The majority of businesses will have a degree of reliance on recruitment suppliers…
FDI to Developing Countries Hits Lowest Level Since 2005 – A Critical Juncture for Global Development
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into developing economies fell to $435 billion in 2023, the lowest level since 2005, according to the World Bank’s latest report. Advanced economies also saw weak inflows—just $336 billion, the lowest since 1996.This sharp drop signals more than just economic turbulence—it represents a serious threat to long-term development efforts, from job...
Japan raises foreign direct investment target to $1 trillion by mid-2030s
Japan’s government said on Monday it raised its 2030 foreign direct investment target by 20% and pushed the figure as high as 150 trillion yen ($1.05 trillion) by the middle of the decade, accelerating its efforts to draw more overseas funds. The mid-decade goal, almost triple the current level of investment of some 50 trillion...
Investors Urge Clearer Ocean Governance Before Unlocking Billions in Blue Finance
At the recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice, $10B in ocean investment commitments were announced—far below the $175B/year needed to protect marine ecosystems and build a sustainable blue economy.
Despite growing interest, unclear regulation remains a major barrier for private capital. As Oliver Withers (Standard Chartered) noted:
“The high seas don’t belong to any one sovereign. That presents a unique challenge.”
Only 50 countries have ratified the 2023 High Seas Treaty. The U.S. is notably absent. Lack of enforceable rules and robust data is holding back private investment, which remains dwarfed by public sector funding.
Francine Pickup (UNDP) said:
“Public finance isn’t enough. But private finance is even less. This sector is in its infancy.”
Between 2020–2025, ocean tech captured just 0.4% of $202B in climate-related investments. To fix this, we need:
Clear regulation (esp. on overfishing, mining, pollution)
Stronger policy incentives
Investable blue tech pipelines
As BNP Paribas’ Robert-Alexandre Poujade put it:
“We need a treaty with teeth and enforcement.”
There are signs of progress: 20+ countries backed a moratorium on deep-sea mining; new Marine Protected Areas were created. But real momentum requires action—not just pledges.
As Seychelles’ Minister Flavien Joubert said:
“The ocean has been the last area we pillage without thinking about tomorrow.”
Let’s change that—before it’s too late.
Markets React Calmly as BOJ Stands Pat on Rates and Signals Slow Bond Tapering
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept its short-term interest rate unchanged at 0.5% on Tuesday, while announcing it would slow the pace of bond purchase reductions starting next fiscal year. The move signals a measured and cautious approach to unwinding its long-standing monetary stimulus.While the decision was widely expected, it comes at a complex time...