News from March 2024


IMF announces completion of reviews and augmentation for Egypt's Extended Fund Facility arrangement

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed the completion of the first and second reviews of the Extended Fund Facility arrangement for Egypt. The IMF Executive Board approved an increase of the original program by approximately US$5 billion (SDR 3.76 billion).


JPMorgan Chase announces £2.5m renewal with The Careers & Enterprise Company

JPMorgan Chase has recently announced the renewal of its commitment to The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), England's national body for careers education. This renewed commitment includes an additional £2.5 million pledge to CEC, with the intention of supporting the organization and building upon insights gleaned from the program's pilot phase.


U.S. supports UN efforts to revitalize General Assembly's role

The United States has reaffirmed its support for the revitalization of the United Nations General Assembly, according to remarks made by Ambassador Chris Lu.


Binance announces CEO Richard Teng discussed cyber collaboration with Taiwan's High Prosecutor's Office

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has revealed that its CEO Richard Teng recently met with Chief Prosecutor Chang, Tou-Hui of Taiwan's High Prosecutor's Office. The meeting aimed to explore potential collaboration in preventing cybercrime.


Five nations criticize Russia's veto on UN Panel renewal

The United States, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom have expressed their disappointment following Russia's veto against renewing the mandate of the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts.


U.S. criticizes Russia after UN resolution veto on DPRK sanctions panel

The United States expressed disappointment following Russia's veto of a UN Security Council resolution intended to renew the mandate of the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts.


U.S. outlines priorities for HLPF Ministerial Declaration focusing on sustainable development goals

The United States has extended its congratulations to Ambassador Blanco and Ambassador Brattested on their roles as co-facilitators for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Ministerial Declaration.


China challenges US tax credits for electric vehicles at WTO

China has initiated a dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning specific tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act. These credits are designed to encourage the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. The request for consultations was shared with WTO members on March 28, 2024.


U.S. officials highlight worsening crisis in Sudan amid calls for urgent action

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello recently addressed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, highlighting the severe humanitarian challenges faced by millions of Sudanese people during Ramadan.



WTO announces Canada increases STDF aid with CAD 250,000

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Canada is contributing CAD 250,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution is aimed at assisting developing economies and least-developed countries in meeting global food safety and trade standards. With this recent contribution, Canada's total support to the STDF has reached nearly CHF 7.5 million since 2005.


WTO discusses digital trade impact amid pandemic challenges

World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital and remittance services during events held on March 25 and 27. These discussions were organized under the Committee on Trade in Financial Services and the Council for Trade in Services.


U.S. commends CSW's agreed conclusions but notes areas needing improvement

The United States has expressed its commendation for the successful adoption of the Agreed Conclusions at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.



Nordea updates allocation framework impacting business area results starting 2024

Nordea has announced an update to its internal allocation framework, effective from the beginning of 2024.


WTO opens applications for regional workshop on trade and public health

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is organizing a Regional Workshop on Trade and Public Health in Rabat from May 28 to 30, 2024. The workshop is aimed at government officials from WTO members and observers in French-speaking Africa. Applications for participation are open until April 3, 2024.


US abstains from UN resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire

The United States abstained from a UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire in Gaza until the end of Ramadan and the release of all hostages.


Committee agrees on market access sessions; addresses trade concerns

Members of the Committee on Market Access (CMA) have agreed on a timetable for thematic sessions in 2024, focusing on supply chain resilience and promoting a greener Harmonized System (HS). This system is used to classify traded goods in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). The meeting, held on March 25-26, also addressed numerous trade concerns and elected Mr. Kenya Uehara of Japan as interim Chair.


WTO releases report on Australian duties on Chinese products

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report on March 26, 2024, concerning the dispute initiated by China against Australia. The case, titled "Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China" (DS603), addresses Australia's imposition of duties on specific Chinese goods.


Students engage in Model WTO simulation focusing on trade subsidies

On March 26, over 60 students from various parts of the world participated in the final session of "Model WTO," a week-long simulation of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. This event is organized annually by students from St. Gallen University with support from the WTO.