Regional consultation on WCO modernization with the Asia/Pacific region

By |2023-02-09T16:10:47+01:00February 9th, 2023|

On 7 and 8 February 2023, the WCO conducted its sixth and final regional consultation on WCO modernization with the Asia/Pacific (A/P) region. In his opening remarks, the regional Vice-Chair referred to many changes in the international operating environment, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring proper adaptation by the WCO in order to make the

IMF: Global growth will be weak in 2023

By |2023-02-01T15:20:11+01:00February 1st, 2023|

The global economy is set to slow down this year before bouncing back in 2024, a senior official with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said, citing China’s sudden re-opening following the end of its “zero-COVID” policy, and a mild winter, in Europe as factors. More precisely, “Growth will remain weak by historical standards, as the fight

Press Point: Executive VP Dombrovskis and Ambassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative

By |2023-01-19T11:46:28+01:00January 19th, 2023|

In the course of his speech, Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis ensured that much importance is attached to the Transatlantic relationship in Europe, and underlined that both sides want the next Trade and Technology Council to deliver on common pledges to build a “Transatlantic Initiative on Sustainable Trade". Besides, the parties agree to step up TTC work on removing

World Economic Forum – Global Risks Report 2023

By |2023-01-19T11:23:23+01:00January 19th, 2023|

The world faces a set of risks that feel both wholly new and eerily familiar. The Global Risks Report 2023 explores some of the most severe risks we may face over the next decade. As we stand on the edge of a low-growth and low-cooperation era, tougher trade-offs risk eroding climate action, human development and future resilience.

Moving Towards a Transparent, Resilient and Sustainable Chain

By |2022-12-16T13:00:14+01:00December 16th, 2022|

At the moment, chains that are transparent, resilient and actually manageable due to extensive digitalization, with chain partners who create concrete added value separately and jointly,  is still a distant prospect. But companies are taking resolute action to get there. The need for a supply chain transition is widely supported, write evofenedex directors Machiel van

WTO joins call for greener markets and trade logistics to promote low-carbon transition

By |2022-11-14T17:09:01+01:00November 14th, 2022|

On November 10, the WTO and other international organizations organised a side event at the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, titled "Accelerating the Low-Carbon Transition Through Sustainable and Inclusive Trade". The aim was to explore how the transition to low-carbon economies can be a tool for development and support national efforts to achieve their nationally

G20 trade restrictions increasing amidst economic challenges, WTO report highlights

By |2022-11-14T16:57:15+01:00November 14th, 2022|

In a context of economic uncertainty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the food security crisis, G20 economies between mid-May and mid-October 2022 introduced export restrictions at an increased pace, particularly on food and fertilizer, according to the 28th WTO Trade Monitoring Report on G20 trade measures issued on 14 November.

U.S. and Norway launch the Green Shipping Challenge at COP27

By |2022-11-14T11:32:31+01:00November 14th, 2022|

Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector are significant, increasing, and on a trajectory that is not compatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement.  Moreover, the shipping sector is not covered by the Paris Climate Accord, the main topic of conversation at COP27. To help place the sector on a pathway to align with the