Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

In June 2013, compared with May 2013, the industrial producer price index1 remained stable in both the euro area2 (EA17) and the EU272, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In May3 prices fell by 0.3% in both zones.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the sixth review of Haiti’s performance under its program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement on August 2, 2013. The Board also approved an extension of the arrangement until August 29, 2014 and a rephasing of disbursements. The Board's decision was taken on a lapse of time basis.1 Completion of the review will enable an immediate disbursement equivalent to SDR 1.638 million (about US$2.5 million), bringing total disbursements under the program to date to the equivalent of SDR 37.674 million (about US$56.8 million).

UK Government and business have published a long-term strategy that will strengthen the UK’s position in the offshore wind industry. The multi-million pound investment has the potential to unlock £7 billion in the economy by 2020.

The World Bank Group announced the debarment of Consulting Engineering Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. for a period of five years following misconduct following an investigative and forensic review of poorly performing road construction contracts under the World Bank-financed Lucknow-Muzaffarpur National Highway Project in India. CES was the supervision consultant for these contracts.

There are signs that Europe’s economy may finally be starting to recover from years of recession and slow growth that have left millions unemployed and hampered the global economy. But experts say it’s too early to plan celebrations.

Ms. Mamta Murthi met with high level officials, taking stock of 20+ years of partnership with Bulgaria

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved additional financing of US$5 million to an ongoing project to support Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in delivering social services. The World Bank Group development program for the Palestinian Territories has long recognized the importance of supporting NGOs to help promote social inclusion and citizen participation.

To respond to the ongoing energy crisis in the Dominican Republic, Corporación Dominicana de Empresas Eléctricas Estatales (CDEEE), eight civil society organizations with support from the World Bank launched a national pilot program called Voz Eléctrica (Electric Voice) to encourage broader citizen participation and increase accountability to improve the quality of electricity service.

U.S. President Barack Obama is proposing a compromise to help break a deadlock with opposition Republicans over his economic plans.

In February 2013, the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) launched its first Call for Proposals on Social Accountability for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in 12 countries to win grants ranging from US$ 500,000 - US$ 1,000,000.