Attention on the exit bans comes as China-US tensions have risen over trade and security disputes.

The report examines the crisis response measures governments and businesses used as the pandemic spread, aimed at keeping organisations functioning and workers employed.

China, the last among major countries not treating Covid as endemic, this month unveiled 20 new steps that eased its stringent anti-Covid policies.

Beijing authorities are on high alert in the hope of preventing the numerous Omicron variant outbreaks in other cities from spreading to the capital.

Banks are increasingly nervous about extending credit to small companies, as rising costs of debt, labour and raw materials put the business case of lending to such companies under unprecedented strain.

Many hospitality businesses also reported reduced demand as their patrons too had been hit by surging energy bills since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

They say the move would give them more room to manoeuvre and allow them to shore up their businesses.

Russian President Vladimir Putin added to the energy price pain, sending oil and gas prices higher by announcing a partial military mobilisation.

The popularity of low- and non-alcoholic drinks has risen worldwide, accelerated by the pandemic, which led many people to be more health conscious.

Businesses from farms to retirement villages and hotels are scrambling to find workers - and competitively pushing up wages as they do, increasing the central bank's challenge in fighting inflation.

China, heavily invested in its 'dynamic Covid zero' policy, relies on mass testing, quick restriction on business activity and people's movements and strict quarantine of cases to block nascent clusters from widening.

Dropping cannabis from Thailand's narcotics list has led to an explosion of recreational use.