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The event marks the fifth international edition of the Dubai Business Forum and the second to be held in China. The previous edition, which took place in Beijing in August 2024, attracted more than 800 business leaders. “Today’s India is a symbol of scale and stability,” PM Modi said, adding that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is continuously improving ease of doing business through reforms and reduced compliance requirements. Dick Richelle, Chairman and CEO of Vopak, praised India’s transformation over the past decade and highlighted opportunities for cooperation between India, the Netherlands and the European Union, especially in infrastructure and investment. “The strategic partnership that we signed today with Tata Electronics is the result of the very strong ambition from PM Modi to get the semiconductor industry in India,” Fouquet said, adding that he had been impressed by India’s plans during the Semicon India event last year.

As one of the frontline Ministries within the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism is leading the drive to position Trinidad and Tobago as a manufacturing base, and the business, trade, and financial hub of the Americas. In contrast, 80% of Technology hubs in Catalonia have adopted social and environmental responsibility initiatives, highlighting a significant shift towards sustainable business models dedicated to supporting local communities. Health and technological product development were the fastest-growing sectors in 2024, both in terms of the number of centers and the number of employees. Together, these two sectors accounted for 43% of the jobs created in 2024, representing nearly 2,700 people. On the other hand, the report highlights that the most sought-after profiles by technology hubs are those of software engineers, consultants, cybersecurity analysts, SAP, data analysts, and video game developers.

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Singapore did not become a logistics superpower by having good policy for six months. The event’s location in Shenzhen places it at the heart of the Greater Bay Area, a global hub for technological innovation. The city provides an ideal setting to explore synergies between Dubai and China in areas that are shaping the future of global business, from digital transformation and smart mobility to logistics, digital platforms, venture capital and emerging technologies. Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, welcomed India’s economic growth ambitions and stressed the importance of an India-European Union trade agreement. He said the company is making progress on commitments discussed with PM Modi last year, including shipbuilding, container manufacturing and training centres in India. HUB’s technology offering supports the automation of investment operations, and by integrating the firms AI-enabled capabilities, OSTTRA clients will gain access to greater innovation, replacing manual, spreadsheet-heavy processes with automated, real-time oversight.

This milestone, achieved after 36 months of dedicated efforts and collaboration, was supported financially and through technical assistance by the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub). Catalonia is home to 160 international technology hubs, an increase of 9% over the previous year. In 2024, these centers generated 6,191 new jobs, a significant increase of 22% over the last year, bringing the total number of jobs to 34,869. To start or develop your business, set up your company in Brussels, expand your network, or export your goods and services, the Brussels Agency for Entrepreneurship is here to support you. The growth reflects DIEZ’s ability to adapt to global economic shifts, supported by advanced infrastructure, seamless zone integration, and innovative solutions that improve supply chain efficiency.

These 13 new projects will generate 263 qualified jobs and an economic impact of almost 22 million euros.
The inauguration ceremony of AMAATI’s newly constructed fonio processing factory in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
By connecting Chinese companies with Dubai’s fast-growing business ecosystem, the event will support their global expansion ambitions while contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33),” Lootah added.
If operationalized at scale, the CPEC route could reduce the existing 12,000-kilometer oil transportation journey to China to just 2,395 kilometers.
The dual blockade, Hormuz and the Red Sea, has created what CNBC described as a potential tipping point for the global economy.
The forum will also highlight Dubai’s role as a strategic global business hub for Chinese companies seeking to expand efficiently into regional and international markets.
Through our Co-Investment Fund and technical assistance, we improve companies’ abilities to expand business operations, increase productivity, and create jobs that build on the talents and aspirations of West Africa’s growing population.
The Zoomlion expansion also aligns with a broader trend in Mexico’s nearshoring landscape, where new investment announcements are slowing even as previously announced projects begin operations.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently the lead U.S. agency working to end extreme global poverty.
Singapore did not become a logistics superpower by having good policy for six months.
Pakistan’s ports have seen a 1,423% increase in transshipment volumes because the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March 2, 2026.

Stock prices, indices, options, fundamentals, analyst estimates, and other financial data may be delayed by at least 15 minutes unless explicitly stated otherwise. TECHi does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of market data. If the Strait of Hormuz reopens following Trump’s April 6 deadline, or through successful back-channel negotiations, much of the diverted cargo will return to its original routes. The surge would prove temporary, and Pakistan’s ports would revert to their pre-crisis volumes unless structural changes in shipping patterns have already taken hold. If container volumes continue at the current rate, an annualized pace of 126,000 TEUs in transshipment alone, congestion could reverse the cost advantages that attracted carriers in the first place.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, highlighting the factory’s importance to the community and nation. Among the guests were the Paramount Chief of Nanton, Nanton Naa Alhaji Mahamadu Baba Bawah; the Chief of Nanton, Nanton Naa Mahamadu Bawahthe; AMAATI Board Chair Sakoya Naa Mahama Sintaro; USAID/Ghana’s Deputy Mission Director Grace Lang; and AMAATI Board Member Anna Samaké. The primary goal of the Reference Guide to Canadian International Merchandise Trade Statistics is to provide an overview of the CIMT data, the necessary definitions to better understand the data, and information related to concepts and methodology. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.

International Trade Explorer

This is particularly useful when the investments are to be made in countries where an adequate investment facilitation infrastructure is missing, like in developing countries. When engaging in, for example, a merger or acquisition, investors often prefer to set-up an investment vehicle in a neutral third country to avoid the other party having a competitive advantage due to a better knowledge of local rules and regulations. The Senegalese agricultural industry witnessed a landmark event as Biosene inaugurated its new industrial cereal production unit on May 30, 2024.

THE TRADE Issue 87

For the sustainable, long-term growth of West African economies, businesses must have the capability and resources to produce and sell high-quality goods in local and global markets. Many small businesses currently lack access to economic resources and investment opportunities, face trade blockages and operate under ineffective regional and national policies that deter growth rather than facilitate it. The Dubai Business Forum – China is designed to accelerate the growing momentum between Dubai and China by creating practical channels for trade, investment and cross-border collaboration.

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KGTL CEO Khurram Aziz Khan confirmed the service is designed to provide importers and exporters with reliable alternatives as traditional Gulf routes face disruption. “Dubai and China share deep economic ties built on trade, investment, innovation and a mutual commitment to sustainable growth. Hosting the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen reflects the importance we place on strengthening this partnership and creating new channels for cooperation between the business communities in both markets,” said H.E. Facilitating new market and export opportunities in West African countries contributes to economic growth, enhances competitiveness, promotes economic and political reform, and strengthens U.S. economic relations in the region. West Africa’s economic potential, with a population of over 360 million, faces hurdles such as political instability, limited investment and weak business networks, hindering economic growth and development across the region.

By the end of the project, Connexus helped the Trade Hub implement 93 co-investment projects totaling more than $65M in co-investment with 93 private sector firms. Trade Hub grants enabled more than $683M in partner firm sales of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, energy, and services—including $123M in exports to the USA— and led to the creation of approximately 50,000 jobs for women and 45,000 jobs for youth. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently the lead U.S. agency working to end extreme global poverty. On January 28, 2020, USAID launched the new West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, a five-year initiative that uses a market-based approach to spur economic growth in West Africa.

The automotive sector currently accounts for 60% of investment plans tied to nearshoring, while real estate and port infrastructure projects represent another 30%. The Zoomlion expansion also aligns with a broader trend in Mexico’s nearshoring landscape, where new investment announcements are slowing even as previously announced projects begin operations. Mexico’s Economy Ministry measures investment based on the last country of origin, while CeChimex traces the ultimate source of capital, including funds routed through third-party jurisdictions. The Technical Assistance in Support of Trade and Development in Promove Comércio project works to improve the trade and business environment in Mozambique. In order to make cross-border investments happen, investment structures are sometimes set up in in jurisdictions that benefit from a stable legal and political environment, a sound financial infrastructure and a highly professional ecosystem.

Maria Galindo highlighted that “88% of the multinational companies that have opened tech hubs in Catalonia have had support from Catalonia Trade & investment”. She emphasized, “This support shows the strategic commitment of the government to capture technological projects of high added value that boost the Catalan economy and generate a positive impact on the environment”. The forum will bring together business leaders from Dubai and China to advance strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities and unlock new channels for trade, innovation and technology-led growth. Jurisdictions that attract an above-average share of global investments are referred to as ‘investment hubs’. Examples of investment hubs include Mauritius and Singapore, which are widely considered as a gateway for international investments in Africa and South-East Asia, respectively.

What role does CPEC play in Pakistan’s trade growth?

The forum will also highlight Dubai’s role as a strategic global business hub for Chinese companies seeking to expand efficiently into regional and international markets. Over the years, several initiatives and systems have been developed to facilitate the export of raw materials and finished goods to global markets. Trade Act, was implemented to enhance access to the U.S. market for eligible Sub-Saharan countries. AGOA provides duty-free access to over 6,500 products, subject to specific requirements for individual businesses.

International Tech Hubs in Catalonia grow 9% in 2024, reaching 160

Our latest posts represent the most recent updates on our programs, company news and expert insights. Here, you’ll find detailed information on our active programs, celebrate our new hires and company milestones and gain valuable perspectives from our team of experts. Stay informed and inspired by the impactful work we’re doing around the world to support communities in achieving the positive change they seek. A sense of celebration filled the air, mingled with the rich scent of fresh pineapple, as guests arrived at the Promo Fruits Pineapple Processing Factory in Allada, approximately an hour’s journey from Cotonou, Benin. Held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the long-awaited ceremony celebrating the expansion of the pineapple juice factory was a resounding success. The event was attended by over 140 people, including several dignitaries such as representatives of the Minister of State in charge of Development and Coordination of Government Action, Mr. Rachidi B. Radji; the Minister…

The project, announced by Aguascalientes Governor Tere Jiménez, is expected to generate more than 400 direct and indirect jobs and positions the state as a regional hub for agricultural machinery services, technical training and technology transfer.
Several risks could prevent that outcome, and investors need to weigh each one seriously.
European countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands & Luxembourg play a similar role in facilitating international transactions for other regions of the world.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has invested over $62 billion in infrastructure connecting Pakistan’s ports to Central Asia and western China.
Dick Richelle, Chairman and CEO of Vopak, praised India’s transformation over the past decade and highlighted opportunities for cooperation between India, the Netherlands and the European Union, especially in infrastructure and investment.
Discover the world’s most comprehensive online database of national investment laws and regulations.
When engaging in, for example, a merger or acquisition, investors often prefer to set-up an investment vehicle in a neutral third country to avoid the other party having a competitive advantage due to a better knowledge of local rules and regulations.
Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
Current HUB chief executive, Paul Taylor, is set to step down from his role once the acquisition is finalised, while the remaining HUB team will continue to work within the support and evolution of HUB’s services, while also contributing to OSTTRA’s offering.
In contrast, 80% of Technology hubs in Catalonia have adopted social and environmental responsibility initiatives, highlighting a significant shift towards sustainable business models dedicated to supporting local communities.
The document highlights a positive trend in job creation that is expected to continue in the coming years.
This policy change, reported by Aaj English, removed a bureaucratic barrier that had historically limited Pakistan’s competitiveness as a transshipment hub.

Women, youth, smallholder farmers, and the poor are not fully represented in policy making or implementation nor integrated into the wider economic community. Libassa Ecolodge has launched the Warkolor Jungle Lodge & Forest Reserve in Robertsport, Grand Cape County, Liberia. The event on May 10, 2024, was attended by notable figures such as Catherine Rodriguez, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia; Johnny Tarkpah, representative of the President of Liberia; and Hon. Rudolph J. Merab, Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). The inauguration ceremony of AMAATI’s newly constructed fonio processing factory in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

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Zoomlion, headquartered in Changsha, Hunan province, specializes in agricultural machinery, construction equipment and heavy industrial machinery. The company operates commercial and service networks in more than 140 countries and maintains manufacturing, research and operational centers across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Over the last two years, 43% of Chinese investment in Mexico has been concentrated in automotive and auto parts manufacturing, with the rest distributed across energy, electronics, machinery and industrial manufacturing. The concentration reflects Mexico’s strategic role within North American manufacturing chains under the USMCA framework and its tariff-free access to the US market.

These 13 new projects will generate 263 qualified jobs and an economic impact of almost 22 million euros. In 2024, Catalonia reached 160 international tech hubs, generating 6,191 new jobs and an economic impact of 2.879 billion euros. 88% of these hubs were established with the support of Catalonia Trade & Investment. For investors watching this space, the convergence of crisis-driven demand and decade-long infrastructure investment creates a rare alignment. If I were allocating capital toward emerging market logistics exposure right now, Pakistan’s maritime sector would be on my shortlist, not because of the Hormuz crisis alone, but because the CPEC investment thesis finally has a real-world stress test proving it works. The KSE-100 index has already reflected this optimism, with transport and logistics stocks outperforming the broader market since early March.

A Fidelity portfolio manager breaks down the impact of geopolitics, higher oil prices, and new Fed leadership. TECHi combines Wall Street discipline with deep technical literacy — covering AI leaders, crypto infrastructure, and the equities that tie them together. The closure of both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea has forced carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles and 10 to 14 days to Asia-Europe voyages. Freight rates on affected routes have surged, and Anadolu Agency reports that prolonged disruption could reshape freight rate structures for years. In just 24 days of March 2026, Karachi Port processed 8,313 containers, matching its entire 2025 annual transshipment volume. South Asia Pakistan Terminal handled 5,286 containers, Hutchison Port processed 1,827, and Karachi Gateway Terminal managed 1,200.

International Trade Statistics

“We want to continue promoting the arrival of new projects that contribute to strengthening value chains in Aguascalientes, taking advantage of the talent available in this state,” Garza de Vega said. Addressing the CEOs Roundtable, PM Modi said more than 300 Dutch companies are now part of India’s growth story and noted that the Netherlands has become India’s largest investor from Europe and second-largest trading partner. Through the move, OSTTRA aims to develop its post-trade transformation strategy, and the addition of HUB is expected to complement OSTTRA’s existing solutions suite, tailored for buy-side trade processing, portfolio reconciliation, optimisation and margin management. Find details on all publicly known treaty-based investor-State dispute settlement cases. Discover the world’s most comprehensive online database of national investment laws and regulations. Abt Global uses data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people’s lives worldwide.

Forum to explore synergies between Dubai and China

Despite the current stability of Pakistan’s coastline, global insurers and logistics operators factor in broader country risk assessments. Sustained investment in maritime security, transparent governance of port operations, and clear regulatory frameworks will be necessary to overcome these perceptions. Policy reforms announced during a crisis must be sustained during normal operations. Pakistan’s history of regulatory inconsistency, particularly in customs procedures and port tariffs, could undermine the confidence of international shipping lines considering long-term commitments.

After Audi: Brussels foreign trade in the first half of 2025

In addition to its focus countries, the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub encourages co-investment in multi-country or regional ventures focused in countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These countries include Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and Togo. The USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub convened a landmark Partnership Summit on June 24, 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria. Nearly 70% of the centers located in Catalonia perform strategic management and decision-making functions; 71% provide services worldwide and are reference centers for their company. Furthermore, Catalonia Trade & Investment supported 88% of the firms that established the 160 international technology centers in Catalonia. Market data on TECHi is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended for trading, execution, tax, legal, or personalized investment advice.

West Africa Trade — Investment Hub: Who We Are

The Trade Hub administered $60 million in co-investment funds to attract $300 million in private-sector investment, stimulating economic growth and development in West Africa through increased investment in agriculture, trade, and other sectors. The Trade Hub employed a market-based approach to address the economic challenges in West Africa. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, the Trade Hub’s activities made smallholder farmers more food secure and raised household incomes. Through our Co-Investment Fund and technical assistance, we improve companies’ abilities to expand business operations, increase productivity, and create jobs that build on the talents and aspirations of West Africa’s growing population.

The Hub assisted the region’s private sector to engage with the government in finding practical solutions to constraints to trade and investment.
Joint ventures and new plants are taking shape in multiple countries, and modern practices are gradually professionalizing even the most traditional sectors.
European countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands & Luxembourg play a similar role in facilitating international transactions for other regions of the world.
Current HUB chief executive, Paul Taylor, is set to step down from his role once the acquisition is finalised, while the remaining HUB team will continue to work within the support and evolution of HUB’s services, while also contributing to OSTTRA’s offering.
In contrast, 80% of Technology hubs in Catalonia have adopted social and environmental responsibility initiatives, highlighting a significant shift towards sustainable business models dedicated to supporting local communities.
Growth in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda has been robust but uneven, with millions of people left behind in poverty.
Conduit jurisdictions that attract an above-average share of global investments are referred to as ‘investment hubs’.
Dick Richelle, Chairman and CEO of Vopak, praised India’s transformation over the past decade and highlighted opportunities for cooperation between India, the Netherlands and the European Union, especially in infrastructure and investment.
Pakistan’s history of regulatory inconsistency, particularly in customs procedures and port tariffs, could undermine the confidence of international shipping lines considering long-term commitments.
The USAID TradeHub worked with market actors to identify and resolve enterprise constraints and to implement sustainable solutions through market-based trade and investment facilitation services.
The concentration reflects Mexico’s strategic role within North American manufacturing chains under the USMCA framework and its tariff-free access to the US market.
Maria Galindo highlighted that “88% of the multinational companies that have opened tech hubs in Catalonia have had support from Catalonia Trade & investment”.
Over the years, several initiatives and systems have been developed to facilitate the export of raw materials and finished goods to global markets.
This policy change, reported by Aaj English, removed a bureaucratic barrier that had historically limited Pakistan’s competitiveness as a transshipment hub.

Dubai Chambers to host Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen to strengthen trade and investment ties

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Dubai’s DIEZ sees record 2024 trade milestone, driving non-oil growth

Together, these two sectors represented nearly 94% of DIEZ’s overall trade, highlighting the focus on high-value industries. Where technology and capital converge through collective intelligence — real-time market intelligence, frontier-AI research, and personalized AI assistants for investors, analysts, and innovators. Pakistan sits directly adjacent to the Persian Gulf without being inside the conflict zone. Karachi Port is roughly 400 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz, close enough to serve as a transshipment alternative for Gulf-bound cargo, but far enough to remain outside the insurance exclusion zones that have shut down ports like Jebel Ali, Dammam, and Hamad Port.

South Asia Pakistan Terminal handled 5,286 containers, Hutchison Port processed 1,827, and Karachi Gateway Terminal managed 1,200.
It estimates that the number of employees in technology centers will rise to 42,700 by 2026.
88% of these hubs were established with the support of Catalonia Trade & Investment.
In just 24 days of March 2026, Karachi Port processed 8,313 containers, matching its entire 2025 annual transshipment volume.
There is a real scenario where Pakistan’s success becomes self-defeating if port congestion drives up turnaround times and carriers start looking at Salalah or Mundra instead.
The Trade Hub employed a market-based approach to address the economic challenges in West Africa.
Find details on all publicly known treaty-based investor-State dispute settlement cases.
To meet the varying economic needs of the region, the Trade Hub will work specifically in six West African “focus” countries.
Through co-investment funds totaling $60 million over five years, the program aims to attract $300 million in private-sector investment, improve business operations, and increase access to financing for exporters, ultimately driving economic growth and development in West Africa.

“My impression is that Chinese automotive companies in particular are very interested in investing, but it has rather been the Mexican government that has requested patience,” Dussel Peters said. Christophe Fouquet, President and CEO of ASML, said the strategic partnership signed between ASML and Tata Electronics reflects India’s strong ambitions in the semiconductor sector under PM Modi’s leadership. In addition, the acquisition is set to specifically benefit investment managers by providing a unified foundation to streamline operations and reduce risk, as well as enhance productivity, data accuracy and control. Global post-trade solutions provider OSTTRA has acquired SaaS AI-enabled solutions provider, HUB, as the firm looks to build out its investment management offering. Explore the world’s most comprehensive free database of investment treaties and model agreements. Growth in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda has been robust but uneven, with millions of people left behind in poverty.

The USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub) is a 5-year, $116 million trade and investment facilitation activity designed to improve private sector productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in West Africa through market-based approaches. It is estimated by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that around 30 % of all international corporate investments have been routed through hubs before reaching the destination country. Conduit jurisdictions that attract an above-average share of global investments are referred to as ‘investment hubs’. West Africa faces disproportionally high levels of gender inequality in comparison to the rest of the African continent. As such, the Trade Hub will support female entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary funding, product registration, duty-free exporting and access to economic tools. The empowerment-centered initiative aims to create at least 20,000 new jobs for women in West Africa, integrating women into the workforce and making the region’s economy more inclusive.

This policy change, reported by Aaj English, removed a bureaucratic barrier that had historically limited Pakistan’s competitiveness as a transshipment hub. Karachi Port processed 8,313 containers in just 24 days this March, matching its entire 2025 annual volume in less than a month. It is a 1,423% surge that tells you everything about where global trade is heading when the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint goes dark. Pakistan is emerging as a critical node in the new trade architecture forced into existence by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and the speed of this shift has caught even seasoned logistics operators off guard. With containers stacking up at South Asia Pakistan Terminal, Hutchison Port, and Karachi Gateway Terminal, the question is no longer whether Pakistan benefits from the disruption, it is whether the country can scale fast enough to make this a permanent structural advantage. The Dubai Business Forum – China’s agenda will feature curated discussions and targeted networking designed to help companies translate strategic opportunities into tangible outcomes.

Global shipping lines have rerouted cargo to Pakistan as it offers insurance-friendly port facilities outside the conflict zone, with modern infrastructure developed under CPEC. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has invested over $62 billion in infrastructure connecting Pakistan’s ports to Central Asia and western China. Pakistan’s ports have seen a 1,423% increase in transshipment volumes because the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March 2, 2026.

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She emphasized, “This support shows the strategic commitment of the government to capture technological projects of high added value that boost the Catalan economy and generate a positive impact on the environment”.
The event marks the fifth international edition of the Dubai Business Forum and the second to be held in China.
Pakistan’s ports have seen a 1,423% increase in transshipment volumes because the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March 2, 2026.
By the end of the project, Connexus helped the Trade Hub implement 93 co-investment projects totaling more than $65M in co-investment with 93 private sector firms.
These 13 new projects will generate 263 qualified jobs and an economic impact of almost 22 million euros.
The team also built awareness around opportunities for African and U.S. firms to increase trade, expand business partnerships, and invest in East Africa.
Women, youth, smallholder farmers, and the poor are not fully represented in policy making or implementation nor integrated into the wider economic community.
Understanding the key concepts and uses for each basis can help determine which statistic may be most appropriate to use given the objectives of individual data users.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently the lead U.S. agency working to end extreme global poverty.
Over the last two years, 43% of Chinese investment in Mexico has been concentrated in automotive and auto parts manufacturing, with the rest distributed across energy, electronics, machinery and industrial manufacturing.
Health and technological product development were the fastest-growing sectors in 2024, both in terms of the number of centers and the number of employees.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub (USAID TradeHub) engaged with partners across the region to increase sustainable economic growth, global export competitiveness, and trade in targeted southern African countries. It supported these objectives by increasing exports from southern African countries to South Africa and the United States (under the AGOA), boosting capital and technology flows from South Africa to other southern African countries, and providing targeted trade facilitation support to Zambia. The USAID TradeHub worked with market actors to identify and resolve enterprise constraints and to implement sustainable solutions through market-based trade and investment facilitation services. The USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub) has significantly impacted Cabo Verde’s economy through its co-investment partnerships. These initiatives resulted in the creation of 386 jobs, $19 million in sales, and attracted $6.5 million in private sector investment. Additionally, the program enhanced national, regional and international markets for goods like apparel, cashew, and cocoa, facilitating trade with the U.S. in leveraging the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Saudi Arabia is pushing crude exports through its East-West pipeline to Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. Salalah in Oman and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia are absorbing diverted containerized cargo. But Pakistan’s advantage is that it offers a full logistics ecosystem, port infrastructure, road and rail connectivity to Central Asia via the Karakoram Highway, and a growing network of special economic zones along the CPEC corridor. Regulatory reform has been as important as geography, and Pakistan moved faster than most expected. The government revised its transshipment regulations to allow cargo handling at both seaports and airports, providing flexibility that international trade operators had previously lacked.

Shenzhen was selected to host this edition in recognition of its position as a leading global center for technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. The Zoomlion project also underscores the growing footprint of Chinese companies in Aguascalientes, which has positioned itself as an industrial and logistics destination for advanced manufacturing investment. Esaú Garza, Minister of Economic Development, Science and Technology, Aguascalientes, said 17 Chinese companies currently operate in the state, generating around 4,000 jobs. SEATTLE, Washington — West Africa continues to face high levels of poverty and socio-economic inequalities. More than 30% of the population lives below the poverty line in West African countries.

The record trade figures come as Dubai continues to implement the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and position it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033. DIEZ’s performance in 2024 underscores its pivotal role in driving non-oil trade, attracting global investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading international business hub. The economic zones under DIEZ include the Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity, which together have strengthened Dubai’s position as a global trading hub through increased flows of goods, services, and partnerships with key international markets. Trade volume also rose by over 28%, reaching 444,300 tons, up from 346,700 tons in 2023. The Trade Hub also collaborates on specific commercial opportunities with firms, service providers, research organizations, and other business network actors to access private capital that will contribute to the creation of large-scale jobs, exports, and investment.

European countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands & Luxembourg play a similar role in facilitating international transactions for other regions of the world. Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has unveiled plans to expand Gwadar operations by establishing new shipping lines and introducing a ferry service to GCC countries, an initiative designed to lower transport costs and cut transit times for regional trade. If operationalized at scale, the CPEC route could reduce the existing 12,000-kilometer oil transportation journey to China to just 2,395 kilometers. The Abt-led West Africa Trade and Investment Hub bridged skills and investment gaps for West African firms in agriculture and apparel that met key quality requirements. The project trained more than 11,000 West Africans to improve product quality, financial management, and marketing approaches while convincing buyers and financial lenders to be first movers in emerging West African industries. The Trade Hub also successfully advocated to clear a longstanding bureaucratic obstacle in seven countries and constructed foundational documents for new regional trade policies.

There is a real scenario where Pakistan’s success becomes self-defeating if port congestion drives up turnaround times and carriers start looking at Salalah or Mundra instead. Pakistan has spent over a decade building the infrastructure that this moment demands. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $62 billion initiative connecting Gwadar Port to western China, was designed precisely for a scenario in which traditional Gulf shipping lanes face disruption. CPEC’s infrastructure includes a 1,100-kilometer motorway between Karachi and Lahore, reconstruction of the Karakoram Highway, and expansion of Gwadar Port with nine new multipurpose berths, approach channel dredging to 14 meters (with plans for 20 meters), and a $130 million breakwater. The dual blockade, Hormuz and the Red Sea, has created what CNBC described as a potential tipping point for the global economy. For Pakistan, it has created a window of opportunity that the country has moved quickly to exploit.

These countries also face high-income inequality with a large fraction of profit held by a small portion of the population. This disparity suppresses the growth of the national economy and places smaller scale businesses at a disadvantage. In the context of discussions on Canada’s trade balance, different statistics can be referenced. Understanding the key concepts and uses for each basis can help determine which statistic may be most appropriate to use given the objectives of individual data users. Top international companies are setting up global tech hubs in Barcelona-Catalonia. Skilled talent, a booming startup economy, and a great quality of life are the main reasons they decide to settle in the region.

CME Group brings AVAX and SUI futures to market as trading goes live

Mexico’s Economy Ministry measures investment based on the last country of origin, while CeChimex traces the ultimate source of capital, including funds routed through third-party jurisdictions.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, highlighting the factory’s importance to the community and nation.
The Zoomlion expansion also aligns with a broader trend in Mexico’s nearshoring landscape, where new investment announcements are slowing even as previously announced projects begin operations.
Positioned as a high-level platform for strategic networking and dialogue, the forum will bring together senior public and private sector leaders, multinational companies, technology scale-ups, investors and venture capitalists from Dubai and China.
Held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the long-awaited ceremony celebrating the expansion of the pineapple juice factory was a resounding success.
By Michael AdajiWACOT Rice Limited (WACOT) recently held a closing out ceremony to celebrate the successful conclusion of its co-investment partnership with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub).
When Singapore positioned itself as a transshipment hub in the 1970s and 1980s, it took decades of policy consistency.
The Zoomlion project also underscores the growing footprint of Chinese companies in Aguascalientes, which has positioned itself as an industrial and logistics destination for advanced manufacturing investment.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently the lead U.S. agency working to end extreme global poverty.
A key point of reference for policymakers in formulating investment policies and negotiating investment agreements.
Women, youth, smallholder farmers, and the poor are not fully represented in policy making or implementation nor integrated into the wider economic community.
The forum will also highlight Dubai’s role as a strategic global business hub for Chinese companies seeking to expand efficiently into regional and international markets.

Time-sensitive goods, regional trade flows, and transshipment operations need a closer alternative. Joint ventures and new plants are taking shape in multiple countries, and modern practices are gradually professionalizing even the most traditional sectors. As USAID/West Africa’s go-to for regional economic development, the Trade Hub took a 360-degree view, addressing longstanding obstacles and expanding national knowledge bases to enable freer, faster trade across borders and beyond. The project facilitated $100 million of investment in agriculture and apparel, $136 million in exports, $174 million in sales—and generated more than 20,000 new jobs. Over four years, the Trade Hub became a beacon for economic development in West Africa, leveraging market and financing opportunities in 15-plus countries to prepare producers to compete locally and globally. Mr. Dieu-Donné Alladjodjo, CEO Promo Fruits Benin, shared the challenges faced by his company and the positive impact of their partnership with the USAID West Africa Trade Hub in reviving the citrus sector in Benin.

Current HUB chief executive, Paul Taylor, is set to step down from his role once the acquisition is finalised, while the remaining HUB team will continue to work within the support and evolution of HUB’s services, while also contributing to OSTTRA’s offering. Similarly, HUB users will gain access to the OSTTRA network, with enhanced connectivity and broader trade lifecycle services. The move will complement OSTTRA’s existing solutions, which include buy-side trade processing, and will provide clients with greater access to automated, real-time oversight and streamlined operations. An objective evaluation of a country’s legal, regulatory and institutional framework to attract direct investments. A key point of reference for policymakers in formulating investment policies and negotiating investment agreements.

Despite the decline in aggregate Chinese investment, companies continue to move forward with operational projects tied to manufacturing, automotive supply chains and industrial equipment. According to the China-Mexico Studies Center (CeChimex) at UNAM, Chinese FDI in Mexico dropped 80% in 2025 to US$588.3 million, compared to US$3.017 billion in 2024, reported MBN. The investment comes at a time when Chinese capital flows into Mexico are slowing, reflecting uncertainty linked to the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement and growing geopolitical scrutiny around Chinese manufacturing expansion in North America. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, said he was impressed by PM Modi’s energy and determination. He noted that India and the Netherlands have major opportunities to deepen economic partnerships. By employing innovative farming practices and technology adoption, the program enhanced agricultural productivity and profits for smallholder farmers in Nigeria and other West African countries, leading to increased production levels and income growth for farmers.

The result is the largest disruption to global shipping since the 1970s energy crisis, forcing carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles and 10 to 14 days to Asia-Europe voyage times. It will also support the objectives of D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and consolidate the emirate’s position among the top three global cities. According to consulting firm Integralia, nearshoring-related investment announcements in Mexico fell 78% year-over-year in 1Q26. Only 22 deals totaling US$2.63 billion were announced, compared to US$14.645 billion across 402 announcements during the January-April 2025 period. Facilities inaugurated in 1Q26 represented US$4.951 billion in realized investment, nearly 2.5 times the amount recorded in 1Q25.

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When engaging in, for example, a merger or acquisition, investors often prefer to set-up an investment vehicle in a neutral third country to avoid the other party having a competitive advantage due to a better knowledge of local rules and regulations.
Discover the world’s most comprehensive online database of national investment laws and regulations.
The Trade Hub worked to strengthen business networks and market linkages in West Africa, evidenced by increased trade volumes and partnerships among businesses, both locally and internationally, facilitating economic growth and trade expansion in the region.
The document highlights a positive trend in job creation that is expected to continue in the coming years.
Only 22 deals totaling US$2.63 billion were announced, compared to US$14.645 billion across 402 announcements during the January-April 2025 period.
Pakistan sits directly adjacent to the Persian Gulf without being inside the conflict zone.
Joint ventures and new plants are taking shape in multiple countries, and modern practices are gradually professionalizing even the most traditional sectors.

Even if volumes moderate by 50% as the initial shock fades, Pakistan would still be handling roughly 7.5x its historical transshipment volume. Three structural advantages have positioned Pakistan to capture rerouted trade flows, and none of them are accidental. Enrique Dussel, Coordinator, CeChimex, said Chinese firms remain interested in Mexico, particularly in sectors linked to industrial production.

Sheikh Hamdan also noted that the results demonstrate Dubai’s ability to innovate, unlock new growth avenues, and generate value for investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the emirate’s competitiveness regionally and globally. Pakistan has revised transshipment regulations to allow cargo handling at both seaports and airports. Gwadar Port is being expanded with nine new berths and deeper approach channels under CPEC. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is also planning a ferry service to GCC countries to cut transit times. Research examining 10,000 tanker movements between 1,315 ports globally estimates that $1.2 trillion in annual exports from five Gulf nations are at direct risk if Iran maintains control of the waterway for an extended period.

Pragma offers technical assistance focused on maximizing AGOA benefits and enabling export-ready businesses to capitalize on them. The Trade Hub worked to strengthen business networks and market linkages in West Africa, evidenced by increased trade volumes and partnerships among businesses, both locally and internationally, facilitating economic growth and trade expansion in the region. The forum forms part of Dubai Chambers’ ongoing efforts to strengthen international economic partnerships, attract foreign direct investment and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, trade and innovation. The project, announced by Aguascalientes Governor Tere Jiménez, is expected to generate more than 400 direct and indirect jobs and positions the state as a regional hub for agricultural machinery services, technical training and technology transfer. The West Africa Trade & Investment Hub Activity catalyzed economic growth in the region by attracting private investment, strengthening business networks and boosting agricultural and trade sectors in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and other West African countries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has invested over $62 billion in infrastructure connecting Pakistan’s ports to Central Asia and western China. This includes expansion of Gwadar Port with nine new berths, a 1,100 km Karachi-Lahore motorway, and Karakoram Highway reconstruction, all of which are now supporting increased trade flows. Pakistan’s ports have seen a 1,423% increase in transshipment volumes because the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March 2, 2026.

The Trade Hub also prioritized gender inclusion, empowering women to increase household incomes, acquire new skills, and establish small businesses. Through co-investment funds totaling $60 million over five years, the program aims to attract $300 million in private-sector investment, improve business operations, and increase access to financing for exporters, ultimately driving economic growth and development in West Africa. The West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, also known as the Trade Hub, is partnering with private sector companies, research institutions, universities, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to generate funding for business ventures in West Africa. This funding will go toward stabilizing supply chains and introducing new technology to increase production capabilities, facilitate relations and expand trade between West African countries and the U.S. These steps will accelerate economic growth in the area by integrating it across global markets. To meet the varying economic needs of the region, the Trade Hub will work specifically in six West African “focus” countries.

The vessels carrying it need insurance-friendly ports with available berth capacity. Years of investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have expanded capacity at all three major ports. In the full year of 2025, Karachi Port processed approximately 8,300 TEUs of transshipment cargo. In just the first 24 days of March 2026, that figure was exceeded, 8,313 containers were handled, representing a 1,423% increase compared to the prior year’s total. Karachi Port received 8,000 containers and dispatched 3,500, with 4,500 remaining in the port balance. Building on the success of editions hosted in London, Hamburg and New York, the Dubai Business Forum continues to advance Dubai Chambers’ role in strengthening cross-border economic cooperation and opening new investment horizons between Dubai and leading global markets.

Positioned as a high-level platform for strategic networking and dialogue, the forum will bring together senior public and private sector leaders, multinational companies, technology scale-ups, investors and venture capitalists from Dubai and China. The event will enable participants to exchange insights, explore westafricatradehub new paths for collaboration and identify practical opportunities to support business growth across key sectors. By working in partnership with the private sector and fostering co-investments through our Co-Investment Fund, the Trade Hub generates new private-sector capital investment in key sectors to create jobs and increase trade between the United States and West Africa. All partnerships and ventures within the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub prioritize ethical, sustainable and fair activity. The initiative, above all, works to create a positive social impact within the West African region by facilitating market-driven, long-term economic growth. Through investment and innovation, these partnerships will allow countries to maximize their existing natural and human resources and increase their value.

When Singapore positioned itself as a transshipment hub in the 1970s and 1980s, it took decades of policy consistency. Whether the regulatory apparatus can sustain this urgency beyond the immediate crisis will determine if the window stays open or slams shut. Simultaneously, Houthi forces resumed attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea on February 28, reversing limited progress made after the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire. For the first time in modern history, both of the Middle East’s major maritime corridors are blocked simultaneously.