The global economy and health businesses are likely to be extensively affected when an influenza pandemic breaks out across the world. This is expected to result in a 14% contraction in the goods and services trade as a result of a global recession, according to the Pacific Pandemic Forum for Business. This is the first such conference being held in North America. The exact amount of damage it will inflict on business and health is not easy to predict.
A relatively mild pandemic will result in the death of 3 million Asians. In the case of a severe pandemic, there will be a worldwide recession, with the economic loss suffered by Asia at US$ 282 billion. It will take as long as three years for the economy of Asia to recover.Where Canada is concerned, all businesses are expected to suffer, according to the BMO Financial Group, due to supply chain problems as a result of the pandemic. Sources from the HZX Business Continuity Planning have revealed that the business houses which are not prepared for such an eventuality will be the worst hit. As many as 35% of the business houses which do not have contingency plans in place will go out of business. Alcan, an aluminum manufacturer is preparing itself for a pandemic, according to reports. The company employs over 70,000 workers across the world.
