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News from 2024


U.S. Embassy announces upcoming vehicle procurement solicitation in Turkmenistan

The United States Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a pre-solicitation notice for vehicle procurement, specifically a cargo van and a warehouse box truck.


Homeboy CEO: Stopping gang violence is about 'love, kinship, compassion'

Thomas Vozzo, the CEO of Homeboy Industries, said stopping and preventing gang violence and criminals is about "love, kinship, compassion" and meeting people where they are at.


Leveraging international trade for sustainable growth in South Africa

International trade can be a powerful force for economic growth and poverty reduction. This report, “Unlocking South Africa’s Potential: Leveraging Trade for Inclusive Growth and Resilience,” synthesizes analytical work carried out over the last four years. It provides an overview of South Africa’s export performance over the past decade for both goods and services and discusses how trade policies and trade facilitation reforms can support robust, inclusive, and resilient economic growth in South Africa. In a changing world marked by unprecedented supply chain disruptions...


World Bank appoints Anne Tully as new country manager for Myanmar

The World Bank has appointed Anne Tully as its new Country Manager for Myanmar, effective August 7, 2024.


Thailand advances sustainable finance initiatives amid global trends

In the evolving landscape of sustainable finance, Thailand is actively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its financial sector. Authorities and market players are making strides to align with global trends and regional standards.


U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan seeks bids for hand dryer contract

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan has issued a request for quotations for the procurement of hand dryers, under solicitation number PR12769849.


U.S. envoy addresses OAS on disputed Venezuelan election

Ambassador Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council regarding the recent presidential elections in Venezuela.


World Bank appoints Faris Hadad-Zervos as new country director for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2024—Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos has been appointed the World Bank’s new Country Director for Afghanistan, effective today.


World Bank outlines strategies for developing nations facing "middle-income trap

New research offers a 21st century playbook for high-quality growth


Forest management project improves livelihoods in DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces numerous challenges and opportunities, from its vast mineral resources to its expansive forests. These forests cover two-thirds of the country and are part of the Congo Basin, which houses the world's second-largest rainforest. Over half of DRC's population lives in rural areas, relying heavily on these forests for sustenance, often at the expense of environmental health.


Puerto Rico's GDP decreased by 2.5% amid rising imports

Real gross domestic product (GDP) for Puerto Rico decreased by 2.5 percent in 2022 after a 4.1 percent increase in 2021, according to statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The decrease in real GDP was attributed to an increase in imports, as well as declines in private fixed investment and exports. However, personal consumption expenditures, private inventory investment, and government spending saw increases.


Puerto Rico's GDP decreased by 2.5% in the year of economic challenges

El producto interior bruto real (PIB) para Puerto Rico decreció 2.5 por ciento en 2022, luego de crecer 4.1 por ciento en 2021, de acuerdo con las estadísticas difundidas hoy por el Negociado de Análisis Económico de EE. UU. (BEA). El decrecimiento en el PIB real en 2022 reflejó un aumento en las importaciones —que son un elemento de resta en el cálculo del PIB— así como decrecimientos en la inversión privada en capital fijo y en las exportaciones. Los gastos de consumo personal, la inversión privada en inventarios y los gastos de gobierno aumentaron.


NCUA issues prohibition orders against two former credit union employees

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has permanently prohibited two individuals from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution as of July 2024.


EU challenges Chinese Taipei’s wind installation policies at WTO

The European Union has initiated a dispute complaint regarding Chinese Taipei’s wind installation measures. The EU asserts that the measures contain domestic content requirements, which are inconsistent with provisions under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the General Agreement on Trade in Services.


World Bank approves $24 million grant for education in São Tomé and Príncipe

The World Bank Board of Directors has approved the Safeguarding Access to Fiscal and Educational Resources Project (SAFER) with a grant of $24 million from the International Development Association (IDA). This initiative aims to address the fiscal crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe, ensuring the continued delivery of education services amid ongoing challenges in the energy sector.


WTO launches new interactive tool for world trade statistics

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has introduced a new interactive tool, "World Trade Statistics 2023 — Key insights and trends," aimed at providing comprehensive data on global trade.


World Bank approves $27 million for community-driven development in Kyrgyz Republic

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $27 million for the National Community Initiatives Project (NCIP) in the Kyrgyz Republic. The project aims to enhance access to socio-economic infrastructure and increase economic opportunities at the local level, with a focus on women and youth.


Binance Charity, Children of Heroes host camp for Ukranian children

The nature camp included a certified psychological rehabilitation program for Ukrainian children who lost family members in the Russia-Ukraine war; Binance Charity supported the camp with a $50,000 donation. This announcement came in a July 29 blog post from Binance.


Nepal's multi-donor trust fund supports significant financial management reforms

The Nepal Public Financial Management Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PFM MDTF) was established in 2010 to enhance public financial management performance, transparency, and accountability in Nepal. The MDTF has been instrumental in supporting the government’s execution of various reforms.


World Bank launches multi-sectoral project for human capital development in Burundi

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 — A new World Bank-financed project focusing on nutrition, healthcare, and education aims to empower boys and girls in Burundi through improved access to quality services. The initiative is expected to benefit an estimated 13.2 million people over five years, including 1.9 million refugees and host communities.