On December 1st, Dutch and India representatives from both the government and the business sector gathered to celebrate India’s decision to invite the Netherlands as a guest country in the upcoming G20, which New Delhi will preside. The gathering was an important occasion to promote business and investment relations between the two countries.
On December 1st, 2022, India officially inaugurated its Presidency of the G20, a group of powerful countries that together represent around 85% of the world’s GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. In its role as G20 President, the Indian government decided to invite the Netherlands as a guest country – a proof of the strong political and economic partnership enjoyed by the two countries. To celebrate this occasion – as well as to further stimulate bilateral economic ties – the Embassy of India in the Netherlands organized a symposium on business and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The event took place on December 1st at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, and saw the participation of around 125 guests. The Indian Embassy was represented by H.E. Ambassador Reenat Sandhu. In addition, Ms. Ravneet Mann – Vice-President of Invest India, the agency in charge of promoting investment in the country – also flew all the way from New Delhi in order to attend the event. While the majority of the Dutch guests were business representatives, the symposium also featured the presence of representatives of the Dutch government.
Audience during the India-Netherlands symposium on business and investment opportunities.
The event started with opening remarks from Ambassador Sandhu, who voiced her government’s priority for the forthcoming G20 Presidency. “India is taking charge of the G-20 at a time when we are witnessing geopolitical tensions and experiencing economic uncertainty, rising food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions and ill effects of the pandemic. In this challenging time, the world is looking at the G20 with hope. Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that India’s G20 Presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive, and action-oriented. The theme of our G20 Presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, symbolizes hope and our goal to bring the world together for global good.”
The Ambassador went on to explain the specific priorities that India plans to adopt during its Presidency, reflecting on the synergies that these priorities create with bilateral cooperation efforts between her country and the Netherlands. “Sustainable lifestyles, circular economy, accelerating SDGs, food security, digital heath, energy transition, use of digital technology for development and inclusion, women led development, start-ups & innovation will be among the top priorities of India’s G20 Presidency. It is interesting that these themes also resonate in our bilateral agenda of cooperation. India and the Netherlands have identified Water, Agriculture & Health, as three priority sectors of our cooperation” – the Ambassador explained, laying out some of the specific bilateral cooperation efforts ongoing in these domains.
Ambassador Sandhu, at the business event focusing on opportunities for trade and investment in India.
Ambassador Sandhu also praised India’s economic potential and the opportunities that the country’s economy offers for Dutch businesses. “Today, India is working at more speed and scale than ever before. India is now the 5th largest economy in the world with a large talented pool of skilled manpower.
The ease of doing business in India has vastly improved. A massive push is being given to infrastructure development and to creating an efficient logistics network. Our ‘Make in India’ programme also aims to ‘Make for the World’ and presents ample opportunities for investment and joint ventures for Dutch companies.”
Ms Ravneet Mann, Vice President, Invest India speaking on the Indian growth story and the opportunities for partnership.
The Ambassador’s contribution was followed by that of Ravneet Mann, who explained some of the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to promote trade, investment and a business friendly environment. Invest India’s Vice-President also laid out some of the opportunities for investing in India, and invited Dutch companies to invest in the country.
This contribution was compounded by those of representatives from different Dutch ministries (specifically those of economic affairs and climate policy, infrastructure and water management, foreign affairs, and agriculture), as well as by speakers from the private sector (representing Royal Philips and Poonawalla Science Park). The speakers praised the current state of cooperation between India and the Netherlands, reflecting on existing opportunities to further strengthen this partnership.
Mr. Michiel Sweers, Deputy Director-General for Enterprise & Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy speaking on bilateral cooperation in the area of technology and innovation.
Overall, the event celebrated and cemented the solid bilateral economic ties enjoyed by the two countries. The Netherlands is now India’s 4th largest trading partner in Europe, with total bilateral trade exceeding USD 17 billion in 2021-22. The Netherlands is also the largest export destination for Indian goods in Europe, and in 2022 it has become the 3rd largest export destination for Indian goods in the whole world.
Investment ties are also very strong: the Netherlands is the 4th largest investor in India, with USD 42 billion worth of investments, while also being the 4th largest destination for Indian overseas direct investment (ODI), worth USD 22 billion. More than 350 Indian companies have a presence in the Netherlands, and a similar number of Dutch companies are present in India.
After this fruitful event, this number is likely to increase further.
So many unique experiences within hours of landing at the airport!
Referred to as ¨Bridge of the World¨ (Puente del Mundo) and ¨Heart of the Universe¨ (Corazón del Universo), Panama is a country to be discovered! Panama achieved a remarkable 30% protected marine area and 32% protected land mass by 2021, becoming one of a handful of countries to meet the 30 x 30 ODS goals 9 years ahead of time!
Panama’s Corredor de Coiba allows for the protection of an ecosystem that is one of the last major refuges for rare and endangered species of tropical America. Although the yearly average temperature of 27 degrees varies only slightly, from December to April rainfall is unusual and it is dry, while May through November is humid and a daily tropical downpour is almost guaranteed but sandwiched between sunshine before and after.
With a direct flight departing from Amsterdam, you arrive to a city that amazes most first-time visitors with its unexpected skyline. Panama City, capital of the Republic of Panama, is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, resembling Miami or New York.
Although we have countless beaches, mountains and exotic adventure, it is highly recommended that time be spent in the dynamic city of Panama. Panama City is home to the ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the first Spanish establishment on the Pacific, which is separated from Casco Viejo (the renown historic district) by 5 world class shopping malls, the banking and financial center, many architectural wonders, multi-cultural neighborhoods and restaurants offering a varied gastronomic experience, all within a distance of 14 kilometers.
Casco Viejo, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1997, is the historic area composed of picturesque brick-paved streets with renovated buildings on either side. Walking around or relaxing in one of its numerous plazas, discovering history, boutique shopping or enjoying the evening rooftops attracts both locals and foreigners alike.
A short hike up Cerro Ancón gives you a magnificent view of Casco Viejo, the city, the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal and Taboga island, called Isla de las Flores (island of flowers). Taboga is a beautiful and relaxing day trip that is accessible only 30 minutes away by ferry boat.
You can head west or east from the city depending on what experience you seek. Daily flights depart from the smaller airports but most destinations are connected by road. To the east you head towards the most remote province, commonly called the Darien Gap, as it is a primary forest considered the most important “natural lung” in the Americas. This protected area contributes to Panama’s being one of three carbon negative countries in the world.
The Comarca de Guna Yala (previously known as San Blas), is home to the Gunas, the first indigenous group to gain autonomy in Latin America. The reservation, comprised of its mainland as well as 365 islands in the Caribbean, is known for its beautiful pristine white beaches surrounded by turquoise water, its warm sea breeze and waving palms, the indigenous cultural tourism, kayaking, snorkeling, and ocean-to-plate gastronomy.
Guna Yala is certainly worth a visit if you seek a once in a lifetime experience in paradise!
Men playing drums and women performing congo dances at San Lorenzo spanish colonial fortress. Chagres, Colon province, Panama, Central America.
However, if you choose to go west, upon crossing one of several bridges over the Canal, you venture into a reality that includes secondary cities, small villages and numerous beaches with warm tropical waters and a range of sand that goes from almost black to white. Restaurants or side of the road “fondas” serving traditional food are very reasonably priced and delicious. You can enjoy a number of folkloric festivities primarily between January and April.
El Valle, Panama.
A mere 2 hours away from the bustling city life, you can also visit El Valle de Anton, a micro climate utopia. El Valle is the largest continually inhabited volcanic crater in the world with an average temperature of 22 degrees. El Valle offers endless possibilities of adventure, horse-back riding, relaxation, flora and fauna appreciation, outdoor market shopping or simply enjoying the gastronomical variety.
The weather is usually perfect for a hike along the numerous trails, or a canopy tour after wandering through the jungle enjoying the splendor of the waterfall and the river. There is nothing comparable to an afternoon walk while listening to the sounds of the surrounding wildlife. Hiking up Cerro Gaital you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, a unique experience that only Panama can offer.
Palm tree islands and thatched houses. San Blas archipelago, Caribbean, Panama, Central America.
Chiriqui is the most westward province. Located here is the Baru Volcano, the tallest mountain in Panama at almost 3,500 meters. Because of the fertile soil it has provided over centuries, this province is known for agriculture. Our Geisha coffee stands out worldwide as the most expensive coffee sold at auctions, year after year. The Circuito del Café (coffee farm tour) is equaled only by the wine tours in Europe or Australia. Chiriqui is known as Little Switzerland and its beauty is breathtaking. You can enjoy bird watching, hiking, river rafting, and so much more.
A drive or short flight will transport you from Chiriqui to the province of Bocas del Toro. Bocas, a brightly colored and laid-back Caribbean city, is a combination of races, ethnicities and religious groups. A magical feeling of being lost in time permeates as you stroll the streets or travel by water taxi. The unrivaled natural beauty of Bocas is to be enjoyed while walking or biking, eating or reading a book under a palm tree.
Panama City, Panama
Be it the historic center, mountain trails, the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea, volcano craters, lush tropical rainforests that house 10% of all known bird species, farmland or laid-back living, it is all within reach in a few hours. Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific over a cup of coffee and set in the Atlantic with a cocktail in hand while the Panamanian people welcome you during your journey!
Panama, the undiscovered country to LIVE FOR MORE!
Arusha, The Hague, 8 December 2022 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, in New York. It was their first meeting since Judge Gatti Santana assumed the presidency of the Mechanism on 1 July 2022.
The Secretary-General started by welcoming President Gatti-Santana, and reiterating his ongoing and strong support to the important work and mandate of the Mechanism.
In turn, President Gatti Santana conveyed to the Secretary-General her gratitude for the trust placed in her as President of the Mechanism. She also expressed her utmost appreciation for his continuous backing of the Mechanism and outlined the priorities of her presidency. President Gatti Santana then provided the Secretary-General with an update on the progress made with respect to the Mechanism’s judicial workload, including the ongoing trial of Félicien Kabuga.
The President also explained a number of challenges encountered by the Mechanism, in particular related to the enforcement of sentences and the eight acquitted and released persons relocated to Niger. Finally, President Gatti Santana emphasised the importance of the legacy of the Mechanism and assured the Secretary-General that she is committed to advancing the achievements of the international criminal justice system.
President Gatti Santana is currently in New York to present the twenty-first progress report of the Mechanism to the United Nations Security Council on 12 December 2022.
Understanding China Better through the 20th CPC National Congress
By H.E. Mr. Tan Jian, Ambassador of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
As the most populous country and the second biggest economy in the world, China is moving forward like a giant ship. To understand where this ship is heading, one may ask the captain at the helm, the governing party of China.
In mid-October, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has come to a successful conclusion in Beijing. This Congress, once in every 5 years, was held at a critical time when the world is changing in ways like never before. It is therefore of special significance and has attracted worldwide attention.
The most important outcomes of the Congress include the election of a new central leadership with Xi Jinping as the General Secretary, and the adoption of the Report delivered by Xi Jinping. Here are some highlights.
China in the past decade: Great changes
The Congress has summarized the progress in 16 aspects over the past ten years, with many historical achievements.
On economic development, China’s GDP has doubled, now accounting for 18.5 percent of the world economy. China has ensured food and energy security for its more than 1.4 billion people. China has excelled in building a modern infrastructure system, including the world’s largest networks of high-speed railways and expressways, numerous airports and sea ports, water conservancy and energy projects, etc.
On social development, China has lifted 100 million people out of poverty and resolved the problem of absolute poverty, an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of China and that of the world. It has worked continuously to ensure people’s access to childcare, education, employment, medical services, elderly care, housing, and social assistance, thus bringing about an all-around improvement in people’s lives. China’s life expectancy has reached 78.2 years.
On environment protection, China has acted on the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. It is leading the world in developing renewable energy, and its installed capacity of wind, solar, hydro and biomass power accounts for more than one third of the world’s total. China has made solid progress in promoting green, circular, and low-carbon development, its ecological conservation systems have been remarkably improved.
On opening up, China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions. It is the world’s top trader in goods, a major destination for global investment and a leading country in outbound investment. China has worked to build a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas and accelerated the development of pilot free trade zones. China has been advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, making it a public good and a cooperation platform.
Blueprint for the Future: Chinese modernization
The Congress has set up the centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects by 2049, the year marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Chinese modernization is through the path of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. This is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development. It prioritizes high-quality, green and people-centered development.
China will set store by high-quality development and market economy. It will continue to build a high standard socialist market economy, working to see that the market plays the decisive role in resource allocation and that the government better plays its role, putting in place new systems for a higher-standard open economy. China will foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized.
China will accelerate the transition to a model of green development. China has declared that it aims to realize the goal of carbon emissions peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. It means that China will achieve the largest reduction in carbon intensity the world has ever seen, and move from carbon peaking to carbon neutrality within the shortest time in world history. This is a tall order which entails a broad and profound systemic socio-economic transformation.
China will follow a Chinese path of human rights development, actively participate in global human rights governance, provide better protections for human rights, and promote all-around advancement of human rights.
China’s foreign policy: Dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit
The world has undergone profound changes. The deficit in peace, development, security, and governance is growing. The goals of China’s foreign policy are to uphold world peace and promote common development. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, with a view to promoting a human community of a shared future. It is in this spirit that China has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
On peace, China is committed to building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice. China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. It stays true to the principle of equality of all countries big or small, strong or weak, and rich or poor, and it respects the development paths and social systems independently chosen by all the world’s peoples.
On Security, China is committed to a world of universal security through collaboration and shared benefits. China pursues a defensive national defense policy. It stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards. No matter what stage of development it reaches, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism.
On development, China is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world and pursues a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. It strives to create new opportunities for the world with its own development. China opposes protectionism, the erection of “fences and barriers”, decoupling, disruption of industrial and supply chains, unilateral sanctions, and maximum-pressure tactics. It stands ready to work with other countries to foster an international environment conducive to development and create new drivers for global growth.
On cooperation, China is committed to a world of common prosperity through mutually beneficial cooperation, to an open and inclusive world through exchanges and mutual learning, and to a clean and beautiful world through green and low-carbon development. China will get actively involved in global governance in response to climate change. It adheres to the right course of economic globalization. It strives to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, advance bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, and boost international macroeconomic policy coordination. It is prepared to invest more resources in global development cooperation. China will continue to contribute to narrowing the North-South gap, supporting and assisting other developing countries in accelerating development.
On global governance, China upholds true multilateralism, promotes greater democracy in international relations, and works to make global governance fairer and more equitable. China is firm in safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Messages: Certainty and consistency in its policy, more opportunities for and contribution to the world
The future policy of China put forward by the Congress could be characterized by 3 Cs — clarity, certainty and consistency, which is a major contribution to the much-needed stability of the global economy.
China pursues peaceful development as its paramount task. This is determined by what the Congress called the primary challenge facing China, namely, the gap between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life. In other words, while China will of course defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests as an independent nation, it has no interest whatsoever in geopolitical competition, to replace any country or rival for hegemony.
China’s development is a significant contribution to the prosperity of the world. Over the past decade, China has contributed an average of 30% to global growth annually. China will expand its opening-up. In the next 15 years, the middle-income group in China is expected to expand from 400 million to 800 million. China will turn its super-sized market into enormous opportunities for the world.
China will continue to take strong actions in ecological conservation and environmental protection. On climate change, it is one thing for countries and regions to announce their respective goals; another to implement. China takes its commitment seriously and means what it says. The international community could request countries to show their annual report cards for people around the world to see who have delivered and who are the problems.
China is part of the solution. The world today is faced with severe challenges and uncertainties. China’s development helps build not only a better China, but also a better world.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between China and the Netherlands. The two countries have achieved a lot over the past 50 years. China’s blueprint for future development will be a boost to the Sino-Dutch relations, providing more cooperation opportunities in economic, social, environmental and many other sectors. As President Xi Jinping pointed out in his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte in G20 of 2022, the most valuable experience for this relationship is the commitment to openness and pragmatism. China and the Netherlands could achieve more in the next 50 years.
The Diplomatic Magazine invited Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) for an interview on the aftereffects of the war on the developing countries and possible responses that The Hague community could expect to pursue globally.
DM: In some of your remarks recently, it seems CFC have been urging its member states to pay greater attention to the impact of the Ukraine war on developing countries. The War is in Europe. Why would the developing countries be so concerned?
MD: Thanks Dr. De Lara. It is a pleasure to speak to Diplomatic Magazine (DM). I (MD) am happier to see that you chose, very rightly, to focus on the aftereffects of war on the developing countries as well. Indeed, the irony of this war is that the devastations of this war doesn’t stop at the border of Europe.
While our hearts go out for those paying the prices of this absurdity with their lives in Ukraine, we are equally concerned, indeed shocked, to see how this war is wreaking havoc on the developing world. I wish I can make you talk to a vendor in my home country Dhaka or one in Dakar, Senegal. You would see the discussions are around inflation, hunger, famine, fuels, or lack of medicine.
The Russian war in Ukraine is a major event in our lifetime. It is perhaps the most dangerous international incident since the Cuban missile crisis. Yes, there were pre-existing vulnerabilities. The war came at a time when the global economy is still in the grip of a pandemic and in the midst of inflationary pressures, which are likely to intensify, especially if the war is protracted.
Commodity markets have been thrown into disarray since February when war begun. The war has boosted prices and cut off supply, creating a harrowing environment for consumers of raw materials but the perfect conditions for trading houses. Because of supply bottlenecks created by this war, the world of commodities divided into two parts.
One, the developing country people paying a staggering high price for the essentials they ought to buy. The other part is the big businesses in the North making hefty profit. One commodity business recently published that its marketing division will record profits “comfortably” above the top end of its $2.2 billion to $3.2 billion guidance range this year [1]
Commodity traders, who transport the world’s resources, have been able to profit from the volatility, arbitraging cargoes through the web of sanctions and supply disruptions to keep material flowing. “What we’ve always found is that in times of high volatility, high prices and high volume is when we have the opportunity to make the most money,” one Executive of a big commodity business house boasted recently. [2]
Soaring food and fuel prices already affecting the most vulnerable in the developing countries, putting pressure on the poorest households which spend the highest share of their income on food, resulting in hardship and hunger. With more money needed to buy those essential commodities, developing countries deficits and debt stress could blow up to a level putting more people to poverty and hunger. This will add to their external imbalances and concerns about inflation persistence and the path of their public debt. The Ukraine conflict will not only be devastating for countless Ukrainians, but also for millions of vulnerable people elsewhere.
DM: Could you be little specific in which way this war is hurting countries beyond Europe and how?
MD: This is a great question. The war in Ukraine threatens to cause lasting damage to the economies of low- and middle-income countries, pushing millions of people into poverty and tipping dozens of countries into a debt crisis. This not CFC, but the World Bank has warned. High commodity prices, collapsing trade growth, rising interest rates and a stronger US dollar will exacerbate fiscal pressures in many countries, making it harder for net importers in particular to service mounting debts.
As you asked me to be specific, among many, let me draw attention of your readers into three major areas, that we consider, will be hit particularly hard by the Ukraine effect.
First, supply shock. As we all now know, more than before, that both Ukraine and Russia are a big part of these global grain, oils, fuel, and fertilizer markets. They provide some of the most essential commodities. These are things that people can’t do without.
According to UNCTAD, both Ukraine and Russia are global players in agri-food markets, representing 53% of global trade in sunflower oil and seeds and 27% in wheat. As many as 25 African countries, including many least developed countries, import more than one third of their wheat from the two countries at war. For 15 of them, the share is over half.
When we talk about commodities, people tend to think more about Russia than Ukraine. But Ukraine itself is a big player in the world commodity market. So it’s the number one exporter of sunflower seeds. It’s the fourth largest exporter of wheat with a 10 percent share, and it’s the fifth largest exporter of corn with a seven percent share. On the other side, Russia is a commodities giant. And it’s the biggest exporter of wheat. It accounts for a quarter of the market for natural gas, nearly 20 percent of the market for coal. Fourteen percent of the market for platinum. And more than 10 percent of the market for crude oil.
Secondly, a good part of the money that were earmarked for development may finds its way into the battlefield of destruction or better prepared to destroy next time. Donor budgets are facing immense pressure to reallocate funding in response to the colossal human cost of Ukraine’s conflict. Some donors are reportedly pulling funding from aid budgets in other regions to fill the gaps, which will have significant consequences for millions. We are so busy, rightly though, with the Ukraine that we hesitate to remind our member states about the worsening circumstances in the Yemen, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and the likes. They deserve our attention too. The Hague community can help us to remind our member states precisely that. We are all in this together.
Third, forces of deglobalization are much empowered and energized after this war. Please recall that the forces of globalization are already at a stress since the pandemic. Western countries have responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with sanctions and extensive military support to the Ukrainians, while NATO is working for more funding for defense preparedness. At the same time, US-China tensions remain high. Fears of a global conflict are growing. The last thing we wish to see is any event that could spark a military confrontation beyond the borders of Ukraine. The Financial times recently hosted a webinar on “Are we on the path to World War Three?” This is too dangerous for both the developing and the developed countries as the concept of “comparative advantage” will be replaced by the forces of geo-politics.
DM: Please tell us why commodities became such a big part of this war? The recent compromise on Black Sea Grain deal is any good for the developing world?
According to FAO, in March 2022, world food prices reached an all-time high, with fuel prices up 86% and fertilizer prices up 35% from just two years prior. World Food Program accounted for 50 million people in 45 countries teetering on the edge of famine. Even in a high-income country like the United States, 2.4 million people are severely food insecure.
Of the total number of undernourished people in 2020 (768 million): 282 million live in Africa, 418 million in Asia, and 60 million in Latin America and the Caribbean. Nearly one in three people in the world (2.37 billion) did not have adequate food in 2020 – an increase of almost 320 million people in just one year.[3]
CFC is small yet would like to remind the humanity that without fairness to those 570 million smallholder households, or about two billion people engaged in the production of food and other essential commodities like coffee, cocoa, cotton etc., there may not be enough food to feed, dress to wear, chocolate to eat. This is why CFC is working towards commodity value chains, which is much shorter, transparent, and traceable so that our smallholders get what is rightfully due to them. As we speak, they receive laughingly little sum to what they produce with their toil and sweat.
The Hague could help us to do it with more innovations and scale. We need good research to make the conscious consumers, of Gen-Z and the likes, much aware about what they eat or what they wear. Poverty alleviation is everyone’s mission. We truly wish to help our producers making the consumers aware so that they can ask the brands and business for the fairness that is sadly missing now.
DM: We are aware that with your mission to alleviate poverty, CFC have been investing the most in Africa. Is it because that Africa is rich in commodities or Africa has the highest number of people in poverty? Overall, how do you see this war would affect Africa?
MD: Your question has two parts. First, why we pay such a high degree of attention to Africa? And how the narrative of African resource curse could be transformed into blessings for all. Right?
In response to your first part of the question, Africa remains a matter of our utmost attention for a host of reasons. It is not only the continent of future, it is also the continent that will provide most of the CEOs of Fortune 500 in the not-too-distant future. If we don’t invest in Africa, we will continue to see that commodities will only serve the interests of the biggies, not the smallholders and SMEs (Small and medium enterprises).
Africa’s youth population is set to double by 2030, which presents a great opportunity to increase the consumer demand for new products and services. Currently 1 in 3 Africans is aged between 15-29 and approximately 40% are under-employed. We would like to see those youth take a better care of their commodities and thereby turn the so called “resource curse” into a true blessings for all. If young Africans could have access to a job in the ongoing African Continental Free Trade regime and an opportunity to use their talent and creativity, these young consumers could be the next big wave of market opportunities for products made in Africa.
On the issue of “resource curse”, we are hopeful. Africa is changing. They started discussing on value addition to what they produce in a way that we haven’t seen before. We see the President of African Development Bank Group H.E. Mr.Akinwumi A. Adesina tweeting this:
Quote:
“Africa’s prosperity must no longer depend on exports of raw materials but on value-added finished products…Across Africa, we need to turn #cocoa beans into chocolate, cotton into textiles and garments…” [4]
Unquote:
If Africa can take care of their own resources, the world will be better placed to achieve the SDGs and all other derivatives that you can ask for.
Therefore with sharpened focus on Africa, here in the CFC, we are asking countries in the Latin Americans, China, India and others to come forward to collaborate each other to learn from your best practices and even from their failures. We are also urging our United Nations entities like UNCTAD, FAO, WTO etc. to look into the commodity value chains so that they can work for both the producers and consumers.
As we speak, because of war, inflation is wreaking havoc across the developing world. For millions of people in the developing world, their calculation of finance got upside down because of this war.
Let me give you a very recent example. Zambia, a very commodity rich yet a least developed country, has been trying to negotiate a debt restructuring for nearly a year and a half, since November 2020. Zambia was compelled to seek this restructuring as almost 70 percent of their revenues would go to servicing debt if it resumed payments on schedule. Yes, you heard it right. Seventy percent. Likewise, Zambia, there are many countries that are experiencing similar or more pain. As the world now gradually going into the discussion of debt restructuring for Ukraine and so on, we should be thinking about all these other countries that really do need debt relief.
To cap it off, we urge the international community, through your esteemed magazine, to make finance easier, cheaper, and de-risked as much as they can if they wish to put both the developing and the developed world on the growth trajectory for a world past the shocks of the pandemic, war, and the effects of climate change.
DM: We got a sense on why commodities became such a big part of this war. But please tell us how the recent compromise on Black Sea Grain deal is any good for the developing world?
MD: Let me , first, begin by thanking the United Nations and its Secretary General Mr Antonio Guterres for his leadership to work out this much needed deal. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, was set up to reintroduce vital food and fertilizer exports from Ukraine to the rest of the world.
Since the war in Ukraine begun, exports of grain from Ukraine, as well as food and fertilizers from Russia, have been significantly hit. The disruption in supplies pushed soaring prices even higher and contributed to a global food crisis.
CFFC Sheikh Mohammed Belal War in Ukraine and casualties beyond the shore of Europe
As could be seen from the infographic, around 25 per cent of the cargo has gone to low and lower-middle income countries. Egypt (8 per cent), India and Iran (4 per cent each), Bangladesh, Kenya and Sudan (2 per cent each), Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti (1 per cent each), and Tunisia (less than one per cent). Because of this deal, poor people in need are the most benefited ones as it helps to calm markets, and limit food price inflation.
What you may not see is, what I call, double jeopardy of the smallholders. Because of the rise in the price, they hardly, if at all, see any substantive increase in the receipt of their income. When the high price of cocoa, for example, reaches back to the cocoa farmers, it is not enough to meet the increased cost of inputs, like fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, chemicals they must buy. So, the smallholders lose out on both ways-the double jeopardy. (Please read the “COVID in COCOA” at the end of this interview).
DM: We discussed a lot of commodity issues while we remain focused on diplomats and diplomacy. We thank you for bringing this new dimension which, we believe, our readers may find interesting. Do you have any concluding thoughts?
MD: Firstly, we thank the Diplomat Magazine to speak commodities. It is poor people’s life. It is poverty alleviation. None of us will have the comfort of living in peace leaving those two billion commodity producers in poverty and hunger. So, we thank you for making this possible. We would like to thank the Diplomat Magazine for embracing grassroots when you publish interviews like “Green Hydrogen: A Promising Future For Chile And The World” or “Perspectives On The Cocoa Sector in Ghana”.
So, please keep speaking commodities, doing commodities as a voice to those two billion people who are feeding us. I thank you.
CFC is an UN affiliated international financial organizations mandated to ease the trap of commodity dependence globally. With 101 member states and 9 institutional members, CFC is headquartered in Amsterdam. Following sustainability roadmap, CFC has been working to make the commodity value chains work for both the producers and the consumers. With its focus on smallholders and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the commodity producing developing countries, CFC have been working to bring innovations in the commodity value chains in a way so that smallholders could increase both their income and productivity in a climate and gender friendly way. CFC’s investments helped a good many smallholders and SMEs be the part of global value chains and thereby lifting them from the pit of poverty.
Tuesday, 22 November 2022, Berlin, Bellevue Palace, Germany: German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier received the letters of credence from Omani top envoy Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi.
She was subsequently received for a bilateral conversation with the German head of state focusing on the legacy of His Majesty The Sultan of Oman‘s official visit to Germany, wherein the latter was received by both, the Federal President and the Federal Chancellor, mid-July of the present year.
At the time His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said was accompanied by a business delegation that advanced economic opportunities across various sectors, particularly in alternative energy, capitalizing on Oman’s natural resources including hydrogen, solar and wind power.
Previous to her ambassadorship, Maitha Al Mahrouqi served in the capacity as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for eleven years. Therein she was responsible for the oversight of the ministry’s strategic ambitions to drive economic growth through tourism. She also sat on a number of boards of directors and committees in ministries, governmental entities and companies with financial and economic legislative mandates.
Ambassador Al Mahrouqi began her professional career in the aviation sector, working for Gulf Air, and becoming the youngest General Manager in the airline’s history. Thereafter she moved on to serve the country’s national carrier, Oman Air, as Country Manager, transforming the Oman office into a main hub for the airline.
Maitha Al Mahrouqi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and Arabic, and will also be in charge of relations vis-à-vis the Nordic countries from the Omani embassy in Germany.
She was awarded the Oman’s Civil Order (3rd Class) in 2015 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said.
Judicial and law enforcement authorities in Romania, with the support of several other countries, have dismantled an organised crime group (OCG) suspected of money laundering and CEO/BEC fraud. The volume of transactions is believed to exceed EUR 70 million.
Eurojust and Europol supported the investigation, which led to the detention of nine suspects and the seizure of over EUR 5 million worth of assets. Eurojust supported the judicial cooperation and coordination with more than 20 countries and assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
The suspects allegedly set up companies in Romania and subsequently, within a very short period of time, opened bank accounts for these companies where consistent and successive transfers from various foreign companies were being conducted. The investigation showed that the money in these transfers came from fraudulent activities, including CEO/BEC fraud.
CEO/BEC fraud occurs when an employee authorised to make payments is tricked by a fraudster into paying a fake invoice or making an unauthorised transfer out of the business account. The perpetrators often impersonate a high-ranking figure within the company (e.g. the CEO or CFO).
The amount of the money transferred by the criminal network is estimated at over EUR 70 million. Some of the bank transfers involved more than EUR 3 million per transaction.
In an action day on 6 December, nine suspects were detained in Romania and one was placed under judicial control. A total of 24 house searches were carried out, 13 in Romania, 7 in the Republic of Moldova and 4 in Sweden. The total value of the seized assets is over EUR 5 million.
The case was opened at Eurojust at the request of the Romanian authorities in September 2019. A JIT was established in June 2020 between Romania and Ukraine, and extended to Italy in June 2021. More than 20 countries, including EU Member States and third countries, have been involved in the investigation.
Eurojust facilitated the judicial cooperation and provided extensive support for the coordinated investigative efforts. The Agency hosted four coordination meetings and facilitated the transmission and execution of many European Investigation Orders (EIOs) and requests for mutual legal assistance.
Europol facilitated the exchange of information between law enforcement authorities.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism – Central Structure; General Inspectorate of Romanian Police –Directorate for Combating Organised Crime
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bologna; Postal and Communications Police Service
Ukraine: Prosecutor’s Office General; Dnipropetrovsk region Prosecutor’s Office; Kryvyi Rih’s Central local Prosecutor’s Office; Main Department National Police of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region – Police Division № 4 of Police Local Department; Cyber Police Department National Police of Ukraine – Cybercrimes combating Office in Dnipropetrovsk region
Republic of Moldova: Specialised Prosecutor Office on Combating organised crimes and Special Causes
Sweden: National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime
The International Criminal Court and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain have concluded an Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences. Under the agreement, persons convicted by the ICC may serve sentences of imprisonment in Spain if so decided by the Court and accepted by the Government of the Kingdom of Spain.
On 8 December 2022, the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, and H.E. María Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, signed the agreement during the plenary session on cooperation at the twenty-first session of the Assembly of States Parties in The Hague.
The Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty, provides that sentences of imprisonment imposed by the ICC “shall be served in a State designated by the Court from a list of States which have indicated to the Court their willingness to accept sentenced persons”.
In expressing the Court’s appreciation for Spain’s commitment and long-standing support, President Piotr Hofmański stated: “In signing this Agreement today, the Kingdom of Spain demonstrates its steadfast support and commitment to ensuring the proper functioning of the Court. It is enshrined in the Rome Statute that States Parties should share the responsibility for enforcing sentences of imprisonment pronounced by the Court. With its signature, Spain has assumed this responsibility”.
H.E. María Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Spanish Kingdom said that: “We underline once again my country’s commitment to the Court in the performance of its functions as a judicial body. We are well aware of the need for this kind of cooperation in the practical implementation of the Court’s mandate, in the last phase of the judicial process. Today’s signing aligns with other actions already undertaken by Spain in the fight against impunity”.
Similar agreements on the enforcement of sentences are currently in force between the ICC and Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Mali, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The ASEAN Ladies Circle, or ALC in The Hague, organised the first ASEAN Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 22 November 2022 to honour the solidarity and togetherness of ASEAN’s women, as indicated in the ASEAN motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” and introduce the Netherlands’ international community to the rich culture of ASEAN nations.
The ALC invited the members of the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA) and Diplomat Magazine to participate on thisspecial first ASEAN Coffee Morning.
The program promulgated the ASEAN identity by showcasing the vibrant culture of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The event featured a fashion show, cultural entertainment, and delicious Southeast Asian cuisine.
Nataya Archjananum, ALC President during her welcome speech.
The festive program started with the singing of the ASEAN Anthem, followed by the welcome remarks by ALC President Madam Nataya Archjananun, spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand and current president of the ALC for the term 2021 – 2022. She stated “In the past, the ALC has taken in turn hosting coffee mornings, among ALC Embassies, to strengthen ASEAN sisterhood and networking. This year, we have decided to take our coffee mornings collectively to the next level.
We want to provide the Netherlands and the international community at large a glimpse to the rich cultural of ASEAN nations represented by the ALC. ASEAN nations are rich in cultural diversity, friendly people with natural charms, many beautiful sites to visit, and delicious food, and is on track to become 4th largest economy in the world. Imaging yourself taking a tour to visit ASEAN. So, fasten your seat belts and please enjoy your trip today. Kopkun mark ka. “”
Guests were introduced to performances of Panyembrama Dance from Indonesia, Wan Bulan dance from Malaysia, Igorat Cordillera Dance from the Philippines, and Rum Plern Dance from Thailand.
ASEAN Fashion Show
In addition, they were also introduced to the traditional attire of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The fashion show became even more spectacular as the spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia paraded in their exquisite attires with Dr. Mayelinne De Lara of Diplomat Magazine graced the finale.
Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador. Ms. Nataya Archjananun, Spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand.
Her dress represented ASEAN unity in diversity wearing Tusuk Konde or hair pin and a Batik scarf from Indonesia; a Philippines wrap around banaca blouse, a mudmee silk and a sarong/ikat from Thailand. On her right hand, Dr De Lara carried the Malaysian songket miniaudiere and a red fan from Viet Nam.
Every ASEAN country’s celebrations include delicious food, a warm ambience, and entertaining activities. Guests were invited to sample unique dishes from each ASEAN country, such as Nasi Lemak, Sa-te, Chendol, Pad Thai, Goi Cuon, Palabok, and Ube Macapano cupcakes.
The celebration ended on a high enjoyment, thanks partly to ASEAN Line Dance, performed by ASEAN Madams and all the attending guests.
The event was joined by members of the Ambassadors’ Spouse’s Association (ASA) and guests of the ALC.
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organisation presently comprising 10 Southeast Asian nations. The ALC comprises spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and diplomats, and female diplomats and staff members of 5 ASEAN Embassies based in The Hague, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
