Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

Asian longhorned beetle – one of the main catalysts for the development of standards on pests and agricultural goods crossing borders, specific to forestry.

Following the day before of Calgary decision to continue pursuing an Olympic bid, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced it is preparing to urge Calgarians to vote “NO” in a soon-to-be-approved plebiscite on Apr 17, 2018.

The Armed Forces have a significant shortage of personnel with skills in critical areas and are not expected to meet this shortfall within the next five years, says a report, published on Apr 18, by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have turned the corner after a year of tepid growth and six of stagnation, providing an opportunity for countries to solidify their fiscal positions and lay the foundation for long-term inclusive growth.

On April 5, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its interim review of the IMF’s surveillance activities. This interim review provides a basis for the next comprehensive review of surveillance expected in late 2019.

Multi-billion dollar projects, more target countries, and more government support fueled a 37 percent rebound in private sector investment in developing-country infrastructure projects, says the World Bank’s 2017 Annual Update of the Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Database released, on April 17.

Costa Rica has made impressive economic and social progress in recent years, with robust economic growth facilitating near-universal access to education, health care and pensions. Restoring the sustainability of public finances and implementing policies to fight poverty and reduce inequality will be crucial for continuing convergence toward OECD living standards and ensuring that all Costa Ricans share the benefits of growth, according to a new report from the OECD.

The International Development Association (IDA, rated Aaa/AAA), on April 17, made its debut in the capital markets, joining a select group of top-tier supranational issuers with an inaugural benchmark bond that raised US$ 1.5 billion on the back of an orderbook totaling US$4.6 billion from investors around the world. The 5-year bond marks the launch of IDA’s borrowing program.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mercedes Vera Martin visited Tbilisi from April 2-16 to conduct the 2018 Article IV consultation and the second review of Georgia’s economic program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, rated Aaa/AAA), priced its first ever green bond denominated in Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and the first green bond ever issued by a supranational issuer in Hong Kong SAR, China. HSBC Bank plc and Société Générale were the lead managers for this green bond transaction.