News published on Globe Banner in August 2024

News from August 2024


USTR delegation visits Quito for ministerial meeting on Americas partnership

A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, led by Ambassador Katherine Tai, visited Quito this week.


Mobilizing capital for development in agriculture

Transforming food systems to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals requires a significant increase in investment across the agricultural value chain. Large, coordinated flows of public and private capital are needed to address decades of underinvestment and meet current and future challenges.


Blinken highlights US-Ecuador partnership on National Day

On August 10, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement in recognition of Ecuador's National Day.


U.S. Embassy invites citizens to open house on September 17

U.S. citizens are invited to an open house event at the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava on September 17, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.


U.S. introduces tool to assess illegal gold mining impact in Amazon

The United States Government recently introduced the Illegal Gold Mining Impact Calculator in Quito, aiming to highlight the economic, social, and environmental impacts of illegal gold mining.


Arthur W. Brown takes role as new U.S. ambassador to Ecuador

The new U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador, Arthur W. Brown, has arrived in Quito to lead the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in both Quito and Guayaquil.


The Digital Chamber: Negative business sentiment in Nigeria could 'help lead the effort to bring Tigran home'

The Digital Chamber (TDC) has expressed concerns that the departure or potential departure of companies from Nigeria could pressure the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance. Gambaryan has been imprisoned for nearly six months. TDC shared its statement in an August 22 post on X.


Upcoming Finance and Prosperity Report 2024 offers critical insights

Discover the critical insights of the upcoming Finance and Prosperity Report 2024 through these compelling interactive graphs. Engage with these visualizations to explore the data, understand the trends, and gain valuable insights into the future of finance and prosperity.


World Bank emphasizes resilience in global food security amid climate challenges

Food and nutrition security crises are expected to persist in the coming years. While it is impossible to avoid shocks, especially with the intensification of climate change, their impacts can be mitigated to prevent significant setbacks in achieving long-term development goals. This necessitates improved preparedness for swift responses when crisis risks first appear and bolstering innovative efforts to construct resilient food and nutrition systems globally.


Nordea resolves US probe into past anti-money laundering practices

Nordea has reached a resolution with the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) concerning its anti-money laundering (AML) procedures from 2008 to 2019.


Kinshasa adopts nature-based solutions to tackle urbanization challenges

Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is experiencing rapid urban growth, expanding by approximately 2,000 people and five hectares daily. This expansion has led to significant challenges, including flooding, soil erosion, and increased temperatures due to the replacement of green spaces with concrete and metal structures.


World Bank approves $110 million loan for Sergipe's fiscal sustainability initiative

The World Bank Board of Directors has approved a US$110 million loan to support the state of Sergipe, Brazil. This project aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve natural resource management in Sergipe, Brazil's smallest state by geographic area. The initiative addresses significant development challenges faced by the state, including low GDP per capita and high poverty rates.


OAS observes remembrance day honoring slave trade abolition

The Organization of American States (OAS) recently marked the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, as well as the International Day for People of African Descent.


World Bank forecasts Vietnam's economy to grow by 6.1% in 2024

Viet Nam’s economic growth is expected to accelerate in 2024, driven by a rebound in manufactured exports, tourism, and recovering consumption and business investment, according to a new report by the World Bank.


Vaping Emerges as Leading Smoking Cessation Aid, but Public Misconceptions Persist

A recent survey conducted by UK-based Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) indicates that vaping has become the most popular aid for individuals who want to quit smoking. According to the August survey, non-tobacco vape products have played a large role over the past five years in helping smokers successfully quit their tobacco dependence.


Vietnam leads global effort with innovative carbon program

For Nguyen Tham, Bach Ma National Park in Hue Province is his life. It holds his childhood memories, sustains his family, and is where he works as a forest guardian.


NCUA announces retirement of Cherie Freed after over three decades of service

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has announced the retirement of Cherie Freed, regional director of the NCUA’s Western Region, effective August 24, 2024.


Ireland donates EUR 200,000 to support global food safety through STDF

Ireland has contributed EUR 200,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to bolster global food safety and trade initiatives. This contribution brings Ireland's total donations to over EUR 2.9 million since 2007.


Employment and financial metrics of US multinational enterprises show growth in FY2022

Worldwide employment by U.S. multinational enterprises (MNEs) increased 2.2 percent to 44.3 million workers in 2022 from 43.3 million workers in 2021, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).


US Embassy seeks bids for CCTV installation in Ashgabat warehouse

The United States Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced an invitation for companies to submit quotations for the installation of a warehouse CCTV system, referenced as PR12761969.