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New York: The number of tourists travelling outside their countries is projected to reach 1.8 billion within two decades, with emerging economies responsible for the highest growth rates, according to a new report released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have noted that higher-than-expected oil prices in 2010 had contributed to improving Chad’s overall fiscal and external balances, while a rebound in agriculture boosted real GDP growth to 13 percent. Directors commended the authorities for the appropriate measures undertaken in response to last year’s food shortages. With these measures and favorable rains, agricultural production nearly doubled and food prices declined, cushioning Chad from the impact of rising international food prices.

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) economy continues to expand. The economy grew by 3.1 percent in FY2010, mainly driven by continuing expansion in construction activities, fishery sector, and public administration. Private sector employment grew by an impressive 8 percent in FY2010, but was driven mostly by construction projects financed by foreign grants or public funds. The economy remains dependent on the large public sector, with businesses relying on infrastructure projects and government services. Inflation has subsided to 4.3 percent in FY2010, after reaching 8.2 percent in FY2009, as a result of moderating food and fuel prices.

New York: The Security Council today debated the need to reform the security sector in African countries emerging from conflict, with the United Nations peacekeeping chief calling it crucial to ensuring stability, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development

New York: Industries should take into account green measures for every aspect of what they do to be able to ensure their sustainable future, the United Nations agency entrusted with accelerating industrial development in poorer States said today.

New York: A senior United Nations official arrived in Myanmar today to help the Government devise measures to reduce the impact of natural disasters through early warning systems and other steps in a country where an estimated 140,000 people were killed and 2.4 million others affected by Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

New York: An increase in food prices, political uncertainty and fuel shortages are severely straining Yemenis’ ability to feed their families, the United Nations Food Programme (WFP) warned today, adding that the country is now facing a serious humanitarian situation.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Honiara during September 29–October 12. The mission reached agreement at referendum with the authorities of the Solomon Islands on a new reform program that can be supported by a precautionary Standby Credit Facility (SCF) once the current SCF arrangement expires in December 2011.

New York: With Africa potentially on the eve of an economic renewal, a senior United Nations official today called on the international community to grant the continent fairer access to markets for its exports and invest in its lucrative resources by funding the necessary infrastructure.

The Cypriot economy faces strong headwinds and substantial downside risks that are likely to persist. In part, these risks reflect developments outside Cyprus – including financial turbulence across the euro area, exposure of the large banking system to developments in Greece, and darkening prospects for growth globally. But they also reflect imbalances that have developed in Cyprus in recent years, including the rapid deterioration of public finances. As a result, the government has lost access to international capital markets. Adverse feedback loops between fiscal imbalances and banking vulnerabilities pose a significant risk going forward.