News from September 2024


WTO panel established amid disputes over US Inflation Reduction Act tax credits

China has submitted a second request to establish a panel to review certain tax credits under the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The request aims to determine if these tax credits align with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The United States had previously rejected China's first request in July, citing the necessity of these actions to combat climate change. China argues that the IRA's subsidies favor US goods over imports, which they claim violates WTO rules against such discrimination.


Denmark increases pledge by 40% to World Bank's IDA fund

Denmark has announced a significant increase in its financial commitment to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). The pledge of DKK 3,300 million marks a 40% increase compared to the previous IDA replenishment cycle.


World Bank urges Zambia to enhance revenue mobilization

A new Public Finance Review (PFR) report has highlighted the urgent need for Zambia to enhance revenue mobilization and improve fiscal governance. The report calls for significant reforms in public investment management and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to drive sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty.


Demonstrations in La Paz prompt U.S. Embassy alert

Demonstrations and counter-demonstrations are taking place in La Paz, Bolivia, starting September 23, 2024.


Binance CEO: 'Had a great time meeting the global crypto community' at Token 2049

Binance CEO Richard Teng said he enjoyed meeting members of the crypto community during the first day of the Token 2049 conference in Singapore. Teng shared his statement in a Sept. 18 post on X.


Canada pledges CAD 250K for global food safety standards

Canada has pledged CAD 250,000 to support food, animal, and plant health standards through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership promoting safe and inclusive trade. This contribution was welcomed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who emphasized its significance for agricultural innovation and global food security.


Madagascar tackles child stunting through adaptive learning programs

Once a month, Arentsoa, who is 18 months old, and her mother Larissa visit the community health and nutrition site in Ambatombositra for Arentsoa to be weighed and examined. During the visit, Arentsoa meets and plays with other children and tastes dishes prepared by the mothers during their cooking class at the site.


WTO concludes advanced course on trade in services

An advanced course on trade in services, organized by the WTO Trade in Services Division and the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, concluded in Geneva. The course saw participation from various countries including Bangladesh, Madagascar, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, Tanzania, The Gambia, Zambia, and Bhutan.


OPINION: The risks and constraints of Moldova’s EU accession

While the current Moldovan government presents the European Union only in terms of the political advantages it offers, which cannot be disputed, less is said about the risks and constraints that accession may bring.


Preqin forecasts $29.2tn global alternatives AUM by 2029

Preqin released a report predicting global alternatives Assets Under Management (AUM) could reach $29.22tn by 2029, with the reported level being $16.78tn at the end of 2023.


World Bank pledges $2.3 billion support package during VP Raiser's visit to Bangladesh

DHAKA, September 19, 2024—The World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded his visit to Bangladesh today and pledged the World Bank's support for critical reforms to help the country achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.


US commits additional $39M for development projects in Ecuador

The United States and Ecuador have formalized an additional $39 million in funding under the Development Assistance Agreement (DOAG).


World Bank’s listening surveys offer insights into socioeconomic conditions globally

Listening Surveys are nationally representative monthly surveys on social and economic wellbeing, providing fast and reliable data that are especially useful during transition and complex reform periods.


World Bank urges $3.7 billion annual investment for Ecuador's climate strategy

Between 2025 and 2050, Ecuador requires an annual investment of 3.5 percent of GDP to mitigate and adapt to climate change.


India strengthens national nutrition mission targeting early childhood

India has long been addressing the challenge of undernutrition, particularly through its Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, operational since 1975. Despite progress between 2005 and 2019, with stunting among children under five decreasing from 48% to 35.5%, and underweight children from 42.5% to 32.1%, undernutrition remains a significant issue.


Guinea’s economic update emphasizes agriculture’s role in sustainable development

Agriculture is pivotal for Guinea's structural transformation and climate resilience, serving as a cornerstone for inclusive growth and a sustainable future.


World Bank approves $90M funding boost for Djibouti economic corridor

The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved US$90 million in additional financing for the Horn of Africa Initiative: Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor project. The new support will expand the scope of the US$70 million original project, approved in December 2021, to enhance regional connectivity and resilience, logistics efficiency, and improve accessibility for the population living in Djibouti along the Djibouti-Addis Southern corridor.


World Bank approves $100.4 million project for Burkina Faso

The World Bank has approved a $100.4 million Human Capital Protection Project to support Burkina Faso's efforts in delivering basic social services. The project aims to improve access to health and education services in the country.


Guinea's economic update reveals strong growth driven by mining sector

The First Annual Edition of the Guinea Economic Update: Natural Resource Management for Development presents an overview of Guinea’s evolving macroeconomic position, recent economic developments, macroeconomic outlook, and risks. It highlights the importance of agriculture for structural transformation and climate-proofing Guinea’s economy. It also includes measures that could help the Guinean Government foster agricultural growth that is more productive, inclusive, resilient to climate change risks, and contributes less to climate change.


U.S.-Ecuador boost cooperation on maritime security during Admiral Fagan's visit

Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, visited Quito on September 19, 2024, to discuss maritime operations and enhance cooperation with Ecuador.