Journal of Asian Business Strategy

Trade performance of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical study using CGE model

Farha Fatema — 2026-04-17

The purpose of the study is to analyze the trade performance of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies the effects of private consumption demand shocks and trade disruptions caused by higher trade costs due to the pandemic on Bangladesh's export and import in different sectors. It also compares the analysis results with actual data. Based on previous literature, this study assumes low, medium, and high shocks and examines their effects on trade in Bangladesh. The study applies the CGE model using GTAP to measure the effects of these shocks on trade and output, comparing actual trade data with CGE-simulated results. The findings suggest that both demand shocks and trade disruptions significantly impact Bangladesh's export, import, and domestic output during the pandemic. It is also evident that higher levels of shocks lead to greater impacts on trade and output. The CGE model further analyzes the combined effects of both shocks on Bangladesh's trade performance. Results indicate that the combined effects are higher than their individual effects across all sectors. The actual export and import data cross-validate the CGE analysis results, providing mixed findings regarding the trade performance of various sectors during the pandemic.

Bridging the health equity gap: The role of nonprofit organizations in the United States and Bangladesh

Mengzhong Zhang — 2026-04-17

Persistent health inequities continue to affect marginalized populations in both high-income and low-income countries, despite ongoing investments in public health systems. This study examines the critical role nonprofit organizations play in advancing health equity in the United States and Bangladesh, two countries with vastly different institutional capacities, economic conditions, and governance structures. Using an extensive literature-based methodology, the analysis explores how nonprofits expand access to healthcare, address social determinants of health, and advocate for systemic reforms that benefit disadvantaged communities. This study compares how nonprofit organizations in Bangladesh and the United States advance health equity through community-embedded service delivery, integration of social determinants, and advocacy. It contributes to a cross-national, theory-informed analysis that identifies shared mechanisms and context-specific constraints, offering practical policy lessons for governments and nonprofit leaders. Findings show that Bangladesh’s nonprofits, particularly large organizations like BRAC, operate as primary service providers in low-resource settings, leveraging community health workers and integrated development programs to reach underserved populations. This study highlights the need for stronger government–nonprofit collaboration, diversified funding models, and expanded data systems to enhance equity outcomes. By comparing two distinct national landscapes, the research underscores nonprofits’ indispensable contribution to building more inclusive, resilient, and equitable public health ecosystems.

Mechanisms of social media influence on qipao consumption decisions among Gen Z women in Macao, China

Yinan Wang — 2026-04-17

This study examines how social media could substantially influence the purchasing decisions of Gen Z female university students in Macau, China, with particular attention to the specific processes through which influential social media content might shape their perceptions and choices. An interpretive qualitative research design was employed, based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 university students aged 18-25. Moreover, the data were processed through thematic analysis, with saturation monitoring to ensure the credibility and depth of interpretations. Given that social media platforms continue to evolve, data analysis may reveal that they provide information. Additionally, analysis might indicate that social media plays a formative role in constructing purchase considerations. However, short videos and live-stream content may stimulate scenario-based imagination. Furthermore, content could influence perceptions of authenticity and shape risk assessments. Findings indicate female students identify three interrelated mechanisms during the cheongsam purchase conversion process: scenario script construction, visibility management, and a mechanism termed the "fit-authenticity evidence chain." Nevertheless, mechanisms help explain why initial interest does not necessarily translate into actual purchase. In light of these important empirical findings, this research could provide cheongsam brands with significant opportunities to enhance competitiveness through scenario-based content strategies, clearer sizing guidance, and strengthened return/exchange/alteration service commitments. Thus, tight integration between online promotion and offline fitting services may boost Gen Z consumers' trust. Notwithstanding current market conditions, integration might improve conversion rates.