Category: APO-OPA

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• Prefer to trade with other emerging economies

• SMEs expect to generate up to 50% of revenues internationally by 2019

According to an in-depth study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on behalf of DHL Express (http://www.dpdhl.com), approximately 40% of global SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) do not perceive Africa as a growth opportunity, despite the positive economic growth stories and growing middle class in the regions.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/dhl_logo2.jpg

Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer-1.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)

The report further reveals that while many multinationals and state-owned companies are actively taking advantage of the opportunities that Africa offers, SMEs still remain apprehensive and are choosing to trade with other emerging markets instead.

Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, says that despite current challenges to attract global SME interest, the findings of the study highlight the untapped potential that still exists in the continent.

“The fact that SMEs expect to generate up to 50% of revenues internationally by 2019 is a massive positive and highlights the vast opportunities for Africa from an investment and job creation perspective.”

Brewer says that according to the study, which surveyed 480 SME executives and experts from business lobbying groups, SMEs are deterred by Africa’s low average consumer spend, cultural and infrastructure challenges, as well as inefficiencies such as corruption and political risk in the region. .

He explains that overcoming different market environments is the biggest hurdle. The quality of a target market´s infrastructure, the stability of its politics, administrative costs for establishing a local presence and cultural differences in doing business were all cited by the executives surveyed as factors that deterred them from entering new markets.

“The unfamiliarity of foreign markets received particular attention, with 84% of respondents describing understanding a target market’s culture or language as important or very important in determining its attractiveness. This also explains why most SMEs often expand into markets that resemble their own.

“This is evident in Africa, as companies looking to expand into the continent, often make use of a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Due to the various cultures, languages and customs on the continent, vast amounts of research need to be done into each region, and the services and products need to be specifically tailored to each country. Africa is not one country,” says Brewer.

In terms of expansion tactics, the survey shows that partnerships are an important consideration for SMEs. The study identified a number of innovative approaches in this area, such as piggybacking on another company’s existing retail network to enter the sub-Saharan market in Africa.

“A number of multinationals and corporates have experience great success in Africa, DHL being a prime example. And the good news for SMEs is that they have the advantage of being more agile to adapt quickly and exploit the opportunities available. An entrepreneurial spirit is vital for the success of small businesses, we ourselves started out as an SME in 1969, and as they say, the rest is history. We too have focused on partnerships in Africa, and now have a retail presence of over 3500 outlets across Africa.

“We work with thousands and thousands of SMEs across Africa and have witnessed how these businesses are able to successfully establish a presence in the region. With the support of the right partners, a well-designed supply chain, clear understanding of their competitive strengths and the right mindset, SMEs can break through any border and make the world their market,” concludes Brewer.

The full EIU and DHL Express report, Breaking borders: From Canada to China, barriers overshadow growth for expanding SMEs, can be accessed at http://www.economistinsights.com/countries-trade-investment/analysis/breaking-borders.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.

Media Contact:

Megan Collinicos. Head: Advertising & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613 Mobile +27 76 411 8570

megan.collinicos@dhl.com

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com) is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

For more information: www.dpdhl.com

Stock images available: http://www.dpdhl.com/en/media_relations/media_library.html

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• Prefer to trade with other emerging economies

• SMEs expect to generate up to 50% of revenues internationally by 2019

According to an in-depth study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on behalf of DHL Express (http://www.dpdhl.com), approximately 40% of global SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) do not perceive Africa as a growth opportunity, despite the positive economic growth stories and growing middle class in the regions.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/dhl_logo2.jpg

Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer-1.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)

The report further reveals that while many multinationals and state-owned companies are actively taking advantage of the opportunities that Africa offers, SMEs still remain apprehensive and are choosing to trade with other emerging markets instead.

Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, says that despite current challenges to attract global SME interest, the findings of the study highlight the untapped potential that still exists in the continent.

“The fact that SMEs expect to generate up to 50% of revenues internationally by 2019 is a massive positive and highlights the vast opportunities for Africa from an investment and job creation perspective.”

Brewer says that according to the study, which surveyed 480 SME executives and experts from business lobbying groups, SMEs are deterred by Africa’s low average consumer spend, cultural and infrastructure challenges, as well as inefficiencies such as corruption and political risk in the region. .

He explains that overcoming different market environments is the biggest hurdle. The quality of a target market´s infrastructure, the stability of its politics, administrative costs for establishing a local presence and cultural differences in doing business were all cited by the executives surveyed as factors that deterred them from entering new markets.

“The unfamiliarity of foreign markets received particular attention, with 84% of respondents describing understanding a target market’s culture or language as important or very important in determining its attractiveness. This also explains why most SMEs often expand into markets that resemble their own.

“This is evident in Africa, as companies looking to expand into the continent, often make use of a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Due to the various cultures, languages and customs on the continent, vast amounts of research need to be done into each region, and the services and products need to be specifically tailored to each country. Africa is not one country,” says Brewer.

In terms of expansion tactics, the survey shows that partnerships are an important consideration for SMEs. The study identified a number of innovative approaches in this area, such as piggybacking on another company’s existing retail network to enter the sub-Saharan market in Africa.

“A number of multinationals and corporates have experience great success in Africa, DHL being a prime example. And the good news for SMEs is that they have the advantage of being more agile to adapt quickly and exploit the opportunities available. An entrepreneurial spirit is vital for the success of small businesses, we ourselves started out as an SME in 1969, and as they say, the rest is history. We too have focused on partnerships in Africa, and now have a retail presence of over 3500 outlets across Africa.

“We work with thousands and thousands of SMEs across Africa and have witnessed how these businesses are able to successfully establish a presence in the region. With the support of the right partners, a well-designed supply chain, clear understanding of their competitive strengths and the right mindset, SMEs can break through any border and make the world their market,” concludes Brewer.

The full EIU and DHL Express report, Breaking borders: From Canada to China, barriers overshadow growth for expanding SMEs, can be accessed at http://www.economistinsights.com/countries-trade-investment/analysis/breaking-borders.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.

Media Contact:

Megan Collinicos. Head: Advertising & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613 Mobile +27 76 411 8570

megan.collinicos@dhl.com

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com) is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

For more information: www.dpdhl.com

Stock images available: http://www.dpdhl.com/en/media_relations/media_library.html

NEW YORK, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary‑General is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Libya, including the air strikes in Tripoli and the Nafousa Mountains in the west, as well as in Benghazi and its environs in the east. He calls on all parties to end these attacks and prevent further escalation and reminds them of their moral and legal obligations to protect civilians and abide by international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Secretary‑General is also deeply concerned by the violation of the United Nations premises in Tripoli that took place on 24 November. Such actions and incitement cannot be tolerated and must cease immediately.

The Secretary‑General remains convinced that the only way to resolve the current crisis is through dialogue. In this regard, he has full confidence in his Special Representative, Bernardino León, and in his efforts to facilitate dialogue among Libyans to address the challenges facing the country and to bring about a return to an inclusive political process.

He calls on all Libyans to recommit themselves to the goals of the revolution and take the brave decisions necessary to spare their country and people further strife and suffering, in particular by talking to one another in an environment of mutual respect and inclusiveness.

NEW YORK, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary‑General is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Libya, including the air strikes in Tripoli and the Nafousa Mountains in the west, as well as in Benghazi and its environs in the east. He calls on all parties to end these attacks and prevent further escalation and reminds them of their moral and legal obligations to protect civilians and abide by international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Secretary‑General is also deeply concerned by the violation of the United Nations premises in Tripoli that took place on 24 November. Such actions and incitement cannot be tolerated and must cease immediately.

The Secretary‑General remains convinced that the only way to resolve the current crisis is through dialogue. In this regard, he has full confidence in his Special Representative, Bernardino León, and in his efforts to facilitate dialogue among Libyans to address the challenges facing the country and to bring about a return to an inclusive political process.

He calls on all Libyans to recommit themselves to the goals of the revolution and take the brave decisions necessary to spare their country and people further strife and suffering, in particular by talking to one another in an environment of mutual respect and inclusiveness.

OTTAWA, Canada, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — During an official visit to Morocco, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, opened the new Canadian Embassy in Rabat in the presence of Ms. Mbarka Bouaida, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco. Minister Paradis also took this opportunity to meet with the Moroccan Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and the Digital Economy, Mr. Moulay Hafid Elalamy, to highlight the contribution of Canadian trade and investment in Morocco’s economic development.

Furthermore, Minister Paradis gave a speech at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s School of Governance and Economics in Rabat. He announced Canadian support worth $8 million for a UNICEF project whose goal is to increase the employability of the most vulnerable Moroccan youth.

“I am here in Rabat to reiterate the importance of the ties between Canada and Morocco,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada is, and will continue to be, a key partner of Morocco in its sustainable development efforts through skills training and job creation programs for youth, as well as through increased trade between our countries. The Government of Canada, and Canadian businesses and organizations are Morocco’s true allies in viable and shared economic growth. We strongly believe that the development of Morocco depends first and foremost on greater prosperity and better youth employability.”

Minister Paradis was visiting Morocco as part of a tour of Africa, where he will be attending the Summit of La Francophonie in Dakar, Senegal.

Quick Facts

• Morocco is a key partner for Canada in La Francophonie and in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is also a key partner in the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

• Canada’s development assistance to Morocco dates from 1963. A particularly close partnership has been established in the areas of educational reform, professional development and youth employability, which is the subject of the project announced today.

• In 2013, bilateral trade between our two countries totalled nearly $635.2 million.

• Canada’s commercial activity in Morocco is diversified, focusing not only on exporting merchandise and mining assets, but also on establishing partnerships with teaching institutions and setting up franchises and other global value chain activities.

• Canada and Morocco are engaged in free trade negotiations, and such an agreement would strengthen our trade and investment links. Morocco is a gateway to Africa for Canada, and we invite them to fast-track these negotiations.

• Morocco is one of the priority countries identified in Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan and Canada’s International Education Strategy.

• Approximately 72,000 Canadians are of Moroccan origin, which makes it the second-largest North African diaspora community in Canada.

STRASBOURG, France, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Dr Denis Mukwege, a Congolese gynaecologist who specialises in treating victims of rape and extreme sexual violence, is this year’s laureate of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom …

NEW YORK, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the massacres perpetrated against civilians on 20 November near the city of Beni in North Kivu. These attacks have increased to more than 200 the number of civilians killed since mid-October in this region. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

They also condemned attacks targeted against peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). They emphasized that any effort to undermine MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate will not be tolerated and that those responsible for threats or attacks against peacekeepers must be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council recalled that it was of the utmost importance that the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO, in accordance with its mandate in Security Council resolution 2147 (2014), permanently reduce threats against civilians, immediately redouble efforts to provide proactive protection of civilians and neutralize armed groups still operating in eastern DRC. They also underlined the need to identify those responsible for these attacks and to hold them accountable.

In addition to the Allied Defense Forces (ADF), the members of the Security Council reiterated their call for the neutralization of the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and the Security Council presidential statement of 5 November 2014.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for MONUSCO and called on all parties to cooperate fully with the mission and to remain committed to the full and objective implementation of the mission’s mandate.

CAIRO, Egypt, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Chris Jarvis visited Cairo from November 11 to 25 to hold discussions for the 2014 Article IV consultation. Discussions focused on economic and financial developments, the outlook, and the authorities’ economic policies and reform plans.

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Jarvis issued the following statement:

“This is a moment of opportunity for Egypt. The economy has begun to recover after four years of slow activity. Equally important, there is growing national consensus on the need for economic reform.

“Egypt faces many challenges. During the prolonged political transition, growth fell and unemployment and poverty increased to high levels. Budget deficits grew and external pressures led to a fall in foreign exchange reserves.

“The authorities recognize these challenges and have set appropriate economic objectives, including raising growth and steadily reducing inflation. The government is seeking to reduce the budget deficit to 8–8½ percent of GDP and the budget sector debt to 80–85 percent of GDP by 2018/19, while at the same time increasing spending on health, education, and research & development as mandated by the constitution, as well as on infrastructure. Structural reforms planned by the authorities focus on improving the business climate, promoting investments and financial sector development, while addressing poverty and social gaps. The authorities are also seeking to improve Egypt’s external position, though additional external financing will still be needed through the medium term.

“The authorities have already begun to take the action needed to achieve their objectives. They have begun bold subsidy and tax reforms, are pursuing a disciplined monetary policy, expanding social policies, and have initiated wide-ranging regulatory and administrative reform efforts to improve the business environment and boost investment.

“Policies implemented so far, along with a return of confidence, are starting to produce a turnaround in economic activity and investment. We now project that growth will reach 3.8 percent in FY 2014/15.

“Against the background of regulated price adjustments, mainly the increase in energy prices in July 2014, headline inflation rose to 11.8 percent in October. Swift interest rate action by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has helped contain the second-round impact of those increases, which were associated with subsidies reform, as reflected in core inflation which fell to 8.5 percent. This has helped anchor inflation expectations.

“While there has been a notable movement of the nominal exchange rate over the past two years, a more flexible exchange rate policy focused on achieving a market-clearing rate and avoiding real appreciation would improve the availability of foreign exchange, strengthen competitiveness, support exports and tourism, and attract foreign direct investment. This would foster growth and jobs and reduce financing needs.

“The banking system has been resilient in the face of economic stagnation in recent years. The CBE has appropriately reinforced the supervisory framework by strengthening regulations, further developing on-site and off-site supervision, and advancing implementation of Basel II and III. We welcome the CBE’s commitment to increase the timeliness and scope of disclosure of banking sector data.

“Key fiscal reform measures include containing expenditures and increasing revenues. For 2014/15, the mission estimates that the budget deficit will reach about 11 percent of GDP, as measures yielding about 2½ percent of GDP have already been approved. Policy measures on which work is already underway, including reducing untargeted energy subsidies, controlling the wage bill, the VAT and mining laws, and improving the efficiency of public financial management, will be important. In 2015/16, it will be important to keep expenditure in check, including through continued subsidies reform to reduce the budget deficit below 10 percent of GDP.

“The fiscal consolidation, as designed, is expected to minimize the drag on growth and protect the poor. More public spending on education, health, and research & development and stronger social protection policies should improve quality and availability of public services, support long-term growth, and help the poor and other vulnerable people achieve a better life. We welcome the launch of innovative cash transfer schemes and the recent reform of food ration cards, as well as the government’s commitment to take further steps to improve targeting and increase benefits.

“Energy sector reforms and sizable investments will be critical to reduce energy supply bottlenecks and raise potential growth. The megaprojects offer prospects for jobs and growth but should be carefully designed and monitored to limit potential fiscal risks, for example if they entail additional public investment or large contingent liabilities.

“Egypt is vulnerable to adverse global economic developments and regional security risks. For the reform effort to succeed it will need to be pursued steadfastly. The measures already taken by the authorities demonstrate their commitment to reform. However, building buffers, especially by raising international reserves and preparing contingency plans for the budget in case risks materialize, would be useful to address unforeseen shocks.

“During its visit, the team met with government and central bank officials, members of the banking sector, and the diplomatic community. The team would like to thank the authorities for the high quality and openness of the discussions and for their hospitality.”

WASHINGTON, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
Jeff Rathke
Director, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Press Relations
Washington, DC
November 25, 2014

The United States is deeply concerned by the brutality and t…

NEW YORK, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Libya, including the air strikes in Tripoli and the Nafousa Mountains in the west, as well as in Benghaz…