Latest news with #fairtrade
Russia Today
15 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Fair trade is critical for Africa
Fair trade is essential for Africa's future, according to Irada Zeynalova, Russia's ambassador to Mauritius. She stressed that African nations must be empowered to build self-reliant economies instead of remaining dependent on foreign aid. In an interview with local weekly Bizweek on Sunday, Zeynalova stated that 'fair trade is critical,' as Africans should have the freedom to shape their own development, free from the constraints of post-colonial economic patterns. Reflecting on Africa's historical challenges, the ambassador said the legacy of colonialism continues to cast a shadow across the continent, adding that colonial rule stripped Africa of its people and natural wealth, and that today's generation deserves a chance at a better, sovereign life. 'The time of colonialism must end,' she went on to say. Zeynalova noted that poverty in Africa is not merely financial but deeply rooted in the lack of access to essential services such as education, clean water, and healthcare. Drawing on her experience in Sudan, where her son worked prior to the outbreak of conflict, she said sanctions crippled the agricultural sector despite the presence of the Nile, adding that 'People there survive on $2 a week.' People in Sudan, according to Zeynalova, have a clear demand: 'Leave us alone. Give us safety, medicine, education. We can develop our country ourselves.' The ambassador pointed to the role of the BRICS group as a platform for empowering the Global South. Unlike Western-led alliances such as NATO or the EU, BRICS promotes inclusivity and mutual respect without imposing strict conditions on its members. She characterized the group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other nations, as 'an open platform where countries are equal and respected.' Zeynalova also stressed that Russia has always viewed African nations as valuable partners rather than countries to exploit. Turning to Mauritius, the ambassador affirmed Russia's enduring commitment to the island nation's sovereignty and independence. 'Russia was one of the first countries to recognize Mauritius' independence and freedom,' she said, adding, 'In Russia, we remember everything.'
CBC
19-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Carney talks trade with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance in Rome
Social Sharing U.S. Vice-President JD Vance discussed fair trade policies with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday in Rome, Vance's office said in a statement, as the two nations try to resolve a dispute over tariffs. The two leaders also discussed efforts underway to secure borders, crack down on fentanyl and increase investments in defence and security, the Prime Minister's Office said in a separate statement. Carney said on X he had a "good conversation" with Vance while in Rome. "We're strongest when we work together," he said. The leaders spoke about the immediate trade pressures and the need to build a new economic and security relationship, agreeing to stay in contact, the statement said. Carney and Vance were among leaders from around the world attending Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass earlier in the day. WATCH | Carney meets with global leaders while in Rome: Carney attends Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass 37 minutes ago Duration 2:44 Pope Leo XIV kicked off his papacy with his inaugural mass in Vatican City, drawing thousands including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who used the visit to meet with global leaders in preparation for next month's G7 in Alberta.
Reuters
18-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US Vice President Vance discusses trade with Canada's Carney
May 18 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President JD Vance discussed fair trade policies with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday in Rome, Vance's office said in a statement as the two nations try to resolve a dispute over tariffs. The two leaders also discussed efforts underway to secure borders, crack down on fentanyl and increase investments in defense and security, Carney's office said in a separate statement. The leaders spoke about the immediate trade pressures and the need to build a new economic and security relationship, agreeing to stay in contact, the statement said. Carney and Vance were among leaders from around the world attending Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass earlier in the day.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Trump's 'Small Business Czar' reveals which industry the president wants to infuse with cash
Kelly Loeffler, President Trump's 'Small Business Czar,' sees a coming renaissance for American entrepreneurs, and tariffs are part of that plan. In a sit-down interview with the Daily Mail on Friday the Cabinet member brushed off concerns over her boss's tariffs, which according to polls, have a majority of small business owners concerned over the economy. 'Look, when you hear the word tariff, think fair trade,' Loeffler said with a smile while sitting in her D.C. office. 'Tariffs are just one part of fair trade policies.' In fact, the Small Business Administrator shared that owners are 'grateful' for Trump's sweeping tariffs. 'I see small businesses across this country being grateful to President Trump for finally leveling the playing field.' Though U.S. producers have been fearful about changing market conditions under the new economic regime, the White House is breaking down barriers so small businesses can send their items to more countries than ever before, Loeffler said. 'They're about non-monetary trade barriers, and it's wonderful to see the U.K. trade deal yesterday that lowers some of those very high trade barriers to our U.S. farmers, to our manufacturers.' 'I think we're going to see that type of deal replicated dozens of times, that will open our ability to export,' she claimed confidently. Despite the administrator's optimism, the latest CNBC/SurveyMonkey poll found that 70 percent of small business owners rate the economy as fair or poor. Loeffler has been given a mandate by the president to invigorate Main Streets across the suburbs, towns and cities of America. Just this last week she went to Arizona, Idaho and Tennessee to tout 'Small Business Week' and tour U.S. manufacturers. 'We live in a country that should be able to make its own nuts, bolts, screws and fasteners that build this country. We don't do that anymore,' she lamented. To fix that, manufacturing companies will see a massive multi-billion dollar federally-sponsored boost under Trump, the 'Small Business Czar' said. Next generation 'smart manufacturing' will be a major emphasis of the SBA, Loeffler shared. 'Investment is needed more for AI enabled CNC machines, for example,' she said. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines are the cutting-edge, often AI-enabled, manufacturing instruments used for mass production. 'We were impressed by how many small businesses are already employing AI to increase productivity and efficiency in their operations,' she told the Daily Mail. 'So there's huge room to run for small business there, and we're going to make sure that they're at the table when we have these conversations.' She pointed to the 'Made in America' manufacturing initiative the SBA launched under Trump's direction in March. The program plans on cutting $100 billion in small business regulations while supporting manufacturers. Around 99 percent of U.S. manufacturing operations are small businesses, the administrator said, adding she hopes to double the amount they can receive in loans. 'I see tremendous optimism and entrepreneurs realizing that within change lies tremendous opportunity, and so many are already taking advantage of that,' she said. Instead of worrying over increased prices, Loeffler suggested operators remain steadfast knowing that opportunity that is coming as a result of the full White House suite of economic policies. 'We'll get through this period of adjustment and get all the benefit of President Trump's economic policies, including lower taxes, including lower regulation, those are huge burdens on small businesses, and then fair trade will open up many more opportunities,' she said. The former senator explained that, as the White House closes additional tariff deals, U.S. small businesses would be the first to benefit. Loeffler, 54, a former Georgia senator, business executive and WNBA team owner, credits her passion for small businesses to a family trucking organization they operated on her corn and soybean farm. 'They're truly the heartbeat of our community and too often overlooked backbone of our economy,' she said. Loeffler also noted that she and Trump share a competitive streak and a mutual love of business. 'We're both former sports team owners, and so we're both competitive, and we like to win,' she said. Though with all the work, the Cabinet member added, 'We haven't had much time to talk about sports.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lutnick Says UK Trade Deal Shows Tariff Framework
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration is focused on "fair and reciprocal trade" and not singling out China. Speaking on "Balance of Power," Lutnick also says President Donald Trump's plan to raise taxes on individuals making $2.5 million or more is a smart move.
