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Banking & Financial Services

Regional forum concludes five-year disaster preparedness program in Central Asia

The "Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia" program, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the World Bank, held its final regional forum in Almaty on October 14-15, 2024. The event marked the conclusion of a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change and natural hazards across Central Asia. The forum was organized with UNICEF's collaboration and supported by the Almaty-based Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk...


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank warns: Global poverty reduction could take over a century

The World Bank's recent report, "Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet," highlights the slow progress in reducing global poverty. It reveals that at the current pace, it may take over a century to lift nearly half of the world's population above the $6.85 daily poverty threshold. The report marks the first comprehensive post-pandemic evaluation of efforts to eradicate poverty and promote shared prosperity on a sustainable planet.


Banking & Financial Services

Standard Chartered hosts global family network forum in Hong Kong

Standard Chartered hosted its inaugural Global Family Network Forum in Hong Kong, bringing together around 200 international clients and guests from regions including Greater China, Southeast Asia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and...


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank boosts lending capacity with new financial measures

The World Bank Group has unveiled a series of financial measures aimed at enhancing its lending capacity and making loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) more accessible. These steps are expected to enable over $150 billion in additional financing over the next decade.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank supports Lima's urban mobility transformation with $150 million loan

The World Bank has approved the first phase of a decade-long program aimed at transforming urban mobility in Lima. This initial phase involves a $150 million loan to implement modern traffic systems, including upgraded traffic lights, an advanced control center, and an automated system for detecting traffic violations. These improvements are intended to enhance road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and improve public transport flow at over 50 intersections.


Banking & Financial Services

Regulators offer support to banks hit by Hurricane Milton

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued a statement acknowledging the significant impact of Hurricane Milton on financial institutions. These agencies have pledged to provide regulatory assistance to affected institutions.


Banking & Financial Services

Gabon focuses on sustainable forestry amid economic challenges

Between 2022 and 2023, Gabon's economic growth declined from 3.0% to 2.4%. The country's oil and agricultural sectors remained robust, but global demand fluctuations, increased fuel costs, and weather-induced railway damages adversely impacted wood and manganese production. Although the trade surplus was substantial in 2023, it was influenced by declining oil prices and weaker performance in wood and manganese exports.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank suggests policy changes for sustainable forestry in Gabon

Released by the World Bank, the Gabon Economic Update 2024 outlines fiscal policy reforms aimed at optimizing fiscal revenues while advancing the green growth potential of Gabon's wood industry. The report, titled "Designing Fiscal Policies for Sustainable Forestry," begins with an analysis of recent developments and outlook for Gabon’s economy. It then explores how fiscal instruments can foster sustainable forest management and economic growth.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank urges urgent educational reform for inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite signs of a fragile economic recovery, Sub-Saharan Africa remains in "low gear," with a large youth population at risk of being left behind. According to the latest edition of Africa's Pulse, the World Bank’s regional economic update released on October 14, two factors are critical for inclusive growth: stabilizing economies and transforming education to equip the region’s workforce with foundational skills and market-relevant expertise.


Banking & Financial Services

Malaysia anticipates economic growth amid agricultural modernization efforts

Malaysia's economy is projected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2024, an increase from the previous year's 3.7 percent, according to recent findings. This growth forecast is revised upwards by 0.6 percentage points due to strong performance in consumption, investment, and trade activities during the first half of 2024.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank highlights digital tech's role in boosting Malaysia's agricultural economy

Widespread use and scaling of digital agriculture technologies (DATs) are expected to accelerate Malaysia's progress toward becoming a high-income nation, according to a World Bank report. The Malaysia Economic Monitor report, titled "Farming the Future: Harvesting Malaysia’s Agricultural Resilience through Digital Technologies," emphasizes that DATs can significantly boost economic growth by enhancing productivity in the vital agriculture sector.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank outlines diverse agenda for CBD COP16 in Cali

The World Bank has released its schedule of events for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), taking place in Cali, Colombia. The series of events will span from October 21 to October 31, focusing on various themes related to biodiversity, finance, and sustainable development.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank emphasizes investment in global education for vulnerable young women

With 122 million girls out of school globally, many in fragile and conflict-affected areas, the World Bank emphasizes investing in girls' education as part of its new Gender Strategy. The International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 highlights the need for equitable education for all children, particularly in these challenging contexts.


Banking & Financial Services

Fubon promotes sustainability through employee ecological activities

Fubon Financial Holdings has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by promoting ecological activities among its employees.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank appoints new country manager for Romania and Hungary

Mr. Yasser El-Gammal has been appointed as the World Bank Country Manager for Romania and Hungary, effective from October 1, 2024. Based in Bucharest, he will oversee the World Bank's operations in both countries and lead discussions with government officials, private sector representatives, civil society, and other stakeholders.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank forecasts stronger growth for South Asia amid challenges

The World Bank has released its latest economic outlook, focusing on the growth prospects for South Asia and analyzing how the region can capitalize on the green energy transition. According to the report, growth in South Asia is anticipated to surpass previous expectations, marking a broad-based upturn that outpaces other emerging market and developing economies.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank urges Maldives to implement urgent economic reforms amid rising vulnerabilities

The Maldives is facing significant economic challenges that require immediate and comprehensive reforms, according to the World Bank's latest country economic update. The report, titled "Maldives Development Update: Seeking Stability in Turbulent Times," highlights vulnerabilities in the country's fiscal and external sectors.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank urges reforms for sustained recovery in Pakistan

Pakistan's economy is showing signs of stabilization following a recent economic crisis, with growth reaching 2.5 percent in the fiscal year ending June 2024, according to the World Bank's latest country economic update. The report, titled "The Dynamics of Power Sector Distribution Reform," highlights improvements in agricultural output, lower inflation, prudent macroeconomic measures, and reduced political uncertainty as factors contributing to this recovery.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank urges reforms as South Asia's economic growth exceeds expectations

Growth in South Asia is anticipated to rise to 6.4 percent this year, surpassing earlier predictions and positioning the region as the fastest-growing globally. The World Bank's latest regional outlook suggests that increasing women's participation in the workforce and enhancing global trade and investment could further accelerate growth.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank advises fiscal measures as Sierra Leone faces slower growth

Sierra Leone's economy grew by 5.7% in 2023, surpassing expectations, largely due to strong performance in the mining sector. However, a new report from the World Bank forecasts a slowdown to 4.3% growth in 2024, attributed to declining iron ore prices. The Sierra Leone Economic Update, released today, presents a cautiously optimistic medium-term outlook with growth anticipated to recover to its long-term average of 4.6%. This recovery is expected to be driven by a resurgence in the service sector, improved agricultural productivity, robust mining activity, and ongoing fiscal...