1) The Director General addressed tourism officials gathered in St. Lucia to commence formulating a common tourism policy for the OECS as required by the revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the OECS Economic Union.
2) The OECS regional economy contracted in 2009-2010 due to declines in construction and tourism, underscoring the importance of these sectors. Tourism arrivals increased in some countries in 2010 but decreased from the UK and Caribbean, troubling given reliance on these markets.
3) A common tourism policy could help build resilience to variable market performance and promote intra-Caribbean and new market travel, such as Latin America. It could also reduce competition between OECS countries and
The document is a vision and strategy for Waterford, Ireland and its economic zone over the next decade. It summarizes that 10 years ago, Waterford established a vision to become a regional gateway in order to boost economic development and quality of life. This vision has been realized through collaboration between partners in the region. Key accomplishments include developing enterprise sectors, improving education and research, building sustainable infrastructure including transportation and utilities, and enhancing quality of life through cultural development. The region has seen economic growth, population growth, and is now a competitive and balanced area.
The document discusses changing dynamics in relations between the EU, China, and Central Asia. It notes that while the EU is facing economic crisis, China continues to rise economically. The EU has become weaker in asserting power, while China has grown stronger in Eurasia and now rivals or surpasses the EU as Central Asia's largest trading partner. The document examines the history and current state of relations between these actors, including their approaches to Central Asia. It also discusses the potential roles of Russia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in shaping interactions and competition/cooperation between the EU, China, and Central Asia going forward.
The document discusses the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union between Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, which aims to integrate their economies and allow free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Prime Minister Putin hopes this will strengthen economic and trade ties between the former Soviet states. The new union has caused some short-term operational difficulties for freight operators. Looking forward, the union may bring the countries closer economically and politically under Russian influence while expanding the market for Russian and local businesses.
The town of Portsmouth's 2008 financial audit showed:
1) The general fund balance increased by $790,671, exceeding the budgeted decrease.
2) Revenues exceeded the budget by $484,883 mainly from higher than expected property tax collections.
3) Expenditures were $402,427 below budget.
The audit noted material weaknesses including issues with reconciling school accounts and improving financial controls and anti-fraud procedures.
Rachel Ison volunteered at the Parque Marino del Pacifico marine park in Puntarenas, Costa Rica to become a more independent traveler, improve her Spanish fluency, and learn about the impact of marine wildlife on Costa Rican culture and tourism. She worked with the park's maintenance and care staff, helping them care for the park. Through her volunteer work, she achieved her goals of increasing her Spanish skills, cultural knowledge, confidence, and understanding of the relationship between marine life and Costa Rica.
A 3D Simulator modelling for Hydraulic-drive Hexapod walking Robot using 3D Geometric Technique with distributed Numerical Model
H. Ohroku1, A. Irawan2, K. Nonami3
Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
The document discusses climate change and humanity's impact on the environment through carbon emissions from large companies. It references a New York Times article on "War Against Nature" and discusses cap and trade policies as well as findings from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report involving over 1,200 authors and 2,500 scientific experts. Additional topics referenced include Earth Day 2008 and the city of Copenhagen.
The document provides the program for the Graduation Day ceremony on April 20, 2013 at Sona College of Technology. It lists the schedule of events which includes an academic procession, welcome address, graduation reports, declaring the ceremony open, graduation day address and presentation of candidates. It then lists the names and ranks of graduating students from various programs like B.E. Mechanical Engineering, B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, M.C.A. and invites guests to the ceremony at their campus.
The document is a vision and strategy for Waterford, Ireland and its economic zone over the next decade. It summarizes that 10 years ago, Waterford established a vision to become a regional gateway in order to boost economic development and quality of life. This vision has been realized through collaboration between partners in the region. Key accomplishments include developing enterprise sectors, improving education and research, building sustainable infrastructure including transportation and utilities, and enhancing quality of life through cultural development. The region has seen economic growth, population growth, and is now a competitive and balanced area.
The document discusses changing dynamics in relations between the EU, China, and Central Asia. It notes that while the EU is facing economic crisis, China continues to rise economically. The EU has become weaker in asserting power, while China has grown stronger in Eurasia and now rivals or surpasses the EU as Central Asia's largest trading partner. The document examines the history and current state of relations between these actors, including their approaches to Central Asia. It also discusses the potential roles of Russia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in shaping interactions and competition/cooperation between the EU, China, and Central Asia going forward.
The document discusses the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union between Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, which aims to integrate their economies and allow free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Prime Minister Putin hopes this will strengthen economic and trade ties between the former Soviet states. The new union has caused some short-term operational difficulties for freight operators. Looking forward, the union may bring the countries closer economically and politically under Russian influence while expanding the market for Russian and local businesses.
The town of Portsmouth's 2008 financial audit showed:
1) The general fund balance increased by $790,671, exceeding the budgeted decrease.
2) Revenues exceeded the budget by $484,883 mainly from higher than expected property tax collections.
3) Expenditures were $402,427 below budget.
The audit noted material weaknesses including issues with reconciling school accounts and improving financial controls and anti-fraud procedures.
Rachel Ison volunteered at the Parque Marino del Pacifico marine park in Puntarenas, Costa Rica to become a more independent traveler, improve her Spanish fluency, and learn about the impact of marine wildlife on Costa Rican culture and tourism. She worked with the park's maintenance and care staff, helping them care for the park. Through her volunteer work, she achieved her goals of increasing her Spanish skills, cultural knowledge, confidence, and understanding of the relationship between marine life and Costa Rica.
A 3D Simulator modelling for Hydraulic-drive Hexapod walking Robot using 3D Geometric Technique with distributed Numerical Model
H. Ohroku1, A. Irawan2, K. Nonami3
Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
The document discusses climate change and humanity's impact on the environment through carbon emissions from large companies. It references a New York Times article on "War Against Nature" and discusses cap and trade policies as well as findings from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report involving over 1,200 authors and 2,500 scientific experts. Additional topics referenced include Earth Day 2008 and the city of Copenhagen.
The document provides the program for the Graduation Day ceremony on April 20, 2013 at Sona College of Technology. It lists the schedule of events which includes an academic procession, welcome address, graduation reports, declaring the ceremony open, graduation day address and presentation of candidates. It then lists the names and ranks of graduating students from various programs like B.E. Mechanical Engineering, B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, M.C.A. and invites guests to the ceremony at their campus.
Presentation by Honourable Edmund Bartlett C.D., M.P., Minister of Tourism, Government of Jamaica at the seminar on the topic, 'Tourism Industry Reform: Strategies for Enhanced Economic Impact' on May 25, 2017 at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The document discusses how demographic trends in GCC countries will impact travel in the region over the next 15 years. A growing population, including a large youth population, will result in many more travelers. Distinct traveler profiles are emerging, including independent travelers and middle-income travelers, in addition to existing segments like business travelers and families. This will fragment the market and create more diverse travel needs and aspirations. Increased spending power among GCC travelers will lead to a fourfold increase in outbound travel spending from the region by 2030.
The document discusses several factors that could impact whether tourism will continue growing globally or potentially stop spreading in some areas. It considers whether concepts like resort lifecycles, climate change, sustainable tourism management, and economic/political shifts could lead tourism to reach saturation points in some destinations, while new markets like China and technology continue fueling overall growth. Crises are also discussed as unpredictable disruptors that challenge tourism businesses to adapt.
The document discusses evidence on the impact of International Finance Corporation (IFC) tourism investments in Latin America and the Caribbean. It finds that IFC tourism investments have contributed significantly to economic development in the region in 3 key ways:
1) IFC investments in tourism and hospitality projects have helped drive growth of the services sector and national economies in many countries in the region.
2) Resort developments supported by IFC have promoted economic development in less developed regions within countries.
3) Tourism brings substantial benefits to countries through job creation, increased tax revenues, and opportunities for small businesses, helping reduce poverty.
Latest Trends on Black Sea Cruise Tourism SectorTOPOSOPHY
This document summarizes the latest trends in the Black Sea cruise tourism sector. It finds that while the Black Sea region accounts for a small share of the global Mediterranean cruise market, several ports have seen substantial passenger growth in recent years. It also explores opportunities and challenges for developing cruise tourism in the region through improved port infrastructure, regional partnerships, simplified visa policies, and promoting the Black Sea's cultural diversity. The conclusion emphasizes the need for flexibility, intra-regional cooperation, and a coordinated long-term strategy to strengthen Black Sea cruising and better compete internationally.
Draft sector strategy. OTF Group's recommendations fall along five dimensions: 1. product development,. 2. human resources, 3. marketing, 4. environment, and 5. strategic alliances.
A2 CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY: GLOBAL INTERDEPENDENCE - THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATI...George Dumitrache
This document discusses international tourism and its growth and impact. It provides definitions of key tourism terms and describes some of the economic, social, political, and environmental factors that have contributed to the rapid expansion of global tourism over recent decades. While tourism has benefited many countries and communities, the document also examines some of the negative cultural, economic, and environmental consequences that have occurred in some destinations as a result of mass tourism development.
The document discusses the potential for deeper economic integration between the EU and Mediterranean partner countries through regulatory harmonization. Specifically:
1) It argues that moving beyond free trade to selectively adopt EU regulatory frameworks could facilitate economic adjustment, regional integration, and services trade liberalization for Mediterranean partners.
2) Reforming sectors like transport, telecom, electricity, and finance could have particularly strong payoffs by addressing market failures and catalyzing domestic reforms.
3) The EU's experience with integration and enlargement shows that regulatory harmonization can boost economic growth when combined with domestic adjustment policies.
ASCAMEMedaNews december-january English versionASCAME
The document summarizes the 8th Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders conference held in Barcelona. It provides highlights from speeches given that emphasize the role of ASCAME in the Mediterranean region and the success of the conference. The document also summarizes the discussions and outcomes from forums on topics like sustainable development, Islamic finance, green economy, and tourism. Over 1,300 experts from both the private and public sectors attended the conference to discuss economic policies and strategies for the Mediterranean region.
Benin republic cross border biz (slideshare)Ndudi Osakwe
Celebration of the Jubilee year of political independence is in the air for many African countries. Benin has celebrated hers and Nigeria’s is in the horizon as it celebrates her independence from Britain this October.
The Jubilee Year of political independence provides a basis for stock taking on how well the peoples of Benin and Nigeria have fared and the way forward for the two countries with somewhat common heritage but for the partition.
This involves the envisioning of programs that would enhance connectivity, improving competitiveness and the promotion of a greater sense of community.
The port of Sines: contribution for the emergence of a regional clusterCláudio Carneiro
The document discusses the port of Sines in Portugal and its potential role in the emergence of a regional cluster. It provides background on the port's past as an industrial complex focused on oil refining. Currently, the port has diversified its cargo and is managed by a public authority with private terminals. The future potential for Sines includes capturing more transatlantic cargo as the Panama Canal expands, allowing it to serve as a strategic port connecting Europe, North and South America. The port aims to develop regional linkages through rail and other infrastructure to spur economic growth and form a maritime cluster across industries like shipbuilding and renewable energy.
HE Nihat Ergun (Minister of Industry and Trade of Turkey)_engblackseaforum
The document is the speech of the Turkish Minister of Industry and Trade at the 2010 Black Sea Economic Forum. [1] It discusses the importance of enhancing economic cooperation among Black Sea region countries to promote recovery from the global economic crisis and increase competitiveness. [2] The Minister highlights Turkey's economic growth and reforms, and its commitment to strengthening relationships and joint projects within the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization. [3] He invites other countries to increase trade, investment, and partnerships both bilateral and regional to realize sustainable economic development in the region.
Grasping the Challenges and Conspectus of Governance and Accountability in th...ijtsrd
This paper provides a comprehensive governance regime for the extractive industries EI by addressing the interlocking challenges that their extraction and consumption create for the environment, security and justice. Since even though Cameroon is endowed with huge extractive resources, the EI of the country is laden with adverse social and environmental effects, weak transparency and accountability, and minimal economic benefits. As such, the first steps of the country toward good governance is to secure a political will and develop a better relationship between the various stakeholders. Despite some initiatives, the country still has a long way to go in the fight for transparency and accountability due to its closed and exclusory policy. Especially as the EI is an area that ignites expectations from the government, to manage and provide relevant information on the available resources and how they are utilised. With one of the most efficient ways of managing these expectations being to promote open, accountable and transparent governance of the EI, as well as how the revenues accrued are used. Since where openness and transparency in management is lacking, it might lead to ineffective socio economic development often referred to as a ”˜resource curse’ as the unmet expectations can result in conflicts. It is for this reason that the international community has attempted to provide best practices in the form of guidelines to aid the country to put in place and implement measures that can promote open, accountable, and transparent governance of the EI. With the most common initiative being the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative EITI which is meant to promote governance and accountability in the EI. In this regard, the paper discusses how Cameroon, with its nascent EI can effectively implement the EITI standard. Since the implementation of EITI alongside, the domestic legislation governing the EI can enable it to escape the ”˜resource curse’ and enhance sustainable development. Nonetheless, although the paper did not capture all the factors that have affected the management of the EI in Cameroon, particularly the political economy dimension, which can be a valuable area to research at length. It, however, provides an initial assessment of the management of the EI, based on the concept of good governance, which remains a work in progress. As the lack of transparency and accountability in extractive management can translate to a failure to engage in medium to long term development planning in the country ”“ which can also put EITI, though a good initiative, in high risk of capture. On this basis, the paper suggests changes in the incentives structure to reduce collusion and improve governance. Bande Gulbert Mbah Tarh "Grasping the Challenges and Conspectus of Governance and Accountability in the Extractive Industries of Cameroon" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Vol
This document discusses perspectives on the potential impact of the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) between the Caribbean and the EU on Caribbean development. It provides background on Caribbean integration efforts and debates surrounding trade liberalization and development. Several experts are cited who question whether trade liberalization alone can stimulate development in small Caribbean states. The document examines different meanings of "development" and debates around defining and measuring development beyond just economic growth indicators. It seeks to understand discourses on the EPA's impact and implications for Caribbean stakeholders as implementation proceeds.
The Executive Committee of ASCAME, the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry, met in Tangier, Morocco. They re-elected Mohamed Choucair as President for another two-year term. ASCAME is involved in 22 projects focused on sectors like tourism, investment, renewable energy, waste management, and more. These projects have a total budget of over 52 million euros. ASCAME also participated in the FIREMED project meeting, which provides support to SMEs in the renewable energy sector in the Mediterranean region.
This annual report summarizes the activities of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for the 2011/2012 financial year. Some key highlights include:
- Substantial progress was made in implementing the Trade Facilitation Programme, including adopting a regional customs policy and strategy to address illicit tobacco trade.
- A SACU statistical database was developed to serve as a central repository for economic data from member states.
- The review of the SACU revenue sharing arrangement continued, with a task team identifying key policy issues to consider in the review.
- SACU continued negotiations with key trading partners like India, the US, and the EU, as well as negotiations for a Tri
This document provides an annual report for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for the 2012 fiscal year. It summarizes the history of SACU as the oldest customs union in the world, dating back to 1889 agreements. It outlines SACU's vision for equitable and sustainable development. The report discusses progress made on SACU's work program priorities, which include regional industrial development policy, revenue sharing arrangements, trade facilitation, institutional development, and unified trade negotiations. It provides messages from the SACU Council of Ministers Chairperson and the Executive Secretary on activities in the past year and strategic priorities going forward.
The Balkan Barometer, published for the first time in 2015, surveys 7,000 citizens and 1,400 businesses in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on a wide range of issues dealing with the political, socio-economic, business and investment climate, infrastructure, rule of law and other developments in the region.
De Facto Consultancy conducted survey in Montenegro.
The document is the 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum. It was edited by Professor Klaus Schwab and Professor Xavier Sala-i-Martín. The report assesses the competitiveness of various countries and economies based on the Global Competitiveness Index and data from the Executive Opinion Survey. It acknowledges contributions from various partner institutes that provided important support and data.
The 2014 Annual Report is split into three main sections. The first contains a message from the WTO Director-General. The second section provides a brief overview of 2013 and some background information on the WTO, while the third has more in-depth information.
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Presentation by Honourable Edmund Bartlett C.D., M.P., Minister of Tourism, Government of Jamaica at the seminar on the topic, 'Tourism Industry Reform: Strategies for Enhanced Economic Impact' on May 25, 2017 at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The document discusses how demographic trends in GCC countries will impact travel in the region over the next 15 years. A growing population, including a large youth population, will result in many more travelers. Distinct traveler profiles are emerging, including independent travelers and middle-income travelers, in addition to existing segments like business travelers and families. This will fragment the market and create more diverse travel needs and aspirations. Increased spending power among GCC travelers will lead to a fourfold increase in outbound travel spending from the region by 2030.
The document discusses several factors that could impact whether tourism will continue growing globally or potentially stop spreading in some areas. It considers whether concepts like resort lifecycles, climate change, sustainable tourism management, and economic/political shifts could lead tourism to reach saturation points in some destinations, while new markets like China and technology continue fueling overall growth. Crises are also discussed as unpredictable disruptors that challenge tourism businesses to adapt.
The document discusses evidence on the impact of International Finance Corporation (IFC) tourism investments in Latin America and the Caribbean. It finds that IFC tourism investments have contributed significantly to economic development in the region in 3 key ways:
1) IFC investments in tourism and hospitality projects have helped drive growth of the services sector and national economies in many countries in the region.
2) Resort developments supported by IFC have promoted economic development in less developed regions within countries.
3) Tourism brings substantial benefits to countries through job creation, increased tax revenues, and opportunities for small businesses, helping reduce poverty.
Latest Trends on Black Sea Cruise Tourism SectorTOPOSOPHY
This document summarizes the latest trends in the Black Sea cruise tourism sector. It finds that while the Black Sea region accounts for a small share of the global Mediterranean cruise market, several ports have seen substantial passenger growth in recent years. It also explores opportunities and challenges for developing cruise tourism in the region through improved port infrastructure, regional partnerships, simplified visa policies, and promoting the Black Sea's cultural diversity. The conclusion emphasizes the need for flexibility, intra-regional cooperation, and a coordinated long-term strategy to strengthen Black Sea cruising and better compete internationally.
Draft sector strategy. OTF Group's recommendations fall along five dimensions: 1. product development,. 2. human resources, 3. marketing, 4. environment, and 5. strategic alliances.
A2 CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY: GLOBAL INTERDEPENDENCE - THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATI...George Dumitrache
This document discusses international tourism and its growth and impact. It provides definitions of key tourism terms and describes some of the economic, social, political, and environmental factors that have contributed to the rapid expansion of global tourism over recent decades. While tourism has benefited many countries and communities, the document also examines some of the negative cultural, economic, and environmental consequences that have occurred in some destinations as a result of mass tourism development.
The document discusses the potential for deeper economic integration between the EU and Mediterranean partner countries through regulatory harmonization. Specifically:
1) It argues that moving beyond free trade to selectively adopt EU regulatory frameworks could facilitate economic adjustment, regional integration, and services trade liberalization for Mediterranean partners.
2) Reforming sectors like transport, telecom, electricity, and finance could have particularly strong payoffs by addressing market failures and catalyzing domestic reforms.
3) The EU's experience with integration and enlargement shows that regulatory harmonization can boost economic growth when combined with domestic adjustment policies.
ASCAMEMedaNews december-january English versionASCAME
The document summarizes the 8th Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders conference held in Barcelona. It provides highlights from speeches given that emphasize the role of ASCAME in the Mediterranean region and the success of the conference. The document also summarizes the discussions and outcomes from forums on topics like sustainable development, Islamic finance, green economy, and tourism. Over 1,300 experts from both the private and public sectors attended the conference to discuss economic policies and strategies for the Mediterranean region.
Benin republic cross border biz (slideshare)Ndudi Osakwe
Celebration of the Jubilee year of political independence is in the air for many African countries. Benin has celebrated hers and Nigeria’s is in the horizon as it celebrates her independence from Britain this October.
The Jubilee Year of political independence provides a basis for stock taking on how well the peoples of Benin and Nigeria have fared and the way forward for the two countries with somewhat common heritage but for the partition.
This involves the envisioning of programs that would enhance connectivity, improving competitiveness and the promotion of a greater sense of community.
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The document discusses the port of Sines in Portugal and its potential role in the emergence of a regional cluster. It provides background on the port's past as an industrial complex focused on oil refining. Currently, the port has diversified its cargo and is managed by a public authority with private terminals. The future potential for Sines includes capturing more transatlantic cargo as the Panama Canal expands, allowing it to serve as a strategic port connecting Europe, North and South America. The port aims to develop regional linkages through rail and other infrastructure to spur economic growth and form a maritime cluster across industries like shipbuilding and renewable energy.
HE Nihat Ergun (Minister of Industry and Trade of Turkey)_engblackseaforum
The document is the speech of the Turkish Minister of Industry and Trade at the 2010 Black Sea Economic Forum. [1] It discusses the importance of enhancing economic cooperation among Black Sea region countries to promote recovery from the global economic crisis and increase competitiveness. [2] The Minister highlights Turkey's economic growth and reforms, and its commitment to strengthening relationships and joint projects within the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization. [3] He invites other countries to increase trade, investment, and partnerships both bilateral and regional to realize sustainable economic development in the region.
Grasping the Challenges and Conspectus of Governance and Accountability in th...ijtsrd
This paper provides a comprehensive governance regime for the extractive industries EI by addressing the interlocking challenges that their extraction and consumption create for the environment, security and justice. Since even though Cameroon is endowed with huge extractive resources, the EI of the country is laden with adverse social and environmental effects, weak transparency and accountability, and minimal economic benefits. As such, the first steps of the country toward good governance is to secure a political will and develop a better relationship between the various stakeholders. Despite some initiatives, the country still has a long way to go in the fight for transparency and accountability due to its closed and exclusory policy. Especially as the EI is an area that ignites expectations from the government, to manage and provide relevant information on the available resources and how they are utilised. With one of the most efficient ways of managing these expectations being to promote open, accountable and transparent governance of the EI, as well as how the revenues accrued are used. Since where openness and transparency in management is lacking, it might lead to ineffective socio economic development often referred to as a ”˜resource curse’ as the unmet expectations can result in conflicts. It is for this reason that the international community has attempted to provide best practices in the form of guidelines to aid the country to put in place and implement measures that can promote open, accountable, and transparent governance of the EI. With the most common initiative being the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative EITI which is meant to promote governance and accountability in the EI. In this regard, the paper discusses how Cameroon, with its nascent EI can effectively implement the EITI standard. Since the implementation of EITI alongside, the domestic legislation governing the EI can enable it to escape the ”˜resource curse’ and enhance sustainable development. Nonetheless, although the paper did not capture all the factors that have affected the management of the EI in Cameroon, particularly the political economy dimension, which can be a valuable area to research at length. It, however, provides an initial assessment of the management of the EI, based on the concept of good governance, which remains a work in progress. As the lack of transparency and accountability in extractive management can translate to a failure to engage in medium to long term development planning in the country ”“ which can also put EITI, though a good initiative, in high risk of capture. On this basis, the paper suggests changes in the incentives structure to reduce collusion and improve governance. Bande Gulbert Mbah Tarh "Grasping the Challenges and Conspectus of Governance and Accountability in the Extractive Industries of Cameroon" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Vol
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This annual report summarizes the activities of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for the 2011/2012 financial year. Some key highlights include:
- Substantial progress was made in implementing the Trade Facilitation Programme, including adopting a regional customs policy and strategy to address illicit tobacco trade.
- A SACU statistical database was developed to serve as a central repository for economic data from member states.
- The review of the SACU revenue sharing arrangement continued, with a task team identifying key policy issues to consider in the review.
- SACU continued negotiations with key trading partners like India, the US, and the EU, as well as negotiations for a Tri
This document provides an annual report for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for the 2012 fiscal year. It summarizes the history of SACU as the oldest customs union in the world, dating back to 1889 agreements. It outlines SACU's vision for equitable and sustainable development. The report discusses progress made on SACU's work program priorities, which include regional industrial development policy, revenue sharing arrangements, trade facilitation, institutional development, and unified trade negotiations. It provides messages from the SACU Council of Ministers Chairperson and the Executive Secretary on activities in the past year and strategic priorities going forward.
The Balkan Barometer, published for the first time in 2015, surveys 7,000 citizens and 1,400 businesses in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on a wide range of issues dealing with the political, socio-economic, business and investment climate, infrastructure, rule of law and other developments in the region.
De Facto Consultancy conducted survey in Montenegro.
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The document is the 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum. It was edited by Professor Klaus Schwab and Professor Xavier Sala-i-Martín. The report assesses the competitiveness of various countries and economies based on the Global Competitiveness Index and data from the Executive Opinion Survey. It acknowledges contributions from various partner institutes that provided important support and data.
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This document provides an overview of the 20th anniversary of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), which was established in 1994 to promote cooperation among countries in the Greater Caribbean region. It discusses the ACS's origins, achievements over its first two decades, and priority areas of focus going forward such as expanding trade and investment, reducing disaster risks, sustainable tourism, and regional transportation connectivity. The ACS Secretary-General highlights progress made in 2013, including ratification of agreements and approval of projects, and looks ahead to the upcoming 6th Summit in Mexico to further consolidate cooperation efforts across the region.
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for the preparation of this report. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman gratefully acknowledges the contributions of all USTR staff to the writing and production of this report and notes, in particular, the contributions of Brittany Bauer, Colby Clark, and Michael Roberts. Thanks are extended to partner Executive Branch agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Justice, Labor, State, and Treasury. In preparing the report, substantial information was solicited from U.S. Embassies around the world and from interested stakeholders. The draft of this report was circulated through the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee. March 2014Wto2014 0918a
This document discusses trade between the CARICOM region and Ghana. It finds that while CARICOM exports a modest amount to Ghana, totaling $26.8 million USD in 2012, the trade is inconsistent and concentrated in a few products like ceramics, fish, and chemicals. Ghana's economy has grown around 6% annually in recent years due to its oil, gas, agriculture and services sectors. The document recommends CARICOM explore opportunities in Ghana's growing market, as some companies like GraceKennedy have already begun operations there.
The document discusses a meeting of the Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that recognized the need to address the link between trade policies, diet, and obesity in the Caribbean region. The COTED established a working group to prepare for a joint meeting in 2014 on these issues. The working group is coordinated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and CARICOM. The collaboration aims to develop effective strategies to address non-communicable diseases related to poor dietary intake. The document summarizes research finding that international trade has reduced the costs of energy-dense foods high in sugars and fats, making these diets more affordable and contributing to obesity
This guide helps businesses take advantage of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The agreement simplifies customs procedures, allowing businesses to become more competitive. This jargon-free guide explains the provisions with a focus on what businesses need to know to take advantage of the agreement. It will also help policy makers identify their needs for technical assistance to implement and monitor it. - See more at: http://www.intracen.org/wto-trade-facilitation-agreement-business-guide-for-developing-countries/#sthash.UA1o6V3G.dpuf
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Remarks by OECS Director General - Common Tourism Policy Worksho
1. REMARKS BY OECS DIRECTOR
GENERAL, DR. LEN ISHMAEL
WORKSHOP ON A COMMON OECS
TOURISM POLICY WITHIN THE
ECONOMIC UNION
REX RESORTS, ST. LUCIA
MARCH 23, 2011
2. Mr. Minister, distinguished Delegates, it is a real pleasure to address you this morning
during one of the most exhilarating of times in the historical evolution of this grouping of
OECS Member States as we continue on a journey along which no other Small Island
Developing States have gone before. On January 21st 2011, the Revised Treaty of Basseterre
Establishing the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Economic Union came into effect
in so doing capturing the imagination of many - and while we are still celebrating that
remarkable accomplishment - the work of bringing its new provisions into full operation
has begun on multiple, parallel tracks.
The task of implementing Treaty provisions such as those which provide for the
architecture of an Economic Union is by its very nature a collective one that falls in this case
to both the OECS Member States and the newly minted OECS Commission. Importantly
however is the fact that while the agenda for operationalization of the Economic Union is a
most ambitious one, we are by no means starting from ‘ground zero’. The OECS has a long
and deep history of functional cooperation and integration that has characterized the 30
years of existence since the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre in 1981 which brought the
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States into being. In so doing the principles of the OECS
Model were set in motion - one in which the sovereignty and resources of the individual
islands are pooled to create an array of regional institutional architecture designed to
deliver services critical to the building of modern societies while overcoming the
constraints associated with small size. Today the reality of the OECS Economic Union brings
with it opportunities as well as challenges as we seek to manage what in essence has
become a single economic space.
As Senior Tourism Officials gathered here in St. Lucia yours is the challenge of commencing
the process of formulating a Common Tourism Policy for the OECS. In so doing you are
participating in a process that lies at the very heart of this new phase of the integration
movement – the harmonization of national sectoral and developmental policies in order to
influence shape, give direction and purpose to this new “Space”. The Revised Treaty of
Basseterre provides for policy coordination and joint action in several areas, including
Tourism. Indeed Article 21 of the Treaty Protocol requires that a common tourism policy be
designed to guide the growth and development of this sector. In this way, the Treaty points
explicitly to the importance of Tourism as a key player in the development of this region.
Despite the excitement associated with the creation of the Economic Union, the mandate to
fashion a common Tourism policy comes at a rather turbulent time in regional economic
fortunes – but perhaps this very turbulence is what is required to provide the impetus to
ensure that the way forwarded is charted in terms that are practical and designed to move
from rhetoric to action given the context of recent regional economic performance.
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3. The OECS regional economy contracted by 7.0 per cent and by 3.2 per cent in the years
2009 and 2010 respectively. These contractions were driven largely by declines in
construction and tourism activity underscoring the sheer importance of these to regional
GDP. Construction remained depressed in 2010, contracting by 22 per cent, due to the
limited availability of foreign financing and reduced inflows of foreign direct investment
much of which has been traditionally driven by tourism. Although there was some
indication of a recovery in tourist arrivals in the latter part of 2010 reflected best in
numbers coming out of St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda mainly as a result of increased in
capacity in airlift commencing in the latter part of 2009, activity has not returned to the
levels realized before the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008.
The continued slump in economic activity in the OECS region partly reflects the prolonged
effects of the global crisis on our economies. However it points as well to the inherent lack
of resilience and systemic vulnerability inherent in the economies of all of these micro-
states. This reality is underscored all the more when viewed in comparison to the boom
times being experienced by our neighbors in Latin America where growth has averaged 5%
and more in 2009 and 2010, driven largely by global demand for primary commodities, and,
in the case of Brazil, domestic demand occasioned by a burgeoning middle class.
The recent performance of tourism in this region provides reason for some encouragement,
but the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag. Stay-over visitor arrivals to the OECS in 2010
increased by 5.9 per cent to almost 750,000 and arrivals from the USA amounted to over
300,000 - a 16% increase over 2009. Arrivals from Canada were in the range of 60,000,
reflecting a 20% improvement on the performance of that market in 2009. Notably
however, decreases in arrivals were recorded from the United Kingdom of 6.5 per cent, and
the Caribbean of 4.1 per cent. These declines are troubling for the OECS region, given the
heavy reliance of many Member States on these tourism source markets.
This situation raises a number of related policy issues and challenges for you with respect of
the task at hand. What role, for example, can be played by a common tourism policy in
building collective resilience to situations of variable market performance, especially where
these have unequal impacts on respective destinations. What can be done to generate more
intra-Caribbean travel? Can the common tourism policy point the way to launch a
structured and concerted campaign into untapped markets in other regions, for example
neighboring Latin America – especially in the wake of the establishment of closer political
ties as witnessed by the creation of the Latin American & Caribbean Community launched in
Cancun in March 2009, and the establishment of direct air links from Central America via
Panama and south America via Brazil?
Harmonization of policies for Member States in the OECS single space is also perhaps one
means of attempting to drive home an important point - that the focus of competition
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4. should not be between countries in the Economic Union, but rather between us as a group
and the other attractive tropical destinations that abound. It is no secret that the Caribbean
has lost market share in tourism arrivals. The share of stay-over visitor arrivals to the
Caribbean (as a percentage of total visitors on a global scale) fell from an average of 2.7
percent during the period 1990 to 1995 to 2.2 percent during the period 2005 to 2008. At
the same time, the OECS’ share within the Caribbean fell from 5.7 percent to 5.1 percent
respectively, for the same periods.
In an interesting analysis of the tourism sector the IMF found that higher prices and low
quality — instead of limited room supply — seem to be the main reasons for the loss in
market share by OECS countries within the Caribbean – to which I would add that attitudes
to service in the OECS still leave a lot to be desired, even more so when compared to some
other parts of the world where the provision of service is a source of both honor and pride,
and every visitor is regarded as a potential goodwill envoy.
The OECS Secretariat has been working towards fulfilling a series of mandates from the
OECS Council of Tourism Ministers, which seek to synchronize tourism development
activities in the region. Every effort must be made to ensure that these Ministerial mandates
are taken into account during your deliberations over the next two days. These include
directives aimed at identifying major areas with potential for a collective approach to OECS
tourism product development in niche areas: improving regional efficiency in the delivery
of human resource development programmes in response to tourism industry needs;
establishing modalities for joint marketing and promotion of the OECS tourism product;
exploring and expanding opportunities for multi-destination tourism; and strengthening
linkages with other key sectors including agriculture, on a regional basis.
Given that the long standing overall failure to establish forward and backward linkages
between agriculture and tourism is a source of both bafflement and ample discussion I will
focus my remarks on just one of the tourism niche areas in which the OECS has a
demonstrated competitive advantage – that of yachting.
In terms of average daily expenditure per visitor, even in the face of far less numbers -
yachting continues to outperform the cruise sector in many OECS destinations. The relative
economic advantages of yachting are becoming even more apparent with the growth of the
mega-yachting sub-sector in the region – yet this sector remains one whose huge potential
is still largely untapped even though the OECS lies at the very heart of the best sailing
waters in the Caribbean – if not the world. And while the OECS Council of Tourism
Ministers has agreed on a number of strategic interventions that need to be embraced as
part of the policy making process including facilitating the adoption of a common policy and
approach to the clearance of vessels into and out of OECS sailing waters in an efficient,
seamless and business-friendly manner, without compromising border security; managing
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5. opportunities for Member States to undertake joint marketing of the OECS yachting product
in target markets and formulation of a Code of Ethics for operators in the yachting sector -
enough is not being done to move these ideas which have been on the books for years into
the series of actionable pieces which will deliver results, revenue and jobs.
The OECS Secretariat has itself actively promoted and pioneered a number of initiatives in
the yachting sector over the past few years but the vital public – private sector partnerships
needed to sustain these initiatives have not developed. Under the tag line: “Many Islands…
One Sea”, the Secretariat secured funding, spearheaded and coordinated the first OECS
regional presence as a guest of honor at one of the world’s premiere yachting events – the
Grand Pavois in La Rochelle. The Secretariat assisted with the development of Marine
Trade Associations in several Member States; used the ARC to work with Member States in
the hosting of an OECS Rally; met with the largest French Charter company in France, to
negotiate issues relating to provisioning for the yachting industry, and systems for the
prepayment of clearance fees; held meetings with the Yachting Community on crime, safety
and security and on simplified procedures for clearing in and out – initiated discussions at
the highest level between ST Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada on the concept of the
Grenadines as a single maritime space - all important, worthwhile initiatives which
regrettably did not develop the traction required for their follow up and sustainability. The
potential of this industry is too vital to the social and economic development of the OECS to
be left to the vagaries of chance; it represents an incredible resource literally on our
doorstep and must be given the attention it deserves. It lends itself exquisitely to the
development of a common policy framework, and members of the yachting fraternity have
always been willing partners in the bid to ensure the growth of the sector.
In preparation for this meeting I contacted a couple of well known personalities in the
world of Caribbean yachting. One is Sally Erdle, long standing editor/publisher of the 15
year old Caribbean Compass an important source of information and communication within
the yachting community. Most of the issues which we discussed years ago still exist to the
detriment of a vibrant yachting sector here in the OECS. She emphasized the importance of
standardization of clearance procedures and entry fees. OECS Member States charge fees
per person, by boat length and by tonnage; some charge in US$, others in EC$; some have
monthly fees, others flat fees, still others have different combinations; charges are variously
called Port, Customs, Cruising Permit or Environmental fees. Her view? Harmonized fees
and simple procedures would encourage yachts to visit the OECS, and encourage clearance
compliance once here.
In addition to differences in fee structure, the procedures and paperwork are also diverse:
in some countries the yacht must clear through a port of entry, in others the yacht can
anchor anywhere and the skipper clear in by taxi. In some countries only the skipper must
go alone to Immigration (with everyone’s passports), in others everyone aboard must
appear. Chris Doyle owner/author of one of the most influential cruising guides in the
Caribbean points to the need for infrastructure – the importance of dingy docks to ensure
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6. that yachtspersons spend money ashore. He too also underscores the willingness of
members of the yachting community to work with the public sector to ensure that plans for
the industry are practical and result in the best outcomes. The Revised Treaty of Basseterre
identifies Oceans Governance and management of the single maritime space as one of the
important aspects of the work of the Commission. It is within this context that articulation
of a common tourism policy is also both timely and vital.
In articulating the broad elements of a common tourism policy it is also important that
consideration be given to fashioning a common approach to the management of marine
parks and protected areas. While the OECS Secretariat has done quite a bit to promote a
regional approach to the management of marine parks and protected areas through the
World Bank financed OPAAL project, the recently executed MOU between the USVI and the
OECS to cooperate in a number of areas – including that of the management of marine parks
and protected areas - is of tremendous value. St John’s in the USVI has an enviable
scientifically based permit driven system in place for oceans governance as it relates to the
use of the maritime space – we in the OECS can benefit tremendously from their approach.
Let me concede that the effective coordination of tourism development in the OECS region
is no easy task. From time to time challenges may arise that could threaten to derail the
process. The biggest challenge lies perhaps in our minds. We must reshape our thinking to
embrace the unique qualities of the totality of this space which is the OECS and celebrate
that which each Member State contributes in the making of one of the most beautiful
corners of the world. Instead of trying to be like everywhere else, let us focus instead on
identifying, promoting, protecting and projecting what makes the OECS Space special, and
different to any other. Let that be our brand.
I wish you well in your deliberations and look forward with great interest to the product of
your time spent here. In closing, allow me to take this opportunity to express, on our
collective behalf, sincere appreciation to the Commonwealth Secretariat for providing
technical assistance in support of this vital project.
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