COVID-19: a challenge for economic growth

Dr Lars Handrich, the Managing Director of DIW Econ, a consulting company of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin).

Mr. Handrich has more than a decade of experience as a consultant in international economics - advising firms, governments, associations, and research institutions. He was directly involved in the implementation of large-scale projects in Europe, CIS, ASEAN, Central Asia, South Africa, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. 

Lars Handrich studied Social Sciences at the Humboldt University of Berlin, Duke University, the London School of Economics, and the University of Oslo. He holds a PhD of Humboldt University of Berlin.

The most dynamic recovery is in the Middle Kingdom, which has taken "draconian" steps to close society and contain the spread of the virus.  Now the box office sales receipts in China has almost reached the level before the pandemic. This is a solid indicator, because in most countries the mass cultural activities are prohibited. …

Fiscal and monetary policy provided significant support at unprecedented levels in Japan and Singapore. However, the weakening of the monetary balance of households and corporations in the region may affect investor sentiment and affect the pace of recovery, adding to the negative consequences. …

In Australia and New Zealand, market support was mainly in the form of guarantees, loans, and quasi-fiscal activities. This has helped companies facing liquidity constraints.

Meanwhile, some states, such as Mexico and India, where there has been a sharp increase in the number of cases, do not have the resources to provide mitigation incentives. Their future is less certain. …