower and strong determination. So, he comes up with the project possible to climb 14 death peaks of the world in just seven months due to his love and passion for mountain climbing.

Along with his team, Nirmal Purja finished his first eight-thousander (death peak) summit on 2019 April 23. Moreover, he completed Nepal’s six death peaks (Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga) summit just in a month.  

Further, he completed all 14 eight-thousander peaks before the targeted date, i.e. in 6 months six days. Thus, he was able to break the previous record of 8 years to climb the 14 summits.

Political stance on Migrants voting in Nepal

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Kathmandu: Leaders from all major parties have strongly supported the implementation of granting voting rights to Nepali citizens living abroad. While there are still administrative, logistic, and legislative procedures to follow, leaders are confident that this can be implemented soon.

As part of an ongoing series of policy dialogues organized by the Nepal Policy Institute (NPI), on March 19 a panel discussion was organized on the topic of “Migrant Nepali Workers, National Economy, and State Policies.” The panel was joined by Hon. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, CPN (UML); Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC; Hon. Dr. Upendra Yadav, JSP Nepal; and Hon. Ms. Pampha Bhusal, CPN (Maoist Center).

Presenting the main findings of some research work carried out by NPI on the matter of voting rights of migrants, Mr. Khagendra Dhakal (Chair of the NPI Board of Directors) referred to international good practices on this subject and also highlighted the stances of major political parties in Nepal to the extent that they may or may not have broached the subject with any degree of specificity.

In the ensuing discussion on granting voting rights to Nepali migrants abroad, all panelists spoke on behalf of their political parties and clarified their stances on the issue. Relying on Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Hon. Dr. Upendra Yadav emphasized that “everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country, hence all Nepali citizens irrespective of their location must be able to vote.” This was a common refrain shared by all speakers in the panel.

Each speaker strongly asserted their commitment to implementing the Supreme Court judgment on this matter. However, they emphasized the importance of due process and the need for resolute considerations. Ensuring free and fair elections is equally important. Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, while exploring the possible ways to implement external voting, outlined the risks of voter fraud using examples of the recent US Presidential Election. This concern was also shared by Hon. Pampha Bhusal while recounting the incidents of the NRNA elections. However, both recognized that voting fraud can happen within Nepal as well. Thus, the focus has to be on minimizing the risk factors.

In consideration of all the risk factors, Hon. Pampha Bhusal stated, “the Government of Nepal is in the process of making a law to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad.” In this regard, Hon. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali distinctly outlined the administrative and parliamentary procedure in implementing this mandate.

Hon. Gyawali illustrated that “as the primary stakeholder, the Election Commission has the responsibility to draft the election manifesto for external voting. This manifesto must take the logistics, safety, and financial commitments into consideration. Then this manifesto can be sent to Parliament, followed by the Council of Ministers for final approval before implementation.” As provisional elections have already started in Nepal, implementing external voting for this election does not seem possible. “Hence, after the election, all political parties must come together to ensure speedy implementation of external voting. This should be a reality in five years” said Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat.

In this discussion, NPI proposed the use of i-voting (internet voting) based on the release of their policy brief on “External Voting Rights for Nepalis Abroad: Reflections from International Practices.” In presenting the Brief, NPI Chairperson Khagendra Dhakal highlighted evidence from more than 150 countries around the world having a legal framework for external voting. This includes many countries that are just as, or even more, constrained and capacity challenged as Nepal.

Member of the NPI Board of Directors, Ms. Sharu Joshi, moderated the webinar event, and in her own remarks exhorted the political parties to take up this subject matter expeditiously. Giving the closing remarks Dr. Ambika Adhikari, member of the NPI Board of Directors, stated that NPI will produce a Policy Brief on this subject to better inform relevant policymakers.

Migrant workers from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Qatar, and India, on behalf of the organizations directly concerned with immigration, suggested that the government should prioritize formulating necessary policies to implement the decision of the Supreme Court. In this regard, Hon. Pampha Bhusal committed to raise this issue at Sunday’s cabinet meeting.

Sadhguru appeals to save soil in a program organised at the U.K. House of Parliament

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London – The world-renowned Yogi, Visionary and climate change campaigner, Sadhguru, has appealed the world leaders to take urgent action to save soil.

Addressing a program organised in his honour at the British Houses of Parliament, Sadhguru quoted scientists and UN agencies as predicting that the planet has cultivable soil for only up to 55 years and have warned of catastrophic food shortages that could plunge the world into brutal civil strife. In a strong, emotional appeal to the audience to join the movement, Sadhguru said, “Soil is the only magic where if you bury death, it sprouts life. We have come from this soil, we eat of this soil and when we die, we get back to the soil.”

Spiritual leader Sadhguru has been working on a much-required cause to save the soil for the past 24 years. This year, he has ventured out on a 100-day journey across 27 nations to engage with global leaders and urge them to initiate a soil saving movement in their countries.

As founder of Isha Foundation, he has inspired thousands of volunteers and residents of the Isha Yoga Centre to take his vision ahead around many places of the world .

Beginning on 21st March, Sadhguru is embarking on a 100-day 30,000 km journey on a motorbike from London to southern India. His odyssey across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East aims to activate citizen support and global government policy action to revitalise soil.

The program was hosted by Baroness Verma who is the chair of UN women’s National committee, former under secretary of State of international development. It was organised and sponsored by Rabindra Jung Lamichhane (Ravi), an entrepreneur, philanthropist and  Vice chair of U.K. Nepal Trade and Investment Forum.

“It’s my pleasure to support the “Save Soil” campaign launched by respected Sadhguru. It is the duty of we all human beings to help save lives of creatures including humans by saving the soil which is degrading day by day,” he added.

Many MPs from both of the House form the U.K. , diplomats including  India , Nepal, security officials, policy makers , influencers and journalists attended the program.

Nepali embassy in London also hosted an event to welcome Sadhguru on the same day. Nepali community leaders and businessmen took part in the programme.

Get colourful and creative this Holi, by turning spices into your DIY colour pallet

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — Millions of Hindus around the world are preparing to celebrate Holi, also known as the festival of colours.  The festival marks the beginning of the spring season in South Asian countries.  But these dates change on an annual basis, to be in sync with the full moon. Due to the nature of the festival, it has been celebrated by the majority of people from all religions, races, and geographical area across South Asia as a cultural festival rather than a religious festival.  the festival is very inclusive, as one of the main themes of the festival is unity. So, while the Holi Festival is rooted in Hindu tradition, it is a celebration that happens all over the world.

When is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated in Phagun, the 12th month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 18, though the festivities tend to run longer in some places.

This year celebrations with take place on Friday (March 18) .  The fectival brings together new and old friends, family, and acquaintances to celebrate the arrival of spring. With themes of positive change, new beginnings, love and compassion, common activities include throwing coloured powders and reuniting over delicious food.

What’s the story behind Holi?

Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and there are various stories about its origin.

The most popular legend in Hindu mythology says the festival marks Lord Vishnu’s triumph over King Hiranyakashyapu, who killed anyone who disobeyed him or worshipped other gods.

The king had a son called Prahlad who never worshipped his father and worshipped Vishnu instead. Hiranyakashyapu was so displeased that he conspired with his sister Holika to kill his son.

Holika agreed to kill her nephew, luring Prahlad into a pyre and trying to burn him. However, Vishnu came to Prahlad’s rescue and Holika ended up burning in the pyre.

To this day, Hindu devotees celebrate Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi to mark the event by making bonfires in their neighborhoods.

So grab your 5 cupboard staples and get spice painting for some zero-waste fun during the festive period!

What you’ll need:

  • A few ground spices including turmeric, chilli powder, cinnamon, cumin and coriander
  • A binding agent like water, non-toxic glue or poster paint
  • Basic art supplies like paint brushes, cotton balls, paper

To take things further, why not try your paint on various fabrics and materials, or grab cardamom seeds, dried flowers and chilli flakes?

Tip: Some spices like turmeric can be messy so watch out for stains! Be prepared with a table covering, apron or gloves to avoid the mess.

Recipe: 4-Ingredient Coconut Ladoos

Whilst your paint dries, or as a sweet midday snack – East End Food has provided 4-ingredient coconut ladoos?

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups of East End Foods desiccated coconut + ¼ for rolling
  2. ¾ cups of condensed milk or coconut cream
  3. 2 East End Foods cardamom pods, powdered
  4. 12 East End Foods pistachios or other nuts for garnish

Method:

  1. In a pan on a low flame, add the condensed milk/coconut cream and desiccated coconut.
  2. Mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes. Ensure the mixture gets slightly thick and comes together.
  3. Check for the sweetness and adjust as necessary (option to add honey, agave or sugar).
  4. Mix the crushed cardamom and turn off the hob.
  5. Let the mixture cool slightly and make round balls. You should get about 11-12 ladoos.
  6. Roll the ladoo in the remaining desiccated coconut and garnish each with a pistachio or chosen nut.

Ex-Gurkha’s daughter, Sapima Gurung, shortlisted for Miss Universe Great Britain 2022 finalists

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London – The daughter of a former British Gurkha, Sapima Gurung, has reached the final stage of Miss Universe Great Britain 2022.

Sapima, 22,  from West Yorkshire, Leeds announced about her achievement  on the occasion of  International Women’s Day through social media stating  that she was happy to be shortlisted for the Miss Universe Great Britain 2022 finalist

The grand finale of Miss Universe Great Britain will take place on July 9 at Riverfront in Newport Wales.

Sapima has appealed to everyone for financial and emotional support during her Miss Universe trip.

Sapima, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Precision Medicine, said she would advocate for children’s education through the Miss Universe GB platform.

After making it to the Miss Universe Great Britain finalists, she said, “I cannot express my excitement as I say that I am a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain 2022, giving me an opportunity to represent Great Britain on the global Miss Universe stage. Please help and support me throughout this journey with the upcoming fundraising and also voting for me.”

 

The grand finale of the MUGB will be held on 9th of July 2022 at the Riverfront in Newport, Wales.

 

“Being a first-generation immigrant and a university graduate has made me value my dreams and feel empowered,2 Sapima told Southasiatime.

“Coming from a Gurkha British army background, self-belief, confidence, ambition, and above all the idea of service before self comes naturally,” she added.

 

Gurung is  pursuing a Masters in Precision Medicine: Genomics and Analytics with the intention to continue to pursue her passion for women’s rights and education.

 

“My goal is to be able to win the Miss Universe Great Britain 2022 title and represent Great Britain whilst keeping my cultural heritage alive. And on the MUGB platform, my advocacy is children’s education for the betterment of the whole nation as they are the future leaders of tomorrow,” Sapima said.

 

Sharing about her journey to Miss Universe Great Britain, Sapima said that she had to pass many hurdles before being selected as the finalist for MUGB 2022. Among the 3 key steps to qualify as a finalist from submitting   a bio , a headshot photo & a full body photo, to be lucky enough to be selected for an interview process .

 

Sapima mentioned that she is in need of sponsors, evening gown sponsor, fundraising and public votesto help to translate her dream into success.

She has urged all her supporters and sponsors to reach out to her via sapimagrg@hotmail.co.uk

Talks have started to resolve the Gurkha problem: Envoy Acharya

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Jagan Karki, London — Newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya, said that preliminary talks have started with the British authorities to resolve the problems of former Gurkhas.

Acharya was recently appointed Coordinator of the negotiating team on behalf of the Government of Nepal.

Talking to media organisations and a group of journalists representing 14 media houses based in the UK, Ambassador Acharya said expressed hope that the long-standing grievances will be resolved soon through talks between the two governments as well as reprsentatives of the Gurkha organisations.

Ambassador Acharya thanked the British government for their generous support to Nepal to combat the Corona epidemic, he planned to work with the UK on various issues including climate financing,  trade, tourism, renewal energy, e-commerce, culture, and arts during his tenure. Spokesperson of the Embassy Mrs. Roshan Khanal as well as other officials of the Embassy also attended the programme.

President of Federation of Nepali Journalists U.K and Nepal Press Union UK, Bipin Niraula, said that Nepali diaspora in the UK was one of the fastest growing immigrant communities in the UK and that Nepali journalists were working largely voluntarily to inform and educate the Nepali communities including Gurkhas. He also noted that Nepali journalists in the UK were working closely with the embassy.

Former BBC journalist Suman Kharel, Bal Mukund Joshi and advocate Govind Belbase spoke about the history of Nepali journalistm in the UK and future challenges.

Director of LondonNepalNews.com, Rajkumar Tripathi, spoke about the problems being faced by online media in the UK. Senior journalist, Manish Shrestha, shared his experience with Nepali film journalism in the program.

Journalist and social activist, Sangita Marhattha, stressed the need to increase the role of women in media and communication.

Khushi Limbu, a senior member of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) gave a welcome address at the program conducted by Sanjay Bhakta Kandel, Senior Vice President of the FNJ UK.  Advisor of the FNJ UK, Dr. Jagan Karki, expressed his views on the challenges of journalism and the work to be done.

Editors, reporters, and operators of Nepali and English language online news portals based in the UK  including Britishkhabar.com, Nepalmamila.com,Diasporanepal.com, Darpansansar.com, Nepalsansar.com, Globalnepalese.com,Globaldainik.com, Globalnepalipatra.com, Southasiatime.com, Shitalpatinews.com, Silautitimes, Kathmandu.com, among others, attended the meeting.

UN Adopts Resolution Promoting Bicycles To Combat Climate Change

Posted on by SAT News Desk
United Nations, United States:

The 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution Tuesday supporting bicycles as a tool for combatting climate change.

The resolution, proposed by Turkmenistan, was passed unanimously and like all General Assembly resolutions is non-binding.

It calls on member states to “integrate the bicycle into public transportation, in urban and rural settings in developing and developed countries.”

Increasing cycling through improved road safety and the promotion of bike-riding will help achieve “sustainable development, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” according to the resolution.

COVID-19 pandemic pushes 4.7 mln more people in Southeast Asia into extreme poverty: ADB report

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Manila — The COVID-19 pandemic pushed 4.7 million people in Southeast Asia into extreme poverty in 2021, as 9.3 million jobs disappeared, compared with a baseline no-COVID scenario, said an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report released on Wednesday.

According to the Manila-based bank, the region is beginning to recover from the two-year pandemic, forecast to pick up to 5.1 percent this year as almost 60 percent of its population become fully vaccinated, enabling many economies to reopen.

Despite more favorable prognoses for 2022, the report said that the economic situation in the region remains fragile, and many households continue to experience huge income losses.

“The pandemic has led to widespread unemployment, worsening inequality, and rising poverty levels, especially among women, younger workers, and the elderly in Southeast Asia,” ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said.

Among the most affected are unskilled workers and those working in retail and the informal economy, as well as small businesses without a digital presence. Asakawa encouraged governments in the region to invest in innovative, green infrastructure and adopt technological innovations to reinvigorate economic growth.

The report called governments to allocate more resources to help health systems deliver care, improve disease surveillance, and respond to future pandemics, noting that economic growth could rise by 1.5 percentage points if health spending in the region reaches about 5 percent of GDP.

It also recommended that countries pursue structural reforms to boost competitiveness and productivity, such as simplifying business procedures, reducing trade barriers, and encouraging small enterprises to adopt new technologies.

It added that governments should maintain fiscal prudence to reduce public deficits and debts, and modernize tax administration to enhance efficiency and broaden the tax base.

Meanwhile, the reported warns of multiple challenges in the region, namely emerging COVID-19 variants, tightening global interest rates, supply chain disruptions, and higher commodity prices and inflation.

  • Xinhua