Latest news with #nationaldevelopment
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Liberia: President Boakai Extols Denmark on 176th Constitution Day
The President of the Republic of Liberia His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a message of congratulations to His Majesty King Frederik X, King of the Kingdom of Denmark on the occasion of the 176th Anniversary of the signing of the Danish Constitution on June 5. In His Message to His Majesty King Frederik X, President Boakai extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Denmark on the occasion commemorating Denmark's Constitution Day on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and in his own name. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai stressed that his Government deeply value the longstanding relationship with Demark, dating back to 1861. He stated that Denmark support both directly and through the European Union has played a pivotal role in the national development. The Liberian leader added that he look forward to strengthening cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, rule of law education and tourism. He then extended best wishes for His Majesty continued wellbeing, and for the people of Denmark, lasting peace and prosperity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi urges Malaysian students in Japan to embrace disciplined work culture, return to help build nation
TOKYO, June 1 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has encouraged Malaysian students in Japan to adopt the country's disciplined and efficient work culture upon returning home, to contribute to national development. He also urged them to explore work opportunities in Japan to gain valuable experience that could benefit Malaysia in the long run. 'Insya-Allah, Malaysia is in a good position now, economically and in its role as ASEAN Chair. 'I hope you'll take full advantage of your time here to seek out work experience, and then return to help build the nation,' he said during a dinner and engagement session with members of the Malaysian diaspora and student community last night. Fahmi is in Tokyo to attend the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting (APT-MM) 2025, held from May 30 to 31. The meeting aims to boost regional cooperation in telecommunications and information technology. Also present at the gathering were Deputy Head of Mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo Anwar Udzir and embassy staff. The session was attended by 38 participants, including 11 members of the Malaysian diaspora and 27 students from various universities in and around Tokyo. — Bernama
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Tinubu declares economic reforms working
• Says only alternative to reforms was fiscal collapse • Reaffirms commitment to security, national development • Highlights progress made amid rising cost of living President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast to mark his second year in office on Thursday, declared that the economic reforms implemented by his administration have begun yielding positive results. The President stated that Nigeria is 'on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation,' despite acknowledged difficulties faced by citizens due to the reform process. In a wide-ranging address from Lagos, President Tinubu reflected on his administration's achievements and laid out his vision for continued national renewal under the 'Renewed Hope Agenda.' President Tinubu reaffirmed that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market were critical first steps taken to save Nigeria from a looming fiscal disaster. 'It was apparent that if the federal government and the other two tiers of government must remain viable and cater to the citizens' welfare, we must do away with decades-long fuel subsidies and the corruption-ridden multiple foreign exchange windows,' he said. According to him, these painful yet necessary decisions have started bearing fruit. He cited a sharp drop in the fiscal deficit – from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024 – alongside improvements in foreign reserves, which rose from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024. Tinubu warned that inaction would have led Nigeria to a financial abyss. 'The only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in a free-fall,' he said. To avert such a scenario, the administration ended Ways and Means financing and repositioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) as a net contributor to the Federation Account through local refining and subsidy removal. Acknowledging the hardship triggered by inflation, Tinubu noted that food prices, particularly rice, had begun to decline, signalling relief. He pointed to a recovering oil and gas sector – with rig counts up over 400% in 2025 compared to 2021 – and over $8 billion in new investments. Other macroeconomic gains include a rise in real GDP growth (4.6% in Q4 2024), narrowing debt service-to-revenue ratios, and the elimination of opaque tax waivers in favour of targeted incentives for agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Tinubu touted the administration's tax reform drive, which lifted Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to 13.5% in one year. He said the new framework prioritises fairness and economic justice: 'Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare now attract 0% VAT, while rent, public transportation, and renewable energy are fully exempted.' A Tax Ombudsman will soon be introduced to protect small businesses and vulnerable taxpayers, while a new fiscal policy framework will guide responsible borrowing and disciplined spending. The President highlighted investments in healthcare and education as pillars of his national development strategy. Over 1,000 primary health centres are being revitalised, with 5,500 more undergoing upgrades. He also announced that six cancer treatment centres are being established, with three already operational. On education, Tinubu cited progress in infrastructure and the student loan scheme to support indigent students. Social investments, skill development, and empowerment programmes have also expanded youth access to economic opportunities. The President noted revitalisation in the solid minerals sector, driven by a shift from 'pit-to-port' extraction to value-added production. He praised the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for setting governance benchmarks and driving digital-first industrialisation, citing the launch of electric vehicle assembly lines and Africa's most advanced diagnostic kit factory. Initiatives such as Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, and the NASCAV drone programme for female engineers are positioning young Nigerians at the forefront of national transformation, he said. Turning to national security, Tinubu stressed that without safety, economic growth cannot be sustained. 'Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,' he stated, affirming his administration's commitment to securing lives and property. He credited improved interagency cooperation and intelligence operations for recent gains in the fight against banditry in the northwest, where previously abandoned farms are now back in use and highways safer. 'Our military, police, and intelligence agencies are committed to responding to emerging threats,' Tinubu said. President Tinubu reiterated the government's commitment to food security, noting investments in mechanised farming, fertiliser supply, and thousands of tractors for farmers. He also listed ongoing road infrastructure projects nationwide, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Second Niger Bridge access roads, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, among others. In the energy sector, the administration is upgrading transmission infrastructure and expanding off-grid solar energy to power homes, schools, and businesses. The President announced Nigeria's readiness to host the inaugural Motherland Festival, aimed at celebrating the nation's culture, creativity, and tourism potential. He said the event would attract global attention and affirm Nigeria's leadership role in Africa and its place as a global partner. He also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Nigerian diaspora, highlighting policies such as the diaspora bond and non-resident BVN to facilitate greater participation in national development. President Tinubu closed his address with a note of optimism, declaring, 'By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold.' He called on citizens to remain united, assuring them that the government is committed to a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria where prosperity is broadly shared and future generations can thrive. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar vows to refocus on PKR, sets weekly day for party affairs
JOHOR BARU, May 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday vowed to better balance his dual responsibilities of leading national development and strengthening Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Anwar, who is PKR president, said starting next month, he will dedicate one day each week specifically to focus on party affairs, including efforts to consolidate PKR's grassroots strength at the division level. He said the move is also aimed at strengthening collaboration among parties within the Madani Government. '(Previously), I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of my new role (as Prime Minister). I aspire to see Malaysia rise and become a great nation in the coming years, so I have to focus intensely on national matters. 'To the Central Leadership Council (MPP), I apologise because over nearly three years as Prime Minister, I have paid the least attention to party matters. Was that the right decision? Certainly not,' he said. Anwar called on PKR members to reunite and strengthen party solidarity following the conclusion of its central leadership election yesterday night. Delivering his policy speech at the PKR 2024/2025 National Congress at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here, Anwar urged party members to move forward with unity, regardless of the election outcome. 'I call on all comrades to foster unity. Do not assume that those who win should monopolise everything, or that those who lose are defeated entirely. Learn from weaknesses, use your experience and continue contributing meaningfully to the party,' he said. Anwar also advised members to speak with wisdom and maintain decorum when offering criticism, stressing the importance of respectful discourse. Meanwhile, the prime minister underscored the need to strengthen ties among component parties within the Madani Government. 'The nation stands to lose if divisions emerge within the governing coalition,' he added. — Bernama
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana: Mahama calls for consolidated long-term national development plan, echoes Nkrumah's vision
President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday inaugurated the 8th National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), tasking the body with creating a unified long-term national development plan that transcends political cycles. The President invoked the legacy of Ghana's first leader, Kwame Nkrumah, emphasising the need for a long-term vision to break free from the country's reliance on primary commodities. 'Nearly 70 years after independence, our economy continues to rely heavily on a narrow range of primary commodities, with limited diversification and value addition,' President Mahama stated. 'This reality reflects the persistence of structural constraints that continue to hold us back—proof that, in many respects, we remain 'prisoners of our past.'' The President highlighted the existence of multiple long-term development frameworks, including the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework, and the Vision 2057 Perspective Framework. He urged the NDPC, now chaired by Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who led the development of the 40-Year National Development Plan in 2017, to consolidate these efforts into a single, coherent plan. 'This must be done in close collaboration with Parliament and the people's representatives,' President Mahama stressed, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and a broad national consensus. The plan, he added, should be subject to regular review to adapt to evolving domestic and global challenges. President Mahama underscored the significance of the NDPC's work, noting its collaboration with the government in preparing the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, due to be presented to Parliament within two years. 'This Programme will reflect not only the vision and policy priorities of this government but also the collective aspirations of the Ghanaian people,' the President stated. He further clarified that this Coordinated Programme would form the foundation for the next medium-term national development policy framework, guiding the operations of government ministries, departments, agencies, and local assemblies for the next four years. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
