Issue No. 625, 16-30 September 2016
UNCTAD report assesses economic outlook, role of industrial policy

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Global output likely to decelerate moderately this year – UNCTAD
The world economy is expected to record a slower expansion this year, according to projections by a UN economic body, as persistent weak demand conditions in the developed countries, among other factors, continue to stifle global growth.
by Kanaga Raja

South urged to pursue active industrial policies
In TDR 2016, UNCTAD highlights the importance to developing countries of industrial policy, underlining the need for them to integrate such policy with macroeconomic, trade and financial policies in order to go down the industrialization path.
by Kanaga Raja

Panel for full use of compulsory licensing, TRIPS flexibilities
A UN panel charged with proposing ways to improve access to medicines has recommended that countries make full use of policymaking leeway afforded by WTO intellectual property rules towards this end.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Mainstream human rights into all activities, WTO told
A UN rights expert has called on the WTO to uphold human rights in its operations and to “place people before profits” while promoting trade.
by Kanaga Raja

Opinion: G20 Hangzhou agreement unlikely to heal global economy’s malaise
Measures agreed by the G20 countries at their recent Hangzhou summit appear ill suited to the task of reviving a listless global economy.
by Aldo Caliari