Adam Alqali is a development journalist based in Kano, Nigeria with over 5 years’ experience in investigative, fact checking, research and development reporting. He currently reports for amongst others, africacheck.org, Newsdiary online, National Review as well as African Newspage. 
He has ...

Why I am Optimistic About SOTF Process Leading to Reform of Multilateral System

01 Jun 2024  |  www.africannewspage.net  |  English  |  Global Governance

Nudhara Yusuf, Executive Coordinator of the Global Governance Innovation Network, discusses the significance of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in supporting the Summit of the Future (SOTF) and the potential for reforming the multilateral system. The conference, held in Africa, marked a shift in civil society engagement with intergovernmental processes, emphasizing the importance of diverse stakeholder involvement. Yusuf highlights the challenges facing the SOTF process, including global tensions and the need for multilateralism to address complex issues. Despite widespread pessimism, Yusuf remains optimistic about the potential for reforming institutions like the UN and WTO, stressing the necessity of global cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.

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World Trade Organisation United Nations Global Governance Innovation Network Stimson Center

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Joshua Askew is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

The story of how little Lithuania took on global superpower China

24 Oct 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Lithuania's decision to allow Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius led to severe economic and diplomatic repercussions from China, including trade bans and diplomatic withdrawals. Despite initial hopes for significant Taiwanese investment, the economic benefits have been limited. The EU and WTO have taken steps to support Lithuania, but internal criticism and geopolitical complexities persist. The situation highlights the challenges of Lithuania's values-led foreign policy and its impact on international relations.

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World Trade Organisation Lithuanian Government Chinese Government Taiwanese Government EU Commission Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS–LKD) Confederation of Industrialists

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Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out ...

Welcome to Nigeria, Harry and Meghan — a chaotic global powerhouse

12 May 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Cultural Dynamics

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria highlights the country's dual nature as both a cultural powerhouse and a nation facing significant challenges. The couple's activities include engaging with local communities and participating in leadership events. Nigeria's growing influence is evident in its cultural exports and prominent figures in global leadership. However, the country also grapples with issues such as poverty, corruption, and violence. The article explores the complexities of Nigeria's societal dynamics and the resilience of its people.

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World Trade Organisation United Nations Giants of Africa

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David Bailey is a journalist based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The UK needs a new industrial strategy or it will lose the global green subsidy race

15 May 2023  |  theconversation.com  |  English  |  Economic Strategy

UK businesses, represented by industry body Make UK, have criticized the government for not having a clear industrial policy, especially in the context of green subsidies where the US and EU are taking significant steps. The US has introduced the Inflation Reduction Act and other initiatives totaling over $2 trillion to support domestic industries, while the EU has announced a €250 billion Green Deal Industrial Plan. The UK, however, has scrapped its industrial strategy and lacks a response to these international packages, with a significant investment shortfall in low carbon infrastructure. The Labour Party in the UK has proposed a £28 billion annual investment for a green transition, but there are concerns about its adequacy and potential conflict with WTO rules. The article suggests that the UK needs to establish its own Green New Deal to meet net zero commitments and compete globally.

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World Trade Organisation Make UK Green Alliance

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I am an experienced multimedia journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

I've been a journalist in print, radio and television for nearly 20 years, the last 8+ specialising in EU policy, legislation and current affairs. As well as an address book packed with insider sources and contacts in Brussels,...

Streamlining Foreign Subsidies Regulation needed to accelerate EU investment

12 Jul 2023  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  EU Investment

The European Union's Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), effective from July 12, 2023, aims to address market distortions caused by foreign subsidies, particularly in response to the United States' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The FSR extends EU state aid rules to non-EU jurisdictions, ensuring a level playing field within the Single Market. The IRA, signed by President Joe Biden, has sparked trans-Atlantic disputes due to its local content requirements, which the EU fears may undermine free trade principles. The European Commission and Invest Europe advocate for streamlined FSR implementation to reduce administrative burdens on companies.

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World Trade Organisation European Commission White House European Parliament’s ECON committee Invest Europe

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Alexandra Brzozowski is a Brussels-based journalist specialised in European affairs. For EURACTIV, she covers European security and defence policy, Eastern Europe and Arctic policy. Also occasionally found on Zenger News.

Will the EU-China summit be another ‘dialogue of the deaf’?

01 Dec 2023  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  Ukraine Conflict

The upcoming EU-China summit, the first in-person meeting in four years, is expected to be tense due to deteriorating relations and trade tensions. Key issues include China's subsidies on various technologies, the EU's de-risking strategy, and China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. EU leaders aim to address trade imbalances and China's support for Russia. Despite efforts to manage relations constructively, expectations for significant outcomes are low, with concerns that the summit may result in another 'dialogue of the deaf'.

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World Trade Organisation European Commission European Council United Nations NATO

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Paul Cochrane is a freelance journalist based in Udine, Italy. He lived in Beirut, Lebanon from 2002 to 2019, and in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 2019 until 2024.

He has written for over 80 publications worldwide, covering financial crime, business, higher education and skills developments, ...

How Jordan brought its economic woes on itself

01 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Government Policy

Jordan's economic crisis is attributed to decades of mismanagement, lack of transparency in government spending, and high military expenditure. Despite blaming IMF-backed austerity measures and reduced foreign aid, experts argue that the issues are self-inflicted by Jordanian political elites. Protests have been fueled by high unemployment, inflation, and controversial tax reforms. The new cabinet is seen as a deflective maneuver, with little expectation of significant change. Corruption and fiscal mismanagement remain core issues, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.

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World Trade Organisation World Bank IMF Gulf States Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Stockholm International Peace Research Institute General Intelligence Directorate Transparency International Global Centre on Cooperative Security

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I am a freelance TV reporter, video journalist and photographer with 13 years of experience. I have worked all over the world; in 2014 I reported from 15 different countries, from Gaza to Ukraine to Brazil for the World Cup.

I am just as happy behind the camera as I am in front of it, and work ...

The petit bourgeois insurrection

01 Jun 2024  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Economic Inequality

The article explores the evolution of neoliberalism and its impact on asset prices and economic inequality, drawing on Melinda Cooper's book 'Counterrevolution'. It argues that neoliberal policies have prioritized asset appreciation over GDP growth, leading to a concentration of wealth among the elite. The analysis highlights the role of real estate in contemporary capitalism and the political coalitions formed around capital growth. The text critiques the influence of neoliberalism on political and economic structures, emphasizing the shift from corporate power to asset-driven oligarchy.

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World Trade Organisation Federal Reserve Tea Party Republican Party

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John Dennehy is a journalist based in Viantiane, Vientiane Prefecture, Laos.

'What about us?' Small fishing communities call for support at crucial WTO meeting

27 Feb 2024  |  The National  |  English  |  Small-Scale Fisheries

Representatives of small-scale fishing communities from countries like India and Indonesia are advocating for continued subsidies at the World Trade Organisation's Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. They argue that these subsidies are crucial for their survival and that the main culprits of overfishing are large industrial fleets. The WTO is negotiating to prohibit harmful fishing subsidies, but small-scale fishermen stress that cutting their subsidies would exacerbate their struggles. The conference aims to address the needs of developing countries while tackling overfishing and overcapacity issues.

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Institute of Export and International Trade Kiara fisherfolk organisation World Trade Organisation National Fishworkers' Forum Pacific Network on Globalisation

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Paula Dupraz-Dobias is a journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland, also working regularly in Peru.

Are calls for ‘effective’ development cooperation being heard?

05 Oct 2023  |  genevasolutions.news  |  English  |  Climate Finance

Hundreds of officials, donors, and NGOs gathered at the Effective Development Co-operation Summit to discuss boosting development cooperation commitments and monitoring their implementation. The summit, originating from a 2011 declaration in Busan, emphasized principles like recipient country leadership, inclusivity, and accountability. Despite the momentum generated initially, these principles have lost prominence since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit highlighted the need for better management of aid amidst global crises, with calls for debt restructuring and narrowing funding gaps. Key figures stressed the importance of local involvement and behavioral change in aid cooperation, while concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current models and the need for increased budget and efficiency in aid distribution.

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Bread for the World Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations UN Conference on Trade and Development United Nations Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation African Union Development Agency International Institute for Environment and Development International Centre for Climate Change and Development

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Why Are Indian Farmers Protesting Right Before The Election?

04 Mar 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Agricultural Policies

Indian farmers have relaunched their protests against the BJP-ruled central government, demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, among other issues. The protests, led by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have seen thousands of farmers rallying at various points between Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and UP. Despite several rounds of talks, no resolution has been reached, with the government fearing inflation if MSP is guaranteed. The protests have garnered limited support from opposition parties and media coverage, and there is speculation that PM Modi may announce relief measures to assuage the farmers.

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World Trade Organisation BJP Aam Aadmi Party Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Samyukta Kisan Morcha

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Kim Harrisberg is a multimedia journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

She won the Vodacom Online Journalist of the Year award in 2015 for her multimedia storytelling piece on domestic worker's salaries in South Africa.

She is skilled in journalistic writing, videography, audio editing ...

Can Africa take control in green mineral rush?

19 Jul 2023  |  www.zawya.com  |  English  |  International Trade

African nations rich in minerals critical for clean energy technologies are increasingly restricting or banning mineral exports to retain more economic benefits. This strategy, aimed at boosting local processing, could deter foreign investment according to analysts. The EU has expressed concern over these restrictions, which may conflict with trade agreements. The African Union is developing a strategy to improve mining regulation and attract investment. The EU's Critical Raw Materials Act seeks to reduce dependency on single suppliers and foster partnerships with African countries. Experts suggest that Africa should focus on local benefits rather than competing with China's processing capabilities.

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World Trade Organisation European Union Africa Development Forum International Energy Agency Natural Resource Governance Institute South African Institute of International Affairs Imani Africa African Union

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Michal Kranz is a journalist based in New York City.

How Polish farmers ignited a European revolution

12 Feb 2024  |  unherd.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Polish farmers and truckers, after previously blockading the Polish-Ukrainian border, are protesting again against EU rules favoring Ukrainian food imports. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, once an EU establishment figure, is now adopting protectionist measures, maintaining import bans on Ukrainian grain and opposing the extension of the EU's free trade deal with Ukraine. Tusk's government is balancing support for Ukraine with the interests of Polish farmers, who are also against the European Green Deal and other EU policies. Tusk's coalition, which includes agrarian parties like Agrounia and PSL, is sympathetic to the farmers' cause. The protests reflect broader concerns about Poland's political future within the EU and the government's need to address domestic agricultural issues.

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World Trade Organisation European Union Civic Coalition Agrounia PSL

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I am a finance journalist and editor, with almost 4 years' experience across full-time and freelance roles, based in London, United Kingdom. I've written about equitiies, commodities, finance, investing and emerging markets extensively. 

Currently, I'm a business reporter at Euronews. I've ...

Freedom scallops: The seafood war you probably didn’t know about

01 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

China and Japan are embroiled in a seafood trade conflict, exacerbated by Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear disaster. China, along with Russia and South Korea, has imposed bans on Japanese seafood, significantly impacting Japan's seafood exports, particularly scallops. The US and EU have condemned China's actions as politically motivated, with the US increasing its seafood imports from Japan to support the industry. Japan maintains that the wastewater disposal is safe, backed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The conflict highlights broader geopolitical tensions and China's influence in global trade.

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World Trade Organisation International Atomic Energy Agency US military EU

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Freelance Financial and Business Journalist
Currently:
Freelance City Editor of The IFA Magazine and website. 
UK Editor of getBUX trading app.
Content writer and SEO for number of financial websites.
Member NUJ.

Brexit Endgame: The Logical Predictions and the Role of Logic in Uncertain Times

01 Apr 2023  |  IFA Magazine  |  English  |  International Trade

Donald Maxwell-Scott from Rowan Dartington discusses the current state of Brexit negotiations, emphasizing the uncertainty and the logical outcomes that could be predicted. He criticizes Theresa May for not involving other parties sooner, especially after Gina Miller's case, which required parliamentary approval for Brexit. He also mentions Jeremy Corbyn's refusal to cooperate unless a no-deal Brexit is ruled out, which Maxwell-Scott believes would weaken the UK's negotiating position. He highlights the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on the EU, particularly the German car industry, and suggests that Germany's economic situation makes a no-deal Brexit unlikely. He also speculates on the outcomes of another UK election and the improbability of a no-deal Brexit or a second referendum. Finally, he humorously suggests that MPs should not be paid until the Brexit impasse is resolved, drawing a parallel with the US government shutdown over Trump's border wall.

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World Trade Organisation House of Commons UK Parliament European Automobile Manufacturers Association

Akanda Muhammad Jahid is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

How slow is Bangladesh border for exports?

09 Apr 2023  |  The Daily Star  |  English  |  Supply Chain

The World Bank's April 2023 Bangladesh Development Update revealed that exporters in Bangladesh require approximately 300 hours to comply with border and documentary requirements, significantly more than in India (60 hours) and China (30 hours). The report highlights inefficiencies in Bangladesh's border processes, contributing to high trade costs and notes the country's slow progress in implementing the WTO's trade facilitation agreement, with only 36% of it enacted compared to higher rates in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and India.

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World Trade Organisation World Bank

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RISHI RAJ is a journalist based in New Delhi, India. A drop out student BJMC 2ND YEAR. very inspire to photojournalism.

Import licensing: Leading ICT firms seek US intervention; say India’s decision intended to force firms to participate in PLI

05 Oct 2023  |  Financialexpress  |  English  |  Trade Policy

Top global ICT firms, including Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have urged the US government to intervene against India's new import licensing policy for laptops, tablets, personal computers, and servers, effective from November 1. Industry associations argue that the policy aims to boost domestic manufacturing and pressure companies to join India's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, potentially violating World Trade Organisation commitments. They warn that the policy could disrupt trade, create scarcity, and increase prices in India, while also affecting US companies' investments and operations in India.

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World Trade Organisation United States Trade Representative

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Sarita Reed is a multimedia journalist based in Vitória, Brazil. 
Produced content for National Geographic Brasil, Mongabay, Diálogo Chino, Deutsche Welle, Euronews, Nexo Jornal, European Journalism Centre, G1, among others.

Native language: Brazilian Portuguese 
English: fluent
Spanish: ...

Chinese demand heats up Brazil’s ethanol industry

01 Oct 2023  |  dialogue.earth  |  English  |  Environmental Impact

China's decision to add 10% ethanol to its petrol from next year is set to significantly impact Brazil's biofuel industry, the world's second largest. The move follows a resolution of a trade complaint at the WTO, potentially opening the Chinese market to Brazilian ethanol. While environmentalists are hopeful about reduced greenhouse gas emissions, they caution against deforestation risks. Brazil's Agro-Ecological Sugarcane Zoning aims to mitigate these risks, but legislative pressures could alter land use laws. The economic benefits for Brazil are substantial, with increased employment and income in rural areas. However, concerns about food prices and land use persist. Brazil's diverse biofuel production, including maize, positions it well to meet China's growing demand, despite potential production limits in China.

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World Trade Organisation WWF-Brazil University of São Paulo Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association National Union of Maize Ethanol Brazilian development bank BNDES

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Salman Siddiqui is an experienced journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

As an experienced English news/content editor, writer, and podcaster, he has over a decade of experience in the journalism industry. He lived and worked in various countries including Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, Qatar, Pakistan ...

$8b discrepancy unearthed in exports, imports

15 Oct 2023  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Economy

Pakistani traders have been implicated in discrepancies exceeding $8 billion through under-invoicing of imports and exports with China, Singapore, Germany, and the United Kingdom, leading to significant foreign exchange and tax revenue losses. The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) highlighted these issues in communications with Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, revealing a $7.51 billion disparity in reported trade values for 2022. PBC CEO Ehsan Malik emphasized the need for real-time electronic data interchange (EDI) agreements with major trading partners to enhance transparency and reduce revenue losses. The PBC has repeatedly informed the Federal Board of Revenue about these discrepancies, urging the government to take action to prevent further financial losses.

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World Trade Organisation International Trade Centre Pakistan Business Council Federal Board of Revenue United Nations Gulf Cooperation Council

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Derrick Silimina is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Tobacco: a global agent of death

01 Oct 2023  |  mbuyotimedia.blogspot.com  |  English  |  Public Health

Tobacco use, particularly shisha, is growing in popularity among Zambian youth, posing significant health risks. Experts warn that shisha smoking is as harmful as cigarettes, containing toxic compounds that can lead to serious diseases. Despite the economic benefits for local pubs, countries like Tanzania and Rwanda have banned shisha. The article highlights personal stories of addiction and health complications, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures. The World Health Organisation and local health advocates call for increased taxes and stricter regulations to combat the tobacco epidemic, which claims millions of lives annually.

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Centre for Trade Policy and Development World Health Organisation Zambia Tobacco Control Consortium Ministry of Health Centre for Primary Healthcare

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Richard Spencer is Middle East Correspondent for The Times of London, based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Trump’s effort to rebalance world trade hits allies as much as China

02 Apr 2025  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  China-US Relations

The article examines the impact of Trump's trade policies, particularly tariffs, on global trade dynamics. While targeting China, these measures also affect US allies like Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. The EU fears an influx of cheap imports as China seeks new markets. Despite the potential for reshaping US manufacturing, the tariffs may alienate allies and disrupt global trade. China's strategic alliances and initiatives, such as the Belt and Road, position it as a defender of global economic order, potentially exploiting US trade tensions.

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World Trade Organisation United States European Union

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I'm an energy and environment multimedia journalist, based in Brussels. I specialise in EU politics and EU policy, particularly around energy, climate, environment and circular economy. I've covered stories, both on the politics and practicalities of these topics. Previously, I was an investigative ...

The Jolt Rundown

27 Mar 2024  |  foresightmedia.com  |  English  |  Geopolitics

China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation against the US electric vehicle subsidies, claiming they are discriminatory. Indian refineries have stopped accepting Russian crude oil, with customs officials checking sanctioned shipping companies. Thailand has launched a hybrid energy project combining solar panels and hydropower. Danish wind developer Ørsted has decided to invest in the Sunrise Wind project, set to be the largest US offshore wind farm. Azerbaijan, Brazil, and the UAE have committed to updated climate plans adhering to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal. The Jolt team discusses the impact of geopolitics on the energy transition and the role of legal cases in climate policies.

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World Trade Organisation United Nations

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Cyril Zenda is an African freelance journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. His work, which covers southern Africa and focuses on development, social justice, human rights, climate change and the environment, has appeared in several international publications such as TRT World Magazine, African ...

The counterfeit components delaying Africa’s energy transition

01 Oct 2024  |  www.fairplanet.org  |  English  |  Climate Change

Counterfeit and substandard green technology products, particularly from China, are hindering Africa's energy transition by flooding markets with poor-quality solar products. This issue exacerbates energy poverty and environmental degradation, as consumers are forced to rely on traditional energy sources. Organizations like SolarAid are working to mitigate the problem by training locals in solar product repair and recycling. The article highlights the need for stricter regulations and standards across African countries to ensure the quality of imported solar products and reduce the continent's growing e-waste problem.

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World Trade Organisation Standards Association of Nigeria South African Revenue Services Civil Society Network on Climate Change African Solar Industry Association Consumer Council of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority South African Bureau of Standards

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