Macro
Bangladesh PMI rises to 65.7 driven by faster expansion in agri,
construction, services sectors
The latest Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) readings for Bangladesh
indicate that the country’s economy remains on an expansion
trajectory for the fourth month, driven by growing exports, seasonal
consumption trends, and an improved agro supply chain. The PMI for
January has increased by four points from the previous month to
65.7, according to a press release issued today by the Metropolitan
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Policy Exchange
Bangladesh (PEB).
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/bangladesh-pmi-rises-657-driven
-faster-expansion-agri-construction-services-sectors-1065096
Economic growth lowest in 4 years
Bangladesh’s economy grew by 4.22 percent in fiscal 2023-24 fiscal
year, the lowest in four years, marking the second consecutive year
of deceleration due to weak consumption and exports. The final
growth estimate by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics is 1.6
percentage points lower than the provisional estimate, which was
5.82 percent.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/economicgrowth-lowest-4-years-3820296
Banking
Cenbank may keep Jan-Jun policy rate unchanged
The Bangladesh Bank is expected to continue its contractionary
monetary policy for the second half of the current fiscal year while
maintaining the policy rate unchanged at 10%, as the rising inflation
rate shows signs of slowing down.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/banking/cenbank-may-keep-janjun-policy-rate-unchanged-1065146
Cenbank launches new portal to assist foreign investors
The Bangladesh Bank has launched a new portal to assist foreign
investors with information services. The “Foreign Investment and
Financing” will provide seamless access to information and services
related to foreign investment opportunities, financing options and
business initiatives, a circular issued by the central bank said.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/banking/cenbank-launches-newportal-foreign-investors-106462

Exporters can now transfer funds from ERQ accounts to other banks
The central bank has allowed exporters to transfer funds from their
exporters’ retention quota (ERQ) accounts to other bank accounts.
According to a circular issued by the Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign
Exchange Policy Department today (9 February), exporters can also
pay import liabilities with ERQ funds through other bank accounts.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/banking/exporters-can-nowtransfer-funds-erq-accounts-other-banks-1065041
City Bank to issue Tk800cr bond
City Bank, a private sector lender, has decided to raise Tk800 crore
through issuing bonds, aiming to enhance its capital base. According
to its price-sensitive statement, the floating rate non-convertible
subordinate bond aimed at raising regulatory capital (tier-2) is
expected to help the bank fulfil its Basel-III requirements.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/city-bank-issue-tk800crbond-1065101
Tannery Industries
Tanners fear grimmer days ahead as leather exports drop 11% in H1
Leather exporters fear worsening prospects due to declining
competitiveness in the international market, blaming the state’s
failure to implement the necessary environmental measures to secure
mandatory Leather Working Group (LWG) certification for local
companies. Bangladesh’s leather exports fell by 11.65% year-on-year
in the first half of the current fiscal year, according to the Export
Promotion Bureau (EPB). Exports totalled $62.48 million, down from
$70.72 million during the same period in FY24.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/industry/tanners-fear-grimmerdays-ahead-leather-exports-drop-11-h1-1065166
Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals
Drug makers secure growth in H1 on low finance costs, higher sales
Leading drug manufacturers maintained revenue and profit growth
year-on-year in the first half of FY25, supported by higher sales amid
stability in the forex market. However, efficient management, strong
financial positions, and lower finance expenses helped Square
Pharmaceuticals and Beximco Pharmaceuticals, among the drug
makers, secure a double-digit growth in an adverse business climate.
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock/bangladesh/drug-makerssecure-growth-in-h1-on-low-finance-costs-higher-sale

Stocks
ADN Telecom diversifies into healthcare amid growth prospects
Eyeing promising prospects in the healthcare sector, ADN Telecom –
an IT and telecommunication services provider – is set to diversify its
portfolio by acquiring a 37% stake in Senior Citizen Healthcare
Limited, which operates specialised hospitals for the elderly in the
country. As part of the investment, the publicly listed company will
inject around Tk10 crore, with a mandate to leverage its telecom
expertise to enhance Senior Citizen Healthcare’s existing services and
expand its reach into rural areas.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/adn-telecom-diversifieshealthcare-amid-growth-prospects-1065076