NDO – International media and public opinion continue to add positive comments on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ,just signed by ASEAN and its partners. The member countries believe that the RCEP will promote economic integration in the Asian-Pacific region, while other countries see the world's best free trade pact as a “wake-up call”, encouraging the multilateral trade process which still remains stagnant. 

NDO – The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was in the spotlight at the 37th ASEAN Summit which was virtually hosted by Vietnam from November 12-15, according to Singapore’s The Strait Times.  

NDO – Despite the complex developments of COVID-19, ASEAN and its clear advantages is now seeing a huge opportunity for sustainable digital economic development. 

NDO – The Green Horizon Summit and the ongoing “Race to Zero Dialogues” campaign have kick-started global efforts towards the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

NDO – Bolivia’s president-elect, Luis Arce has been officially sworn in to office, marking the return to power of the left-wing political party Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). The MAS victory is expected to promote national solidarity, bring stability to Bolivia, and continue to encourage progressive mass movements in Latin America. 

NDO – Democratic candidate Joe Biden has finished first in the nail-biting race to the White House. Although there still remain conflict, even legal arguments regarding the ballots, Biden has declared himself ready to take the helm and guide the US through the storm, in accordance with his election commitment of “Build Back Better”. 

NDO – The situation in Libya has seen encouraging progress as rival factions are set to participate in their first face-to-face talks inside the country. 

NDO – The world economy has witnessed its first positive signs, but confidence in a V-shaped recovery has declined alongside a slow recovery in many economies. The US and European Union (EU) have both experienced a period of economic recovery not exactly as expected and countries are still struggling with the design of bailout packages, considered “painkillers” for economies devastated by the pandemic.  

NDO – Whether the victory will be for red (Republican Party) or blue (Democratic Party) will be decided by US voters in the country’s general election, officially taking place on November 3. 

NDO – Climate change has been posing a serious threat to global economic growth, causing unpredictable consequences. The “cries for help” from the Arctic where a record amount of ice has melted, and the increasing severe weather phenomena causing wildfires and terrible floods are urging humanity to take urgent action to cope with climate change. 

NDO – President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde has emphasised the need for Europe to promptly implement its EUR750 billion recovery fund in the context of regional economies facing numerous difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

NDO – The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its partners (known as OPEC+) have pledged to act to support the “black gold” market amid growing concerns about the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic along with a plan to increase production next year, a move which will put pressure on oil prices. Efforts in balancing supply and demand to stabilise the oil market and support the economy are the current priorities of the oil giants. 

NDO – The shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on the growth of the world economy. In many areas, although the reality is not as severe as originally warned, the slow recovery has forced countries to work harder in their efforts to overcome the current crisis.