Africa: Continent Readies United Front for Crucial Copenhagen Talks Oct 23, 2009
These include the 49 least developed countries (LDCs), of which the majority are in Africa. Two other highly vulnerable groups are the Small Island Developing States and the countries that are prone to drought and flooding - again, African countries are in both groups. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Climate Change Worsening Farming's Trade-Related Woes Oct 14, 2009
Gerald Nelson, leading author of the report, told IPS that, globally, some seven billion dollars per year must be additionally invested in climate change adaptation programmes such as "research, rural infrastructure and irrigation in the developing world to offset the negative effects of climate change on human well-being. "Sub-Saharan Africa requires the greatest overall investment - some 40 percent of the additional amount estimated - and a greater share of investments in roads," Nelson added.... (allAfrica.com)
Africa: NGOs Welcome EU's Vow Not to Push Continent Into EPAs Oct 10, 2009
"We ask the EC not to pressurise these countries to negotiate reciprocal agreements and not to push them to negotiate the 'Singapore' and other non-goods issues. More than half of the ACP countries are LDCs (least developed countries) and in the WTO no reciprocity is required from them.". But, rebutted John Clarke, deputy head of the delegation of the European Commission in Geneva, "the EC and the ACP countries decided to go further than the WTO because it is a better choice. "The Caribbean... (allAfrica.com)
M&J Bribe: How The British Tricked Us Oct 6, 2009
At a time that the friends of Africa and some respectable African leaders are calling on the British government to redeem its promises made to Least Developed Countries, the English government has decided to run down the African governments in order to justify their refusal to release funds. The Mer is expected to be used by the Brits as part of reasons for their refusal to commit themselves to releasing funds promised Africa and other poor regions, forcing such countries to run out of badly... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rob Davies, Minister for Trade & Industry, South Africa Oct 2, 2009
The major gains would be systematic reforms that would benefit other African countries, the cotton producers, the least developed countries and so on. And there is a limit to the price that we can ask our constituencies to pay for. (India Times)
Chinese President Hu Jintao put forward a four-point proposal on building a harmonious world Wednesday, calling on the international community to work together for world peace and development.• Hu pledges further assistance to other developing countries Sep 24, 2009
He said China has so far provided assistance to more than 120 countries, canceled debts for 49 heavily-indebted poor countries and least developed countries, and extended zero-tariff treatment to commodities from over 40 least developed countries. Hu noted that, since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, China has kept its currency's exchange rate basically stable, which helps maintain healthy international trade. (Xinhuanet, China)
Population growth driving 'climate change, poverty'... Sep 22, 2009
"Continued rapid population growth in many of the least developed countries could lead to hunger, a failure of education and conflict," said Malcolm Potts at the University of California in Berkeley, which hosted the conference in February. The papers, authored by 42 specialists in environmental science, economics and demography, are published by the Royal Society, Britain's de-facto academy of sciences. (The Drudge Report)
UN climate summit to lay all cards on table Sep 19, 2009
Cheick Sidi Diarra, the UN secretary-general's special advisor on Africa and the high representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OSAA/OHRLLS), said the Sept. 22 summit will provide the political impetus to attempt at a comprehensive climate deal in Copenhagen in December ... Representatives from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the Alliance Of Small Island States (AOSIS) and Africa account for almost two-thirds of... (Xinhuanet, China)
Africa foreign direct investment flows plummet 67 percent Sep 18, 2009
Furthermore, FDI inflows to Africa's 33 least developed countries (LDCs), which peaked in 2008 after eight consecutive years of growth, are also at risk of falling. This is due to a crisis-induced lull in the global demand for commodities, which is a major attraction for FDI in these economies," the report said. FDI outflows from the continent, which make up only 3 percent of outflows from developing countries, are in decline. They recorded a 12 percent fall, from $10.6 billion in 2007 to $9.3... (Business Report, South Africa)
Global FDIs to fall below US$1.2tril this year Sep 18, 2009
"This change in the pattern of inflows is partly due to the large decline in FDI inflows to developed countries, which in 2008 shrank by 29% to US$962bil, compared with their level in the previous year, said WIR 2009. The United States remained the worlds largest recipient followed by France, China, Britain and Russia. The least developed countries attracted a record US$33bil worth of inward FDI in 2008. FDI inflows to developing economies rose by 17% to US$621bil, with South-East Asia and... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* Week of meetings could spell fate of climate work Sep 17, 2009
An 80-strong bloc of small island states and the worlds least developed countries have set the bar even higher, at 45 percent. That is a far cry from the offers of the table, even from the EU, which has unilaterally vowed to slash emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared with 1990 levels. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Death Rate For Children Under 5 Continues Decline Sep 11, 2009
Progress has been seen in every part of the world, including some of the least developed countries. But UNICEF said the global rate of improvement is still not sufficient to reach the U.N. Millennium Development Goal of a two-thirds reduction in under-five child mortality between 1990 and 2015. (KIRO TV, WA)
A ticket to somewhere Sep 9, 2009
But making the leap to live in one of the worlds least developed countries wasnt easy, with many friends advising caution about leaving her business and safe life behind. "(But) I thought surely Im more than just a business," Ms Groves said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Africa: Sino-Africa Trade Volumes Slump Sep 5, 2009
China has also trained nearly 30 000 professionals from African countries to date and reduced or exempted parts of the matured debts for 33 heavily-indebted poor countries and the least developed countries on the continent. comments. (allAfrica.com)
WTO deal: India for all-round talks Sep 4, 2009
Prabhakar Sinha, TNN 4 September 2009, 02:34am IST. NEW DELHI: In order to expedite progress on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) under WTO (World Trade Organisation), India on Thursday proposed simultaneous negotiations in services along with issues on agriculture and non-agriculture market access (NAMA). (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
U.S., Mexico to urge G20 to increase climate aid Sep 2, 2009
The draft, which could be revised before the G20 meeting of large economies in Pittsburgh, also discusses the advantages of having all but the least developed countries contribute aid ... "By engaging all but the least developed countries, this creates global ownership in the process and further incentives for mitigation," the report stated. (AlertNet)
Ethiopia: Africans Benefit More From China, India - Research Aug 26, 2009
Many developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) particularly those in Africa have faced multifaceted challenges. The complex global system of WTO, IMF and WB, coupled with internal governance problems in these countries had led to negative growth in Africa. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: The Challenge for Copenhagen: Save the Forests! [guest blog] Aug 26, 2009
Yet the least developed countries stand to be climate change s biggest victims, with the least capacity and means to adapt. To this end, a green deal on climate for the least developed countries, most of which are in Africa, is needed. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Continent And the Global Crisis - Time to Throw Away Neo-Liberalism [editorial] Aug 22, 2009
demand Duty Free and Quota Free for least developed countries products. insist on the removal of all cotton subsidies by developed countries. (allAfrica.com)
Media views on Afghan poll Aug 22, 2009
This view was echoed by Sami Kohen in Turkey's Milliyet, who wrote that holding an election in a country "which is regarded as one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, has no democratic culture and is continuously a scene for violent activities, is still an important political event". However, the author added that there was "serious suspicion" about the election conduct. (BBC News -- South Asia)
West Africa: Business Rejects Trade Deal Aug 18, 2009
Addressing news men at the weekend in Abuja after a two day sensitisation meeting of stakeholders, President of NANTS, Ken Ukaoha said over the past eight years that the negotiations have lasted, the EU have refused to take into consideration the peculiar situation of Africa nations as the least developed countries of the world ... He said out of 16 of the least developed countries of the world, 12 of them were from the region and that no economic partnership in the world works with full... (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Will Global Recession Damage U.S. Africa Trade Ties? [opinion] Aug 12, 2009
The delegates to the Forum should, therefore, agree that extending AGOA to all Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as proposed by some Members of Congress is dangerous for Africa's development. The rationale for privileged access is to pump-prime new entrants so that they can get established in competition with the established producers, who thanks to their large scale have lower costs. (allAfrica.com)
Family planning a major environmental impact Aug 1, 2009
But emissions in Africa, which includes 34 of the 50 least developed countries in the world, are already more than twice that level. The researchers make it clear they are not advocating government controls or intervention on population issues, but say they simply want to make people aware of the environmental consequences of their reproductive choices. (EurekAlert!)
* Chinas key role in climate reforms Jul 30, 2009
We must also adapt to those climate impacts that are already wreaking havoc on communities, particularly in the least developed countries. Adaptation programs help strengthen climate resilience. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2009 Article IV Consultation with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jul 26, 2009
However, private investment remains small, and Timor-Leste is still among the least developed countries in the world. The global crisis has had little immediate impact on Timor-Leste, as key transmission channels (trade, investment and finance) remain limited. (IMF News)
EU considers billions for poor before climate talks Jul 25, 2009
"Clarifying and increasing the global contribution to adaptation funding between now and 2012 could contribute significantly to trust-building with least developed countries," said the Swedish report. "A specific EU commitment is desirable before Copenhagen," said the report, which will be finalised in coming weeks. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Swine flu could sicken 40 percent in 2 years Jul 25, 2009
But two manufacturers have promised to donate 150 million doses and the Geneva-based United Nations agency is negotiating with other producers for further doses which would be earmarked for the least developed countries, he said. Hartl did not name the donor companies. (MSNBC -- Health)
Africa: Experts to Draw up Climate Change Manual Jul 23, 2009
It is a point often made by the DRR community as well as some of the world's least developed countries and small island states, which view a distinction between adaptation and DRR as "problematic, given their experience of the increased magnitude and frequency of disasters impacting their countries". These nations have regularly asked what "portion of disasters can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change [caused by man] compared to existing climatic variability?, said van Aalst and... (allAfrica.com)
Ethiopia: The UN's Developmental State Farce Jul 23, 2009
But the recent report by the United Nation's Conference on Trade and Development (The Least Developed Countries Report 2009 - The State and Development Governance) is a comic turnaround where by this prominent body "endorsed" Ethiopia's kind of economic policy without giving the government or its leader any credit ... The producers of the Least Developed Countries report at the UNCTAD do not admit to any past errors in thinking nor do they recognize the developmental approach followed by certain... (allAfrica.com)
Africa: The State is Back, Announces Unctad Jul 18, 2009
In least developed countries (LDCs), the market has not been able to produce inclusive growth, according to the UNCTAD 2009 report on LDCs, launched yesterday. The United Nations currently classifies 49 countries as least developed, 33 of which are in Africa. (allAfrica.com)
Poor countries 'need to change' Jul 17, 2009
The 41 least developed countries are: (Africa33):Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia; (Asia 10): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao... (BBC News -- Business)
Ghana pharmaceutical manufactures targets ECOWAS market Jul 15, 2009
The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) in conjunction with a global UNIDO project entitled "Strengthening the local production of essential generic drugs in developing and least developed countries", enabled manufacturers to exchange ideas and perspectives on the vision for the pharmaceutical sector. Dr Addo said the meeting, attended by local manufacturers, discussed the way forward in the pharmaceutical sector. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Equatorial Guinea: More Trade, Little Pressure Jul 10, 2009
Arvind Ganesan, director of HRW's Business and Human Rights programme, said Equatorial Guinea has a per capita GDP close to that of Spain or Italy, but its people "live in poverty worse than in Afghanistan or Chad," two of the least developed countries on the planet which have been afflicted by destructive wars. HRW also says that a United States Senate investigation in 2004 uncovered details of how Equatorial Guinean dictator President Teodoro Obiang Nguema used revenues from oil exports to... (allAfrica.com)
UN chief: $1 billion needed against swine flu Jul 8, 2009
World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan told the donors that she wants to mobilize a minimum stockpile of vaccines to 49 of the world s least developed countries as a first step. She did not name the countries. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Patenting the climate Jul 4, 2009
Grant an unlimited-time exception to the current IPRs for Least Developed Countries. Develop new, innovative IPR schemes for climate technologies such as patent pools/libraries to ensure easy access for other developing countries. (AlertNet)
Africa has enormous potential to produce more food but faces challenges Jul 1, 2009
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that export earnings of the least developed countries have declined by 50 percent over the past 40 years. A big part of the problem is high tariff and non-tariff barriers that continue to limit the access of African countries to markets. (Xinhuanet, China)
Black and White Jul 1, 2009
The Nation, July 13In advance of the G20 meeting at the United Nations, Joseph E. Stiglitz's outlines ways "to make our global economic system work better." The economist and chair of the U.N. Commission of Experts supports the U.N.'s interest in "the creation of a global reserve system." Stiglitz and his committee also advocate "providing additional funding for developing countries, creating more policy space for developing countries, avoiding protectionism, [and] opening advanced countries'... (Slate)
US must resist pressure to neglect Africa Jun 26, 2009
As US President Barack Obama's administration develops its Africa and trade policies, it is critical that it resists pressure from some special interests and members of Congress to support legislation that extends the duty-free access to the US market enjoyed by African nations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) to all least developed countries (LDCs). While the sentiment is commendable, the result of such a broad-brush trade policy would be disastrous for Africa, particularly... (Business Report, South Africa)
Cooperation key to developing countries' anti-crisis efforts Jun 26, 2009
Yet, the least developed countries, which contributed least to the crisis yet are most severely affected, do not have the adequate resources to map out stimulus plans and will require special assistance by the international community, said Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-general for Economic and Social Affairs, in a written interview with Xinhua. A coordinated approach -- bringing together not just the G8 or even G20 nations, but the "G192" representing all members of the UN General Assembly --... (Xinhuanet, China)
Chinese FM calls for int'l co-op on development to address global financial crisis Jun 25, 2009
The international community should firmly oppose trade protectionism, open markets to developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, and lower or exempt their tariffs. "We should step up efforts to increase aid-for-trade and help developing countries enhance capacity building," said Yang. (Xinhuanet, China)
* UN unveils blueprint for global help for poor states Jun 25, 2009
It also calls for examining ways to ensure that adequate resources are provided, especially to the least developed countries. Also See: This story has been viewed 289 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
* Global environment cannot wait Jun 5, 2009
The 42 least developed countries (LDC) most clearly reflect the gap between wealth and poverty and in the resources available to developed and developing countries and communities. Last years World Resources Report showed that almost half of the worlds population, or about 2. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Namibia: 'You Can't Smoke Cigars in Brussels and Bulldoze Us' Jun 1, 2009
"We are not playing games here. The EPA is important for our agricultural sector and, unlike Angola, that benefits under the Everything but Arms (EBA) agreement for least developed countries and South Africa that has the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA), we need this partnership. "However, we are genuinely worried and want our concerns reflected in an amendment. I promise that as soon as this happens I will go to cabinet and say 'let's go and sign this interim EPA. (allAfrica.com)
* WTO needs to know about ECFA Jun 1, 2009
They are therefore entitled to invoke the Enabling Clause X which permits trading preferences targeted at developing and least developed countries X and sign a preferential arrangement. However, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu committed itself in its Accession Working Party Report of 2001 not to claim any right granted under WTO Agreements to developing country Members, so it is not entitled to sign any preferential arrangement with fellow WTO members. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Nigeria plans local production of ARV drugs May 25, 2009
This means that developing countries (such as India) were able to continue developing generic drugs until 2005, whilst least developed countries have until 2016. But India, under a new TRIPS agreement, plans to stop allowing generic versions of ARV by end of 2011. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Kirk talks nice at WTO May 15, 2009
"Considering that we for the most part have opened our markets for some of the least developed countries, their next frontiers aren't going to be in the United States because they already have access. Where they can have an opportunity to have additional market access is places like India and China and Brazil and South Africa. "So we think it's important that those countries that are growing stronger be invited to the table to see if they can't be helpful in perhaps finding ways that we can... (Asia Times Online)
Minister urges stakeholders to assist government on EPA decision Apr 29, 2009
Ms Tetteh noted that of the 15-member ECOWAS, 11 were Least Developed Countries by United Nations definition which allowed them to benefit from the "Everything but arms initiative" granting LDCs duty-free quota free access to the EU market for all their exports except arms. Of the remaining four, Nigeria and Cape Verde are oil exporting countries whose economies are not heavily dependent on the trade provisions of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA). (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Not so useless Apr 29, 2009
com ran across an article in The Financial Chronicle (India) which reported that "India and China may press for the sale of the entire gold reserves of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise money for the least developed countries. The IMF holds 103.4 million ounces (3,217 tonnes) of gold that, if sold, can fetch about US$100 billion," so that "the money thus raised must be used in tackling poverty in the poorest nations," which makes sense if you think that you are "tackling poverty" by... (Asia Times Online)
Children Charity Organisation in La... Apr 16, 2009
Laos ranks among the United Nations 50 least developed countries. A large part of the country is still littered with unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War. (Suite101.com)
* UN chief says Laos making progress on fighting poverty Apr 12, 2009
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday he was hopeful that communist Laos, one of the worlds poorest nations, would meet its target of emerging from the ranks of least developed countries by 2020. Ban, the first UN chief to visit the Southeast Asian nation in 24 years, opened a new UN building in the capital of Vientiane and reviewed the countrys progress in meeting the world bodys Millennium Development Goals. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Past splendour Apr 5, 2009
Cambodia now attracts over a million foreign tourists a year, but Norodom Sihamoni is king of a nation that is still high up the UN list of Least Developed Countries and suffers from what has been described as "pandemic" corruption. Recently the IMF announced Cambodia's economic outlook was distinctly gloomy. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
President Hu calls for further support to developing countries Apr 3, 2009
Hu called on the international community to minimize the damage of the financial crisis on developing countries, especially the least developed countries. He also urged the world community, developed nations in particular, to assume due responsibilities and obligations. (Xinhuanet, China)
Who said that? Apr 3, 2009
Many of the least developed countries were in Africa, she noted, and they were keen for advanced countries to continue providing development assistance, particularly as demand for commodities was plunging. Lesotho, for example, had developed a market for its garment exports in the US, but was suffering as demand dropped. (Business Report, South Africa)
China plays responsible role in fighting against global financial turmoil Apr 1, 2009
85 billion dollars) worth of debts from 46 least developed countries by 2008, and its economic assistance to developing countries has exceeded 200 billion yuan (some 29 ... It has pledged to eliminate all debts from least developed countries due by the end of last year, and promised to impose zero tariff on 95 percent of the products imported from these countries. (Xinhuanet, China)
Dealing with global crisis needs global cooperation Mar 30, 2009
Additional aid should be given to the least developed countries trapped in crisis. Only by helping the most needy members, can one expect the international community to enhance its overall ability to tackle crisis. (Xinhuanet, China)
Developed countries should support third world amid crisis Mar 28, 2009
"It needs to comprise aid for the poorest and most vulnerable countries, long-term public lending from the multilateral development banks, and liquidity support not only to least developed countries but also middle-income developing countries," Ban said. African leaders, who met Brown in London earlier this month, agreed to support an initiative proposed by Zoellick, which demands that 0. (Xinhuanet, China)
Material Mom Fit For Second Adoption? Mar 28, 2009
Being Malawi has a low life expectancy, has a high prevalence of AIDS, is one of the world's least developed countries, and has about a 50% poverty rate (Wikipedia). Posted by displeased at 9:34 AM : Mar 27, 2009. (CBS News)
Africa: Global Crisis 'Hits Africa Twice,' Says Kofi Annan [guest column] Mar 27, 2009
But while trillions of dollars are being found, at short notice, for stimulus plans and bail outs in the richer countries, the least developed countries find themselves lacking access to credit and faced with lending policies and practices that minimise their chances of receiving loans ... Donors must renew their commitment to boost resource levels for the least developed countries, ease access to credit, review debt sustainability criteria and lessen aid conditionality. (allAfrica.com)
Uganda: Aid to Poor Nations to Continue Mar 23, 2009
"We reaffirm our commitment to deliver on the Millennium Development Goals, meet our aid-for-trade pledges and give duty-free and quota free-access to the least developed countries," they said in a statement last week. The regional body also called on least developed countries to remove trade barriers and open their markets to pave way for economic recovery. (allAfrica.com)
Africa needs a piece of the stimulus pie Mar 17, 2009
As Western politicians rush to protect their economies, the potential impact of the crisis on the least developed countries has received insufficient attention ... And the least developed countries should have a stronger voice at the table. (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Climate change conference vital for Asia Mar 17, 2009
A number of proposals to raise such significant sums for adaptation already exist, including a proposal by Bangladesh and formally adopted by the least developed countries (LDC) group at the Poznan meeting to charge an "adaptation levy" on all international air passengers. Estimates put the total figure at more than $10 billion a year. (Xinhuanet, China)
World population will be 7bn in 2012 Mar 12, 2009
The population of the 49 least developed countries (LDCs) is still the fastest growing in the world, at 2. 3 per cent per year, the Population Division said. (India Times, India)
Raising the bottom billion Feb 28, 2009
While some of these nations are among the 49 least developed countries and enjoy preferential market access, the developed world must extend concessions and technical assistance to all of them. Without such concessions, these countries will not be able to create a viable manufacturing base nor break into the global markets. (India Times)
Global Humanitarian Forum to Host Live Web Panel Tomorrow to Discuss Climate Justice Feb 28, 2009
The 50 least developed countries are responsible for less than 1% of global emissions. Conversely, the United States, Europe, Japan, China, India and Russia account for over three quarters of emissions. (PR Newswire)
Regional conference of Science Teachers opens in Koforidua Feb 27, 2009
Mrs Boateng said science and technology were vital for the development of every nation and called for heavy investments in the area to propel least developed countries to catch up with richer nations. She said it was important to encourage the youth to study science in order to man Ghana's emerging oil industry to support the growth of the economy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
