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The following GAIN reports were released on February 24, 2022. _______   China: American Ginseng approved for use as a food ingredient under Guangdong pilot program On December 10, 2021, Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (GAMR) released information and rules of a pilot program to allow several Traditional Chinese Medicine products, including American ginseng, to be used as ingredients in food and beverage products. Formulas for these products were only accepted for a period of 10 days in December 2021. Though this pilot program may eventually expand the ways in which ginseng is used, it is expected to have limited impact on demand for premium U.S. ginseng. Local contacts report food companies are seeking low-priced, often domestically-produced ginseng to use as a food ingredient to control costs. The pilot program ends on November 8, 2022. There is no announcement of next steps after the pilot program ends.   China: Updated Technical Guidelines for Cold Chain Foods On January 30, 2022, China's State Council released two updated technical guidelines for preventing and controlling COVID-19 in cold-chain food. The Technical Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Novel Coronavirus in Cold Chain Food Production and Operation (Second Edition) and the Cold Chain Food Production and Operation Process Covid Control and Disinfection (Second Edition) establish guidelines for producers and operators involved in cold-chain food, including production, loading and unloading, transportation, storage, and sales. In September 2020, the PRC notified emergency measures to the WTO regarding China's cold chain food and alleged concerns over COVID-19.   Ecuador: Agricultural Trade Between United States and Ecuador Reaches Historical Record Despite economic constraints and the continued COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. - Ecuador bilateral agricultural trade in 2021 rose to $3.8 billion. In addition, U.S. agricultural exports reached a record $587 million. This demonstrates continued opportunities in Ecuador and underscores the value of the growth potential within the market, although many tariff and policy issues remain for several product categories.   Egypt: The Resilience of the Egypt Economy in the face of COVID-19 Shocks and High Commodity Prices  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in commodity prices globally, Egypt succeeded in maintaining inflation rates within the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE’s) target range of 7 percent (±2 percent) in 2021, at a time when many countries of the world are witnessing a wave of high inflation. Egypt has adopted rational economic and monetary policies over recent years that have taken into account achieving stability in commodity prices, as well as setting interest rates in line with inflation targets. This put Egypt at the forefront of emerging markets in reducing its rate of inflation.   Press Release  |  February 25, 2022 *Corrected version sent to reflect the correct month of enforcement actions and administrative hearings scheduled   FDIC Makes Public January Enforcement Actions; No Administrative Hearings Scheduled for March 2022 WASHINGTON - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement actions taken against banks and individuals in January 2022.  There are no administrative hearings scheduled for March 2022.   The FDIC issued nine Orders in January 2022.  The administrative enforcement actions in those Orders consisted of four Orders to Pay Civil Money Penalty, one order terminating consent order, one voluntary termination of deposit insurance, and three orders of prohibition from further participation.   To view orders, adjudicated decisions and notices and the administrative hearing details online, please visit the FDIC’s Web page by clicking the link below.   January 2022 Enforcement Decisions and Orders

UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU,update

 

Get the latest Pulse Survey releases. Stay up to date with COVID-19 data and Business Formation Statistics.

Weekly Pulse Newsletter The U.S. Census Bureau is in a unique position to produce data on the social and economic effects of COVID-19 on American households and small businesses.  Small Business Pulse Survey Updates: Phase 8 Explore Data See Data Tables Based on responses collected February 14 through February 20, 2022, the Small Business Pulse Survey estimates that: 17.7% of U.S small businesses reported postponing planned capital expenditures for 2021. 22.0% reported the same for 2020, based on 2/15/21-2/21/21 responses 11.7% of U.S small businesses reported decreased planned capital expenditures for 2021. 15.6% reported the same for 2020, based on 2/15/21-2/21/21 responses 58.2% of U.S construction small businesses reported a large increase in prices paid for goods and services compared to six months ago. The national average for this statistic was 36.5% 15.4% of California’s small businesses indicated that they will need to obtain financial assistance or additional capital in the next six months. For responses collected 1/10/22-1/16/22, this statistic was 19.6% 76.1% of U.S small businesses reported a large or moderate increase in prices paid for goods and services compared to six months ago 30.3% of U.S small businesses reported having 3 or more months of cash on hand for business operations. For 1/10/22-1/16/22, this statistic was 28.4% 12.2% of U.S. small businesses required employee COVID-19 vaccination & 10.6% a negative COVID-19 test before physically coming to work in the last week Household Pulse Survey: Phase 3.3 Explore Data See Data Tables Phase 3.3 of the Household Pulse Survey has concluded. Plans are underway for the next phase. Help us spread the word about Census Bureau data. Share this on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This COVID-19 Data Hub & Additional Resources The Census Bureau's COVID-19 Data Hub is designed to help guide the nation as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing economic and demographic data. Version 2.5.4 is now available! Read More Additional Resources:  Looking for local data on how to reach the most vulnerable populations in your area? Use our Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) and dashboard. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resource Page Taking America’s Pulse: the COVID-19 Pandemic Providing Perspective During COVID-19 Using Census Data Business Formation Statistics Updates The release of the January 2021 BFS data came out earlier this month. See link below for data, graphs, and more. Latest Updates About the Data About the Census Bureau We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. As the world's premier statistical agency, we are dedicated to making our nation a better place. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our data to make informed decisions.

WHO deeply concerned over escalating health crisis in Ukraine

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WHO deeply concerned over escalating health crisis in Ukraine


WHO has released US$ 3.5 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to purchase and deliver urgent medical supplies. This humanitarian health support is expected to rise following further needs assessments. This new support complements the trauma and medical supplies which WHO prepositioned in health facilities.
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APEC Propels Regional Integration, Connectivity and Sustainability

 

Issued by the 2022 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand, 25 February 2022

Senior officials from 21 member economies pushed forward APEC’s work to reinvigorate regional economic integration, reconnect the region and reassure sustainability for future growth as guided by the APEC 2022 theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.”

During the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in 2022, member economies deliberated approaches for refreshing the discussions on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) post-pandemic, the reopening of safe and seamless travel in the region as well as exploring the bio-circular-green (BCG) economy model.

“In past years, member economies have worked hard in moving forward our work on FTAAP,” said Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Thani Thongphakdi, who is also the Chair of 2022 APEC Senior Officials. 

“While differences in positions on this issue persist, I believe there are opportunities for cooperation, given the changing landscape and emerging challenges especially from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Future-proofing the work on regional economic integration, next-generation issues such as health, environment, sustainability and digital economy need to be considered.”

The APEC Committee on Trade and Investment will carry the discussions on FTAAP and COVID-19 forward, with a scheduled dedicated session on 15 March, and a public-private dialogue in the margins of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in May, in collaboration with the APEC Business Advisory Council.

Members reiterated the importance of trade as a path towards economic recovery, emphasizing their strong support for the role of the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

“APEC can build good momentum for the substantive and meaningful outcomes of the 12^th Ministerial Conference (MC12) rescheduled for this June, including on issues of trade and health, environment, agricultural, fisheries subsidies and the WTO reform,” Thani explained.

Member economies also called for a continued and intensified effort to improve the services sector in APEC through the utilization of digital technologies and the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap, as well as by continuing discussions on environmental goods and services.

According to a report by the APEC Policy Support Unit, APEC’s share of total world services exports has declined from 38.8 percent in 2016 to 38.1 percent in 2019, which means that APEC has decreased its trajectory and has to ramp up services exports rapidly if it wishes to increase its global share of services exports by 2025.

Services are critical for most economies as they provide the bulk of economic output and employment. APEC needs to build momentum to ensure an open and predictable environment for access to services markets.

To advance APEC’s sustainability agenda, Thani introduced goals that will support the promotion of economic policies that complement global efforts in addressing environmental challenges.

Thani added that while APEC's mechanisms to further sustainability are decentralized, “these goals driven by the BCG economy aim to provide the entry point to advance this agenda in an integrated and comprehensive manner.”

Senior officials concluded their first meeting of the year and will convene again in May this year in Bangkok, Thailand.

For further details, please contact:

Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at mb@apec.org
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 atmc@apec.org

 

25/02/2022 14:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Cohesion Policy On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions.

Rouen© Adobestock


On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions.

Cohesion policy for harmonious and adapted development of European regions

The European Union consists of 27 Member States and 242 regions with economic and social disparities. The economic, social and territorial cohesion policy aims to bridge the wealth and development gaps between the EU regions, by investing in growth and employment. Through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the policy finances research and development, digital technology, SME development and ecological transition projects, as well as actions promoting employment, training and social inclusion, all while adapting to the specificities of each region, particularly overseas territories.

As such, thousands of projects throughout Europe are supported by this policy, in the aim of facing common challenges, namely, the major environmental, technological and demographic transitions. These projects are led by a wide variety of stakeholders, companies, public bodies and associations. A symbol of solidarity, the EU’s cohesion policy promotes the harmonious development of the Member States and regions.
The Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion as the guiding theme of the meeting

The publication of the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion has brought to light the state of cohesion within the EU. It starkly highlights the impact of the crisis on local economies and provides an overview of the progress achieved over the last few years relative to cohesion, the role of European structural funds and the effects of other EU policies in the regions.

The OECD’s analysis of the optimisation of public investment in other regions of the world, reaching the same conclusions, will guide discussions on the type of public investment to be mobilised to address European and global challenges.

The ministers will therefore be encouraged to establish a basis for future priorities and long-term objectives concerning a policy that aims for a greener, more innovative and inclusive society.
For better consideration of territorial disparities

In order to meet forthcoming challenges in the best way, citizen support remains vital. This gives rise to the question of their trust in institutions.

In this respect, particular attention must be paid to the problem of growing territorial disparities, especially those of rural areas. The discussions will include proposed solutions to draw citizens closer to the European project.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced..

 

Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine

February 24, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These additional unprovoked actions are another clear and further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. They are also in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Canada has already taken a series of measures, in close coordination with our allies and international partners, to respond to Russia’s reckless and dangerous acts, and following last night’s attack on Ukraine, Canada will take additional action to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will be imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations. These new actions, which build on the measures announced on February 22, include:

• Imposing restrictions on 58 additional Russian individuals and entities, including banks, financial elites and their families;
• Sanctioning members of the Russian Security Council, including the Defence Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Justice Minister;
• Imposing restrictions on four Ukrainian individuals for their collaboration with Russia to destabilize Ukraine; and
• Restricting exports to Russia by halting new export permit applications and cancelling valid export permits, with a limited number of exceptions for critical medical supply chains.

The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will take additional and immediate measures to support Ukrainians and people residing in Ukraine, and to make it easier and faster for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their accompanying immediate family members to return to Canada. These new measures include:

• Establishing a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries on immigration. This will be available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” in their email enquiry, which will prioritize their email;
• Urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports;
• Ensuring that Ukrainians currently in Canada are able to extend their stay or work longer in Canada by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits;
• Issuing open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers, and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home; and 
• Waiving fees for travel and immigration documents, such as for Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas and work and study permits.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already implemented measures to priority-process applications for travel documents for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members, and grant applications for adoption, and permanent and temporary residence applications for people with a primary residence in Ukraine who want to reunite or travel with family, study, work or start a new life in Canada. More immigration measures will be announced in the near future.

Russia’s actions are being met with severe consequences. Earlier this week, Canada unequivocally condemned Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine and in response announced it will:

• Impose new sanctions against Russia, including new prohibitions on direct and indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt;
• Send additional military contributions to support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) through Operation REASSURANCE, including up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO; and
• Authorize approximately 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel across all branches of the service to deploy to the NATO Response Force should they be required by NATO.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine is also an attack on democracy, on international law, on human rights, and on freedom. It threatens peace and order in Europe and around the world. These unwarranted actions will not go unpunished. We continue to stand with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Canada.

Quotes

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. Canada is taking strong action to stand up for what is right and protect the rights and freedoms of the Ukrainian people. Let me be clear: there will be serious consequences for Russia’s actions. Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to take decisive action to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine and by extension, democratic principles, freedom, and human rights around the world.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Today, we woke up to a changed world. Russia has launched a brutal and unprovoked attack on the sovereignty of Ukraine – a country of more than 40 million people who have sought nothing but peace and freedom. Canada understands what is at stake. We know that the people of Ukraine, in fighting for their lives and their sovereignty, are fighting for us, too. They are fighting for democracy, and we stand with them.”

The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“Today is a dark day. Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine is a fundamental challenge to the world order that has kept us safe since the Second World War. The fight is in Ukraine, but the threat extends far past its borders. Canada and our partners have been clear: these reckless and dangerous acts will not go unpunished. The sanctions being imposed today will work in coordination with those from our partners to inflict severe costs to the Russian regime.”

The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“In the wake of Russia’s deliberate attack on Ukrainians orchestrated by Putin, Canada’s message to Ukraine is clear – Canada stands with you. Today is a devastating day for Ukraine, for democratic societies, and for peace and security around the world. Together with our allies and partners, our Canadian Armed Forces and country will continue to meet Putin’s unwarranted aggression with Canada’s steadfast support to the Ukrainian people as they fight for their sovereign right to exist.”

The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“Canada is steadfast in its support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. For over a month, we have been prioritizing applications from Ukraine, bolstering our resources in the region, and preparing additional measures. We will continue to provide priority assistance to Canadians, permanent residents and their families, as well as Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada and Ukrainian temporary residents already in Canada who cannot return home. As we continue to monitor the ongoing situation, we will increase our efforts to make it easier for Ukrainians to stay in Canada, and faster for them to arrive.”

The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick Facts

• In response to Russia’s threats and military build-up in and around Ukraine in recent weeks, the Government of Canada invested in additional support for Ukraine. This includes through the extension and expansion of Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces’ military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine, up to $620 million in loans, and the provision of nearly $10 million in lethal and non-lethal equipment and ammunition.
• Since Russia’s attempted annexation and illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has sanctioned more than 440 individuals and entities, with many of these sanctions undertaken in coordination with our allies and partners. Canada’s sanctions will impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions on listed persons.

Associated Links

• Statement by the Prime Minister on Russia’s attack on Ukraine
• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
• Canadian sanctions related to Russia
• Canada announces support to address the situation in Ukraine

Related Products

• Additional immigration support for those affected by the situation in Ukraine
• Canada imposes additional economic measures on Russia in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

February 24, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to express solidarity and support to the people in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Trudeau strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. He reiterated that Ukraine’s security is also Europe’s security and that of all democratic states seeking to uphold fundamental principles of international law and state sovereignty. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for announcing meaningful and punitive sanctions against those in Russia who are directly responsible for this tragedy or who help support it. President Zelenskyy also welcomed recently arrived lethal aid from Canada, noting that two shipments had arrived earlier this week. Prime Minister Trudeau commended the President’s courage and resolve to lead the Ukrainian people through this unprovoked and unjustified attack.

The Prime Minister stressed that Russia’s actions are blatant violations of international law, and will not be tolerated. Prime Minister Trudeau committed to follow developments very closely in the coming days, and the two leaders discussed ways in which Canada could continue to support Ukraine in the immediate future.

Associated links

• Statement by the Prime Minister on Russia’s attack in Ukraine
• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
• Canada announces support to address the situation in Ukraine
• Canada strongly condemns Russia’s move to recognize independence of two regions within Ukraine
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom

February 25, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom about Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

Prime Minister Trudeau strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by Russia against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The two leaders stressed that Russia’s actions threaten peace and order in Europe and around the world, are blatant violations of international law, and will not be tolerated.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Johnson recognized the heroic efforts and sacrifices of the Ukrainian armed forces and people, and committed to further support them. The leaders discussed the heavy, punitive sanctions against those in Russia who are directly responsible for this tragedy. They also stressed the importance of maintaining unity among partners and allies and continuing to support Ukraine.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Johnson agreed to continue coordinating closely on efforts with allies and partners to impose severe costs on Russia.

Associated links

• Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Statement by the Prime Minister on Russia’s attack in Ukraine
• Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine
• Canada announces support to address the situation in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine