Finance & Economics

EIB boosts development of Uppsala with SEK 1.8 billion loan

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UK's new measures to break down barriers for shared ownership owners

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis proposes new measures to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape.

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New EMCDDA trendspotter study explores online supply of drugs

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Solomon Islands Signs Agreements on Fisheries, Rural Development, Flood Recovery and Economic Reform

World Bank Country Director to meet with Government

The Solomon Islands Government signed agreements with the World Bank for a sustainable fisheries project, funding support for rural poverty alleviation and flood relief, as well as continued economic and fiscal reform on January 29.

Boeing Delivers Okay Airways' First Next-Generation 737-900ER

Airline becomes China's first carrier to operate 737-900ER

Boeing and Okay Airways celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range). The delivery marks the first 737-900ER to be delivered to a Chinese customer and is the first of eight 737-900ERs that Okay Airways has on order on Jan. 30.

Discard ban: MEPs delay enforcement of sanctions on fishermen who fail to comply

Fishermen will have two years to “adapt” before sanctions for failing to comply with the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) discard ban take effect, under a tentative deal struck by Parliament and Council on Thursday, with European Commission help. The agreement amends the “omnibus” regulation setting out detailed arrangements for enforcing the ban.

St. Kitts and Nevis Repays Early Some Outstanding Obligations to the IMF

St. Kitts and Nevis repaid, ahead of schedule, SDR 2.8 million (about US$3.9 million) obligations to the IMF on January 29, 2015. This is the third early repayment by St. Kitts and Nevis of the SDR 47.4 million (about US$73.1 million) borrowed under its Stand-By Arrangement approved by the IMF Executive Board in July 2011.

Tourism Reforms Could Create More Growth and Jobs for Tanzanians

Tourism is already a major contributor to Tanzania’s economy. However, as the latest Tanzania Economic Update published by the World Bank argues, this strategic industry can grow and create more high-paying jobs, and closer linkages with businesses and local communities. To realize this opportunity, the government should simplify its system of taxes and fees and make its revenue allocations more transparent.

Statement at the End of an IMF Mission to the West Bank and Gaza

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Christoph Duenwald visited East Jerusalem and Ramallah from January 21-29, 2015, to assess recent economic developments in the West Bank and Gaza and the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The mission met with Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Finance Minister Shukry Bishara, Governor Jihad Al Wazir, and other Palestinian officials.

Plunging Oil Prices Bring Gains and Losses to the Middle East and North Africa Region

New World Bank Report Details the Varying Impacts of the Decline in Prices on the Region's Oil Importers and Exporters

On January 29, the over-50 percent decline in world oil prices—from US$115 a barrel in June 2014 to less than US$50 today—will have significant consequences for the economies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to the World Bank’s latest MENA Quarterly Economic Brief the oil importers that are expected to gain include Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt.