By Dr. Huub Ruël.
Today’s world is very much a social media world. Even ‘traditional’ media have turned into social media-based news sources, and sharing almost everything all the time has become the standard.
There is hardly any event or happening that is not caught by a camera and shared via social media. Social media are the channel for creating, sharing and spinning opinions, videos, messages, documents, fake news and so on, although not always free.
All types of industries, professions, organisations and environments are affected by it, and diplomacy is no exception.
The current US president may have helped lift the status of social media to new levels, both higher and lower. He uses Twitter as his channel of first resort to share his opinions with the world before sharing it with his staff and advisors. This is the ultimate classic case of how social media usage impacts the work of diplomats. Each tweet by the US president requires the US diplomatic corps around the world to interpret the message and stand behind it. The tweeting-behavior of the US president requires diplomats to be on alert 24/7 and beyond.
Social media usage has many good aspects with regard to the work of diplomats. It offers opportunities to increase the transparency of the work done by embassies, it increases the speed of distributing information, and it enables diplomats to contact a wider audience and a more diverse group of actors.
The threshold for the public to contact embassies, ambassadors and other diplomats has also lowered due to the increased visibility and transparency facilitated by social media. And in case of emerging crises, social media allows the public and specific stakeholders to be informed instantly. Diplomats have started to use social media for their own profiling and visibility. The question remains, however, is the most social media savvy diplomat also the best diplomat?
But as the case of the US president implies, the phenomenon of social media has also become a source of stress for diplomats. Parliaments and the public are constantly on top of the global issues and happenings. An unending global reporting of events requires instant responses from diplomats and foreign ministries, which are constantly on the alert. And in today’s world of fake news, information and social media messages need to be verified all the time, increasing the work pressure.
Another issue arising is that social media usage is a means to trigger policy change, something that worries authorities in several places around the world. Feeding the audiences with and responding to content via social media influence public opinions, journalism and policy makers. And again, fake news is a risk here as well; it may even be intentionally spread by hostile actors to serve their own harmful ends. It means that social media is not neutral, it is always used intentionally.
All this impacts the role, work and competences required of diplomats. Social media are here to stay and will keep on advancing. The benefits seem to have outweighed the ‘costs’. Regulations by governments may be starting to contain the trouble of fake news and trolls, but it is difficult to believe that this will ever be completely resolved.
Fake news and trolls existed in the past and will continue to exist in the future.
For individual diplomats, a relevant question to answer is, to what extent will my role and duty be served by social media visibility? The roles and types of diplomats are likely to become more diverse, and some types will find it crucial to be visible and active on social media while others will prefer non-visibility. Therefore, a clearer distinction will be made between diplomats serving the interaction with the public and society and those serving the silent and hidden diplomacy and the interaction with parties and actors behind the scenes.
But visible or not, the ability to absorb, analyze and respond to information is a key competence for diplomats in general. The ability to understand the mechanisms of how the ‘viral’ world works, how ‘stories’ and ‘events’ are created and may unfold is essential for diplomats in order to be able to respond and act ‘ahead of the social media news curve’. As social media are always used intentionally and new types of social media will keep on emerging, diplomats need to have that sense of how to spot new social media developments.
Since social media have very much been and most likely will stay a channel for the public (consisting of multiple subgroups though), diplomats will need to have a good sense of what’s going on in the host country society in order to express views, spark debates and share events. Staying inside the ‘cocoon’ among fellow diplomats and government representatives will not help them be effective in a social media-sensitive society.
Finally, due to the social media-facilitated high speed news and information flows around the world, individual diplomats need to have an excellent sense of finding their own space to act (proactively) and react via social media. The time to jump on a horse to deliver a government-approved message to foreign governments and heads of state is unfortunately far too short in a world in which presidents of global powers are using a ‘bird’ to communicate with citizens at home and abroad. And that ‘bird’ speed will keep on increasing.
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About the author:Professor of International Hospitality Business and Diplomacy & Global Talent Management Innovation Hotelschool The Hague – Hospitality Research Centre
To keep up with globalisation and regional economic integration, while meeting the needs stemming from urbanisation and other socio-economic developments, countries all over the world are implementing a variety of infrastructure construction projects.
They hope these projects will make their transportation, freight forwarding and logistics services more efficient, and improve services like energy supply, telecommunications and environmental facilities. According to the latest estimates made by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on average about US$6.9 trillion is needed to invest annually in infrastructure projects around the globe between 2016 and 2030 to support sustainable economic development[1].
A report compiled by the Asian Development Bank says that an annual average of about US$1.7 trillion would be needed to invest in infrastructure during the same period in developing Asian countries alone, in order to satisfy the region’s huge demand for infrastructural facilities including transportation[2]. The past few years have seen a marked increase in mainland Chinese enterprises investing in or subcontracting overseas infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. This increase is bound to fuel a rise in demand for related professional services from mainland enterprises, generating opportunities for Hong Kong service providers.
Financial Planning for Infrastructure Projects
China is not only among the world’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI), it is also its second largest source of outward direct investment (ODI). In 2016, the value of China’s ODI (US$196.1 billion) exceeded that of its inward FDI (US$134 billion). It also did so in 2015, making the country a net capital exporter for two consecutive years[3]. At the same time, the focus of China’s investment activities overseas has been gradually shifting from energy and natural resources to a diverse mix of sectors.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Commerce, as at the end of 2016, the sectors which had received more than US$10 billion of ODI from China included leasing and commercial services, finance, wholesale and retail, mining, manufacturing, and information transmission/technology services, as well as infrastructure or related industries such as real estate, transportation/warehousing and postal services, construction industry, and power/heat/gas/water generation and supply.
In recent years, China’s outward investment has also become more concerned with the merger and acquisition (M&A) of infrastructure projects. One example of this is the amount of investment in M&A projects involving transportation and power/heat generation and supply, which reached US$25 billion in 2016, about 19% of China’s total ODI in M&A that year.
Patrick W Yip pointed out that the scope of professional services required for investment in infrastructure projects is different from the general projects (1).
Patrick W Yip pointed out that the scope of professional services required for investment in infrastructure projects is different from the general projects (2).
In an interview[4], Patrick W Yip, National M&A Leader and Partner (Tax & Business Advisory Services) of Deloitte China said: “Like [investment in] industries such as manufacturing or retail, investment in infrastructure projects overseas, including expressways, bridges, railways and power plants, also requires professional services such as financial, legal and accounting services, in order to ensure the sustainable development of these investment projects. However, the nature of investment in infrastructure projects is different to that in general projects, and the scope of the services required is also different.” “For instance, when mainland enterprises invest in M&A of technological projects overseas, the return on investment and depreciation period of the technology and equipment concerned will probably take about three years or so, whereas investment in infrastructure can easily take five or 10 years and the payback period often takes decades or more. In light of this, long-term development plans are required.” “The planning not only involves macro factors such as forecasts about the medium- to long-term economic and industrial growth of the country and region concerned, but also takes into consideration changes in urban development or the changing demand of facilities users as time goes by, as well as other external factors. Hence, contingency plans or measures must be formulated in the initial stage of the infrastructure investment plan in order to cope with changing environment and raise the flexibility of the investment.”
Investment in infrastructure has become one of the key areas for Chinese mainland enterprises exploring Belt and Road opportunities (1).
Yip added: “Currently, investments in infrastructure overseas by mainland enterprises are mainly concentrated in developing regions, including some Asian and African countries along the Belt and Road routes. In addition to general economic and social factors, the geopolitics and fast-changing business environment of these investment destinations may also have positive or negative impacts on the investment projects, hence uncertainty factors and risks are relatively high.”
“As such, when making financial planning for infrastructure investments, steps have to be taken to assess different investment scenarios, as well as calculate the investment risks and impacts on capital or cash flow. Deloitte China’s Hong Kong team are not only able to make use of Hong Kong’s wealth of global information resources, but also possess the professional knowledge to build the right financial models and devise sound financial plans for the infrastructure investment made by mainland and other clients.”“Also, while currently most mainland enterprises are not short of capital sources, in light of the longer investment period and more uncertainty factors, the enterprises concerned would need to formulate the right financial solutions. For instance, they can take advantage of the Hong Kong service platform to bring a number of investors together in a consortium to participate in the investment projects, while utilising different channels to arrange for appropriate financing methods or syndicated loans in a bid to alleviate investment risks by increasing the number of stakeholders.”
Using Effective Networks to Conduct Due Diligence
Encouraged by the Belt and Road Initiative, mainland enterprises are increasing direct investment activities in countries along the Belt and Road. Investment in infrastructure, including roads, marine transport, aviation, energy, and communication projects, has become one of the key areas for mainland enterprises exploring Belt and Road opportunities.
Investment in infrastructure has become one of the key areas for Chinese mainland enterprises exploring Belt and Road opportunities (2).
However, Yip warned: “It is more important for mainland enterprises investing in infrastructure and other facilities along the Belt and Road to conduct effective due diligence, than it is when investing in developed economies. In some of the Belt and Road countries which are not popular FDI destinations, the legal systems and commercial regulations are far from advanced and their foreign investment policies may change as time goes by or with a change of government, which will directly increase the risks for investors. In fact, infrastructure projects may bring about far-reaching impacts on the economic and social development of the investment destination. Some projects may also involve land acquisition, environmental planning and environmental protection which could affect a great number of stakeholders. All these elements would have an impact on the feasibility or future development of the projects.”
“In view of this, mainland investors are in dire need of effective professional services in conducting due diligence in the initial stage of their investment plan, to identify various factors that may affect the project and thus exercise effective risk control. Hong Kong industry players, who have rich international experience and extensive international networks, can act as the service leaders to support mainland investors’ infrastructure projects overseas, co-ordinating service teams in different regions to collect the necessary information and make assessments. This, coupled with the comprehensive range of professional services available in Hong Kong, gives them an edge in carrying out effective due diligence on Belt and Road projects for clients.”
Deloitte is one of the world’s Big Four accounting firms. It provides audit and assurance, tax, management consulting, risk and financial advisory and related services for clients around the globe. Deloitte China is a member firm of Deloitte set up in China, with 21 offices across the country and a team of 13,000 professionals. Its offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing are its four major operating arms. Deloitte China is also a Partner of the Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) set up under the leadership of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. IFFO aims to pool together major stakeholders to jointly promote infrastructure investment and financing activities under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Note: For details of the company interviews conducted jointly by HKTDC Research and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, please refer to other articles in the research series on Shanghai-Hong Kong Co-operation in Capturing Belt and Road Opportunities.
[1] (1) Including the amount of investment needed to achieve climate-compatible growth; (2) Source: Investing in Climate, Investing in Growth, OECD, 2017
[2] Source: Meeting Asia’s Infrastructure Needs, Asian Development Bank, 2017
[3] Source: Statistical Bulletin of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment 2016
[4] Representatives of HKTDC Research and Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce jointly conducted an interview with Deloitte China in the fourth quarter of 2017.
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Content and pictures HKTDC Hong Kong.
On the picture, Sheila Turabaz, Uzma Rathore and Ambassador Shujjat Ali Rathore. Introducing Mrs. Uzma Rathore, spouse of Mr. Shujjat Ali Rathore, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands.By Sheila Turabaz.
During the thirdDiplomats Meet and Greet – co-organizedby the Embassy of Pakistan in the Netherlands–alleyeswere onH.E. AmbassadorMr. Shujjat Ali Rathoreand his elegantwifein particular, Mrs. UzmaRathore.
Mr. Rathore has recently been appointed as theAmbassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands andthisedition of Diplomats Meet and Greet was notjusttopromote Pakistani culture anditstrade relations with the Netherlands, but italsoserved as a first officialintroductionof the new ambassadorto the diplomatic corps, internationalorganizations, the business community andacademia.
However, we must notforget the important rolethatdiplomaticspousesfulfill in supportingtheirpartner’sworkand Mrs. UzmaRathore is no exception: an eloquent andpoisedlooking ladywith a passionforeducationand a charitablemindset. I had the honour of interviewing Mrs. Rathorefor the first time since her arrivalhere in the Netherlands, duringwhichMrs. Rathoreunderlined the importance of the responsibilitiesthatdiplomaticspousesperform in foreignmissions.
The Ambassador recently presented his Letter of Credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, and has already been very proactive in his role as Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands. What was your first impression of the Netherlands and the diplomatic community in particular?
“I think the Netherlands is beautiful, its people in particular: they’re very humble, very polite and very welcoming. That was my first impression. Wherever I went, — shopping for groceries for instance on my second day here in the Netherlands —I found everyone with a smile on their face and a very welcoming attitude.”
What role should an ambassador’s spouse fulfill?
“I think an ambassador’s spouse has a very important role to fulfill: we are also ambassadors of our country and we represent our country, so whatever we do, portrays an image of our home country. Whether it’s social dinners, cultural events, charity work, and etcetera. The way we carry ourselves is very important being an ambassador’s wife: I represent Pakistan here. Whenever a person will come and meet me, he or she is meeting Pakistan.”
How do you plan to support the Ambassador in his duties and how would you like to be involved?
“I am an educationist by profession. During all foreign missions I continued to practice my profession. I am active as a patron of an organization called “Pakistani Ladies Organization in the Netherlands”. I consider women’s empowerment to be really important and I would like to support this organization in organizing cultural events. Furthermore, I would also like to do some charity work in the field of education. There are many NGOs active in Islamabad and I would like to organize fundraisings for these NGOs. I will support the Ambassador in all his duties, whether it’s organizing cultural events, fundraising events for the improvement of education in Pakistan, women’s empowerment, or various other activitiesaimed towards stimulating Pakistan’s economy and trade through promoting our businesses.”
Apart from supporting the Ambassador, do you have any personal ambitions that you would like to realize during your stay in the Netherlands?
“I would like to work again. I am a trained IB (International Baccalaureate) teacher. For example, I would love to organize a student exchange program with different universities in Pakistan and in the Netherlands”.
Most ambassadors’ spouses are involved in charity work, what is your perspective on this?
“I consider charity work to be important as well. As mentioned earlier, education and women’s rights are issues that are close to my heart. Unfortunately the literacy rate of females in Pakistan is very low, especially in rural areas. I would like to promote education and contribute to women’s empowerment by participating in various organizations dedicated to tackling these issues. Moreover, I am also a member of the Ambassador Spouses’ Association (ASA). We have a meeting scheduled this month and I’m looking forward to discuss my agenda with them.”
What do you miss most about Pakistan?
“Needless to say I miss my family – especially my daughters – and my friends of course. One of my daughters works for the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and lives in the U.S. and my other daughter lives in Pakistan and works as a public policy analyst. We (Pakistan) are a very hospitable nation, hospitality is in our blood. I am proud of our people, our cuisine, our national dress and all other aspects of our culture.”
Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?
“The embassy’s doors are open for everyone. Being an ambassador’s wife my duty is to welcome everyone. There is room for conversations and dialogue.”
On the picture the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie.
By Hannah A. Soliman.
The Model United Nations Committee of the American School of Doha sponsored an inspiring group of students from Afghanistan representing the HELA, Hope for Education & Leadership in Afghanistan, Initiative on January 22nd, 2018, two days before they attended the THIMUN Qatar 2018 Conference (The Hague International Model United Nations).
Attendees included the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Al-Jazeera’s renowned reporter, Shereena Qazi, and HELA members from Afghanistan attended the event, followed by representatives of the American School of Doha’s student-led government, executive student officials of THIMUN Qatar 2018, the Director of the American School of Doha, Dr. Thomas L. Hawkins, and online news representatives of ASD Times including editors in chief, reporters and photographers.
The night began with a percussion performance by the American School of Doha’s High School Percussion Band, followed by some words of gratitude and appreciation by Dr. Thomas L. Hawkins, as well as from Neil Udassi and Nada Christy Haddad, MUN Student Executives from ASD, the two who hosted the program that night.
Her Excellency, Ambassador Tahzib-Lie, emphasized her amazement of the multitude American School of Doha’s community and global service initiatives, which follow in line with the United Nation’s Developmental Goals. She connects her prior remarks to Human Right’s Day of The Netherlands, which is celebrated annually on December 10th, and their promotion of awareness of women’s education and increasing global literacy. She concluded with a final statement which reiterated the aims and visions of HELA as well as her own, “All great achievements start with education, but also with leadership”.
The climax of the night was when the founders of HELA took the stage.
SulaimanSulaimankhil and RahmatullahHamdad began by expressing their gratitude for this opportunity. According to Sulaimankhil and Hamdad, Afghanistan’s war, that’s been active for 40 years and ongoing, it has been the primary inhibitor of education, especially for girls.
It wasn’t until United Nations leader, Peter Dalglish, introduced MUN to Afghanistan. HELA began with five students and their mentors attending THIMUN Qatar 2015 and blossomed into an NGO that has currently involved 1,000 Afghani youth in 6 self-lead conferences. Simultaneously, HELA founded a women’s empowerment project with an emphasis in business, marketing, finance and economics, and 14 months later these women have initiated their own projects completely self-lead.
It was a “day full of emotions” for special guest, Al Jazeera reporter, Shereena Qazi because she herself is of Afghani heritage. She discussed her journey of journalism, and the event that changed her career and her life: the story of 6-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi. She used this Afghani boy’s story as a way of exploring her abilities of story-telling because how deeply it touched her heart, and her story went viral globally. Her change in how she approached journalism is how she began to embrace change for the better.
Inspired by the THIMUN Qatar closing ceremonies, HELA surprised the crowd by presenting the following with certificates as tokens of appreciation: Dr. Thomas Hawkins, Mrs. Kari Detwiler Beck, Yahaira Piñeda, Neil Udassi and Nada Christy Haddad.
Neil Udassi and Nada Christy Haddad also presented tokens of appreciation in the form of small gifts to the following: Lisa Martin, HELA Students, and the rest of the special guest speakers of the night.
HELA night concluded with a High School Choir performance of “Here I Stand”, an unpublished composition donated on behalf of these performers for the night of compiled statements quoted by Malala.
For the past year journalist and storyteller Christian Hauska worked on a photo documentary about ambassadors’ place of work.
By Christian Hauska.
Embassies and consulates are mysterious. You cannot just walk in. They are usually surrounded by fences, heavy locks, cameras and guards. In order to give off the aura of representation, embassies are often found in splendid buildings, in front of which the country’s flag blows in the wind.
Entering the building feels like walking off a gangway after a long flight just as if stepping foot into another country for the first time. Furniture, smell, paintings, strange sounding voices confront you all at once. It seems as though you have traveled a long journey within just a short moment.
Each of these desks is different.
Each of these desks marks the end of a small journey.
The center of these buildings is not the staircase, not the secretary’s office, not even a conference room. It is the ambassador’s or consul’s office, more precisely it is the ambassadors‘ desk. A desk which is covered with screens, keyboards, newspapers, writing utensils, and documents of all sorts.
Made of wood, metal, glass or plastic, it is usually surrounded by country specific interiors. Sometimes, the desks are properly tidied up with books in place running parallel to the grain of the wood while others are left behind in a state of chaos due to hectic circumstances.
Albania’s desk.
Albania
A desk, embedded in a room filled with Albanian art. The center of an embassy in which six diplomats regulate the interests of 1,500 Albanians in the Netherlands. The natural light entering through the skylight illuminates the ambassador‘s desk.
The white candle does not need to be lit. For almost 20 years, the desk has been the property of the Albanian foreign representation. In 1998, for the opening of the embassy building, the piece of furniture was purchased.
Its location allows a clear view of the room. Each Albanian accessory can enjoy its adequate free space.
Canada’s desk.
Canada
A desk that was being used and left just for this photo in the middle of some thought. The glass surface is covered with documents, a newspaper, and a Dutch language textbook.
The warm wood paneling stands in stark contrast to the bright furniture and an elephant that has just managed to get into the picture.
Estonia’s desk.
Estonia
The ambassador‘s desk was purchased when the Embassy moved in 2006. On its way to the Netherlands, the desk did not have to cross the Baltic states. Rather it had to cross the Alps coming from Italy.
Distinctive lines and the deep brown varnish harmonize with the rest of the furnishings and exude a sense of calmness.
This seems to have even soothed the table flag, in contrast to its siblings in front of the building.
Malta’s desk.
Malta
Peace reigns over this desk inspired by the well known building visible through the window. If this order is threatened, the tipp-ex is ready to eliminate disruptive factors.
The Maltese Embassy is located in a former cinema. A glance outside reminds us of a film backdrop.
Panama’s desk.
Panama
Acquired in 2013 in the Netherlands, this desk is the Ambassador‘s daily object of work. Made of oak wood, framed by a national flag, a PC, and a telephone, this desk probably knows nothing of its uncertain future.
The current ambassador would like to change the desk for a more modern piece of furniture after four years of state service.
Slovenia’s desk.
Slovenia
The Ambassador‘s desk conveys a secret referring to its origin. Although it is suspected that the piece of furniture was transported many kilometers by truck from Slovenia to The Hague, one is not certain.
It is estimated to be about 17 years old. Angular shapes alternate with slight curves. Dark brown lines in the wood create a border for the collection of working materials.
Sweden’s desk.
Sweden
Like a blanket, paper, cups and writing utensils lie on this desk or better said desks. Even the burning lamp does not make the Swedish design objects more visible. The tables imported from Sweden by means of a truck in 2004 are made of multiplex plywood.
Like the islands Utö and Ornö, the two desks stand side by side connected by work.
Switzerland’s desk.
Switzerland
Although the Netherlands and Switzerland are not separated by a sea, this desk has traveled by ship to The Hague. It has called this historic building on the Lange Vorhout its home for two years now.
Desk and interior form a strong contrast. In the glow of the desk lamp, there is a writing instrument, just put down and left amid the fragrance of yellow roses.
Thailand’s desk.
Thailand
The Thai Ambassador‘s desk can be found in a house that is more than 120 years old. It was used as the residence up until 30 years ago. The desk, about 10 years old, has not crossed an ocean, at least not since it was manufactured. It was produced in the Netherlands and is made of plywood. The Ambassador is busy working at that desk nine to five and beyond. Behind the desk are photos of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit who reigned the Kingdom of Thailand at the time when this photo was taken.
By Mrs Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, G.C.S.K., C.S.K., PhD, DSc, VI President of the Republic of Mauritius.
Mauritius is celebrating 50 years of its independence from the British in 2018. Prior to its independence in 1968, after almost 150 years of British rule – and a little less than 100 years of French rule, leading academics had predicted a future full of gloom and doom for Mauritius.
The country with a per capita income of just over 200 US, had in fact, all the characteristics of a typical colonial economy: monocrop, rapid population growth, adverse terms of trade, and vulnerable to ethnic tensions.
Rather than a “Miracle”, the economic development of Mauritius is primarily, the result of strategic thinking and planning, elaboration of effective policies, human and institutional capacity building, a governance structure that inspires all segments of the population whilst providing a safety net for the poor and vulnerable members of society through free healthcare and free education for all.
The country also focused on cooperation between the government, employers, and employees and decided not to waste too much money on military spending, unlike other small countries.
With an educated population, Mauritians could engage in high level social cohesion, welfare, economic growth and help address inequality. With no natural resources, our people remains our only asset. Education for all has been crucial for social unity in a country where religious, ethnic, and political differences could have easily become a source of potential conflict.
Free education has proved to be the best sociopolitical enabler and the bedrock on which the country started its economic journey. In the early 1980’s, whilst unemployment was very high, those initially working in the sugarcane fields could, through basic schooling, work in the newly created Export Processing Zones where textile and light industries was being set up. This helped boost the economy and absorb unemployment.
In subsequent decades, the economy diversified further into the services industry. The University of Mauritius created as a developmental university in the 1960’s, started providing training for the emerging industries.
The economy opened further when ICT was increasingly being adopted. We have one of the highest penetrations for telephony and ICT in Africa. Connectivity and improved infrastructure also improved through public and private partnership and dialogue.
With a GDP growth of around 4 % and an unemployment rate of around 7 % and an ageing population, the Republic of Mauritius is rethinking her growth and future. We see our economy in three colours: white, green and blue.
We have explored the ‘white economy’ through the services industry, now adding almost 15 points to the economy. We are now poised to explore the green economy through our unique biodiversity, renewable energies etc.; the blue economy through our oceans. We want to go further and develop the knowledge economy that will straddle all three.
However, to succeed, we must rethink our human capital, invest in our institutions and infrastructures to respond more swiftly to the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
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http://president.govmu.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
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Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, VI President of Mauritius – Copyright photo: State House, Mauritius
By H.E. Mr. Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Germany.
Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe and one of its engines is Saxony. Situated between Berlin and Prague, Frankfurt and Cracow, the Free State of Saxony looks back upon more than ten centuries of a rich and diverse history. It is a history of pioneering spirits, daring entrepreneurship and great achievement. Once a country full of woods and wilderness, Saxony at the beginning of the 21st century is an innovation leader among European regions.
Having been elected to the office of Saxon Prime Minister in December last, it makes me proud to bear responsibility for a country whose track record spans more than a millennium. We are fond of our tradition of innovation, which brought the world inventions like the European porcelain and groundwood paper.
And we continue in that tradition. Our growth is driven by a constant stream of innovations, created in Saxony’s universities, advanced research institutions and smart companies. Saxony has established lines of research in advanced technologies ranging from energy technologies like fuel cells and biofuels, new materials like carbon concrete or high-performance ceramics, to smart textiles, cancer treatments or medical appliances. The Saxon government helps them on their way to the markets with grants and investor pitches.
With industries across the board going digital, Silicon Saxony, Europe’s biggest cluster in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, is a vital asset. The Smart Systems Hub in Dresden, our capital city, undertakes a massive public-private R&D effort to merge hardware, software and connectivity solutions into Industry 4.0 applications for advanced manufacturing.
After more than a century of car manufacturing in Saxony, cars with internal combustion engine get company from e-cars.BMW started assembly of its pioneering i3 battery-electric vehicle at its Leipzig plant in 2013. Volkswagen assembles the e-Golf in Dresden and is currently upgrading its Zwickau plant for the exclusive assembly of electric vehicles, starting in 2020.
Technological progress needs inspiration – and our unique cultural landscape provides it. Gems like the Staatskapelleand the European Center of Contemporary Art in Dresden, the Gewandhaus orchestra and Wave Gothic Festival in Leipzig, or the industrial heritage and modern arts collection in Chemnitz cater to creative minds.
Successful growth is to a great extent depending on external demand. Nearly 40 percent of industry sales go to customers from abroad. Our number one trade partner is, unsurprisingly, China. But would you have guessed that trade with the Visegrád group of states, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, totals as much as trade with France and the UK combined?
Having been part of the Eastern bloc during the Cold War, we share a common history and transformation experience. And we share a vision of our future, namely, becoming one of the most prosperous and innovative regions in the EU. Saxony fosters strong relations with its partners in Central and Eastern Europe, especially with our direct neighbors Poland and Czech Republic. We co-operate on a broad range of issues, from local government and law enforcement via cross-border road and rail infrastructure to environmental protection, R&D efforts or joint NGO activities.
Saxony actively manages relations with about 30 regions and countries of the world, among them the United States, China, Russia, Korea, India, AbuDhabi, Qatar, Austria, Belgium and Italy. The centerpiece of our foreign relations is economic co-operation. Take, for example, our aerospace industry. The Russian-Ukrainian joint venture VolgaDnepr operates itsheavy duty Antonov freighter planes from Europe’s most sophisticated airfreight hub at Leipzig.ST Aerospace from Singapore has a major stake in our leading aerospace enterprise, the Airbus subsidiary ElbeFlugzeugwerkeDresden. And the specialist in lightweight construction, Cotesa at Mittweida, has recently forged a co-operation with Boeing.
This said, it is clear that the Saxon government supports open markets, free trade and FDI just as much as we support innovation and technology. It’s just traditional – for more than a millennium now. And it’s an invitation to explore the boundless possibilities in Saxony.
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Michael Kretschmer – Picture by Pawel Sosnowski, Sächsische Staatskanzlei
By Corneliu Pivariu.
There are certain voices, strong enough from the standpoint of the international audience, saying that the current developments in the Middle East would represent opportunities for a positive evolution in a foreseeable future in this area. Is it really like that?
Most of the Arab states have, especially after 2011, weak political leadership, without vision and that ignore the experts’ warnings concerning the serious problems they are confronted with since almost half a century such as weak economic policy, population growth and the dictatorial ruling of the states. A report published in 2016 on the situation in the Arab countries contains many data revealing the difficult situation of the Arab countries:
The Arab world is the epicentre of global conflicts. Although it has only 5% of the global population, from 1947 to 2014 registered 17.6% of the world’s conflicts. Between 1989-2014 it registered 27.7% of the total dead people in wars and this percentage raised to 68.5% in 2014.
in 2014, 45% of the terrorist attacks took place in the Arab world;
in the same year, 2014, 57.5% of the total number of refugees and 47% of the internally displaced persons belonged to the Arab countries;
until 2020, the Arab world has to create 60 million jobs as it is an area where youth (15-24 years) unemployment represents almost 30% and growing; the unemployment rate among young Arab people is double compared to the countries with average economic development, and the percentage of young women in the working force is 24% as compared to 50% globally.
Wars and political crises as well as the drop in oil prices and consequently drop in revenues from marketing the oil affected most of the countries in the region such as Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrein, Yemen etc. Military spending represented for the Arab countries on the average 6% of the GDP and some of the countries exceeded by far this level: between 2014-2016 Iraq spent from 8.5% to 11.6% of GDP, Oman between 11.8%-15.3% of the GDP and Saudi Arabia spending raised from 8.9% in 2014 to 12.7% in 2016.
The divisions between Sunni majority countries increased after the crisis between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and breaking off of relations with Qatar that was pushed to increase its relations with Iran, distanced Oman from GCC, allowed maintaining the inter-communities tensions in Bahrain and contributed to Kuwait’s increased exposure while the war in Yemen limited the role Saudi Arabia can play in the Arab world. We have to see the outcome of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s (MBS) tour to France and Great Britain (delayed from the end of February to the beginning of March) and then to the USA.
In Iraq, the state leadership does not succeed in being united for solving the serious domestic problems it is confronted with while the Iranian influence is constantly growing. In Syria, the civil war resulted in almost 500,000 dead and difficult to estimate destruction (some sources assess the reconstruction effort to $250 billion – taking into account the so far losses) while Assad seems to cling on to power keeping the country divided and on the brink of self-destruction, escalation signs are being registered (downing the Russian jet Su-25 on February the 3rd and the provocation of the Iranian drone that entered the Israeli territory followed by Israeli retaliation that resulted in downing an Israeli F-16) represent as many elements showing that Russia wants to maintain its image of “broker” making all games in Syria, keeping its good relations with Israel and not hurting its alliance with Iran (yet, not allowing the latter a wider expansion in Syria) and to keep Assad under control.
The general situation in the Arab world favors Iran in achieving its strategic objective of securing a direct terrestrial corridor to the Mediterranean Sea (a corridor it could not keep permanently in our opinion). Israel and then, Turkey are important players that may influence the evolution and solutions including the Kurdish and Palestinian issues.
The European Union, with its own problems, is a less important player in the Middle East while the USA will shape a clearer position in this area after solving the domestic problems the current administration is confronted with. China tries, too, to position itself as best as possible in this complex conjecture. The huge resources of the region will further contribute to maintaining a tense and conflict climate in the Middle East for the next decades.
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About the author:Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security.
By H.E. Mr. Roberto Balzaretti, Swiss State Secretary.
Switzerland shares borders with four EU member countries. My country has strong language, cultural and demographic affinitieswith the EU. And the European Union is Switzerland’s most important political and economic partner.
Almost 1.4 million citizens from an EU or an EFTA (European Free Trade Association) country live in Switzerland. That is about 17% of our estimated population of 8.4 million. In addition, about 320,000 people from neighbouring EU countries commute to Switzerland every day.
Our country is a linchpin of the North-South communication and transportation axis. As a matter of fact, with its infrastructure projects, Switzerland has historically facilitated and enhanced the transport connections between Northern and Southern Europe. The most recent example is the Gotthard railway tunnel through the Alps, which was opened for traffic in December last year. It is 57 km long, which makes it the longest tunnel in the world.
Our close relationship is also reflected by our trade and economic relations. Switzerland is the EU‘s third largest trading partner (after the US and China). The volume of trade in goods between Switzerland and the EU amounts to more than double of the EU’s total trade with Japan. 72% of Swiss imports stem from the EU and 55% of our exports go to the European Union.
Essentially, our vision regarding the EU is twofold. Firstly, we aim to keep our relations with the European Union stable and predictable. And secondly, we have a strong interest in a successful and thriving EU.
Our relations are based on a series of bilateral sectoral agreements which allow for a strong cooperation in different fields of interest. These agreements form the backbone of what we call “bilateral path”.
Bilateral agreements with the EU include in particular trade in goods, the free movement of persons, which enables workers and investors to come to Switzerland, as well as the access to public procurement markets.In addition, the air and land transport agreements between Switzerland and the EU provide excellent connections for the transport of both goods and people. Another important element is Switzerland’s association to the Schengen area. This allows for smooth cross-border travel and increased police cooperation.
Additional benefits of our close relations with the EU include cooperation in areas such as research, education, environment and culture.
This bilateral (or sectoral) approach enables Switzerland and the EU to shape tailor-made, beneficial policies in areas of mutual interest. Itis a real success story for both sides.
Switzerland is the country outside the EU which has concluded the largest amount of agreements with Brussels. Our bilateral path enjoys large support in Switzerland and was endorsed by the Swiss electorate on various occasions. The bilateral agreements with the EU have a tangible impact: they enable Switzerland to put to good use its economic strengths. They contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the Swiss economy and the attractiveness of our country as an investment destination.
Switzerland and the EU are striving to set out an institutional mechanism ensuring that the bilateral agreements on market access are applied even more consistently and efficiently in the future. It is indeed in both sides’ interests to find a way to allow for a rapid adjustment to developments in the EU law and the efficient settlement of disputes. This would provide for legal homogeneity and legal certainty. Negotiations on this institutional framework started in May 2014 and are well under way.
The regulation of the institutional issues would consolidate existing bilateral agreements in the area of reciprocal market access and build the basis for the further development of our economic relations. In this endeavour, the challenge lies in finding an appropriate balance between a mutual non-discriminatory market access and respect of sovereignty.
Another current challenge for Swiss European policy lies in the decision of the United Kingdom’s (UK) electorate to leave the EU. Relations between Switzerland and the UK are close, comprehensive and multifaceted. The UK is Switzerland’s fifth most important export market, whereas Switzerland is UK’s biggest export market with whom the EU has a free-trade agreement. Since relations between Switzerland and the UK are to a large extent based on the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, there is a common interest to avoid gaps in market access, should such agreements no longer be applicable to the UK.
The Swiss government has set a strategy called “Mind the gap”, which aims at guaranteeing the existing rights and obligations between Switzerland and the UK for the period after the UK exit from the EU and to extend relations in areas of common interest. Therefore, Switzerland and the UK are exploring a new legal framework for the period after Brexit.
Stable, predictable and close relations with the EU remain a priority for Switzerland. The Swiss government is determined to ensure the continuation and consolidation of the bilateral path in the long term. Our relations with the EU are a long-term, solid venture. We will remain one of the EU’s closest and reliable partners. It is this mix of enhanced cooperation with the EU on the one hand, and independent national policies on the other that has allowed Switzerland to be one of the world’s most innovative and competitive countries.
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Picture by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
By H.E. Ms. Natalie Sabanadze, Ambassador of Georgia to the EU.
Dear reader of Diplomatic World, welcome to Georgia – a country where “a guest is a gift sent from God”.
In this globalised world, where distance is not an obstacle and attractive destinations compete for your attention, you may wonder why Georgia should be the place of your choice.
A small country sandwiched between Russia and Turkey was, for the most part of the 20th century, hidden away from the inquisitive gaze of a Western traveler as part of the Soviet Union. We have never chosen to be part of the Soviet empire and never consented to the disappearance of Georgia from the map of independent nations.
Exactly 100 years ago in 1918 Georgia established first social-democratic republic in the world and was governed by principles of democracy and equality, including equality between men and women and was dedicated to notions of progress and human emancipation.
The short-lived experiment in Georgia’s progressive social-democracy came to an end with the invasion of Bolshevik Russia but after the end of the Cold War, the country has been returning to its European roots. This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the First Republic and we are happy to note that the world is rediscovering Georgia as tourists abound and as the country is rapidly developing as an attractive destination for all tastes.
Georgia’s location on the geographic, cultural and civilizational crossroads between the east and west, as well as its long, complex and at times tragic history has shaped its culture, defined its character and turned it into the most interesting, distinct and magical places to explore.
The ancient culture mixed with the most vibrant artistic scene of today; the soaring heights of the Caucasus and valleys covered with vineyards; delicious tastes, a mix of the west and the orient to be savored as part of traditional feasting or in numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants; skiing and sun bathing, all awaits to be discovered and appreciated.
Georgians love guests. If you are lost all alone in a remote mountainous village, while tracking or hiking, you will never be left without food or shelter by locals.
The guest is from God, the saying goes and hospitality in Georgia is not just part of the industry, it is part of who we are. And so is wine. Georgia prides itself to be the birthplace of viticulture and a host of hundreds of unique, endogenous grape varieties. Archaeological findings prove that Georgians produced wine in clay vessel (kvevri) already for 8000 years.
UNESCO recognized the Georgian Traditional method of fermenting wine as a part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, this technology is still alive and thriving, becoming at the forefront of the revival of traditional methods and natural wine production around the world.
From early December to mid April you can discover Georgia’s ski resorts: the best of which are Gudauri, Mestia, Tetnuldi, Bakuriani and Goderdzi. Gudauri offers opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy Heliski and night skiing. If you are into extreme sports – Mestia and Tetnuldi is where you belong to. Bakuriani is well known for its pure air quality and is the ideal place for family vacations. Last but not the least – the newest resort is Goderdzi, located not far from the seaside, it is in a unique climate zone that ensures snow for the longest period of time.
From early May to late September mountain villages of Georgia offer endless adventures from trekking, hiking, horse riding, mountain-biking, paragliding to rafting. Take a quick flight from Natakhtari to Svaneti and enjoy beautiful remote mountainous region that has preserved its original medieval appearance. Here you can visit Ushguli – UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the highest inhabited village in Europe with it breathtaking scenery and medieval castles and houses.
Tusheti and Khevsureti are perfect destinations for hiking and horse-trekking, where you can follow narrow mountain passes and enjoy amazing natural beauty of almost forgotten paradise. If you are a mountain-biker – head for Kazbegi. It is a perfect place to discover hot springs, waterfalls, and wonderful acidic lakes.
Having mountains and the Black sea together makes Georgia particularly attractive. In summer the Black sea coast is the favorite spot both for locals and tourists. The largest seaside town Batumi is a charming 19th century port with striking architectural diversity and a great offer of festivals and entertainment.
The largest and most interesting of cities, however, is the capital Tbilisi founded in 5th century. It is steeped in history, where the past and the present intersect on every corner and create a city of unique vibe and character. Here Art Nouveau facades and interiors, beautiful local wooden and wrought iron balconies from the medieval area and ultra modern building all create a very distinct architectural fabric of the city.
Old Tbilisi, sits under the imposing Narikala fortress, itself a great site to visit, and is bursting with life day and night with its numerous cafes, wine bars, restaurants and shops. Tbilisi has an increasingly diverse nightlife and is a popular destination for aficionados of electronic music.
Food and wine play a vital role in Georgia’s culture. If you really want to experience Georgia you have to try a Georgian “supra” and enjoy its elaborate culinary delights. Food is made out of fresh local produce and it will make your journey through Georgia particularly delicious.
Many visitors say that at least once in a life time, one should visit Georgia but I believe, if you go there once you are likely to return.
