Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes2008 ArticleIV Consultation with El Salvador Jan 1, 2009
Foreign Direct Investment flows have subsided after their unusually high level in 2007 related to the foreign purchase of banks, but remain relatively strong so far. The banking system-now mainly foreign-owned-remains highly liquid, and has shown resilience to the global financial turbulence so far. (IMF News)
Cuba: Time For Change Jan 1, 2009
In addition to allowing free elections, freedom of expression and freedom to organize, Cuba should implement reforms aimed at boosting foreign direct investment and local entrepreneurship and creating the foundations for a strong economy. TEN BASIC REFORMSTo achieve that goal, Cuba needs to start with the following 10 steps. (Newsmax)
Botswana: All is Not Well At Limkokwing - PS Dec 31, 2008
Instead of putting down an instituton to cover for your failure to deliveer on your promoises of development you should continue to promote foreign direct investment to allow us to develop. It is ignorant people like you that hold us. (allAfrica.com)
Former PM Hasina wins Bangladesh poll in landslide Dec 30, 2008
Foreign direct investment in Bangladesh in 2007 was $666 million (460 million pounds), down from $793 million in 2006. Hasina, 61, has pledged to contain prices and promote growth in a country of more than 140 million people and where 45 percent of the population live below the poverty line. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
FIPB gives lifeline to foreign cos Dec 30, 2008
The foreign direct investment (FDI) policy laid out in Press Note (PN) 9 of 1999 makes it mandatory for companies with foreign investments to obtain the FIPBs approval for investing in other companies. The boards clearance is necessary even if the target company belongs to a sector that allows 100% FDI through the automatic route. (India Times)
Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of the 2008 Article IV Consultation Mission to Vietnam Dec 30, 2008
Private remittances and foreign direct investment, two major factors supporting economic activity in 2007, are also slowing from high levels, as a result of the deterioration in global economic conditions ... These pressures could be exacerbated, if worsening global financial conditions further reduced foreign direct investment and other capital inflows. (IMF News)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes the 2008 Article IV Consultation with Comoros Dec 30, 2008
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is expected to increase in line with identified investment projects in banking and tourism, including major revamping of some vacation resorts on the island of Ngazidja. Consistent with these developments, external reserves are projected to decline to 5-6 months of imports. (IMF News)
Loonie's Worst Year May Extend Into '09 as Canada Reels From Oil Collapse Dec 30, 2008
A scaling back of foreign direct investment is a negative for the Canadian dollar, said , chief economics strategist in Toronto at TD Securities Inc., a unit of Canadas second-largest bank. If there is less investment in oil sands, there will be less production and less exporting down the road, he said, referring to the worlds biggest energy pool outside Saudi Arabia. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Japanese Creations on Display at Leading Paris Interior Show Dec 30, 2008
Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. Contact. (JCN Network, Japan)
South Korea warns of unprecedented economic crisis Dec 27, 2008
The economy ministry also said the government would try to boost foreign direct investment into the country by 6 percent to $12. 5 billion in 2009 from $11. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
2009 to be a tough year for Asia-Pacific economies Dec 25, 2008
"With the outlook gloomy and a bottom yet to be seen, investment is expected to be subdued through 2009. Business confidence is weak. Access to credit i 00004000 s still a concern, while the outlook of corporate earnings remains downbeat. Firms will continue to hoard capital in coming months. Companies will be extremely cautious with expansion plans, and new startups will likely be put on hold. Foreign direct investment is expected to moderate in 2009, a result of risk aversion and a preference... (India Times)
News Analysis: Chinese economy able to get out of jaws of crisis Dec 25, 2008
What is also slowing the pace is the country's utilization of foreign direct investment (FDI). It declined 36. (Xinhuanet, China)
Manila's 'good news' cannot mask downturn Dec 23, 2008
Meanwhile, foreign direct investment plunged 45% in the first nine months of this year, falling to $1. 39 billion from $2. (Asia Times Online)
ContourGlobal Signs Loan Agreement With Opic for 100 MW Electricity Project in Togo Dec 23, 2008
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, established as an agency of the U.S. government in 1971, helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy. OPIC's political risk insurance and financing help U.S. businesses of all sizes invest in more than 150 emerging markets and developing nations worldwide. (PR Newswire)
Employees of public sector insurance firms on strike Dec 23, 2008
New Delhi: Employees of state-owned insurance companies went on day-long nation-wide strike to protest the governments proposed move to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the private insurance sector to 49% from the present 26. All India Insurance Employees Association, a body comprising the staff of public sector insurance firms, said the strike is to protest the governments intention to raise FDI limit. (Livemint)
PSU insurance employees to strike Dec 23, 2008
The amendments propose to increase the foreign direct investment (FDI) to 49 percent from 26 percent and also Life Insurance Corp of India's capital to Rs. 1 billion from the present Rs. (India Times)
Industry hails ins bill to raise FDI cap Dec 23, 2008
NEW DELHI: The government's move to table the insurance bill in Parliament may not have gone down well with the Left, but the industry welcomed the move saying higher Foreign Direct Investment would help the sector. "We welcome this announcement. A simple calculation shows that raising the FDI limit to 49 per cent (currently 26 per cent) may increase the total FDI in the Life Insurance industry by almost 2.5 times from the current level of approximately Rs 2,500 crore," said Aviva India Managing... (India Times)
Will you change your provider once health insurance portability comes in? Dec 23, 2008
Through this bill, the foreign direct investment in the private sector can be raised to 49 per cent from 26 per cent.. The Life Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha after an unsuccessful attempt by the Left parties to stall it by division of votes. (India Times)
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Fifth Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Cape Verde Dec 23, 2008
"Cape Verde's prudent economic management in recent years is now paying dividends, putting the country in a position of strength to face the current global economic challenges. Faster-than-planned reduction of domestic debt and buildup of official reserves provide buffers to absorb shocks. The effects of the global financial turmoil and slowdown on Cape Verde have been relatively contained: growth continues to be solid, inflation is expected to remain in single digits, and the banking system... (IMF News)
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes First Review under PRGF Arrangement for Liberia and Approves US$10.8 Million Disbursement Dec 23, 2008
"The Liberian authorities have implemented prudent fiscal and monetary policies and structural reforms under their IMF-assisted program to support postwar reconstruction and economic recovery. Important measures have been taken to strengthen public financial management and fight corruption. "Sound policies have contributed to strong economic growth, rising foreign direct investment, a build-up of net international reserves, and broad exchange rate stability ... Nevertheless, the current global... (IMF News)
Why we arrived at December 28 - A Critical Analysis Dec 22, 2008
The new constituencies that were created clearly favoured the NPP. The economy grew, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was implemented, foreign direct investment rose, a construction boom emerged which provided employment for a good number of Ghanaians. In addition, the banking system took a firm grounding and expanded, bringing job opportunities and financial liquidity into the system, etc. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Johor braces for tough times Dec 22, 2008
We will continue to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Johor for 2009 and 2010 but anticipate that the figure will be much lower than the previous years, he acknowledged, noting that investments from Japan, Europe, US and Singapore would likely decline. Johor is confident of maintaining its position as the top three investment destinations in Malaysia which the state had enjoyed over the last five years, the mentri besar said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
West Africa: Yar 'Adua Elected Ecowas Chair Dec 22, 2008
A communiqu; issued at the end of the summit warned that the global financial crisis could undermine the region's economic recovery and precipitate a reduction in foreign direct investment, remittances from migrant workers and drop in commodity prices, the mainstay of the economies of most member states. The communiqu; called for a regional strategy that would minimize the risks on the regional economy, while member states were urged to strengthen the management and structural reform of their... (allAfrica.com)
Political spending fills the gap Dec 22, 2008
Much of this investment actually came from joint venture companies here, and thus is not purely foreign direct investment -- there are plenty of domestic elements at play ... For next year, most pundits share the same projection that foreign direct investment (FDI) will slump to nil, but we can expect investment to continue to flow -- although at a slower pace -- from such joint venture companies, especially in areas where competition is tight, such as telecommunications and transportation. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
The strategic trends in E. Asia (Part 1 of 2) Dec 22, 2008
For China, global funds and foreign direct investment will be limited and exports will be curtailed because of the deep recessions that developed nations are facing. That is why China's new policies, which will encourage domestic consumption and inject money into the banking system, are very wise. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
After The Bailout, Tariffs? Dec 21, 2008
More broadly, have we thought about whether bailing out the U.S. auto industry would have the international consequence of discouraging foreign direct investment in the U.S., or of closing off market access to U.S. autos and other U.S. products in other countries. And have we considered whether one subsidy would lead to another, at home and abroad. (Forbes -- Business)
Q&A - Eurasia Group on crisis impact in southern Africa Dec 20, 2008
All countries in the region will suffer due to falling exports, remittance flows, foreign direct investment and international aid, but those countries that are reliant on commodity exports are likely to bear the brunt of the global slowdown. Rising unemployment and slowing GDP will increase pressure on governments and likely lead to increased political risk. (AlertNet)
ECOWAS leaders agree strategy against global financial crisisAbuja, Nigeria (PANA) - West African leaders said Friday that the globalfinancial crisis could undermine the region's economic recovery andprecipitate a reduction in foreign direct investment, remittances frommigrant workers and a drop in commodity prices, the mainstayof the economies of most of the member states. 20/12/2008 Full Text... Dec 20, 2008
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - West African leaders said Friday that the global financial crisis could undermine the region's economic recovery and precipitate a reduction in foreign direct investment, remittances from migrant workers and a drop in commodity prices, the mainstay of the economies of most of the member states. In a communique issued at the end of the 35th ordinary summit of leaders of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja,... (Panapress.com)
US firms to cut output Dec 20, 2008
It said during this period, the US was also the countrys second largest trading partner, with approved foreign direct investment projects totalling US$1. 8bil. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Indonesia looks to Middle East, Gulf oil-rich investors Dec 19, 2008
Referring to the expected impacts of the global crisis next year, Lutfi said he remained optimistic, predicting foreign direct investment would still grow by between 10. 7 percent and 11. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
State entrepreneurs not happy with governance, says survey Dec 19, 2008
"Tamil Nadu has done exceedingly well in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and large industrial projects. The question that needs to be asked now is, are they doing enough for the start-ups?" Jehil Thakkar, Executive Director of KPMG averred. This might appear to be true for a state which has successfully courted big names such as Hyundai, Dell, Nokia, Motorala to name a few, but not many local entrepreneurs have made it big. (Times of India)
Indonesia expects investments from Middle East Dec 19, 2008
Lutfi was still optimistic about foreign direct investment coming to Indonesia, that the figure was likely to grow by between10. 7 percent and 11. (Xinhuanet, China)
250,000 migrant workers sent home Dec 18, 2008
In 2006, remittances from migrant workers reached around Rp 60 trillion (US$5 billion), providing an impressive contribution to incoming financial flows alongside foreign direct investment, according to BPN2TKI chairman Jumhur Hidayat recently. Aside from overseas migrant workers, there are also indications of mass return of internal migrant workers into Java as a result of tumbling commodity prices forcing plantation companies in Kalimantan and Sumatra to scale down their workforce. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
'Opening up' China's vocabulary Dec 18, 2008
But the massive migration of rural workers did not start until the early 1990s when foreign direct investment began to pour into the country, creating many construction, manufacturing and mining jobs, most of which urban dwellers found too tiring or dirty. The number of rural migrant workers grew from 60 million in 1992 to 120 million in 2003 and 210 million this year, according to government statistics. (Asia Times Online)
Finding tools to fight corruption in emerging Southeast Asian economies Dec 18, 2008
Lambsdorff said there was convincing evidence that not only foreign direct investment but also portfolio investment is affected by corruption, with studies showing that stock markets outperformed in countries that had successfully reduced corruption. "International investors are more confident of a country," he said, "or consider the country to be less risky so don't seek such a risk premium to invest in a country.". (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
President Hu eulogizes three-decade reform Dec 18, 2008
Under the market-friendly framework, China has attracted nearly one trillion U.S. dollars in foreign direct investment. The brave transformation also made China the world's fourth powerful economy in terms of gross domestic product, with 24. (Xinhuanet, China)
Govt nod for FDI via warrants may go Dec 16, 2008
Companies falling under the ambit of automatic foreign direct investment route are permitted to issue shares to their foreign partners without seeking the FIPB approval. However, the government needs to give the go-ahead for the issue of warrants. (India Times)
Abhisit picked as Thailand's new PM Dec 16, 2008
But with tourism, foreign direct investment and exports all reeling from the double blow of global economic slowdown and domestic political turmoil, his government faces substantial challenges. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, said: "The first order for the new government is to restore confidence in the economy both internationally and domestically. They need to come up with a rescue package.". (Financial Times)
James P. Moore: 5 myths about our sputtering economy Dec 16, 2008
No wonder the United States attracted more than $2 trillion worth of foreign direct investment last year, according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. (The United Kingdom, Hong Kong and France the next three top finishers each registered just over $1 trillion. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Former Opposition Leader in Thailand Elected PM Dec 15, 2008
Vejjajiva, 44, has promised a rapid disbursement of government funds to try and revive the economy, but with tourism, foreign direct investment and exports all reeling from the double blow of global economic slowdown and domestic political turmoil, his government faces substantial challenges. "The first order for the new government is to restore confidence in the economy, both internationally and domestically: they need to come up with a rescue package," said Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political... (Washington Post)
Should India move towards acquiring self-reliance in defence production? Dec 15, 2008
NEW DELHI: Industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) has called for a hike in existing foreign direct investment (FDI) ceiling for defence from 26 percent to 49 per cent.. In a paper submitted to the defence ministry, the chamber said Indias spending on arms imports since the 1999 Kargil conflict has gone up to $25 billion and would further rise to $30 billion by 2012. (India Times)
Xiamen offers investment opportunities in solar power Dec 15, 2008
Liu said by the end of 2007, Xiamen had attracted 7,928 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, with an FDI value of US$28. 7bil. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
'Raise FDI cap in defence to 49 pc' Dec 14, 2008
NEW DELHI: Industry body Assocham has asked the government to raise the foreign direct investment cap in the defence sector to 49 per cent for enabling indigenisation and the transfer of latest technology. At present, 26 per cent FDI is permitted in the sector. (India Times)
Solutions to our fiscal problems Dec 12, 2008
For example the global commodity price bubble had been a catalyst for foreign direct investment into the plantation and mining sectors for years. Now that the bubble has burst, the flow of resource-based direct investment inflows could also grind to a halt. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Credit Crisis: The Risk Hits Russia Dec 12, 2008
Foreign direct investment, crucial to the modernization of Russia's economy, is off sharply. In the first half of this year, government statistics show, long-term investment in factories, real estate, and companies fell by 30%, to $11 billion. (BusinessWeek)
Govt plans more FDI traffic to India Dec 11, 2008
NEW DELHI: The government is considering permitting foreign direct investment (FDI) by way of options contracts, allowing foreign investors to buy equity stakes in companies at a pre-determined price and time. At present, FDI is allowed only through subscription to equity and convertible warrants and debentures, but not through options. (India Times)
Foreign investment up, Jakarta takes most Dec 11, 2008
5 billion was foreign direct investment (FDI), and the remaining $1. 7 billion was domestic-based. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Remarks on Macroeconomic Developments by Mr. John Nelmes, IMF Resident Representative in Cambodia on behalf of Development Partners at the Cambodia Development and Cooperation Forum Dec 10, 2008
Here, the focus should be on improving the investment climate, including by tackling corruption and strengthening governance, to mitigate the slow-down in global foreign direct investment; addressing losses in regional competitiveness, for instance through accelerated progress in trade facilitation; bolstering the health of the banking system through continued improvements in regulations and supervision; and fast tracking domestic development objectives such as infrastructure spending for rural... (IMF News)
Direct inflows make up for market jitters Dec 10, 2008
Foreign direct investment was worth a net R20. 8 billion in the quarter, compared with R6. (Business Report, South Africa)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes2008 ArticleIV Consultation with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Dec 9, 2008
Strong investment growth, in part reflecting higher foreign direct investment (FDI), and the high unemployment rate, which is still around 35 percent, suggest few capacity constraints and considerable scope for continuing this favorable supply response ... Executive Directors welcomed FYR Macedonia's strong economic growth, supported by improvements in the business climate and a surge in foreign direct investment ... Export demand has started to fall, and lower foreign direct investment,... (IMF News)
'Brace up for the ICC decision on al-Bashir'Sudan's Janjaweed militia rampage in Darfur's IDP campAU chief lauds Sudan's preparations for post-war pollsAl-Bashir declares Darfur ceasefire Arab League supports joint African force for SomaliaEurope to station naval force off SomaliaEthiopian PM restates Somali troops' pullout planSomali rivals unveil details of power-sharing government Belgium will not send troops to DR Congo, says FMDR Congo parliamentary delegation in KigaliDR Congo's humanitarian crisis worry JapanCongo wins African table tennis championship Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE 'Emerging economic giants show high levels of corporate bribery overseas'Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Companies based in emerging economic giants,such as China, India and Russia, are perceived to routinely engage inbribery whendoing business abroad, according to Transparency International's 2008Bribe Payers Index (BPI), released Tuesday. 09/12/2008 Full Text... Dec 9, 2008
The combined global exports of goods and services and outflows of foreign direct investment of these 22 countries represented 75 percent of the world total in 2006. The 2008 BPI is based on the responses of 2,742 senior business executives from companies in 26 developed and developing countries, chosen by the volume of their imports and inflows of foreign direct investment. (Panapress.com)
Can Asia spend its way out of the crisis? Dec 8, 2008
Still to come in the first quarter of next year is perhaps the biggest blow of all rising unemployment, a contraction in fixed capital formation (read foreign direct investment) and asset price deflation. The real problem for Asia is that this external shock coincides with the shrinking in domestic consumption, which had started to take a breather after a decade of growth and after helping to pull the region out of the 1997 crisis. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Beijing holds key to prosperity Dec 6, 2008
It must boost domestic investment financed by sovereign credit denominated in yuan to balance overdependence on foreign direct investment, which tends to concentrate in the export sector located in the costal provinces. More critically, China needs to stimulate domestic consumption by raising wages aggressively. (Asia Times Online)
Mexico Will Speed Up Building Projects to Boost Economy, Ruiz Mateos Says Dec 6, 2008
Ruiz Mateos confirmed a projection by Deputy Finance Minister that foreign direct investment may fall 10 percent to 20 percent next year due to the global credit crisis ... Mexico may receive $18 billion to $19 billion in foreign direct investment in 2008, he said. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Globalism: As America Goes... Dec 6, 2008
As foreign direct investment slows to a trickle, all the talk of economic hegemony shifting to China and India won't seem so authoritative. Many best-selling books have been predicated on this false assumption, however, and more are in the pipeline. (Investors Business Daily)
I'll be okay with only one vote - Amoafo-Yeboah Dec 5, 2008
Asked what he would do in the event of a second round, he said he would lend his support to the party that had job creation at heart - the party that focused on generating revenue locally to move the country forward, not the one that put their hope in oil money, loans, grants and foreign direct investment (FDI). "I believe that the one who would go to the Jubilee House must do something radical about the economy and that move must as of necessity move away from FDIs, loans, grants and the oil... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Secy panel to decide on NACIL JV Dec 5, 2008
Also, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved foreign direct investment (FDI) of Rs 805. 61 crore by TPG India Investment I Inc, a Mauritius-based entity, in Shriram Holding (P). (Economic Times)
Consultative Group Meeting for Vietnam, Statement by Mr. Shogo Ishii, Assistant Director, Asia and Pacific Department, IMF Dec 5, 2008
Second, tighter global financial conditions would reduce foreign direct investment and other capital inflows, which are needed to finance a large current account deficit. While Vietnam's low levels of short-term external debt and foreign investors' holdings of domestic securities provide some protection, adverse shifts in confidence, especially among domestic investors, could put pressures on reserves and the exchange rate. (IMF News)
Manufacturing Companies Reassess India Risks After Mumbai Attacks Dec 3, 2008
But, companies and executives said, India is unlikely to suffer a sustained impact on foreign direct investment, as its growth prospects remain strong. Investors doing business in the South Asian country have also long taken into account the risk of a terrorist attack. (Wall Street Journal)
Government Steps Up Rupee Rescue Dec 3, 2008
A reduced Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), a cut in the Repo rate, Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), increasing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap to 49 percent, issuance of bonds by the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) and also allowing ready forward transactions in oil bonds, which could enable oil companies to raise money at a cheaper rate, are some of the crucial steps taken by the government to increase liquidity into the system. RBI also announced to provide foreign exchange liquidity to the... (JCK India)
Foreign investment to hit RM60bil Dec 3, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign direct investment in Malaysia is expected to hit RM60bil this year compared with about RM40bil last year, said International Trade and Industry Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. We are targeting regions like the Middle East which have a surplus of funds and will also explore new markets like South America and Africa, he told reporters after his presentation at the National Economic Outlook Conference yesterday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Romania: Land of Opportunity for Backup Power Manufacturers Dec 2, 2008
"Inclusion in the EU has accelerated improvements in infrastructure and efforts are underway to weed out corruption and red-tapism. The global economic slowdown, affecting the US and Western European economies significantly, is expected to have a lesser impact in Romania. Short-term growth (next 1-2 years) might slow down due to fall in foreign direct investment (FDI), industrial output, investment in real estate, available financing, purchasing power of consumers, etc. However, the medium to... (PR Newswire)
Ghana: Election Focuses on Issues, Not Personalities [guest column] Dec 2, 2008
Buoyed by good governance and stable economic policies, the country has averaged annual growth of more than five percent, invested in landmark programs in education and healthcare, achieved a sovereign credit rating of B+ and seen double-digit increases in inward and foreign direct investment ... More importantly, it has become a premier African destination of foreign direct investment and a sought-after location for regional business operations. (allAfrica.com)
Recession is reality Dec 2, 2008
This is in line with recent sentiments expressed by Brian Coulton, managing director of Fitch Ratings and the agency's head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who said given the size of its current account deficit, excluding net foreign direct investment, SA would have to undergo a significant economic adjustment. "Gross domestic product growth of one to two percent next year would be a good outcome, which would lead to deterioration in fiscal performance and could test support for the... (iAfrica.com)
UK keen to honour aid commitments Dec 2, 2008
The tightening in credit and the global economic slowdown are expected to reduce funding for developing countries from sources such as their citizens working abroad and foreign direct investment, the British High Commission said. Addressing the House of Commons mid last month, UK Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander stressed the need for all donors to keep their promises. (IPPmedia)
