View Articles

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the third review of Jamaica’s economic performance under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of an amount equivalent to SDR 31.9 million (about US$49.3 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 541.8million (about US$838.2 million).

New York: The next round of informal talks between the parties to the conflict over Western Sahara will take place from 21 to 23 January in New York, the United Nations announced today.

For the first time in over 13 years of talks, WTO intellectual property negotiators have started work on producing a single draft text for setting up a multilateral geographical indications register for wines and spirits. A draft on notification — the first of six broad topics of the system to be discussed — was circulated by chairperson Darlington Mwape at an informal meeting of the full membership on 13 January 2011.

After two years of contraction, the economy is struggling to recover from recession. The financial sector is adjusting to the effects of Italy’s tax amnesty, which led to a significant decline in the size of banks’ balance sheets. A long period of fiscal surpluses has ended, as revenues fell sharply in 2009-10, mainly due to the cyclical downturn and lower revenues from the financial sector. San Marino has strengthened financial regulation, diluted bank secrecy, and tightened anti money-laundering defenses.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Paulo Drummond visited Bissau January 10–14, 2011. The mission met with President Malam Bacaí Sanhá, Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior, Minister of Finance José Mario Vaz, Minister of Economy Helena Embaló, BCEAO National Director João Fadía, other government ministers and representatives of civil society, the private sector and the donor community.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - With its rapidly growing electricity demand, ample land availability and strong government commitment to sustainable economic growth, India can play a leading role in generating solar energy in the Asia and Pacific region, the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Director General for South Asia said today.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance grant for a feasibility study for the upgrading and modernization of border crossing points in Central Asia.

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik has said that a new Legislation will be brought very soon to replace Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PwD Act), which would be suitably aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

New Delhi: The Education sector in India is expanding rapidly to meet the increasing demand resulting from rise in Gross Enrolment Ratios. Human Resource Development processes have gained high significance in India during the last few years. There is a need for expansion while ensuring excellence and equity. The challenge ahead is large.