The COVID-19 crisis has triggered an economic fallout that will drive millions into poverty and worsen inequality. Amid the mounting human and economic toll, South Asian countries have ramped action to curb the health emergency, protect their people, and set the stage for recovery. Bringing together different actors of society, including academics, policy advisors, finance experts, and civil society leaders, this event will discuss COVID-19 impacts on South Asian economies and people, the pandemic’s effect on the stability of the financial sector, trade, and remittances, and opportunities for greater regional cooperation.  

Schedule

*Each presentation will last 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute discussion

7:00 – 7:10 AM (EST): Opening remarks – Hartwig Schafer, Vice President for the South Asia Region, World Bank

7:10 – 7:35 AM (EST): Hans Timmer, Chief Economist for the South Asia Region, World Bank: Economic impact of COVID-19 on South Asia: a glance into the South Asia Economic Focus

7:35 – 8:00 AM (EST): Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson, BRAC: The impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods in South Asia

8:00 – 8:25 AM (EST): Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson, Advent Private Equity: Is COVID-19 threatening financial sector stability in South Asia?

8:25 – 8:50 AM (EST): Dr. Nadeem-ul Haque, Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE): Remittances and trade during COVID-19, lessons from Pakistan

8:50 – 9:15 AM (EST): Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS): Opportunities for regional cooperation: COVID-19 and beyond

9:15 – 9:50 AM (EST): Panel discussion

9:50 – 10:00 AM (EST): Closing remarks: Cecile Fruman, Director for Regional Integration – South Asia, World Bank

Moderator: Robert Beyer, Economist, World Bank

**Questions will be collected via email and live chat.