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News from 2024


U.S issues caution ahead of Bratislava Pride festival amid security concerns

Bratislava is set to host its annual PRIDE festival, including a march parade and various events from July 19 to 21.


WTO releases documents for China's trade policy review

The following documents are available regarding the Trade Policy Review of China:


Morocco's economy grows despite challenges; private sector faces productivity issues

The Moroccan economy expanded by 3.4% in 2023 despite global economic headwinds, an inflation surge, and the Al-Haouz earthquake. Growth was propelled by a tourism rebound, strong manufacturing exports, and increased private consumption, supported by sound macroeconomic policies. Foreign direct investment (IDA) inflows grew, and the current account deficit shrank to its lowest since 2007. Challenges remain, with per capita consumption just reaching pre-pandemic levels and a new social aid program to assist vulnerable households. Growth is expected to slow to 2.9% in 2024,...


Binance investigator: 'We greatly value the trust of our law enforcement partners'

Carlos Mak, a specialist on the Binance Investigations team, stated that many of his colleagues' backgrounds in law enforcement enhance their collaboration with partners in the field. Mak shared his statement in a July 11 post on Binance's website about the company's Law Enforcement Training Program.


Western Balkan economies urged to invest $37B in climate resilience

VIENNA, July 17, 2024 – The six economies of the Western Balkans need to collectively invest at least $37 billion over the next decade to effectively protect people and property from the damaging impacts of climate change, according to the World Bank Group’s Western Balkans regional Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), released today.


Uganda combines economic ecological advancement amid pandemic pressures

When the COVID-19 pandemic impacted global economies in early 2020, Uganda's forests and national parks faced increased pressure from illegal extraction as nearby communities struggled to sustain their livelihoods. The tourism sector, which had been growing, came to a halt, reducing funds for conservation activities.


India's drive towards becoming a global business destination through enhanced logistics

An efficient logistics sector is pivotal for India to become a globally preferred business destination. It reduces manufacturing costs, makes businesses more competitive, and links them with global value chains, boosting the Make in India initiative. The sector is also one of India’s largest employers, employing over 22 million people.


Agencies issue final rule on automated valuation models under Dodd-Frank Act

Six federal regulatory agencies issued a final rule on July 17, 2024, aimed at ensuring the credibility and integrity of models used in valuations for certain mortgages secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling. This action is pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The rule will implement quality control standards for automated valuation models (AVMs) utilized by mortgage originators and secondary market issuers.


Western Balkans report outlines $69 billion investment plan for climate neutrality by 2050

The Western Balkans 6 Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) examines how the region can enhance climate adaptation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to meet broader development goals. This comprehensive report covers six economies of the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.


Tajikistan's robust growth tempered by structural challenges

The Tajikistan Economic Update is an annual report that analyzes recent economic developments, prospects, and policy issues in Tajikistan.


Key highlights from CPIA Africa report on structural reforms

The Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) for Africa is an annual diagnostic tool for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries eligible for financing from the International Development Association (IDA), a part of the World Bank that assists low-income countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans. The CPIA Report aims to capture the quality of each country’s policies and institutional arrangements, focusing on elements within the country’s control. The scores assess sustainable growth and poverty reduction supported through existing frameworks.


Tanzania's integrated justice centers improve access for women and families

DAR ES SALAAM, July 16, 2024 — Fatuma Mbaruku, a 38-year-old mother of four, traveled from Azimio to the Temeke Integrated Justice Center to file for custody and support for her children following her 2023 divorce.


Caribbean institute launches platforms to boost environmental sustainability

Port of Spain, 28 June 2024 – In 2023, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) launched two online platforms aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship and sustainable development efforts across the Caribbean. The Caribbean Resilience Knowledge Platform and the Caribbean Local Green-Blue Enterprises (LGEs) Knowledge Platform serve as dynamic hubs for individuals, communities, and organizations to share knowledge, ideas, and solutions.


Jamaican farmers adapt to climate change with new strategies

Arlette Dunkley-Fullerton, a farmer in Jamaica's Cockpit Country Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), has observed significant changes in rainfall patterns and crop growing seasons over the past 20 years. "The work that Jamaica Environment Trust did to help us plan for climate change in our area was not just informative about climate change, it was an eye-opener, especially for the group members," says Arlette, who is also Vice President of the South East Cockpit Country Local Forest Management Committee Benevolent Society.


World Bank stresses need for competitive neutrality in Tajikistan's economic growth

Tajikistan's economy has demonstrated significant growth in recent years, with an expansion of 8.3% in 2023 and 8.2% in early 2024, according to the World Bank’s latest Tajikistan Economic Update released today. The report attributes this growth to increased revenues from gold exports and substantial public infrastructure spending. Additionally, robust worker remittances and public wage increases have bolstered domestic demand, contributing to overall poverty reduction.


New CPIA report highlights Sub-Saharan Africa's resilience amid global shocks

Accra, July 16, 2024—The annual Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) for Africa confirms that countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) weathered 2023 relatively well thanks to credible economic and social policy reforms. In particular, governments and central banks have started to shift attention from weathering global shocks to building credibility, capacity, and transparency.


Antiguan women lead local conservation efforts supported by international funding

Port of Spain, 28 June 2024 – “Growing up, people weren’t telling us to be marine ecologists; people weren’t telling us to go out and study the environment,” recalls Johnella Bradshaw of the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda. Instead, Johnella and her peers were encouraged to pursue careers in law and medicine. But once Johnella discovered her passion for the environment, she realized the importance of conservation. “We understand why people were pushing those career paths our way, but we survive on this earth, on our island, and if we are not...


Trade facilitation program aims for inclusive growth in MENA region

The Trade Facilitation Support Program in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, funded by the Government of Sweden, aims to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity. The initiative is designed to boost regional and international trade by aligning with international standards and focusing on inclusive growth. This approach is expected to drive economic development, reduce poverty, and create opportunities across the MENA region.


WTO committee discusses developing economies' participation in trade

The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development updated members on efforts to streamline discussions through consultations, informal thematic sessions, and more focused meeting agendas. Members expressed appreciation for these initiatives.


World Trade Congress on Gender extends call for papers deadline

The deadline for paper submissions to the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025 has been extended. Following its successful inaugural edition in December 2022, this international research conference will examine how innovation can drive women's empowerment and its implications for trade policies. The event aims to provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to discuss and gain insights into enhancing gender equality through innovation, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and ways trade policies can foster such innovation.