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WTO launches WEIDE fund for women exporters with $5 million UAE donation

DG Okonjo-Iweala announced the launch of the pilot phase for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, marking a significant step towards gender equality in trade and economic opportunities. “It brings me great joy today to launch the pilot phase of applications for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund. The WEIDE Fund represents a pivotal step forward in our collective journey towards gender equality in trade and economic opportunities,” she stated.


International bodies call for more inclusion of persons with disabilities in global trade

With approximately 15% of the global population living with disabilities, and 80% of them in developing economies, there is a growing demand for international trade policies that address their specific challenges and opportunities.


China initiates WTO dispute over Canadian surtax measures

China has initiated a dispute complaint against Canadian surtax measures, claiming they appear to be inconsistent with the most favoured nation principle enshrined in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and Canada's GATT schedule of customs duty concessions and commitments.


Croatia enhances mechanisms against poverty with EU and World Bank support

ZAGREB, September 11, 2024 – The Government of Croatia is committed to reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. To this end, the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy (MLPSFSP) initiated a project to build a modern comprehensive policy framework for combating poverty and social exclusion, based on an evidence-based diagnostic at the sub-national level.


WTO partners with World Bank on new Trade in Services for Development Initiative

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Bank launched the "Trade in Services for Development Initiative" at a Public Forum on September 11, 2024. The event featured prominent figures including WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Vice President of the World Bank, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill, Professor Richard Baldwin from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Sumanta Chaudhuri from the Confederation of Indian Industry.


Balancing technological advancement with job security in Central America

Technological progress holds the potential to significantly disrupt labor markets while also creating new job opportunities in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Advances in agricultural and industrial machinery, computers, and artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled machines to undertake many tasks previously performed by humans, posing a risk to jobs.


Croatia enhances efforts against poverty with new data-driven policy framework

The Government of Croatia is committed to reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. To this end, the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy (MLPSFSP) initiated a project to build a modern comprehensive policy framework for combating poverty and social exclusion, founded on an evidence-based diagnostic at the sub-national level.


Bodum CEO: Partnership with Starbucks based on 'mutual respect' from former CEO

Jorgen Bodum, CEO of Bodum USA, said his company's relationship with Starbucks was based on the "mutual respect" between himself and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, which degraded when Schultz stepped down.



Verma discusses Ukraine support with Slovak leaders in Bratislava

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma held meetings in Bratislava, Slovakia, with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec.


Pacific Island leaders urge robust replenishment of World Bank's International Development Association

Leaders from Pacific Island countries have called for a robust 21st replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA21), echoing similar appeals from African Heads of State who agreed in April on a bold transformation agenda with IDA as a cornerstone. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, leaders and representatives from 11 countries met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga last week and reaffirmed IDA’s critical role in supporting Pacific islands to boost development and climate resilience.


WTO Public Forum 2024 highlights inclusive growth through enhanced global cooperation

The 2024 World Trade Report, titled “Trade and Inclusiveness: Making Trade Work for All,” was launched at the WTO Public Forum 2024. The report underscores the shared goal of WTO members to ensure that trade benefits more economies and people.



U.S. Embassy extends shuttle service bid deadline to May 24

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced an extension for the solicitation of shuttle transportation services under PR12487982.


U.S citizens abroad urged to participate in absentee voting week

Voter registration deadlines in the United States differ by state, with some requiring registration 30 days before an election. U.S. citizens living overseas are encouraged to check the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website for specific...


World Bank approves $150 million loan for Bahia's road improvements

The World Bank Board of Directors has approved a new project to upgrade road infrastructure in the state of Bahia, Brazil, benefitting 2.35 million people.


State Department issues disclaimer on legal assistance provider lists

The Department of State has issued a disclaimer regarding the lists of legal and translation service providers.


World Bank supports global shift towards sustainable public procurement

The choices made in procurement today can significantly influence the world of tomorrow. Unsustainable decisions support industries detrimental to the environment and society, while sustainable procurement promotes practices that benefit both the planet and communities. In 2022, the global public procurement market was estimated at $12-13 trillion. The potential impact if this spending were guided by climate and social considerations is substantial.


Binance announces Tokocrypto's PFAK license in Indonesia

Binance announced that Tokocrypto, part of the Binance group, has received a Physical Crypto Asset Trader (PFAK) license from Indonesia's Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti). This license allows Tokocrypto to operate as a physical crypto-asset trader and support the country's Web3 industry.


Ireland allocates EUR 720K for developing economies' participation in global trade

Ireland has allocated EUR 720,000 to assist developing economies in enhancing their participation in the global trading system. The program, co-funded by France and Ireland, allows government officials from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and small, vulnerable economies to undertake 10-month secondments at their respective missions in Geneva. This initiative involves engaging in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) activities in Geneva, representing their economies at WTO meetings, and attending workshops and training events organized by the WTO. This year, 18 officials...