LOC22:42
19:42 GMT
BEIRUT, March 18 (KUNA) -- Executive Secretary of UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Dr. Rola Dashti said Wednesday companies in the Arab region inflicted USD 420 billion in losses due to the spread of coronavirus.
"We need solutions regarding policies and quick steps for recovery on the basis of an inclusive comprehensive approach," Dashti said in a bulletin about economic assessment of impacts of coronavirus.
"We still don't know the impacts on lives of people and the families, education of children and health sectors. But we can assess economic losses and explore ways to alleviate them," she said.
The bulletin showed the Arab region would see many people losing their jobs, while the burden on the health sector would be heavy.
It said drop in oil prices inflicted USD 11 billion in losses since January until mid-March.
The bulletin anticipated overall DGP of Arab countries to decline by at least USD 42 billion. (end)
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