Global uncertainties, potential crises in consideration: Khosru

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said Monday the government was formulating an overall economic plan taking into consideration the global uncertainties and potential crises.
He said the future economic projections in the next fiscal budget would be made and programmes would also be conducted keeping that reality in consideration.
Austerity would remain a key factor in the next budget preparation, he told a press conference held at the Bangladesh Secretariat to reveal the details of the government's family-card programme.
Mr Chowdhury said the government was preparing in advance to face the possible impacts of the ongoing war in the Middle East and instabilities in the international markets.
He said plans were being made in coordination with various ministries and departments in this regard.
"We cannot avoid economic challenges arising from the global uncertainties. But we are taking into consideration the situation that is developing across the world, especially the economic pressure that may arise due to the war," he said.
Replying to a query, he said expenditures and programmes would be adjusted as needed to deal with the potential crises.
The minister said the government was trying to enhance cooperation with various countries to ensure energy security.
"Energy security is very important to us," he said, adding the government was seeking cooperation from wherever there was an opportunity.
Earlier, after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, the finance minister said China had expressed interest in working together to address energy challenges arising from the war in the Middle East.

syful-islam@outlook.com