News from July 2024
Digitalization in trade facilitation highlighted at WTO meeting
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
Five members — China, Colombia, Ecuador, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Republic of Moldova — shared their experiences of using digitalization to facilitate trade at a recent trade facilitation meeting. Their presentations aligned with the committee's 2024 focus on this topic.
FFIEC releases comprehensive report on mortgage lending activities in U.S.for23
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2024) – The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) today published data on 2023 mortgage lending transactions reported under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) by 5,113 U.S. financial institutions, including banks, savings associations, credit unions, and mortgage companies.
Mali improves healthcare access through international support programs
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
Ms. Salama Traoré, during her seventh pregnancy, finally received adequate health care at a community health center in Bamako. She expressed relief, recalling past hardships. "My first six children were born at home because my husband and I couldn't afford the cost of pre- and post-natal care," she said, noting the loss of two children due to inadequate care. Ms. Traoré now benefits from the Accelerating Progress Toward Health Coverage Project (PACSU), which provides quality health care to Mali's poorest.
World Bank-backed initiative improves road safety across Madhya Pradesh
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
Young girls at the Senior Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh’s Raruarai village in Dhar district were hesitant to go to school. Harassed daily by bystanders outside the school, girls found the journey to school a daunting experience, impacting their education. Sixteen-year-old student Manisha Chauhan recalls, “I live in the girls' hostel next door and didn’t feel safe even walking the 50 meters from the hostel to the school. There were vendors everywhere, buses stopped haphazardly, and always a crowd of men who made us all walking together feel uncomfortable.”
WTO explores ways to boost least developed countries' capacity in services trade
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
WTO members recently convened to explore strategies for enhancing the capacity of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to participate in services trade. Speakers emphasized that LDCs face significant challenges, including infrastructure issues, skills development, regulatory environments, and limited technological capacity. The necessity of international cooperation was highlighted, with several speakers advocating for an Aid for Trade roadmap to address these constraints.
Efforts underway to transform remittance landscape for economic empowerment
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
June 16th marked the International Day of Family Remittances, a significant occasion for millions worldwide. To honor this day, the World Bank, in collaboration with the Bank of Albania, organized the MONEY smART Exhibition. This event aimed to highlight the crucial role remittances play in Albania's economy—as a lifeline for families, a macroeconomic stabilizer, and a gateway to financial inclusion. The exhibition was part of the Remittances and Payments Program (RPP), which is implemented across the Western Balkans with financial support from the Swiss Secretariat of...
U.S. Embassy announces online auction for July 2024
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The U.S. Embassy has announced plans to conduct an online auction starting on July 10, 2024.
World Bank joins multilateral banks in commitment to sustainable procurement
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The World Bank has joined eleven other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to release a statement reflecting their commitment to integrating sustainable procurement into their development operations.
WTO conducts trade policy review for Jamaica
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The following documents are available:
US ambassador in Turkmenistan seeks housekeeper for residence
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan is currently seeking a housekeeper for the Chief of Mission Residence located at the New Embassy Compound in Ashgabat.
Ellard urges swift action on fisheries subsidies at FAO meeting
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
At a recent meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard emphasized the urgent need to complete critical work on fisheries subsidies. "The sustainability of fisheries is a growing emergency for nations worldwide as the deterioration of fish stocks accelerates unabated. Many millions of people worldwide depend on marine fishing for income, food security, and livelihood. Sustainable management of our ocean resources is therefore essential for our future," DDG Ellard stated.
Nigerian blockchain association: Detention of Binance exec has 'significant implications for the national interest' of Nigeria
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCoN) has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing detention of Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan and its potential impact on Nigeria's domestic industries and international standing. BICCoN shared its statement in a June 24 post on its website.
World Bank launches fiscal year with GBP 750 million bond issuance
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) has initiated its Fiscal Year 2025 funding program with the pricing of a 7-year British pound sterling (GBP) benchmark bond due July 2031. The GBP 750 million Sustainable Development Bond (SDB) attracted investors seeking a secure and liquid product while supporting the World Bank's development initiatives.
World Bank debars Indonesian consultancy firm PT. LPPSLH Konsultan for 65 months
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The World Bank Group announced today the 65-month debarment of Indonesia-based consulting company PT. LPPSLH Konsultan in connection with fraudulent, corrupt, and obstructive practices related to the Investing in Nutrition and Early Years Project in Indonesia.
WTO discusses TRIPS review amid new WIPO treaty adoption
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The Chair, Ambassador Sofía Boza of Chile, reported on her consultations regarding the forthcoming review of the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement and responses from delegations to her written questions. She emphasized the need for a member-driven, flexible approach. Delegations highlighted the necessity for clarity, predictability, and compromise in the upcoming review process.
US ambassador seeks residence manager/chef for embassy compound
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan is currently looking for a skilled Residence Manager/Chef.
Delegates address urgent need for sustainable fisheries management
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
On July 10, 2024, delegates gathered for the 36th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries to discuss pressing issues related to global fisheries and agriculture. The session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in addressing these challenges.
WTO Deputy Director-General advocates leveraging organization as insurance policy for green steel investors
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
On July 10, 2024, Deputy Director-General Paugam addressed an audience in Jiangyin, emphasizing the critical role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in supporting investments in steel decarbonization. "The World Trade Organisation can and must be leveraged as an insurance policy for your investment decisions in steel decarbonisation," he stated.
Cattle industry in Tocantins embraces technology bridging generational gaps
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
A visit to Agropecuária Água Benta, located in Ponte Alta, Tocantins, reveals contrasting approaches to cattle farming between André Seabra, a 39-year-old farmer, and his grandparents, Ivone and Zenon Pinto, aged 82 and 90 respectively. The farm houses 700 cattle, predominantly of the Nelore breed, focusing on raising calves.
World Bank grants $200M for Zambian drought relief
By Globe Banner | Jul 9, 2024
LUSAKA, July 9, 2024— Over 1.6 million vulnerable Zambians affected by a severe drought are set to benefit from a new World Bank grant aimed at addressing the adverse effects of the ongoing drought, the worst in the last 40 years.