Tag: Regional integration
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Making Africa’s Integration Work for Jobs, Scale, and Structural Change
Introduction: A critical push for regional integration Africa’s regional integration is not just a trade policy—it is a practical framework for creating jobs, unlocking markets at scale, and driving structural change across economies. With the continent welcoming roughly one million new entrants to the labor force each month, the urgency to connect businesses, reduce fragmentation,…
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Unlocking Africa’s Critical Minerals for Broad-Based Prosperity and Global Competitiveness
Introduction: The promise of Africa’s critical minerals Africa sits at a pivotal moment in the global minerals economy. It hosts a wealth of critical resources—lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earths, copper, and more—that are essential to the clean-energy transition, digital technologies, and modern manufacturing. Yet the continent’s potential remains unevenly realized. The question is not just…
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Burkina Faso Ambassador in Ghana Strengthens Education Ties with Courtesy Call on Minister
Diplomatic Courtesy Meeting Targets Education Cooperation The Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, David Kabré, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, signaling renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector. The meeting underscored a shared interest in advancing educational opportunities, improving systems, and fostering regional collaboration that…
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Making Africa’s integration work for jobs, scale, and structural change
Why Africa needs integration now With a continuous influx of one million young Africans entering the labor force each month, the continent faces a common challenge: creating enough productive jobs that can sustain rising expectations. Regional integration offers a clear path to scale, productivity, and structural transformation. By harmonizing rules, improving cross-border trade, and pooling…
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Philippines-UAE Free Trade Pact: A New Era for Trade and Filipino Workers
Overview: A Milestone in Philippines-UAE Economic Ties The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formalized a free trade pact that officials say will broaden market access for goods and services and open more opportunities for Filipino workers in the Middle East. Signed after months of negotiations, the agreement signals a deeper economic partnership…
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Understanding Country Competitiveness: Why It Matters for Namibia
Introduction: Why National Competitiveness Matters In today’s interconnected global economy, a country’s competitiveness isn’t just about macro metrics or headlines. It’s about creating a living environment where businesses can thrive, talent can flourish, and investments translate into sustainable growth for citizens. For Namibia, understanding and improving country competitiveness means better job creation, more innovative industries,…
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MSMEs in the ASEAN Economic Community: Connecting the Blueprint to Real-World Action
Overview: MSMEs at the Core of ASEAN’s Economic Vision Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of most ASEAN economies. As the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 frame a resilient, innovative, and people-centred region, the practical question is how MSMEs translate high-level goals into concrete…
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MSMEs in the ASEAN Economic Community: From Blueprint to Real-World Action
Overview: MSMEs at the Heart of ASEAN Economic Integration Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of ASEAN’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and inclusive growth. As the ASEAN Community moves toward the Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, MSMEs are positioned to translate high-level aspirations into…
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Make Continental Collaboration a Reality
Introduction: A Continent of Opportunity Africa is richly endowed with natural resources both above and below the ground, and it boasts the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. This combination is not a mere cliché; it is a tangible advantage that, if harnessed through continental collaboration, can redefine the continent’s economic trajectory. The question…
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Malaysia-Thailand Border Bridge and Rail Link: A Drive to Deepen Economic Ties Amid Hurdles
Introduction: A corridor that could reshape northern trade The governments of Malaysia and Thailand are pursuing a bold bid to transform a porous northern border into a robust economic corridor. A new border bridge and rail link are at the heart of this plan, designed to shorten transit times, reduce costs, and increase cross-border commerce…