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Zawya
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Minister urges stronger private sector role in boosting intra-African trade
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has made a clarion call for the private sector to play a central role in unlocking Africa's economic potential through intra-African trade. Speaking at the Private Sector Roundtable preceding the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tuggar highlighted the urgent need for deeper economic integration across the continent. Addressing an audience of business leaders, diplomats, and policymakers, Tuggar emphasised that Africa stands at a critical juncture — one where business is no longer a peripheral concern but a strategic pillar of regional policy and diplomacy. 'This is the period in which the voice of business is not merely recognised at the margins, but is systematically institutionalised within the core processes of policy formulation and regional economic diplomacy. 'It reflects a deeper entanglement of corporate interests and statecraft, wherein the private sector emerges not as a peripheral stakeholder but as a central architect of economic governance frameworks,' Tuggar stated. While outlining the opportunities, the Minister also presented a stark picture of the current reality. Citing recent data, he revealed that intra-African trade accounts for only 15 percent of total trade on the continent, with the figure dropping to between 12 percent and 13 percent in West Africa. In contrast, intra-regional trade in Asia hovers around 60 percent, and Europe nears 70 percent, highlighting a significant gap. Tuggar pointed out that the constraints to West Africa's economic integration are not a matter of potential, but rather of practical shortcomings — infrastructure gaps, weak coordination, and a lack of sustained political commitment. 'The challenge lies not in envisioning a prosperous, interconnected region, but in establishing the institutional mechanisms, logistical frameworks, and governance consensus required to actualise that vision,' he said. Nevertheless, he acknowledged progress in recent years, citing efforts such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the Abidjan-Lagos and Abidjan-Dakar transport corridors, SIGMAT, the West African Power Pool, and the planned African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline. 'These are not just abstract ideas — they are West-African-led initiatives that will prove advantageous to businesses across the sub-region in the near future,' he affirmed. Tuggar also expressed concern over rising global protectionism and the reordering of global tariff systems, noting that such developments make regional alignment even more essential. 'In a world witnessing protectionist tendencies from global market leaders, it is only right that neighbours and regional blocs align for the common good of their people. 'The West African response must be clear and deliberate, not reactionary and disjointed. That is why WAES is a timely and strategic platform,' he said. WAES, scheduled for June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja, is a flagship initiative championed by Nigeria's President and supported by other West African leaders. According to Tuggar, the Summit aims to shift the region from dependency to productivity, and from fragmented markets to integrated value chains. 'The idea is to use our size to generate efficient productivity in order to outcompete others in the global market,' he explained. 'A broader West African market will drive down costs and enable our businesses to scale up and compete internationally.' WAES is expected to bring together Heads of State, Ministers, investors, and key stakeholders from across West Africa, along with private sector leaders. The Minister underscored the importance of this inclusion, stating that business voices must directly influence policy decisions. 'When we succeed in integration, when we improve on policy predictability, secure property rights, and the effectiveness of contracts — investors will come,' Tuggar said. 'This is the largest market on the continent, and it must be leveraged.' He emphasized the need for candid conversations between the private sector and policymakers during WAES. 'We're bringing along the decision makers to hear directly from you — to understand the challenges, identify the low-hanging fruits, and even resolve some issues on the spot,' he said. Tuggar urged participants not to underestimate the impact they could have. 'Sometimes it just takes one phone call. We are serious about removing barriers to business so that commerce can thrive,' he said. 'It's not just about size, it's about scale — the kind of scale West Africa provides.' He commended Nigerian companies already operating across the sub-region — in banking, cement, fertilizer, fintech, and startups — as evidence that cross-border business is both viable and beneficial. He concluded by reinforcing the collective nature of the challenge: 'Let's not forget — it's not just Nigerian policymakers involved. Policymakers from other countries are also on board. Heads of State will be there. So let's work together to resolve the problems and build an integrated, competitive West African economy.' As anticipation builds ahead of the June 20–21 Summit in Abuja, Tuggar's message was clear: the future of Africa's economic strength lies in regional collaboration, and the private sector must lead the charge. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Tom Hanks jokingly tells off photographers on red carpet: ‘Shut up!'
Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston had some fun with the photographers during the Phoenician Scheme red carpet this week. Hanks, 68, was posing for a movie studio photographer when the other paps began joking that the snapper was taking too long, reports Page Six. 'I want to be right where [the other photographers are],' Hanks exclaimed, jokingly gesturing that he wanted to move along to pose for the others. The Forrest Gump star then jokingly yelled at one cameraman to 'shut the f**k up,' causing all of the assembled photographers to break out into peals of laughter. Hanks wasn't the only star to charm the shutterbugs. Bryan Cranston also pulled out the stops when someone noted his tie was slightly crooked. 'My tie is askew!' he exclaimed before sarcastically telling a photographer off for not alerting him to the sartorial mishap. 'Thanks for letting me know my tie was askew,' the Breaking Bad star, 69, deadpanned. 'I'm going to come out with a line of ties called Askew!' he joyfully added. Hanks and Cranston weren't the only big stars to pose at the New York Jazz at Lincoln Centre screening. Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Cera, Steve Park and Hope Davis also posed along with director Wes Anderson. After the screening, the starry crowd trekked to the swanky Metropolitan Club. Guests included Matthew Broderick, Jon Hamm, Gina Gershon, Steve Buscemi and Catherine Keener. The Phoenician Scheme follows wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (del Toro), who, along with his daughter, a nun (Threapleton), embarks on a new enterprise filled with eccentric tycoons, determined assassins and charming revolutionaries.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Linda Evangelista and Son Augustin, 18, Hold Hands on the Red Carpet as They Make Rare Appearance Together in N.Y.C.
Linda Evangelista and her son are matching on the red carpet. On Tuesday, April 29, the supermodel and her 18-year-old son, Augustin "Augie" James, were seen posing together on the red carpet as they attended The National Breast Cancer Coalition Host NYC Gala at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. Evangelista opted for a black suit and a black button-up shirt, holding hands with her son at the event. Augie opted for a navy suit and a white T-shirt underneath, smiling as he posed with his mom. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: Linda Evangelista and Son Augustin, 18, Pose with Salma Hayek in Rare Family Red Carpet Moment Evangelista shares Augie with her ex-husband François-Henri Pinault, who has been married to Salma Hayek since 2009. In October, Evangelista and her teenage son were photographed posing on the red carpet with Hayek as the Frida actress received the Innovator Award for Entertainment & Altruism at the WSJ. Magazine's Innovator Awards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Linda Evangelista (@lindaevangelista) Hayek could be seen wearing a strapless red gown, putting a hand around her stepson, who wore a black suit and shirt. On his left side, Evangelista wore a white suit and black turtleneck, placing another arm around Augie. The three smiled together as they posed for their photo. That same month, Hayek celebrated her stepson Augie on Instagram as he turned 18 years old, sharing cute throwbacks and fun family snaps in honor of the birthday boy. To kick off her post, Hayek shared a recent photo of the duo enjoying a sunset boat ride. The proud stepmom wrapped her arms around Augie, while he hugged Hayek back and smiled big for the camera. "Happy 18th bday Augie," she wrote in her caption, jokingly adding, "You're officially a full grown up man who just became legal at least in Mexico and France. 😱." She continued, "Your gentle heart is like healing caress in our lives because you bring warmth and light to everyone around you. Keep bringing the laughter and joy. We love you so much ❤️❤️❤️." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dry Bulk Shipping Industry Leaders Presenting at Capital Link's 19th Annual International Shipping Forum - Monday, March 31, 2025, New York City
NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Senior executives from leading Dry Bulk shipping companies will participate on panels and presentations at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. The event is organized in cooperation with Nasdaq & NYSE. The Forum features a series of panel discussions as well as 1x1 meetings between investors and executives from shipping companies. LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKERMr. Evangelos Marinakis, Chairman & CEO of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. will deliver the Luncheon Keynote Remarks by Mr. Chris Taylor, Chief Development Officer of NYSE GROUP. REGISTRATIONRegistration is complimentary for institutional investors and shipping companies. Please register here: 1x1 MEETINGS FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS1x1 meetings between shipping companies and institutional investors only. Please send all requests to ir@ SHIPPING SECTOR PANELSThe panels will discuss the latest trends, developments and outlook in the specific shipping sector focusing, among other, on demand and supply fundamentals, the global energy markets, operational and commercial issues, freight rates, asset values, and more. DRY BULK SHIPPING SECTOR Moderator: Mr. Chris Robertson, Vice President - Deutsche Bank Panelists: Ms. Semiramis Paliou, CEO – Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX); Chairperson - HELMEPA & INTERMEPA Mr. John Wobensmith, CEO & Director - Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. (NYSE: GNK) Mr. Mark Filanowski, CEO – Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ: PANL) Mr. Gautam Khurana, Director (Finance) – Precious Shipping PCL Mr. Polys Hajioannou, CEO - Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB); Vice President - Cyprus Union of Shipowners Mr. Hamish Norton, President - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK) FORUM OVERVIEW AND STRUCTURE Held in New York City every year, the Annual International Shipping Forum is known for its large attendance by investors, shipowners and financiers. It is a meeting place for C-level Executives from the maritime industry and the finance and investment communities involved with shipping. The Forum will examine the macroeconomic issues that are shaping and transforming the international shipping markets today, featuring a comprehensive review and outlook of the various shipping markets, made more relevant by the release of companies' annual results. The conference will feature senior executives from leading maritime companies, financiers and industry participants who will discuss trends, development and the outlook of the various shipping market segments and will also cover topics of critical interest to the shipping industry, such as geopolitics, the new energy landscape, sanctions, access to capital, regulation, technology, innovation and more. The Forum features a series of panel discussions as well as 1x1 meetings between investors and executives from shipping companies. This one-day conference is known for its rich informational content and the extensive marketing, networking and business development opportunities. SHIPPING SECTORS PANEL DISCUSSIONS DRY BULK SHIPPING SECTOR GAS SHIPPING SECTOR TANKER SHIPPING SECTOR INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSIONS A NEW ERA - BLUE OR GRAY SKIES AHEAD? NAVIGATING GLOBAL COMMERCE SANCTIONS: MONITORING, COMPLIANCE, IMPACT & THE DARK FLEET ENERGY TRANSITION - IS IT STILL HAPPENING? ALL HANDS ON DECK - UNLOCKING CAPITAL & FINANCING OPTIONS FOR SHIPPING UNDERVALUED AND/OR OVERLOOKED? THE VALUE DISLOCATION IN SHIPPING STOCKS NEW LISTINGS - EXPANDING INVESTOR CHOICES IN MARITIME THE RELEVANCE OF INDEPENDENT FREIGHT DATA & THE VALUE OF BENCHMARKING IN MODERN SHIPPING MARKETS COMPANIES AVAILABLE FOR 1X1 MEETINGS Ardmore Shipping Corp. BW LPG Ltd. Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. CoolCo Ltd. d'Amico International Shipping S.A. Diana Shipping Inc. Dorian LPG Ltd. Eurodry Ltd. Euroholdings Ltd. Euroseas Ltd. Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. Heidmar Maritime Holdings Corp. International Seaways, Inc. Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. Precious Shipping PCL Pyxis Tankers Inc. Safe Bulkers, Inc. Scorpio Tankers Inc. Star Bulk Carriers Corp. Stellar V Capital Corp. Stena Bulk AB TEN Ltd. REGISTRATIONRegistration is complimentary for institutional investors and shipping companies. To register please go to the link below: 1x1 MEETINGS FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS1x1 meetings between shipping companies and institutional investors only. Please send all requests to ir@ TARGET AUDIENCEThe audience will include the senior executives of global shipping, energy and commodity companies listed on US exchanges, commercial and investment bankers, institutional investors and financial advisors as well as a broader spectrum of industry participants such as shipping and liner companies, container leasing companies and operators, ship managers, ship brokers, ship agents, ship charterers, port terminal operators, port security, naval architects and engineers, classification societies, marine insurers and underwriters, marine arbitrators, maritime lawyers, marine mediators, marine advisors and consultants, maritime technology and marine educators. SPONSORSIN COOPERATION WITH: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) • NASDAQGLOBAL LEAD SPONSOR: TEN GOLD SPONSORS: DNV • EYGLOBAL SPONSORS: ABS • DNB • Liberian Registry • Seward & Kissel LLP SPONSORS: American P&I Club • The Baltic Exchange • First Citizens Bank • Morgan Stanley • Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd. • Reed Smith LLP • Vedder Price • • Watson Farley & WilliamsSUPPORTING SPONSORS: Ardmore Shipping Corp. • Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. • d' Amico International Shipping S.A. • Diana Shipping Inc. • Dorian LPG Ltd. • EuroDry Ltd. • Euroseas Ltd. • Flott & Co. • Global Ship Lease, Inc. • Heidmar Maritime Holdings Corp. • International Seaways, Inc. • Navios Maritime Partners L.P. • Pyxis Tankers Inc. • Safe Bulkers, Inc. • Scorpio Tankers Inc. • Star Bulk Carriers Corp. • Stellar V Capital SPONSORS: Castor Maritime Inc. • Toro ORGANIZATIONS: IBIA - International Bunker Industry Association • NYMAR – New York Maritime Inc. • WSC - World Shipping Council MEDIA PARTNERS: Actualidad Maritima • The Japan Maritime Daily • Kaiji Press • Marine Circle • Robban Assafina • World Oils • Xinde Marine News FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease visit: Or, contact Nicolas Bornozis or Anny Zhu at forum@ | + 1 212 661 7566 ORGANIZER CAPITAL LINK, in 1995, Capital Link is a New York based investor relations, financial communications and advisory firm with a strategic focus on the maritime, commodities and energy sectors, MLPs, as well as Closed-End Funds and ETFs. In addition, Capital Link organizes a series of investment conferences a year in key industry centers in the United States, Europe and Asia, all of which are known for combining rich educational and informational content with unique marketing and networking opportunities. Capital Link is a member of the Baltic Exchange. Based in New York City, Capital Link has presence in London, Athens & in to access your portfolio
