Japan Seeks to Remake Asia-Africa Relationship
Acutely aware of China’s strong presence in resource-rich Africa, Japan, the world’s third largest economy, is beefing up its relations with the continent. Participants at a high-level donor conference hosted by Japan this week stressed the need for closer engagement, not through the traditional grants and assistance loans that have hitherto defined the relationship, but rather through trade and investment led by the Japanese private sector.
http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/06/japan-seeks-to-remake-asia-africa-relationship/
Ethiopia's commodity exchange boosts growth
Established in 2008, the ground-breaking ECX has boosted exports in Ethiopia, improved conditions for producers and is now inspiring other countries in resource-rich Africa to set up their own exchanges to ensure they are the main beneficiaries of commodity exports. According to the ECX CEO, the traders previously had little knowledge of international market prices and could only rely on middlemen who pocketed hefty profits by selling on heavily marked up goods, a trend that has been reversed by functional commodity exchange.
Kenya private sector scores highly in World Bank rating
World Bank gives Kenyan’s firms a nod to export manufactured goods to the rest of the region. The World Bank praised Kenya’s private sector saying it is the most vibrant and dynamic in the East African Community (EAC).
The World Bank warns of strong Kenyan shilling
A steady inflow of investors’ dollars in the past 10 years has strengthened the shilling but it has also exposed the economy to external shocks while making exports more expensive according to the World Bank. An analysis by the Bank shows that the Kenyan shilling has gained by more than 34% in real terms over the past decade. Foreign investor interest in Kenya has mainly been through the Nairobi Securities Exchange, mineral exploration, opening of companies and regional offices.
Kenya Grain farmers venture into commercial tree planting
Grain farmers in the North Rift are turning to commercial farm forestry to combat soil degradation and as an alternative source of income and energy. The farmers are cultivating eucalyptus and bamboo to provide fuel and income owing to their fast maturity.
Ugandan Manufacturers want UNBS to act on fake products
The Uganda Manufactures Association is pointing accusing fingers to Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) over its failure to regulate the importation of fake products. The association’s chairperson, Kadu Kiberu sees this as a sign of incompetence in the system saying, the UNBS has failed to put in place measures to check the expiry dates of items on the market, the wrong branding and net weight measurements.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/643580-manufacturers-want-unbs-to-act-on-fake-products.html
No turning back over goods’ pre-inspection
Fake goods have been disastrous to Uganda’s economy, costing the country billions of shillings as the government is denied taxes. Debate over the government’s introduction of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program has been raging until June 1, 2013 when it was effected. PVoC system is an initiative geared at getting rid of substandard and fake goods from the market right from the country of origin. The failure to fight this vice will continue costing the country millions of dollars since Uganda will become a dumping ground for the substandard goods.
China Merchants Holdings to build port and railway network in Tanzania
Tanzania has signed a framework agreement with China Merchants Holdings (International) Co. Ltd for the construction of a new port, special economic zone and railway network that could involve more than $10 billion. The port is expected to relieve pressure on Dar es Salaam. The construction is expected to start after 2015. According to the Tanzania government, the talks with Chinese government were under way on financing of the project.
Post Organic Agriculture Movements OSEA regional cooperation workshop
IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, is the only global organic umbrella organization, uniting more than 800 member organizations in 120 countries. In the framework of its OSEA II Project - Regional cooperation for organic standards and certification capacity in East Africa - IFOAM is organizing a post OSEA regional cooperation workshop in Mombassa/Kenya from May 27 to 29. The workshop will bring together the OSEA Management Committee as well as other selected key stakeholders from the region to develop a clearer vision and strategy for how regional cooperation can be organized and financed post-OSEA.
Time: Monday, May 27, 2013 - 00:00 - Wednesday, May 29, 2013 - 00:00
Food Security Talk takes crucial stage in Kigali Meeting
The chairperson of the committee of agriculture, tourism and natural resources of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Ndahayo Isabelle, has pledged to lobby her committee and the entire Assembly to ensure that issues pertaining to agriculture and, more so, regional upgrading of production, standards and harmonization of the tariffs in the expansive Eastern African region are given top priority to boost food security.
EAFF PROPOSES ENACTMENT OF REGIONAL LAW FOR CO-OPERATIVES IN EASTERN AFRICA
The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF), has proposed the formulation of a regional policy for co-operatives and the enactment of subsequent legislation that deliberately and strategically promotes the development of co-operative societies in the region.
