News from June 2024
WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes President Assoumani of Comoros
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
President Assoumani and Director-General Okonjo-Iweala agreed that capacity-building support from the WTO and development partners, such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the UN Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD), is key to ensuring a successful post-accession strategy. They stated that the upcoming WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade on June 26-28 presents a good opportunity to engage with these and other institutional partners in preparing Comoros for WTO membership.
WTO conducts trade policy review for Iceland
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released documents related to the Trade Policy Review of Iceland, conducted on June 12, 2024. The available documents include a Secretariat report and a Government report.
Senegal sees GDP growth amid declining inflation
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
Senegal's economy experienced growth in 2023, driven by the resilience of the primary sector. Real GDP growth is estimated at 4.3%, translating to 1.5% in per capita terms for the year. This marks a slight increase from the 3.8% growth rate recorded in 2022 and surpasses initial projections of 4.1%. Inflation, which had reached a peak of 9.7% in 2022, declined to 5.9%. Additionally, improvements in the current account deficit have bolstered international reserves.
Senegal's economic resilience highlighted amid political tensions
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
DAKAR, June 12, 2024 - According to the World Bank’s 2024 Economic Update for Senegal, economic growth in the country remained resilient in 2023 despite political tensions and persistent, albeit declining, inflation.
Blinken urges urgent action at humanitarian conference on Gaza
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the "Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza" conference, expressing gratitude to King Abdullah, President El-Sisi, and Secretary-General Guterres for organizing the event.
Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire with Jordan's King Abdullah II
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Dead Sea, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Deadline for proposals for 2024 Public Forum extended to June 21
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
The deadline for submitting proposals for the 2024 Public Forum has been extended to June 21, 2024. All sessions at the Public Forum are organized by civil society, academia, business, governments, parliamentarians, and intergovernmental organizations.
Ambassador Theriot speaks at commissioning ceremony for GDFS Shahoud
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot recently addressed the commissioning ceremony of the Guyana Defence Force Ship (GDFS) Shahoud, marking a significant milestone for the Guyana Defence Force and the nation itself.
Evaluation praises work of Standards Trade Development Facility
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
The evaluation, conducted by Project Economics Consulting, states: “Stakeholders, overall, are highly satisfied with the progress and performance of the STDF.” The initiative is contributing to increased SPS capacity across developing countries and its work largely aligns with its partners and other major SPS and safe trade initiatives, the evaluation highlights.
Committee discusses aligning Harmonized System with environmental goals
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
The Committee on Market Access convened its first thematic session on greening the Harmonized System (HS) on June 11, 2024. The session built upon the World Customs Organization (WCO) report published in April 2023, which summarized outcomes from a series of symposia held between October 2022 and January 2023. These events aimed to identify potential changes to the HS to better support environmental policy needs in future editions, with participation from WCO members and various stakeholders.
World Bank approves $150 million to enhance Benin's agri-food value chains
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
The World Bank has approved $150 million in International Development Association (IDA) additional financing to assist Benin in enhancing food security, productivity, and resilience in the country's northern regions.
U.S. pledges $404 million more in aid for Palestinian civilians
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
The United States has announced an additional $404 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and surrounding areas.
Former U.S. federal agents ask State Department to intervene in "inhumane" captivity of U.S. citizen in Nigeria
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
One hundred and eight former U.S. federal agents and prosecutors have called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the U.S. State Department to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former U.S. government agent, who is being held on "false charges" by the Nigerian government. The group shared its statement in a June 6 letter addressed to Blinken.
U.S. lawmakers ask Biden to assist former federal agent held 'hostage' in Nigeria
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
Sixteen members of Congress have called on President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former U.S. federal agent currently detained in Nigeria. The lawmakers issued their statement in a June 4 letter posted on X by Eleanor Terrett.
U.S., Timor-Leste forces launch joint military exercise for regional peace
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
The United States Army and the Timor-Leste Defense Force have commenced Exercise Dalan ba Dame 2024, a joint military initiative aimed at enhancing tactical interoperability and readiness.
Women entrepreneurs pitch ideas at first AWE event in Turkmenistan
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
Participants in the inaugural Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Turkmenistan presented their business ideas to a panel of experts in Ashgabat on June 8.
European businesses urge new MEPs to prioritize competitiveness
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
BusinessEurope and the European business community have extended their congratulations to the newly elected Members of the European Parliament, acknowledging a strong voter turnout that underscores citizens' engagement with Europe.
USAID hosts Central Eurasian Venture Forum focusing on tech leadership
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), MOST Holding, and Investbanq are co-hosting the Central Eurasian Venture Forum (CEVF) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
World Bank official urges bold reforms for sustainable growth in Western Balkans
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
Massimiliano Paolucci, the World Bank Country Manager for Kosovo and North Macedonia, delivered remarks at The Economist Impact Western Balkans Summit 2024 during the panel session titled “Advancing Sustainability: Infrastructure, Energy Solutions, and Financing Opportunities.”
Binance's user base surges to 200M
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
Binance’s user base has soared to 200 million. The company views its growth both as an achievement for the Binance community and the blockchain industry.