Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Ralph Chami visited Tripoli during February 20–March 7, 2013, to conduct discussions with the Libyan authorities in the context of the annual Article IV consultations.1 Discussions focused on measures to improve the business environment to foster inclusive growth based on diversification of the economy underpinned by private sector–led growth, develop the financial sector, and control government spending including through subsidy reform. The mission met with Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, Finance Minister Haithem Jalgham, Central Bank Governor Saddek Elkabeer, General National Congress Chairman Mohammed Magariaf, and other government and central bank officials, as well as members of the General National Congress and representatives of civil society.

EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht have joined forces to help secure a WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement as part of global efforts to increase trade's contribution to development. The EU's support responds to demands from Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) for help to make the most of the deal, which could be agreed at the WTO's 9th Ministerial Conference in December 2013.

Trends in air emissions and municipal waste treatement

The U.S. House has approved a continuing resolution to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year and avoid a government shutdown.

The World Bank Wednesday announced a major international effort to expand renewable power generation in developing countries by tapping an underutilized resource: geothermal energy.

Norway should overhaul its approach to mental health issues in the workplace in order to help more people find a job or stay in work, and cut high and rising public spending, according to a new OECD report.

Sweden should make greater efforts to prevent and address mental health problems among people under the age of 30, in order to boost their job prospects and reduce government spending on health care and out-of-work benefits, according to a new OECD report.

Africa’s farmers and agribusinesses could create a trillion-dollar food market by 2030 if they can expand their access to more capital, electricity, better technology and irrigated land to grow high-value nutritious foods, and if African governments can work more closely with agribusinesses to feed the region’s fast-growing urban population, according to a new World Bank report launched Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Washington will provide Egypt with immediate financial aid because of the nation's "extreme needs." Kerry announced the deal after meeting Sunday with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.

On March 1, 2013, through the example of Abruzzo, whose capital L’Aquila was destroyed by an earthquake four years ago, a new OECD report recommends policies that can speed the recovery of regions hit by natural disasters, making them more attractive to residents, tourists and investors.