Latest news with #internationalcooperation
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Liberia Secures Seat on United Nations (UN) Global Tax Committee
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), has announced Liberia's inclusion among the newly appointed members of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. This milestone follows the decision of the UN Secretary-General to appoint 25 distinguished tax experts to the Committee, each serving a four-year term ending on June 30, 2029. Representing Liberia on this globally significant body is Mr. Darlingston Y. Talery, a highly respected tax policy specialist and former Commissioner for Domestic Tax at the LRA. Mr. Talery currently heads the Department of Domestic Resource Mobilization at ECOWAS Commission. Mr. Talery's appointment is a major step for Liberia, showcasing the country's growing prominence in global tax policy dialogue and reinforcing its commitment to transparent, fair, and effective tax governance. 'The inclusion of Liberia in this globally significant committee sends a clear message about the capacity, credibility, and growing influence of Liberia's public institutions,' said H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 'This appointment not only recognizes the professional excellence of Mr. Talery but also positions Liberia as an active contributor to the global conversation on fair and inclusive tax systems.' Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, James Dorbor Jallah, hailed the appointment as a proud achievement for the nation and the LRA: 'Mr. Talery's appointment is a proud moment for our institution. It is the result of years of investment in capacity-building and policy innovation. Liberia is ready to contribute meaningfully to international tax cooperation and bring home the benefits of fair global tax practices.' The appointment process followed a communication from the UN Secretary-General, dated November 20, 2024, inviting all 193 UN Member States to nominate qualified candidates. Of the 58 nominations received globally, 25 were appointed, including Liberia's Mr. Talery. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this appointment aligns with the administration's broader goal of increasing Liberian representation in foreign and international organizations. The Ministry is encouraging all Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions to collaborate in identifying and nominating qualified Liberians for such positions, following the example set by the LRA in Talery's nomination. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), acting under its Resolution 2004/69 and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (endorsed by the UN General Assembly in Resolution 69/313), mandates the formation of this Committee to enhance international tax cooperation. The 25-member body comprises experts nominated by Member States and appointed by the Secretary-General in their personal capacities, ensuring diverse geographic representation and a wide range of tax system expertise. Liberia's inclusion marks a milestone for the Government, reflecting the strong partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the LRA. The Government of Liberia considers this recognition as a validation of its efforts to position the country as a proactive voice in shaping global financial and tax policies. The Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters plays a critical role in advancing global tax transparency, combating illicit financial flows, supporting domestic resource mobilization, and improving the coherence of international tax rules. Liberia's representation will ensure that the perspectives and development challenges of African nations particularly those in fragile and post-conflict contexts are effectively represented in the Committee's deliberations. Liberia now joins a diverse group of countries represented on the Committee, including Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, France, India, China, Belgium, Brazil, and Australia, among others. With the support of Liberia's Mission to the United Nations and development partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the LRA reaffirm their commitment to advancing international tax cooperation, promoting equity in global financial systems, and securing Liberia's place as a leader in multilateral development processes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: MSMEDA expands partnership with Japan's JICA to boost youth-led industrial projects
Egypt - Bassel Rahmy, CEO of Egypt's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), has met with Yu Ebisawa, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Egypt, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation aimed at supporting youth-led industrial and productive enterprises. This marks Ebisawa's first official visit to MSMEDA since assuming his post in 2025. The meeting was attended by Raafat Abbas, Deputy CEO of MSMEDA, along with senior officials from both MSMEDA and JICA. Rahmy reaffirmed the agency's commitment to deepening its collaboration with JICA to transfer Japanese expertise to Egyptian industrial enterprises. He stressed the importance of helping small and medium-sized businesses improve production quality, meet international standards, and increase their ability to serve domestic demand and access global markets. This approach, he noted, aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to reduce imports and preserve foreign currency reserves. The discussions also reviewed the progress of an ongoing technical cooperation project between MSMEDA and JICA, which provides business development services to enhance enterprise competitiveness. Current efforts are concentrated in the food processing sector in Minya and the plastics manufacturing sector in Alexandria. Rahmy noted that future cooperation will focus particularly on expanding support for industrial and feeder industries—sectors that play a critical role in integrated value chains and have significant potential for job creation and economic impact. For his part, Yu Ebisawa expressed his appreciation for the strong and productive partnership with MSMEDA and affirmed JICA's readiness to continue and strengthen cooperation in support of small enterprise development and enhanced productivity across Egypt. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Future Economic, Trade, and Investment Relations with British Minister for International Development Between The Two Countries
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a discussion session with Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for International Development, during the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in South Africa. The meetings witnessed extensive discussions on the future of economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in light of their close partnership, as well as joint coordination in international forums to advance efforts to restructure the global financial system and review proposed efforts to restructure the working mechanisms of the United Nations, as well as discussing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. During the meeting, both sides expressed their anticipation of the upcoming visit to Cairo announced by the UK Prime Minister's Office, which will represent a qualitative shift in bilateral Egyptian-British relations, elevating them to a strategic partnership level, in addition to its role in opening up avenues for cooperation across various levels between the two sides. It is also an extension of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, which was announced in 2024. During the meeting, the two ministers agreed on the need to activate the recommendations issued by various international forums to restructure the global financial system, ensuring a more efficient and fair financial architecture, especially for developing countries, achieving greater transparency in financing mechanisms, and expanding concessional financing. They also discussed proposals for restructuring the working mechanisms of the United Nations system to make it more influential in the global economy, emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive coordination and follow-up mechanisms to ensure sustainability and enhance national participation in UN efforts. The meeting witnessed extensive discussions on various aspects of the partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Kingdom, particularly in terms of trade exchange, British investments in Egypt, economic relations, and development cooperation. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt's keenness to develop these relations and build on the pioneering results achieved over the past years, particularly in food security, support for start-ups, and small and medium enterprises. The two sides reviewed frameworks for bilateral cooperation in the field of development finance, the UK's contribution to financing development policies through the World Bank, as well as the role of UK Export Finance (UKEF) which supports project financing in Egypt, and the financing mechanisms provided by British International Investment (BII), which considers Egypt one of its priority markets. In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed preparations for launching the 'National Narrative for Economic Development,' which is an executive program to promote structural transformation in the Egyptian economy toward tradable sectors, encourage foreign direct investment, industrial development, and support labor market and employment. H.E. noted that since March 2024, the government has implemented economic and structural reforms that have contributed to macroeconomic stability and created a favorable investment climate and business environment. The two sides also discussed close cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian National Platform for Green Projects, the 'NWFE' program, which focuses on linking water, food, and energy nexus, particularly through BII and its financing to support energy and green hydrogen projects. In addition to the UK's role in providing support and assistance to global climate funds, represented by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Additionally, the meeting highlighted the launch of the 'Green Growth: Egypt–UK' campaign in June 2025, which will continue until COP30 Climate Conference to accelerate green economy partnerships. Given that the UK is one of the largest investors in Egypt in sectors in the energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, and in light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and UKEF to strengthen investment relations, the two ministers explored the significant role of the Egyptian-British Business Association (BEBA) and the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) in connecting companies, facilitating investment, and enhancing trade exchange between the two countries. For her part, the British Minister emphasized the diverse historical relations between the two countries, which share close ties and cooperation across various fields. H.E. also praised Egypt's significant efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and the role of the Egyptian leadership in delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip, affirming her country's full support for these efforts. She expressed her hope for reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire that would allow safe and regular delivery of aid. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Developments in Joint Economic Relations with Norwegian Minister of International Development and Dutch Deputy Minister of Development
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway. The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation opportunities between the two countries and discussed a number of joint issues. This meeting took place during her representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting and the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Development. These meetings are being held under South Africa's G20 presidency from July 20 to 25, 2025, under the theme "Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality" in South Africa. During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat lauded the Egyptian-Norwegian relations, and noted that the two countries have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties across various sectors, including renewable energy and regional stability efforts. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the extended partnership between the governments of Egypt and Norway has been essential in boosting the economy, developing the renewable energy sector, and creating better opportunities for the Egyptian economy. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt's commitment, with its expanding economy and attractive investment climate, to attracting new foreign partnerships and investments that can drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the most prominent areas of cooperation with the Norwegian side, which include the oil, energy, gas, maritime transport, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors, in addition to fisheries and aquaculture. She noted that Egypt is keen to expand these areas of cooperation, and highlighted that the Egyptian-Norwegian partnership in promoting investments in the renewable energy sector was a central focus of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's historic visit to the Kingdom of Norway in December 2024. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the shared goals and mutual respect characterizing the bilateral relations between Egypt and Norway represent a model for international cooperation that will be built upon in the coming years. She further stated that Norway's commitment to sustainability and international cooperation aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030 and green transformation goals. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries in green hydrogen and renewable energy, which includes several prominent projects. These include a green ammonia production project from green hydrogen, a green methanol production project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in addition to a number of funded projects in various fields. These contribute to creating decent job opportunities for youth in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and promoting health and combating violence against women in Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed Egypt's keenness to involve the private sector, especially in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, maritime industries, and technology. She noted that the country provides a stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and access to key regional markets, making it an ideal gateway for Norwegian and other international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East and Africa. She also referred to the cooperation between Egypt and Scatec, and mentioned that Egypt and Norway have historically strong economic ties, which have translated into tangible projects benefiting both economies. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the new partnerships with Scatec enhance active cooperation between the public and private sectors and development partners, aiming to promote green transformation. She noted Scatec's contribution to the implementation of the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks in the world, and the first green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other partners. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed to the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in continuing to support international partnerships and mobilize local and international financing to promote green transformation in Egypt and increase the number of environmentally friendly projects. She pointed out that the cooperation portfolio with Scatec includes a number of projects under the energy sector of the "NWFE" program, including the green hydrogen project in Egypt, the green ammonia production project in Damietta, the 1 GW solar power project with battery energy storage solutions (BESS), and a 1 GW solar power plant for the aluminum complex in Naga Hammadi. Egyptian-Dutch Relations On another note, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with H.E. Ms. Pascalle Grotenhuis, Netherlands' Vice Minister for International Development, to discuss strengthening Egyptian-Dutch relations and developments in the partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt and the Netherlands have deep-rooted political, cultural, and economic relations spanning several decades. These relations have witnessed significant momentum and growing cooperation at various levels in recent years. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the economic cooperation between the two countries has been an important axis in bilateral relations, with the Netherlands providing over 407 million Euros in development financing to Egypt since 1975. This assistance has contributed to supporting many vital sectors, including agriculture and irrigation, health and social affairs, transport, electricity, housing, tourism, education, and local development. She stated that the Netherlands is one of Egypt's main trading partners within the European continent, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately one billion Euros annually. Both sides aim to expand this cooperation and diversify its areas, especially given the available opportunities for economic integration between the two countries. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the "Orange Corners" program, implemented in cooperation with the Dutch side and the private sector, to support entrepreneurs in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt governorates. After the success of the first three-year phase, the program is now in a new cycle extending from 2024 to 2028, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in achieving inclusive economic growth and providing job opportunities for youth. The two sides also reviewed developments in cooperation in the fields of water and climate following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Egyptian and Dutch governments in October 2024, to enhance cooperation in coastal resource management and adaptation to climate change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Arab News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan pushes for UN-OIC cooperation to counter ‘alarming resurgence' of Islamophobia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday pushed for greater cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN) to counter rising extremism and 'alarming resurgence' of Islamophobia worldwide. As the president of the UN Security Council for July, Pakistan chaired a meeting at the multilateral forum to discuss the cooperation between the OIC and the UN. The briefing was titled: 'Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations.' In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 OIC members states, spearheaded by Pakistan, which designated Mar. 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Speaking at the briefing, Dar noted that the UN-OIC engagement continues to grow, from mediation and political transition to coordinated responses in humanitarian emergency, advocacy on issues of disarmament, development, and protection of religious and cultural heritage. 'Excellencies, nowhere in this cooperation is it more necessary than in encountering the rising tide of extremism, particularly the alarming resurgence of Islamophobia,' Dar said during his address. He added that religious hatred is not only 'morally indefensible,' but also strikes at the very foundation of the UN Charter. The deputy premier noted that the global community's endorsement of Pakistan's initiative to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, followed by the adoption of a resolution leading to the appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia, are 'milestones' that reaffirm the OIC and UN's shared resolve. 'There has long been a strong voice on this issue, and we must further institutionalize its role in global efforts to promote respect, inclusion, and interfaith harmony,' Dar said. Presidential statements are formal expressions of the Security Council's consensus but are not legally binding. They require unanimous approval and are often preceded by complex negotiations. Founded in 1969, the OIC includes 57 member states across four continents and serves as a platform for collaboration on political, economic and social issues affecting Muslim communities worldwide.
