This is the 3551st most frequent Russian word.
связан
Connected; tied; related.
Here, связан is used to signify a connection or relation between the question and the economic situation.
Этот вопрос связан с экономической ситуацией.
This question is related to the economic situation.
In this context, связан indicates a physical binding or tying of the rope around the wrist.
Веревка тесно связана вокруг его запястья.
The rope is tightly tied around his wrist.
Here, связан is used to imply an association or link between the actions and the company changes.