High trade costs are a drag on economic development and trade integration, particularly for less-developed countries and small businesses. The risk to small businesses is acute, given they are the engine of the economy globally and often offer a route out of poverty, particularly for women. The World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement promised trade cost reductions … More Aid for Trade Creates Inclusive, Sustainable Growth, Challenges Remain

Kenya’s Emerging Corruption Crisis and the Need for Accountability Kenya is suffering a “crisis” of corruption, the US ambassador to the east African nation said in sharp criticism of the Kenyatta regime on Monday. The Ambassador stated that: ‘Corruption is a crisis in Kenya. As I have said frequently, it is undermining the country’s future… … More The Corruption Crisis In Kenya And The Need For Accountability

he role of Aid for Trade in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: the EIF’s contribution   Doha, 20 October 2015. The Executive Director of the Executive Secretariat for the EIF, Ratnakar Adhikari, spoke today in the opening plenary of the World Export Development Forum (WEDF), a flagship event of the International Trade Centre (ITC). The … More The Role of Aid for Trade In Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Lifting of Iran sanctions in the future will significantly boost its economy and positively affect the neighbouring GCC economies, especially the UAE, due to its solid trading infrastructure, according to experts. ICAEW members and guests recently gathered at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, UAE to discuss the impact of lifting Iran’s sanctions. Panellists included Dr … More Lifting Iran’s sanctions ‘will boost GCC economies’

On the 8th August 2014, The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola epidemic (Biruk, 2014). The location of this epidemic primarily being Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, all located in West Africa. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans; the virus is transmitted to people from wild animals e.g. … More CONTRIBUTOR: The Elephant In The Room: Factors Contributing To The Failure Of Ebola Containment In West Africa.

Three little boys in Kigali are sharing a lollipop. They lick it in turns. The lollipop is imported, so 45% of its cost is due to transport and allied costs. It might have been made in Kenya or Tanzania or even further afield, and it has travelled thousands of kilometres and several borders. So whichever of the boys bought … More Delivering development: why better logistics is critical for Africa’s growth by TMEA

Britain is to spend £1.8bn on the economic development of poor countries next year, more than double the amount spent in 2012-13, the international development secretary announced as part of a “radical shift” in policy that focuses on making it easier to do business in these states. In a speech at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Justine … More UK to boost aid for business in poor countries to £1.8bn

It is widely accepted that trade is an engine for economic growth and development, and as a result donors have long invested in trade-related infrastructure – roads, storage facilities, telecoms and energy generation and supply. But bricks-and-mortar on their own have yet to end poverty anywhere. In fact large construction projects are often hotbeds for … More Aid for trade – reducing the barriers and increasing the benefits