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News from 2024


Rio Tinto announces development of Australia’s largest solar power project

The mining corporation has entered into an agreement to procure electricity from the Upper Calliope Solar Farm for its operations near Gladstone. The solar farm will be constructed and managed by European Energy, once the project receives approval.


Portugal contributes Eur 50,000 to WTO fisheries funding

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Portugal pledged EUR 50,000 to support the implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members. The contribution was presented by Ambassador Rui Macieira to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.


BEFIT Tax Package: Business Community Urges Caution and Global Alignment

25 January 2024 - BusinessEurope has published a new position paper on the European Commission’s BEFIT proposal, with BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasizing the importance of global alignment in tax reform. Beyrer stated, "European businesses support the Commission’s overall objectives of strengthening the Single Market by simplifying the tax landscape and reducing tax compliance costs for businesses." However, he also pointed out that "for the BEFIT reform to be effective, it must align fully with global tax rules."In light of the complexities of...


USAID launches new agricultural program to boost Caribbean food security

Ambassador Nicole Theriot announced the launch of the USAID Regional Agricultural Program, known as the Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), during an event held on January 24, 2024.


Louise Gregory joins Grace Cathedral as chief development officer

Louise Gregory, as the newly appointed chief development officer, will collaborate with Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, dean of Grace Cathedral, and the board of trustees to assist the Cathedral and its teams in achieving their budgetary needs and objectives. Grace Cathedral, which has served as a place for prayer and connection for 175 years, is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States.


Rio Tinto CEO speaks out on plane crash that killed 6

A tragic plane crash in Canada's Northwest Territories took the lives of six individuals earlier this week. Mining corporation Rio Tinto confirmed that four of the deceased were employees en route to a company diamond mine when the disaster occurred.


BusinessEurope Expresses Concerns Over European Works Council Directive Revision

BusinessEurope has expressed serious concerns about the proposed revision of the European Works Council Directive published by the European Commission. In a statement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted several key issues with the proposed changes.Beyrer stated, "The Commission’s proposal to include agreements made before 1996 or between 2009-2011 in the Directive will damage many well-functioning European Works Councils. The renewal procedures in these agreements, allowing for mutually beneficial adaptations, should be respected."He also...


BusinessEurope Director Welcomes EU Economic Security Proposals for Clarity and Debate

BusinessEurope Director, Markus J. Beyrer, has welcomed the European Commission's proposals on economic security, stating that "Today’s EU economic security package brings much-needed clarity to the Commission Strategy announced in June 2023." Beyrer emphasized the importance of a more European approach on export controls and inbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening, highlighting the significance of coordinated implementation to mitigate security-related risks and safeguard the single market.Beyrer also expressed approval for the gradual approach to outbound...


Nordic economies face challenges amid global monetary policy shifts

The global economy continues to show promising prospects despite the challenges posed by significant monetary policy tightening, according to Helge Pedersen, Nordea Group Chief Economist.


Coinbase partners with Yellow Card to expand stablecoin access in Africa

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has announced a partnership with Yellow Card, a prominent African stablecoin exchange, to broaden access to USD Coin (USDC).


Nordea to announce financial results for Q4 and full year 2023

Nordea will release its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2023 on February 5.


U.S. delegation visits Ecuador to discuss security cooperation

Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas, Christopher Dodd, will lead a U.S. delegation to Ecuador from January 22 to 25.


Boeing appoints independent investigator for quality review

Boeing, grappling with a series of issues with its airplanes, has appointed a special advisor to oversee an assessment of the company’s quality management system for commercial airplanes. The chosen individual is retired Navy veteran Admiral Kirkland H. Donald, who will be advising Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun.


World Trade Organization members endorse Timor-Leste's WTO accession package

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to approve the accession package for Timor-Leste’s membership, marking a significant step for one of the WTO's least developed countries. A formal decision on this matter is anticipated in the coming month.


Binance, Gulf Innova launch Thai crypto exchange

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the commencement of its full operations in Thailand. This move is made in collaboration with Gulf Innova Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development. The joint venture will function under the name Binance TH by Gulf Binance or simply Binance TH.


IMF approves US$100 million and concludes 2023 consultation with The Gambia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that its executive board has approved a 36-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), totalling SDR 74.64 million (approximately US$100 million). Concurrently, the board concluded the 2023 Article IV consultation with The Gambia.


Israel Ministry of Health approves Aleph Foods’ cultivated beef steaks

Aleph Foods, a pioneering firm in the cultivated meat industry, has received approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH) as indicated by the 'No Questions' letter issued this week. This marks the first instance of non-chicken cultivated meat being approved and also signifies the first such approval in the Middle East.


OPINION: Union’s history reveals a pattern of self-dealing practices

Unite Here Local 11, a part of the larger Unite Here union, has come under scrutiny for its alleged history of self-dealing actions that seem to prioritize its political agenda over the well-being of its members. Analysis conducted by Globe Banner identified several incidents and practices that have raised concerns about the union's commitment to fair negotiations, worker representation, and responsible financial management. As a result of these actions, workers represented by Unite Here filed a decertification position with the National Labor Relations Board in August, asking for Unite Here to be removed as the official worker representative.


Columbia Pacific Business Finance announces $21 million secured term loan for purchase of Nevada HVAC firm Sunrise

Columbia Pacific Business Finance (CPBF) has extended a million-dollar loan to independent sponsor Ballard & Brown. This financial assistance was instrumental in the acquisition of Sunrise Mechanical and Sunrise Service, a prominent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company based in Henderson, Nevada. CPBF is recognized as a direct lender to privately-held and sponsor-backed companies, such as Ballard & Brown.


Ryan M. Gwillim named to Manitowoc Board of Directors

The lifting solutions company, Manitowoc, has announced the appointment of a new director and an expansion of its board of directors from nine to ten members. The election of Ryan Gwillim to the board will take effect immediately.