News & Events
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![African Development Bank supports BIASHARA Africa 2024 Business Forum](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/African-Development-Bank-supports-BIASHARA-Africa-2024-Business-Forum.png)
African Development Bank supports BIASHARA Africa 2024 Business Forum
The African Development Bank (AfDB) supported the Biashara Africa 2024 Business Forum, also known as the AfCFTA Business Forum, held from 9 to 11 October 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. Organised by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the forum, themed “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA,” gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and government representatives to promote trade and economic growth in Africa.
A delegation from the AfDB, including Acting Director Ousmane Fall, participated to reinforce the Bank’s commitment to supporting African countries in addressing trade-related challenges. During the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasised the importance of connectivity across the continent.
Fall highlighted the Bank’s efforts in facilitating over 3,000 trade transactions valued at more than $12 billion through its Trade Finance Program, addressing access to trade finance as a critical issue for productivity. The forum included exhibitions and discussions on unlocking Africa’s trade potential, trade finance, and value chains.
Read the original information here: https://afdb.africa-newsroom.com/press/african-development-bank-supports-biashara-africa-2024-business-forum?lang=en
![Malaysia ranks 106th on 2024 Nature Conservation Index](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Malaysia-ranks-106th-on-2024-Nature-Conservation-Index.png)
Malaysia ranks 106th on 2024 Nature Conservation Index
Malaysia ranks 106th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Nature Conservation Index, which evaluates global conservation efforts. With a score of 54.32 out of 100, Malaysia is identified as one of 17 megadiverse countries, boasting approximately 1.75 million species in its forests.
The country’s scores include 55 for land management, 57 for threats to biodiversity, 66 for capacity and governance, and 40 for climate change mitigation. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia holds the third position, behind Thailand (80) and Brunei (103), but ahead of Indonesia (122), Vietnam (142), the Philippines (148), Cambodia (159), Singapore (166), and Myanmar (167).
The report highlights significant threats to Malaysia’s biodiversity, such as land development, pollution, poaching, illegal collection, climate change, and invasive species. It notes that invasive species have particularly impacted the agricultural sector, driven by economic growth and increasing demand for food and commodities.
Read the original information here: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/16/malaysia-ranks-106th-on-2024-nature-conservation-index
![Samoa preparing for Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Samoa-preparing-for-Commonwealth-Heads-of-Government-meeting.png)
Samoa preparing for Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting
Next week, Samoa will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) with 56 countries in attendance. Preparations for this significant event have been underway for four years, involving local businesses stockpiling supplies and villages decorating each participating nation’s colours.
The meeting follows Samoa’s White Sunday holiday, known as Lotu Tamaiti, which celebrates family with singing, dancing, and feasting. On Manono Island, children performed at the Methodist church for this important occasion, which is the second-largest public holiday in Samoa after Christmas.
The town centre of Apia was bustling with shoppers preparing for the holiday, with many seeking new outfits for their children. Local businesses, like Tanoa clothing store, have been busy stocking up and reported a customer surge in the lead-up to Lotu Tamaiti and CHOGM. As the event approaches, each village in Samoa is adopting a Commonwealth country, decorating their streets to welcome the world leaders arriving next week.
Visit here for more: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/530760/samoa-preparing-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting
![Bangladesh’s Mega Projects: Reviving the economy amidst COVID-19](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Bangladeshs-Mega-Projects-Reviving-the-economy-amidst-COVID-19.jpg)
Bangladesh’s Mega Projects: Reviving the economy amidst COVID-19
Bangladesh’s economy is showing its potential through these mega projects. Government officials and experts say that if these Mega Projects can be implemented, Bangladesh’s status in the world court will increase.
![Access Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Pakistan Offer New Combinations For Regional Supply Chains](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Access-Asia-Bangladesh-Sri-Lanka-Pakistan-Offer-New-Combinations-For-Regional-Supply-Chains_.jpg)
Access Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Pakistan Offer New Combinations For Regional Supply Chains
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are all near neighbours in South Asia, orbiting around the influence of India. All four share common ties both in terms of their history with the United Kingdom and through more recent ties through membership of the SAARC trade bloc.
![How the Commonwealth is championing teamwork and vaccine equity](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/How-the-Commonwealth-is-championing-teamwork-and-vaccine-equity.jpg)
How the Commonwealth is championing teamwork and vaccine equity
Dr. Hasan discusses the COVID pandemic and the Commonwealth’s part in the global recovery effort, especially vaccine equity and sharing of technology, via platforms like the ACT Accelerator, CPA, and CHPA.
![Part 2: A Fireside Chat with Snowball Community Founder Simon Sansome](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Part-2-A-Fireside-Chat-with-Snowball-Community-Founder-Simon-Sansome.png)
Part 2: A Fireside Chat with Snowball Community Founder Simon Sansome
Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore the power of accessibility and inclusion with Simon Sansome, founder of the Snowball Community app.
![Fireside Chat: A Surgeon’s Mission in Rwanda | Webinar Recording](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fireside-Chat-A-Surgeons-Mission-in-Rwanda-Webinar-Recording.png)
Fireside Chat: A Surgeon’s Mission in Rwanda | Webinar Recording
The Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a special fireside chat featuring Dr. James Han Boon KONG, an esteemed surgeon with over four decades of experience.
![Fireside Chat: A Surgeon’s Mission in Rwanda](https://commonwealthchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/fireside-chat-a-surgeons-mission-in-rwanda-5.png)
Fireside Chat: A Surgeon’s Mission in Rwanda
We are delighted to welcome Mr. James Han Boon KONG for an insightful fireside chat conversation on his recent medical mission experience with Global Clinic in Butare, Rwanda. As an esteemed British surgeon with over 40 years of experience, Mr. KONG volunteered his...