The Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global commerce, is transforming into a toll highway where ships are reportedly asked to pay “safe-passage” fees amidst heightened tensions in U.S.–Iran relations. These payments, likened to protection money, compromise the principle of freedom of navigation and may normalise coercive practices in international trade.
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Enhancing Procurement and Transparency in Indonesia
The Islands of Integrity (SIPS) initiative in Indonesia aimed to reduce corruption in sub-national governments through collaboration with the Corruption Eradication Commission and ten regional administrations. Over five years, it improved public satisfaction, established operational One-Stop-Service Centers, and enhanced procurement processes, while also assisting KPK in developing new corruption diagnostic tools.
Factors Influencing Intra-Regional Trade in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Development Bank’s recent panel discussion revealed that despite geographical proximity among CARICOM member states, intra-regional trade remains critically low at only 16%. Historical, regulatory, and socio-cultural factors hinder trade. A coordinated approach, including streamlined regulations and infrastructure investments, is essential to enhance trade connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
PGTS Inc. 