Category: APO-OPA

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — As part of the ongoing IGAD-led Mediation Process for South Sudan, a multi-stakeholder symposium will be held at the African Union Commission premises in Addis Ababa from 5-7

June 2014.

The symposium is expected to bring together up to 150 representatives of South Sudanese society, including delegates from the government, opposition, political parties, faith based groups, civil society and traditional leaders, and will initiate the inclusive phase of the mediation process based on a consensual, round table, multi-party dialogue.

The symposium follows the signing of Agreement on Resolving the Crisis by H.E Salva Kiir

Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) and Dr. Riek Machar, Former Vice President of the RSS and leader of SPLM/A – In Opposition, on 9 May in Addis Ababa. The agreement signified a commitment by the two Parties to seek an inclusive political solution to the crisis in South Sudan.

WHEN – 5-7 June 2014

WHERE – African Union Commission Premises

PRESS EVENTS:

On 5 June 2014 ( 8.30 AM)

o Official Opening of Symposium to initiate inclusive phase of IGAD-led Peace Talks for South Sudan, to be presided over by the Ethiopian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom, IGAD Executive Secretary Amb.(Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, Commissioner of the African Union Peace and Security Commission Amb. Smaïl Chergui and IGAD Special Envoys

On 5 June 2014 (10.30 AM)

o Press Briefing by Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom,

IGAD Executive Secretary Amb.(Eng.) Mahboub Maalim and IGAD Special Envoys on the aim of the Symposium and progress in the IGAD-led mediation process (TBC)

On 7 June 2014 (6.30 PM)

o Press Briefing on the outcome of the Symposium by Ethiopian Minister of Foreign

Affairs H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom, IGAD Executive Secretary Amb.(Eng.) Mahboub

Maalim and IGAD Special Envoys (TBC)

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Due to Africa being home to seven of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world(1), the continent is fast becoming top of mind for many global businesses. According to Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan (SSA) (http://www.dpdhl.com), while the growing interest from global parties is beneficial for much-needed foreign investment, local businesses should also be encouraged to capitalize on the continent’s increasing economic growth.

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

Photo Sumesh Rahavendra: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/sumesh_rahavendra.jpg (Sumesh Rahavendra of DHL Express Sub-Saharan (SSA)

The Ernst & Young 2014 Africa Attractiveness survey last week revealed that Africa has become the second-most attractive investment destination in the world, up from the third-from-last position in 2011. In 2013, Africa’s share of global foreign direct investment (FDI) projects reached 5.7%, its highest level in a decade.

Rahavendra says, “The rise of Africa has been well documented over the past decade and has now become one of the biggest frontiers for trade and investment.” He points to recent figures by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which also tell the story of Africa rising. Its latest Regional Economic Outlook: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) April 2014, revealed that real GDP growth in SSA is forecasted at 5.4% this year.

He adds that this overall economic growth forecast is surpassed by many of the African countries prospects, especially low-incomes states, such as Rwanda and Sierra Leone, which are projected to grow by 7.5% and 13.9%.”

The 2014 Africa Attractiveness survey revealed that South Africa remained the largest destination for FDI projects, however, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, have become more prominent on investor’s radars.

For example, FDI projects in Mozambique grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in excess of 30% since 2007. In 2013, Mozambique received 33 FDI projects, up 32% from the previous year. While coal deposits and offshore gas fields attract investors, infrastructure projects are another focus, with the country currently having more than US$32 billion worth of active infrastructure projects. A key focus area of these projects include developing road and rail transport networks to link the country’s coal reserves to the main corridors, as well as expanding port facilities.

Although FDI projects into Angola declined in 2013, the country remains the fourth-largest recipient of FDI. The country is focused on increasing its infrastructure, especially airports and ports, to meet its aim of US$4b in non-oil investments by 2017.

Rahavendra adds that the discussion of foreign investment often overlooks the real potential of Africa, namely its people and businesses. “Many local entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have so much to offer to their respective countries, both in terms of services and sustained economic growth.”

As economies grow in Africa, as will the demand for its services, and this demand will offer numerous opportunities to inspired entrepreneurs. “As household expenditure has increased over the years, resulting in rising consumer demand, there is a definite opportunity for SMEs to fill the gaps which are not being serviced by large global companies. We have over 25,000 SMEs who work with us across Africa and every day we work on understanding their needs better and help them to go global”.

The express company is doing significant work in increasing connectivity for SMEs, helping them to understand the paperwork, legislation and expertise needed to grow beyond borders.

“We are increasingly noticing retail and telecommunication customers expanding on the continent and local entrepreneurs should be encouraged to also capitalize on the continent’s growing markets, similar to the approach by international organizations. We as DHL Express have increased our retail presence in Sub Saharan Africa to just over 2600 outlets. Other sectors where we have seen growth include fast moving consumer goods, health care products, retail, food, telecommunications and other consumer related necessities.”

Rahavendra adds that the continent’s competitiveness can be hindered in terms of growing the flow of goods within the continent itself. “With underdeveloped road and rail networks, and around 12% of cities served by just one flight per week, infrastructure and connectivity are among the most pressing challenges. Investments in infrastructure and our network remain a key focus area for us in 2014 as we understand that in order to achieve growth, we need to ensure that we have the best in class facilities. The ongoing upgrades to our network operations assist us in meeting these expectations while maintaining our excellent service standard”.

“Extensive infrastructure is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of an economy and a well-developed network is vital for enabling local and global business to transport their goods and services to the market securely and timely. As a logistics service provider, DHL remains committed to not only connecting others to one of the world’s biggest frontiers, but to making the rest of the world the next frontier for Africa,” concludes Rahavendra.

(1) A.T Kearney African Retail Development Index.

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 industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

For more information: http://www.dpdhl.com

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

DUBLIN, Ireland, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The President of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Mr Armando Emílio Guebuza, has accepted an invitation from President Higgins to visit Ireland from the third to the sixth of June 2014.

The State Visit will commence with a formal welcome ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin when President Guebuza will be greeted by President and Sabina Higgins. Following the formal welcome ceremony, a meeting between the Heads of State will take place.

On Wednesday 4 June, President Guebuza will meet the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, at Government Buildings and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, at Iveagh House. He will also lay a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance and visit the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks and St James’s Hospital before attending a State Dinner in his honour at Áras an Uachtaráin.

On Thursday 5 June the President will have a programme of business and education meetings, including the Mozambique-Ireland Business Forum, and on Friday 6 June he will visit Newgrange before departing Dublin.

The visit will include the signing of agreements between Ireland and Mozambique across a range of areas including agriculture, health, education, development and trade.

Below is the programme for the visit. Please see additional note on media opportunities below. Please note that pooling arrangements apply at all venues.

Irish media wishing to attend any of the events must contact the Press Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at least 24 hours in advance by email at press.office@dfa.ie

Official photographs for each event will be made available free of charge, through Fennells’ Photography.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region Mary Robinson, U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Russ …

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The US Association of International Migration (USAIM), IOM’s non profit partner in the United States, has received another donation of USD 50,000 from the Ethiopian diaspora.

Since the beginning of the year, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia has contributed USD 112,000 through USAIM.

Tamagne Beyene, a renowned Ethiopian artist, musician, and comedian is hoping that his talent will help to promote the cause. “It is commonly said that art unites people, so as an artist, I am hoping that my entertainment will bring more people together to make a difference in the lives of Ethiopians in need of assistance,” Beyene said.

Previous donations from the Global Alliance were used to provide assistance to over 1,300 migrants including giving shoes to migrants in need upon arrival, hospitalization for individuals with serious medical issues, and critical food assistance at the transit centers.

Much of the assistance IOM has provided has focused on immediate aid, particularly medical relief, given the poor health condition in which many migrants arrive, some absolutely exhausted and traumatized by their experiences.

“We are delighted by the continuous generosity of the Global Alliance and the entire Ethiopian diaspora. Their support will undeniably impact the lives of the returnees in a positive way,” said Luca Dall’Oglio, IOM Washington Chief of Mission.

IOM has provided onward transportation, temporary accommodation, medical support, food, and reinsertion to more than 150,000 returnees from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM Tanzania is training a group of 40 Tanzanian immigration officials on the use of a biometric registration system recently created by IOM, in close cooperation with the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department. The system will be used for a planned registration of migrants in Western Tanzania.

The training will allow the officers to use the equipment and an electronic database to register irregular migrants in the country’s Kagera, Kigoma and Geita regions.

The registered migrants will be issued with a registration card, giving them an opportunity to regularize their status, by applying for a residence permit, or to get a grace period to pack all belongings and return to country of origin through an IOM Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme.

“The system will make our work much easier and will allow us to have all relevant data in the same place and at the same time,” said one of the trainees.

“The immigration department does not have enough resources to cope with the current migration crisis and to respond to all management needs,” he added.

The training is conducted in the framework of the project “Migration Crisis Support to Address Migrant Expulsions in Western Tanzania,” funded by the UK Department for International Development.

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — United Nations Special Rapporteur Juan E. Méndez will undertake a visit to Tunisia, from 4 to 6 June 2014, to follow up on his recommendations to fight torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment issued after his first visit to the country in 2011.

“I will discuss and assess the implementation of my recommendations in general and the three main challenges for the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in Tunisia in particular: the access to justice, rehabilitation and reparations, and the conditions of detention in Tunisian prisons and other places of detention,” Mr. Méndez said.

“I hope that my second visit to Tunisia can assist the Government in coping with some of the remaining challenges it faces regarding the fight against torture and in finding solutions that ensure the promotion of human rights and dignity of all persons,” stressed the independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council with monitoring and reporting on the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment around the world.

The Special Rapporteur, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government, will meet with key decision makers at Government level, including the Ministry of Justice, Interior and Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Directorate General of Prisons and Rehabilitation, the National Guard and the Judicial Police. He will also meet Tunisian civil society’s leaders engaged in the fight against torture as well as victims and their families.

“I look forward to help the Tunisian authorities to further implement my recommendations, uphold the rule of law, promote accountability for present and past abuses and allegations of torture and ill-treatment, fulfill the right to reparations for victims, and to ensure that alleged perpetrators are held responsible in conformity with international law,” he said.

Mr. Méndez will share his preliminary comments and recommendations at a press conference to be held on Friday, 6 June 2014, at 4:30 pm, at the Hotel Africa, N 50 Av. Habib Bourguiba bp73, Tunis, 1001, Tunisia.

The Special Rapporteur will present a follow-up report to the Human Rights Council in March 2015.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations welcomes the reaffirmation made by the Government of Sudan at the Oslo Humanitarian Pledging Conference for South Sudan on 20 May to maintain its borders open to South Sudanese fleeing violence and insecurity in their country. We commend and appreciate that Sudan has granted unrestricted access to its territory to more than 85,000 South Sudanese since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan on 15 December 2013.

The United Nations also welcomes the Sudanese authorities’ decision to take the necessary actions to ensure the relocation of over 30,000 South Sudanese refugees from their location in “Kilo 10” in the White Nile State where they are at risk of floods once heavy rains start in the coming weeks. The current location of this large group of people has grave humanitarian consequences, in particular on health and sanitation conditions due to possible water borne diseases. The movement of these South Sudanese refugees to a better location will enable the provision of assistance and avert a potential humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations also urges the Government of Sudan to allow the free and rapid movement of international humanitarian workers to access these refugees to ensure the delivery of assistance in the areas where they reside in White Nile and Blue Nile States. UN agencies and humanitarian partners face serious bureaucratic challenges that constrain their ability to ensure the legitimate humanitarian needs of affected people are met. South Sudanese refugees are already extremely vulnerable and should not be exposed to more vulnerability.

The United Nations reiterates its readiness to support the Government of Sudan’s efforts to respond to the needs of South Sudanese refugees wherever they reside in Sudan.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Hundreds of logisticians will take part in the East African Breakbulk Workshop Series (http://www.breakbulk.com) which will deliver invaluable opportunities for professional fo…

PLANO, TX, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — WorldVentures™ (http://www.worldventures.com), the leading international direct seller of vacation club memberships, with presence in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya, announced its simultaneous expansion into Australia and Serbia today. Launching in Australia is WorldVentures’ first foothold in the Pacific Region, while Serbia is the company’s 16th prominent European market. Travel enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in 28 global markets, now including Australia and Serbia, can enjoy WorldVentures’ award-winning DreamTrips Memberships or exceptional business opportunity.

Logo WorldVentures: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/worldventure.png

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/australia-serbia-high-res.jpg

“We’re excited to add Australia, one of the world’s largest economies, and Serbia, an emerging economy, to our growing list of global markets,” WorldVentures Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Wayne Nugent said. “We invite locals in these two countries to enjoy our unforgettable travel experiences like our many DreamTrips members do, or improve their work-life balance in a fun way as Independent Representatives.”

WorldVentures’ business model merges the advantages of online marketing, with the flexibility of direct-selling. DreamTrips, the company’s award-winning travel club membership, enables customers to participate in high-quality, unique, unforgettable experiences that deliver fun, freedom and fulfillment through travel and entertainment. The company’s business opportunity offers its entrepreneurs everything they need to market and sell DreamTrips Memberships through friend-to-friend referrals. WorldVentures’ Independent Representatives can work full or part-time—from home or anywhere in the world.

WorldVentures has expanded to five new markets in the last year: Poland, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Australia and Serbia.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of WorldVentures.

For inquiries, contact:

Hadas Sasson-Zitomer/Christine Carter

Email: press@worldventures.com

About WorldVentures:

WorldVentures (http://www.worldventures.com) is the leading international direct seller of vacation club memberships. WorldVentures is on a mission to help people achieve more fun, freedom and fulfillment in their lives, and to provide its members with premium vacations at reduced prices. WorldVentures combines the power of the Internet with the strength of the direct-selling industry to market its DreamTrips Memberships. WorldVentures is a privately held company based in Plano, Texas, with active Representatives and members in 28 countries.