World bank expects Syria's GDP to grow 1% in 2025
"The easing of sanctions provides some upside potential; however, progress remains limited as frozen assets and restricted access to international banking continue to hinder energy supply, foreign assistance, humanitarian support, and trade and investment," the World Bank said in a statement.
(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
2 hours ago
- The National
UAE says reports of Dh100,000 golden visas for certain nationalities are false
The UAE has denied that golden visas can be purchased for a one-time fee, following widespread claims in Indian media of a scheme said to be aimed at Indian nationals. The statement from the federal immigration department followed a frenzy of reports in Indian media that long-term residency could be purchased for Dh100,000, following a candidate nomination. Some reports claimed the scheme would be extended to Bangladeshi nationals as well. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) described the reports as 'false rumours circulating in the local and international media and websites.' In a statement in Arabic and Urdu, ICP said: 'These claims have no legal basis and were made without referring to the competent authorities in the UAE.' This comes days after a consultancy firm, the Rayad Group, told Indian media that it was part of a pilot programme to launch a new "nomination-based" golden visa to the UAE and termed it a "golden opportunity" for Indian citizens. The company, based in India, claimed Indian applicants would not need to visit Dubai and could get a UAE golden visa for life by paying a one-time Dh100,000 fee. The company told India's PTI news agency that Indian citizens would be assessed on their contribution to the UAE's economy and society, would undergo background checks for money laundering and criminal records. At present, a foreign investor would need to invest at least Dh2 million, usually in property, to qualify. Skilled professionals in key industries can qualify based on qualifications and job role. Legal action warning The ICP warned 'legal action against the parties, websites and entities that published these rumours to unlawfully obtain funds from people desiring to live and reside in the UAE by exploiting their dreams and aspirations for a better life in a safe and secure country.' 'All golden visa requests must be submitted only through official government channels inside the country and there is no internal or external consultancy entity that has the authority to process the golden visa,' the statement said. The Abu Dhabi-based authority urged people desiring to visit, live or invest in the UAE 'not to respond to rumours, false news and never to pay money or provide personal documents to any party, office or agency that claims to provide the golden visa service.' Verify news The National has contacted the Rayad Group but did not receive a response. Earlier this week, UAE authorities denied it was issuing golden visas to cryptocurrency investors after a blockchain technology company suggested on social media platforms that crypto investors had an exclusive opportunity to secure a golden visa by paying a one-time fee. Golden visas are 10-year residency permits given to people including scientists, doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and outstanding students. Holders of golden visas do not need a local sponsor giving them greater flexibility and autonomy. The golden visa also covers spouses, children and parents who enjoy the same benefits as the primary visa-holder.

Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
Building Resilient Food Systems in Sierra Leone: Sustainable Agriculture, Community Empowerment, and Strategic Partnerships for Long-Term Food Security
The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) working with its development partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank, is implementing a Food Systems Resilience Programme. This programme seeks to reduce food and nutrition insecurity and enhance the resilience of food systems for vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone. It focuses on rehabilitating Inland Valley Swamps (IVS) and on restocking livestock. Global Context: Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Food Supply Chains and the Lasting Effects of COVID-19 The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly disrupted production and supply chains, impacting much of Africa and beyond as the two countries are major global producers of commodities such as oil, gas, cereals, oil grains, and fertilizer. Commodity prices for fuel, wheat, oil palm, and fertilizer have soared. This comes on the back of increases in shipping costs and disruption in the global food supply chain due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has kept global food prices higher than pre-pandemic levels. The government developed a Quick Action Food Security Response Plan (QA-FSRP) outlining the much-needed interventions to support the government's ability to respond to potential food security threats from the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It focuses on short-term measures, as well as lays the foundation for medium to long-term investment to boost agriculture productivity. This plan outlines both immediate interventions and lays the foundation for medium- to long-term investments to boost agricultural productivity. Empowering Farmers through Critical Support and Capacity Building The primary objective of this component is to strengthen the legacy Inland Valley Swamps developed by sister projects that are not being properly utilized to intensify rice and vegetable production by rehabilitation. One of the key achievements is the provision of critical agricultural inputs coupled with capacity building to all beneficiaries with technical support from the MAFS Agricultural Engineering division to actualize the rehabilitation and cultivation of 850 ha of Inland Valley Swamp across the six districts in Sierra Leone. This approach warranted the timely completion of cultivation across all the beneficiary farming groups with a huge prospect of high yield during harvest. Another key success story is the introduction of cash-based support to for targeted farmers based on measured work. This approach has empowered farmers to make choices based on their priorities, needs, and preferences, to exercise greater control over their own lives. Lessons learned and Solutions One of the programme's key achievements is the provision of critical agricultural inputs, paired with capacity-building support for all beneficiaries, facilitated by technical assistance from the Agricultural Engineering division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This support enabled the successful rehabilitation and cultivation of 850 hectares of Inland Valley Swamp across six districts in Sierra Leone. The intervention has resulted in timely planting across all beneficiary groups, with promising high yields anticipated during harvest. Additionally, the IVS intervention in peri-urban areas like Bo has mitigated the effects of flooding, thanks to reconstructed waterways and drainage canals. Empowering Farmers with Cash-Based Support A key component of the programme is the conditional cash transfer model, which gave farmers the freedom to buy what they needed most, whether it is medicine, food, schoolbooks, clothes, or many other things. For instance, in one of the IVS sites in the Daru community after the disbursement of cash to farmers, qualitative evidence showed that farmers who successfully received their cash support used some of it to purchase food, pay school fees, buy mobile phones, and pay hospital bills for their children. Community Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Impact The active involvement of community and chiefdom stakeholders makes it easier to organize and establish any structure and create ownership and sustainability. When community members are given the space to act and are involved in the design of the activity, they bring innovative ideas and demonstrate willingness and commitment to see it through. This is visible in this project through the involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, local community members, and district stakeholders in the formal handing over of agricultural inputs, collaboration in project implementation, and involvement in key decision-making platforms such as the project stakeholder engagement and inception workshops. Women and youth have also demonstrated a strong willingness to learn skills and accept changes. Recommendations to Peers Providing training alongside inputs can promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, leading to long-term environmental benefits. Additionally, the involvement of government technical staff in monitoring and training beneficiaries during the IVS rehabilitation and cultivation exercise proved highly valuable. These staff members are expected to maintain a consistent presence in the communities for ongoing monitoring after the project concludes, ensuring continuity. Furthermore, the use of a community-based model, in which beneficiary farming groups were actively involved in the rehabilitation and cultivation of IVS paddy fields is a clear testament to the sustainability of the project. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.


Arabian Business
7 hours ago
- Arabian Business
RTA selects Parsons as project management consultant for Dubai Metro Blue Line
US-based Parsons Corporation, known for its design and delivery across diverse technologies, has been appointed as the project management consultant on the Dubai Metro Blue Line project by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Blue Line, spanning 30km and including 14 stations, is expected to commence operations in 2029. Parsons will provide comprehensive project management services, including design review, procurement support, construction supervision, testing and commissioning oversight, and project handover management. Dubai Metro Blue Line Parsons was involved with the first the Green Line. Apart from that, the Chantilly, Virginia-based company has also delivered projects such as the new Abu Dhabi International Airport and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Dubai Design District. Parsons has also worked with the RTA on the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, the iconic Infinity Bridge, and more than 100 highway, bridge and tunnel projects across the emirate. Pierre Santoni, President, Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons, said: ''We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RTA and are committed to working with their expert team on expanding the Dubai Metro network in line with the RTA's goal to provide seamless, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions that cater to the needs of Dubai's growing population. 'Our team will leverage our 80-plus years of global experience coupled with our local knowledge to deliver a world-class transportation system using the safest methods and most innovative technology available.' Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development, RTA, added: 'We are pleased to appoint Parsons as the project management consultant for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, particularly given the company's extensive and proven experience in delivering projects awarded by the RTA since its establishment in Dubai. Parsons is a key partner in RTA's success and achievements. 'The RTA is committed to working with leading global companies to implement its various projects and initiatives in line with the vision and ambitions of the Government of Dubai to make the Emirate the smartest and happiest city in the world. 'The RTA also strives to play an active role in achieving this vision, which is based on excellence, innovation, and future foresight, while leveraging advanced technologies in the field of smart and sustainable transportation.' The Metro Blue Line will enhance connectivity between key districts, including Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour, and Festival City. Upon completion, the line is expected to accommodate up to 320,000 passengers per day. Established in 1944, Parsons has a regional presence for over 65 years. It has worked with more than 400 rail and transit clients globally, managing complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion.