In an effort to take commodities from a long period of virtual oblivion to the centre of poverty reduction strategies, a “Global Initiative on Commodities” is being taken that brings together governments, NGOs and private sector representatives at a conference in Brasilia from 7 to 11 May. The initiative is spearheaded by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group). WDEV reports.
Out of 144 developing countries 86 depend on commodities for more than half of their export earnings. Half of the total export income of 38 countries derives from a single commodity, while another 48 countries depend on only two commodities. New opportunities – but also new challenges – opened up for developing countries with the rapidly increasing demand witnessed in recent years for oil, other minerals and agricultural products ... ... this article coming up in Issue 3/May-Jun 2007 is for subscribers only. For direct log in >>> click here.If you have no subscription >>> pick an option or >>> buy the article.
Race to a New Bretton Woods + Time for UN to Act + Stiglitz' New Economic Compact + China's Agrarian Reforms + Transparency Deficit of IMF and World Bank
Since the financial meltdown began in mid-September, the bond markets of most of the region have been hit, as well as most of their stock markets and a number of currencies. Can South America escape the wrath of the economic and financial storms that have their epicenter in the United States?
On 11 October 2008, the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IWG) released the Generally Accepted Principles and Practices (GAPP) that would guide the governance and accountability framework of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).
For years, only a small and enlightened elite and some NGOs looking beyond their tiny projects have been calling for a New Bretton Woods - a global conference to restructure the global economic and financial system. Yet suddenly such demands have become almost mainstream, and developments have accelerated tremendously.
The timing has been perfect: In the middle of October, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China approved a reform proposal that will allow farmers to lease or transfer their land rights. Called a "historic" decision by some observers, the Chinese government announced it as Chinas contribution to counter the financial crisis.
The 2008 US Presidential election was historic itself owing to the candidates' profile. But the timing of the elections as the U.S. and global economy are in the midst of the worst financial crisis and recession in decades reminds us of the Great Depression era and the 1980s recession.