Caroline Berube’s Post

Join us for the UK-Africa Commerce and Investment Summit 2024, hosted by Sticks and Stones Studios in collaboration with the Masvingo Middlesbrough Alliance. This full-day summit, now in its second year, is proudly sponsored by the Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme and supported by the Department for Business & Trade. The summit aims to foster collaboration for sustainable development between the United Kingdom and Africa, with a focus on innovation, clean technology, and responsible industrial growth. With Tees Valley's rich industrial heritage, thriving free port, and growing innovation hub, it serves as the perfect location to strengthen economic ties between the two regions. Key Highlights: Keynote Speakers: Industry leaders will discuss UK-Africa relations and the importance of fostering deeper partnerships. Partnerships for Sustainability: Explore opportunities in clean technology adoption and responsible industrial development. Tees Valley’s Role in UK-Africa Trade: Understand how this critical port supports efficient and sustainable trade between the UK and Africa. Evening Celebration: The summit will close with an evening of cultural performances celebrating the rich traditions of both the UK and Africa, offering delegates a chance to connect, network, and enjoy cross-cultural exchanges. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of a growing movement that’s shaping the future of UK-Africa commerce and investment. Register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/e9dCvj6N

It was an absolute delight to have crossed paths with Marie Antonia von Schönburg, the esteemed Chief Delegate of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, during the recent vibrant gathering orchestrated by Koelnmesse. The birth of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) marks a pivotal moment, poised to ignite and foster robust bilateral economic ties between Germany and Sri Lanka. As a vital cog in the dynamic German Chamber Network, graciously supported by the visionary Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), AHK Sri Lanka embodies the spirit of collaboration and progress. #delegation #germany #srilanka #climate #tech #technology #climateaction #economy #SDGs #commerce #business #industry #food #agriculture

Exciting to see The Aotearoa Circle launching the Future Fit Shipping workstream, taking meaningful steps toward a greener maritime industry! Decarbonizing international shipping is essential, especially given the stakes for New Zealand’s export-driven economy. 💡 The potential for air freight sustainability initiatives is also crucial to consider. For instance, a 2 kg package traveling 1,000 km by air freight emits roughly 1 to 1.2 kg CO₂, compared to just 0.02 to 0.08 kg CO₂ by sea freight. This means air freight can be 10–50 times more carbon-intensive than shipping by sea for the same weight and distance. These figures highlight the vast opportunity to decarbonize across all freight modes to truly future-proof New Zealand’s trade. 🌐 Looking forward to seeing how Future Fit Shipping can lead the way in green shipping corridors—and potentially inspire similar innovations in the air freight sector.

Our team at the City of Toronto had an insightful discussion with Aly-Khan Rajani and Venus Fung from Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy! The Indo-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing economic hubs, home to over 60% of the world’s population and responsible for a significant portion of global GDP. There’s immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and collaboration. 📊 Here are some exciting trade stats that highlight #Canada’s strong ties with the region: • Canada’s merchandise trade with the Indo-Pacific region was valued at $235 billion in 2022—demonstrating steady growth and opportunity for expansion. • 🌾 Agriculture: Canada is a key exporter of agri-food products, supplying wheat, canola, and other commodities that fuel the Indo-Pacific’s food security. • 💼 Jobs: Trade with the Indo-Pacific supports over 500,000 Canadian jobs—from tech and manufacturing to education and natural resources. • 🌱 Clean tech: Canada’s commitment to sustainability has led to partnerships in clean energy, offering technology and expertise that support a greener Indo-Pacific. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy sets the stage for deeper #partnerships, greater #marketaccess, and #innovative #solutions to shared challenges in areas like climate change, supply chain resilience, and digital governance. 💬 It’s important for these discussions to happen at a municipal level so that we can continue working together to forge a future where #Canada and the #Indo-Pacific can thrive side by side. Check out the full strategy here to see how Canada is making strides to strengthen connections in this vital region 👉 https://lnkd.in/g6qRe3Hr #CanadaIndoPacific #GlobalAffairs #TradeInnovation #SustainableFuture #Toronto Aretha Phillip Laura Diaz Clare Barnett Aly-Khan Rajani Venus Fung Patrick Tobin City of Toronto City of Toronto- Business and Economy Richard B.

Impact of US-China Tensions on Sri Lanka: A Double-Edged Sword With Donald Trump’s election as the 47th president of the United States, major shifts in global geopolitics are unfolding, and Sri Lanka may feel the effects. Trump’s protectionist policies, which focus on prioritizing American industries by imposing tariffs on China, have strained US-China relations. These actions may push US companies to explore new markets, potentially opening opportunities for Sri Lanka to boost exports and strengthen trade ties. On the flip side, China’s economic slowdown forecasted at just 4% growth by 2025 could reduce Chinese investments and tourism. For Sri Lanka, this presents challenges, as a drop in Chinese capital and tourists could tighten foreign exchange inflows, affecting key sectors like real estate and hospitality. With Sri Lanka’s economy already facing difficulties, the need for a more diversified approach to trade and tourism is critical to lessen reliance on China. This dynamic presents both potential benefits and risks, urging Sri Lanka to adapt its strategies in the face of changing global currents. #Geopolitics #Protectionism #GlobalEconomy #SriLankaEconomy

Singapore and Australia signed the Green Economy Agreement in October 2022. This Agreement is the first of its kind and focuses on promoting trade between the two countries in green products and services, and investments in sustainable agribusiness, energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects. In addition to the promotion of green trade and investment, the Green Economy Agreement includes the modules of ‘Green and Transition Finance’, ‘Standards and Conformance’, ‘Carbon Markets’, ‘Skills and Capabilities for Green Growth’ and ‘Engagements and Partnerships’. Emerging economies should focus on signing such Green Economy Agreements to pledge their commitment to sustainable development and a more promising economic landscape. Such agreements can not only boost trade and investment in green growth sectors, but can also reduce operating costs and regulatory burdens, and support the creation of green jobs. #Greeneconomy #Sustainability #Partnerships 

The World Trade Org’s public forum affords a great opportunity to get to the heart of international trade matters. It can’t be an easy task bringing together 166 member countries to discuss how to liberalise trade inclusively and sustainably. However, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a strong, intelligent African woman, is doing a great job leading the WTO. When immersed in conversations about globalisation it’s impossible not to think about connectivity, working across cultures and embracing diversity. The ability to navigate different parts of the world requires the right attitude. A willingness to engage with people who think differently to you. Curiosity is over stated yet still underplayed. It’s ok to ask questions. As you would expect there were some lively sessions including a recording of a live podcast where nothing short of a full-blown argument was brewing between India and Brazil; prevented only by skilled hosting skills. Carbon emission taxes unsurprisingly induced high emotions. It wasn’t by chance that the last session was focussed on the drinks market. It provided a nice segway into the Friday night rum tasting session. Substitute whisky for rum and those success stories could easily have been delivered by the Scotch Whisky Association but the Caribbean rum drums were a welcome way to end the week. It was great to hear Scotland’s Green Freeports mentioned in the context of what makes some places more successful than others. The premise being that creating the right conditions for growth was key to success whether from the assiduity of investors or offering focussed specialist benefits. In the case of the Scotland the focus being on green energy transition. Being in Geneva was a reminder of just how globally connected we all are. Also a reminder how everyone is vying for a piece of the action. My takeaway was that those who can grow both sustainably and by bringing people together are going to be the real winners. #wtopublicforum #wto

Forging green pathways and #global opportunities. 🌱🌎 The Singapore-Shandong partnership is driving sustainable growth, with 48 new agreements signed during the inaugural Singapore-Shandong Week. From Keppel Ltd.’s eco-urban projects to the creation of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, these initiatives are connecting businesses, opening new markets, and advancing cross-border innovation. With Shandong's robust economy and support hubs like the Shandong (Singapore) Business Centre, expanding into this region offers fresh opportunities while aligning with global #sustainability trends. 🚢 Discover how this partnership is fostering collaboration in the green economy and trade: https://lnkd.in/d9XjqhFY Don’t miss out on these emerging opportunities. Book a complimentary 1-to-1 business advisory session here: https://lnkd.in/g_5tassX and let SME Centre@SMF (Singapore Manufacturing Federation) help your SME tap into these regional prospects effectively. 📈 #Singapore #China #smes #smesupport #businessgrowth #sgbusiness #businessadvisory #consulting #businessstrategy #sustainablebusiness #energysaving #greenshipping #sustainablesolutions #economicgrowth #greeneconomy #crossborder #internationalisation #internationalization

The Central Asian Regional Forum "Green Economy - 2024: Green Development of Central Asia 2024» will take place in less than a week, on 23 October, in Bishkek. You can stll register here: https://lnkd.in/epJzRYi4 The Forum is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic with the participation of JIA Business Association, Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO) Unison Group, Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and the support of development partners, among them the GIZ implemented "Green Economy and Sustainable Private Sector Development Programme" co-financed by BMZ, EU and SDC. In view of the global and regional challenges, a ‘green’ economy is an essential tool for ensuring the sustainable development of Central Asia. The development of green energy, sustainable tourism, environmentally friendly construction and waste management are particularly important for this and therefore the main focus of the forum. #gizcentralasia #greeneconomykyrgyzstan #greencentralasia Business Association JIA UNISON Group The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia