News from December 2023


World Trade Organization, UN Food and Agriculture Organization sign Memorandum of Understanding at COP28

During the COP28, representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed an agreement to cooperate on food, agriculture, and climate-related issues.The memorandum outlines a plan of action for future initiatives in these critical areas.


EIG names new senior advisor and chair of the Middle East and North African (MENA) division

Abdulaziz Al-Gudaimi has been appointed as the new Senior Advisor and Chairman of EIG's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division. In this capacity, he will advise EIG on investment strategy and continued growth.


World Bank and Asian Development Bank collaborate on Nepal's hydropower sector sustainability

The World Bank recently announced a significant collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an initial five-year period. The partnership is aimed at bolstering Nepal's hydropower sector, with particular focus on the proposed Upper Arun and Dudh Koshi hydropower projects.


Meat producer JBS among companies pledging to reduce emissions in the food industry at COP28

JBS, a prominent player in the food production industry, has joined numerous other companies in making a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pledge was made at the UN Climate Summit during COP28. The company was not alone in this endeavor as several governments also expressed their intent to prioritize food and agriculture in their efforts to cut down emissions, according to a report from Food Drive.


World Trade Organization announces new steel standards principles at COP28 opening

During the opening of COP28 in Dubai, Jean-Marie Paugam, the Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), gave his endorsement to new steel standards principles. This initiative has been backed by 42 organizations and industry leaders. "There would be a follow-up to this in the COP29 event," Paugam stated.


Binance Charity Tech Scholarship recipient: 'Crypto is life-changing'

Angela, a beneficiary of the Binance Charity Tech Scholarship, shared her experience with cryptocurrency in a video posted on X. After participating in the Scholars Program, she secured employment with a financial technology (fintech) company. The Scholars Program is an initiative of the philanthropic wing of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.


Binance CEO: After DOJ settlement, 'new partners are now approaching us'

Richard Teng, the recently appointed CEO of Binance, expressed optimism about the company's future during an X Spaces event on Dec. 1. He indicated that new organizations are showing interest in partnering with Binance following its resolution with the U.S. government. Binance, which is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, shared Teng’s comments in a post on its website dated Dec. 4.


Citizens Holding Group voluntarily leaves NASDAQ

Citizens Holding Company revealed last week its decision to voluntarily deregister their common stock and delist from the NASDAQ Global Market. The holding company operates a single bank, headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi.


BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products RegulationDec 5 2023Commenting on the political agreement reached last night by EU co-legislators on the proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed his views on the matter. Beyrer stated, "We welcome the deal on the ecodesign proposal, but concerns remain about the feasibility of information requirements."Beyrer further elaborated on the potential impact of the ecodesign regulation, stating, "The...


Citi partners with Traydstream for enhanced document services

Citi, a multinational investment bank, has announced its collaboration with Traydstream, an innovative trade documentation solutions provider. This partnership seeks to provide clients with superior and automated processing of trade documents.


Leading crypto exchange participates in Hong Kong Police Force's crime course

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, recently collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) Commercial Crime Bureau's (CCB) for a Commercial Crime Advanced Course. This engagement was carried out from November 29 to December 1 at the Hong Kong Police Headquarters.


Israel commits to allow Gazan non-combatants to return to the north, when secured

Israel is committed to allowing Gazan non-combatants who have left the region to return to North Gaza when it is secured, an Israeli spokesman said.


BitMEX co-founder: 'The treatment of CZ and Binance is absurd'

Arthur Hayes, co-founder and former CEO of crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX, has expressed his criticism towards the penalties imposed by the U.S. government on crypto exchange Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), considering them disproportionate to the alleged offenses. In a post on Substack dated November 27, Hayes compared these punishments to those faced by executives from major traditional financial institutions for their own missteps, which he believes were far more serious in nature.