Business

World Bank approves $1.49B additional financing for Ukraine

Published

2 years ago

08/06/2022

MNN

Ukraine has said that it needs at least $5 billion per month in the near term to keep its government operating in the face of ongoing Russian onslaught.

The World Bank’s executive board has approved $1.49 billion of additional financing for Ukraine to help pay wages for government and social workers, expanding the bank’s total pledged support to over $4 billion.

The World Bank said in a statement on Tuesday that the latest funding is supported by financing guarantees from Britain, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Latvia.

The project is also being supported by parallel financing from Italy and contributions from a new Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Ukraine has said that it needs at least $5 billion per month in the near term to keep its government operating amid continued fighting that has shut down vast portions of its economy.

Non-military support reaches $20B

Finance leaders from the Group of Seven industrial democracies last month pledged $9.5 billion in new funding, bringing their non-military support to nearly $20 billion.

The World Bank has been working with donor countries to use its various financing programs to support health care, education, social services, power and water supplies and roads.

The core services were “essential to preventing further deterioration in living conditions and poverty in Ukraine beyond the suffering inflicted because of the war,” World Bank Eastern Europe country director Arup Banerji said in a statement.

Such services would also be “the bedrock of any recovery and reconstruction,” Banerji added.

Source: TRT World

Business

Maldives records USD 802.2 million in first four months

Published

2 days ago

19/05/2024

The Ministry of Finance has disclosed that the state received USD 802.2 million in revenue during the first four months of this year, marking a significant 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

This revenue breakdown comprises USD 660 million in tax revenue, USD 129.4 million in non-tax revenue, and USD 5 million in aid to administration.

Tax revenue is primarily derived from Import Duty, Business and Property Tax (BPT), and Goods and Service Tax (GST), with figures as follows:

– Import Duty: USD 60.3 million
– BPT: USD 168.2 million
– GST: USD 375.2 million
– Green Tax: USD 27 million
– Airport Service Charge and Departure Tax: USD 25.1 million

Moreover, financial data indicates that the current administration has notably reduced overall expenses compared to the previous year.

Total government expenditures for the first four months of this year stand at USD 925.1 million, a significant decrease from last year’s USD 1.04 billion. This includes USD 724.6 million in recurrent expenses and USD 194.1 million in capital expenditure. Recurrent expenses prominently consist of USD 284.7 million in salaries and allowances and USD 433.4 million in administrative expenses, while capital expenditures primarily involve infrastructural development projects.

Source(s): PsmNews

Business

CWEIC office to establish in Maldives, Janah as Chair

Published

5 days ago

16/05/2024

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) has announced decision to establish its office in the Maldives, and appoint President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Principal Advisor Mohamed Ali Janah as its Country Chair.

CWEIC in a statement on Thursday, said the office will be established to connect the Maldives government with international investors and businesses.

The Maldives hub office of CWEIC will play a vital role in seeking prospective investment opportunities from all 56-member nations of the Commonwealth. The office will also enhance strategic alliances and partnerships between these countries and the Maldivian government.

Veteran entrepreneur, Janah boasts of over 30 years of business relations with the Middle East.

Source(s): sun.mv

Business

Dubai company awarded the development of SEZ

Published

1 week ago

12/05/2024

An agreement has been signed by the Maldivian administration with UAE’s International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) to develop Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the Maldives.

The agreement, officially co-signed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and IFZA Chairman Martin Gregers Pedersen during a special ceremony, marks a significant milestone in economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed emphasized the timeline for finalizing the agreement, committing to reach a consensus within the next four months. As part of the agreement, Fonadhoo in Kaafu Atoll will be transformed into a financial hub, featuring a new financial center and a bridge connecting Male’ and Hulhule. IFZA will bear the expenses for these developments.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade further highlighted plans for the Economic Gateway project in Ihavandhippolhu, aiming to attract investors with IFZA’s expertise. Addressing the attendees, Chairman Pedersen expressed confidence in the success of the project, underscoring collaborations with investors to further enhance opportunities in the Maldives.

The development of SEZs remarkably aligns with the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to diversify the economy and stimulate financial growth. The Maldivian administration is optimistic about attracting future investments and positioning the country as a desirable destination for business opportunities.

Source(s): PsmNews