Daily Times

In line with the policies of national governments, the banking sector of Central Asia is also playing its role to battle against coronavirus pandemic that has annihilated even the global economic giants like America, Italy, France, Spain, China and Germany etc. Key policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic by the state authorities led the banking industries of Central Asian countries to adopt necessary measures during the ongoing global health hazard.

Kazakhstan President Tokayev extended the state of emergency to end of April, with 2525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 25 deaths, currently. The government issued a package of US$ 13 billion (9% of GDP)in March. Banking sector of Kazakhstan supported state initiatives. The central bank i.e. National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NBRK) slashed the base rate to 9.5% and widened the spread to +/-200 basis points to stimulate the economy. Commercial banks have allowed deferrals in repayments to borrowers till mid of June. Then, the risk rating weights for SME exposure in Tenge have been reduced from 75 to 50% and in foreign exchange loans from 200 to 100% until October, with the purpose to encourage lending to SME sector. Kazakhstan is suffering double blow due to historic oil price collapse. The regulator has also reduced LCR for the banks to boost their liquidity in the critical time. NBRK intervened in the market to minimize the excessive volatility of the local currency Tenge by introducing a limit on the bid-ask spread while lowering ceiling of foreign exchange purchase without import documents during the state of emergency. Banks are also facilitating a lot in disbursing US$95 per person per month to the citizens losing income in the pandemic span.

Kyrgyz economy is also hard hit by COVID-19 with 665confirmed cases & 8 deaths, borders closed and lock-down of non-essential items etc. Being able to allocate additional health expenditure of US$ 9.4 million only (0.1% of GDP) to contain the pandemic, Kyrgyzstan is wooing international donors. National Bank of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan (NBKR) has raised the policy rate to 5% by 75 basis points. Further, the liquidity ratio for banks has been lowered to a minimum of 30% with removal of short term liquidity requirement (overnight & 7 days) altogether. Minimum mandatory threshold has also been brought down to 70% from 80% while reducing the risk weights of foreign exchange from 150% to 100%. NBKR has extended the loan overdue period before classification from 90 days to 270 days. The banking regulator is also negotiating with the Union of Kyrgyzstan banks certain concessional lending programme for the SMEs.

Uzbekistan has 1836 reported cases of COVID-19 with 8 deaths. The government has taken up extensive steps to prevent the spread of virus including restricted travel and transportation, closure of borders, educational institutions, public and religious gatherings besides permitting remote work to employees. The Central Bankof the Republic of Uzbekistan has allowed repayment deferrals to businesses affected by the pandemic by extending maturities. This relaxation in repayment of loan has also been given to the national air carrier JSC Uzbekistan Airways. The central bank has also decreased the policy rate from 16% to 15%. Then, the banking regulator has made temporary suspension on cash and currency exchange offices set up outside the building of the commercial banks.

Tajikistan is among the very few states which have not reported any positive COVID-19 cases but a task force has been instituted to take up measures for the virus containment. However, realization of decline in revenues and higher spending does exist. In order to contain the inflationary pressure, the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan has raised the policy rate to 12.75%, by 50 basis points. The central bank has also cut down reserve requirements of the commercial banks with the purpose to enhance liquidity of the system.

Turkistan too insists on the non-existence of coronavirus patients in the country, as Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov says, “We are not hiding anything.” Just last week, domestic football season has been inaugurated with fans returning to the stadiums. Consequently, banking sector has not been activated to take appropriate steps. But, reportedly, certain exchange restrictions on international transactions have been applied.

National Bank of Pakistan is also making its contribution in combating the COVID-19 calamity in Central Asia, since NBP is present in all these countries as Subsidiary, Branch or Representative Office. Key policy measures by the state authorities and relevant banking regulators are implemented by NBP.

In sum, we have observed how the banking industry of Central Asian Republics is complying with the key policy response of the national authorities to the coronavirus crisis. However, continued uncertainty of the scale, duration and impact of the lethal virus poses real strain on the banking sector. Even the biggest test lies in the post-pandemic phase requiring how to be capacitated and sustain the flow of credit under declining growth and heightened risk. This phenomenon may witness the acquisition and merger process in Central Asian banking sector that comprises a number of small banks.

The writer is Country Manager of a Pakistani bank in Kazakhstan, with interest in Central Asian studies. He can be reached out at rafeeq_kz@yahoo.com