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Economic woes will dampen investor confidence in Laos

Location:

LAOS

Issues such as soaring inflation, currency depreciation and debt repayment problems are having a major impact on the economy. The World Bank estimates that GDP grew by 3.7% in…

Ethiopia restructuring puts bondholders under pressure

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ETHIOPIA

Although a 14-day grace period to make the payment or agree a payment suspension has yet to expire, there is now a high risk that a default is imminent.

Russia will expand support to small businesses

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RUSSIA

However, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the economy, especially in service industries. They also provide a rising share of new jobs. The…

Macron faces political risks over French fiscal woes

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FRANCE

The government is highly dependent on steady GDP growth to meet its pledges on deficit-reduction and tax cuts. It was forced to implement EUR10bn (USD10.7bn) in emergency cuts in…

Income inequality will worsen in Taiwan

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TAIWAN

A widening income gap, coupled with a sluggish economy over the past two years, will be a disadvantage for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan’s presidential…

Cape Verde: Reform agenda may face pushback

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CAPE VERDE

The elections are likely to be organised in November. The MpD currently holds 14 of 22 municipalities. The elections will take place at a moment when the government is set to take…

Ageing will drive social care demands in Latin America

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LATIN AMERICA

Latin America’s population is ageing rapidly amid declining birth rates and rising life expectancy. This is driving a need for urgent action to prevent demographic changes…

Dinar ban will damage EU-led Kosovo-Serbia dialogue

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KOSOVO

A Central Bank regulation reaffirming the euro as sole legal tender has alarmed Kosovo’s Serbs who see it as a direct threat to their existence and is jeopardising already complex…

Ethiopia faces tough negotiations around IMF programme

Location:

ETHIOPIA

Addis Ababa must reach an agreement with the IMF to honour its commitments under its debt-service suspension agreement with official creditors. Thereafter, further talks will be…

Kenya’s new budget targets significantly lower deficit

Location:

KENYA

After redeeming much of its USD2bn Eurobond in February, the government has effectively dispelled fears of a default. Nevertheless, it remains under pressure to consolidate public…