CTIP TRADE AND INVESTMENT LINK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE

Featuring

CTIP

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Trade and Investment

Link

A CTIP Publication

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September/October

2020

The World of CTIP in 2020 …. Page 3 CTIP-FII and the new Board … Page 5 Yunnan Officials joins Newark’s Trade and Investment Conference … Page 11 President Xi’s dream city of Xiongan pushes ahead with smart city infrastructure aimed at covering all areas … Page 12 UNOPS supports affordable Homes Project …

Page 12 CTIP.TV and CTIP Trade Connect launched …

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FocusREPORT… page 22 CTIP SPECIAL o

Meet the new Vice-Chairman of CTIP First Investment, Inc. …. Page 11

CTIP Appointed as PRIVILEGE PARTNER of the Mali Government

CTIP.TV LAUNCHED The World of CTIP in 2020 CTIP USA There is power when you transform the world into a true and sincere collaboration and cooperation.

Council for Trade and Investment Promotion (CTIP) 37 Passaic Street, Garfield, New Jersey 07026 W: www.ctip-usa.org www.ctip-fii.com www.ctiptradeconnect.com

Council for Trade and Investment Promotion (CTIP) Non-Profit, Non-Government and Non-Political Organization A 501 C3 U.S. Approved Tax-Exempt Organization

CTIP GLOBAL ORGANIZATION

www.ctip-usa.org CTIP.TV The American School for International Business (ASIB)

CTIP International Trade and Investment Center, LLC (CTIP-ITIC)

www.asibedu.org

www.ctip-itic.com

CTIP Global Consulting Group, LLC (CTIP-GCG)

CTIP Trade Connect

www.ctip-gcg.net

www.ctiptradeconnect.com

CTIPFirst Investment, Inc. (CTIP-FII)

www.ctip-fii.com Financial Business Textile Infrastructure Development Real Estate Development Energy Development Machineries and Equipment

Chemicals Food Communications and Technology Metals and Minerals

General Products

We never dreamed of success we worked for it

Contents Building and Connecting the Bridge through CTIP Trade and Investment Link

Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)

A CTIP Publication July/August/September 2019

Editorial Board: Chairman Former Mayor Jeffery Jones

President Mr. Fernando M. Sopot

Executive Director Sharon Salvador

Directors Mr. Jose Hernandez Mr. Russell Mollica Mr. Jesse Arteche Mr. Behrooz Rezazadeh

China Desk Ms. Selina Lou

Bangladesh Desk Mr. Golam Rabanny Hiru India Desk Mr. Shanker Damodaran

Dubai and Euro Desk Mr. Lorenzo Giombini

Digital Editor Mr. Manuel Urbano

Contact Us: Jeffery Jones E: jjjones@ctip-usa.org Fernando M. Sopot E: fernando.m.sopot@ctip.info Sharon Salvador E: ssalvador@ctip-usa.org Russell Mollica E: rmollica@ctip-usa.org Jesse Arteche E: jarteche@ctip-usa.org

Layout and Printing AXIAM Printing, LLC 2165 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083 P: 1.908.964.3380 Fax No. 1.908.964.9103

Cover Story

The World of CTIP in

2020

Several dreams were shattered at the advent of Covid-19. Businesses globally have been affected by this pandemic. Many firms across the globe have to file bankruptcy, or simply must stop operations. But the pandemic has also been a silver lining for many companies both big and start-ups.

The increased sensitivity towards health and hygiene has helped many start-ups, especially those in the food business to enter the market. Suppliers of vegetables, bread, meat, chicken, and other food ingredients have been the beneficiary of the increase in demand in this time of uncertainty.

On the other hand, big businesses like Amazon, Alibaba, Courier Services such as UPS or FedEx, and other delivery service companies, just to mention a few are on the upswing. Their share values, as you can see in the Exchange, have dramatically been skyrocketing.

Technology companies, like Netflix, Google, WhatsApp, We Chat, Zoom, Skype, and many others, have been so busy because of the online marketing that many businesses have to content with because of the lockdowns.

The demand for computers of various brands and sizes are likewise a big demand for students, now that this pandemic is preventing them from going to school on a face-to-face learning system, and instead opt for an online educational system.

They call this the NEW NORMAL. The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) has rightfully described the effects of the “lockdowns� on businesses all over United States.

FPRI said that it is possible to imagine scenarios in which the COVID-19 quarantines are followed by a swift economic recovery. The economy was growing steadily before the virus struck, so there are no other factors pushing. But the longer the shutdowns last, the less likely this becomes.

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 4

CTIP News

Cover Story More worrisome is that some state and local governments are only just beginning to take the risk seriously— thereby increasing the likelihood that the coronavirus spreads further and requires longer shutdowns to bring it under control.

It is easy to imagine ways that the COVID-19 crisis could have a similar financial effect. Businesses and consumers alike will default on loans.

Financial markets are expecting the default rate of large corporations to increase, too. America’s banks are better capitalized today than they were in 2008—so they have more of a cushion to take losses.

Yet, as losses pile up, government support may be needed to backstop credit markets again. The lesson of 2008, and of the Great Depression, is that the only thing worse than a bank bailout is a bank run, the costs of which are born not only by banks but by their customers. The Federal Reserve has already stepped in to offer additional liquidity to financial markets, but it may have to do more to keep credit available to companies and individuals.

About CTIP (www.ctip-usa.org) The abundance of experiences and knowledge of coordinating different ethnic groups and cultures has become the greatest achievement of CTIP thus far. This is because we have a common goal, a shared vision and interest.

CTIP’s capital is its people - it is the men and women that comprise the CTIP organization.

As of this writing, CTIP’s connections in LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, has reached more than 5,700 seeking global partnerships around Trade and Investment. Of this number CTIP has accepted upwards of 2,000 networking connections inviting them to join CTIP.

Of the 2,000, 40% responded with a firm “yes” response to join CTIP, and yet the numbers are increasingly growing. With CTIP’s current members in addition to those reached through our targeted marketing campaign, CTIP has exceeded its target recruitment for the quarter and year. We are, therefore, elated to report that at the end of September 2020, our rolls have increased to 1,000 international members equating to 47 Chapters worldwide.

All members and chapters of CTIP are the embodiment of hope that we must continue our advocacies and strengthen our resolve to help and support our membership as CTIP’s source of opportunities.

The social distancing implementation guidelines provided an indirect benefit towards our recruitment activities, as the public's uninterrupted focus on their home computers generated increased searches and reviews of our products and services. The inquiries and apparent intrigue has led to several opportunities which have been shared amongst operating companies of CTIP, such as Infrastructure Development, Project Finance, Import-Export of various products, promoting US Exports, possible partnerships with educational institutions (training), Mining opportunities and other industry and investment ideas.

CTIP has continued to increase its number of signed cooperation agreements with various business organizations in China, such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

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CTIP Promoting U.S.

The American School for International Business (ASIB) – (www.asibedu.org) CTIP’s training school, the American School for International Business was organized to support the requirements of CTIP Members, and Non-Members, desiring to expand their knowledge and skills through our Continuing Professional Education Program (CPEP).

ASIB has developed and offered its flagship special courses on International Trade and Finance and Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) along with the Center for Global Entrepreneurship.

In September 2020, CTIP launched “English Business for Entrepreneurs” for the worldwide marketplace. Our rolling admissions and enrollment for entrepreneurs and other interested professionals in this course is designed to support all needs and all locations. The genesis of English Courses developed as a direct result of CTIP members residing in nonEnglish speaking countries recognizing the benefits of having strong English skills for the Small Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) they support.

The high demand for the English language courses for SME’s has been overwhelming with ASIB’s principal courses for effective communication and the use of technical terms on International Trade, Finance and PPP among others.

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September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 5

CTIP News

CTIP Global Consulting Group, LLC (CTIP-GCG) – www.ctip-gcg.net CTIP-GCG’s core expertise includes: Engineering and Construction Consultancy Services and Local Government and Trade Capacity Building Services. The company is continually active most especially supporting Local Government Capacity Build-up through PPP and other modalities.

In November of 2019, together with Vault Investments of Dubai and CTIP-First Investment Inc. formed a partnership that received a Notice of Award to undertake the development of the Ajman Monorail Project, in the U.A.E., under the construct of PPP Mode, invoking a contractual arrangement called BuildLease-and-Transfer or BLT. The Project covers approximately 30-kilometers elevated rail lines including 20 stations, with an estimated Project Cost of $1.65 Billion. The project remains active and is on-going.

Moreover, CTIP-GCG through unsolicited communications was awarded the development of Mali’s Railway Project covering four phases. The project's first phase will cover a rail line from the capital Bamako to Senegal. It will be a heavy rail which will serve and support both passengers and cargo. The rail line is estimated to be more than 1,200 kilometers. It is a PPP project under BLT contractual arrangement.

Despite the recent political turmoil in Mali, the project is very active and ongoing.

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CTIP First Investment, Inc. (CTIP-FII) – www.ctip-fii.com Since CTIP-FII received its corporate citizenship a year ago in the state of Florida, business has been pouring in exponentially through remote channels resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Offers from several foreign companies to promote and market their products and services using our CTIP network are increasing regularly. The range of products include: Solar panels, Air Conditioning Equipment, Television Screens, Technology, Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers, Textiles, various food products and potential mining exploration equipment facilitated by CTIP-FII. Additionally, CTIP-FII receives inquiries and requests from companies for Capital Fund Raising support for their expansion or investment.

Several discussions remain fluid regarding the establishment of US operations to be based in the State of New Jersey.

Thus, CTIP-FII adopted its operation pattern and methodology by observing and researching the Japanese business model called “Sogo Shosha” - meaning the general trading house of Japan. SOGO SHOSHA of Japan was born post-World War II era, focusing on assisting Japanese manufacturers bring their products and services globally. This remarkably successful model of contributing to the economy by supporting business is precisely the motivation and mission of CTIP-FII. Reorganizing CTIP-FII Board Last September 17, 2020, the Stockholders on record has passed a Resolution electing the following as Members of the Board of CTIP-FII:

Item No. 1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Elected Board Members Jeffery Jones Sultan Ali Rashid Lootah Fernando M. Sopot Sharon Salvador Russell Mollica Jose Hernandez Jesse Arteche Lorenzo Giombini Wayne Smith Jun Shen

11.

12.

13.

Ugo Nwaokoro Dario Vidal Bill Vannasing

3.

Citizens U.S. U.A. E U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S. Italian U.S. U.S. Resident U.S. U.S. U.S.

On the other hand, the following were appointed as Members of the Advisory Board: Behrooz Rezazadeh Shanker Damodaran Golam Rabanny Hiru Aissa Diallo Atty. Joseph Chow Atty. Ted Chang

Chairman Member Member Member Member Member

As of September 30, 2020, CTIP-FII has appointed CTIP-FII Representatives in the following Countries: Countries Japan Singapore Bangladesh Thailand, Vietnam and Laos India Europe (with a base in Germany) Africa

Name of Representatives Nobuko Kotoyori Golam Rabanny Hiru Bill Vannasing Shanker Damodaran Prof. Dr. Patrick Massey Aissa Diallo

-oooOOOooo78% of businesses worldwide are positive about global trade -HSBC

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 10

Gallery

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 11

Focus

Meet the new ViceChairman of CTIP First Investment, Inc.

In his current role, Lootah is responsible for overseeing the conceptualization and implementation of programs that drive employment opportunities and entrepreneurial activities across the region. Prior to joining the Foundation, Lootah served as Director of Projects at The Executive Office in Dubai, where he led the development and implementation of key initiatives for consolidating the emirate’s status as a global economic force.

As the Director of Information Technology in the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Lootah played a key role in formulating the department’s strategy and bolstering its overall efficiency.

Sultan Lootah occupies the role of the Chairman and Managing partner of vault investments, Relam Investment, Sultan Lootah petroleum, served also as chairman of Emirati- Norwegian chamber of commerce in Oslo until 2016 as well as the chairman and MD of Vietgate General trading he was CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum foundation from October 2012 to July 2014 and he handled the role of Acting CEO and the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Development at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation from 2008-2012.

Lootah brought to the Foundation a rich experience and outstanding competency in developing innovative and goal-oriented solutions. His exceptional leadership qualities and acumen for critical thinking made him an obvious choice to lead the Foundation’s initiatives that aim to combat unemployment in the Arab world.

Starting his career as a software programmer at Mashreq Bank, he was associated with the Public Prosecution department for a year. he moved to Al Thuraya Telecom as a Testbed Engineer, before joining DED. A member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, Lootah holds a High Dip. in Business IT from the HCT and an Executive Diploma in Public Administration at the Lee Kuan Yew College, Singapore.

An EMBA holder from HCT, A recipient of the 2006 Dubai Government Excellence Award for Best Distinguished Government Employee.

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Yunnan Officials joins Newark’s Trade and Investment Conference Yunnan Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Commission of Supervision are attending CTIPNewark’s hosted Trade and Investment Conference last September 19, 2019 held at Room 309 Conference Room at the City Hall, City of Newark, New Jersey.

During the conference, the leader of the Yunnan Delegations, Mr. Wen Jian, Deputy Director of Yunnan Provincial Commission of Supervision, Peoples Republic of China, pointed out the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Yunnan.

On the other hand, the new Deputy Mayor, Ligia De Freitas, has offered support to foreign companies who will be putting up their facilities in Newark, saying that Newark is always open for business. She also said that her office is willing to execute a Letter of Understanding that will further continue the exchange of trade and investments information based on shared vision and interest between the City of Newark and Yunnan.

The members of the delegation is headed by Mr. Wen Jian, the other members are, Mr. Feng Xuezhong, Mr. Lyu Guohao, Mr. Yan Chunyun, Mr. Shang Junping and Mr. Du Kansheng Meanwhile, Former Mayor Jeffery Jones, Chairman of CTIP, has explained to the participants the role of CTIP in establishing the bridge between the City of Newark and Yunnan.

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September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 12

News Articles

President Xi’s dream city of Xiongan pushes ahead with smart city infrastructure aimed at covering all areas • •

The city’s technology push comes eight months after Xi paid his second visit to Xiongan in two years.

Over 3,000 enterprises had registered to establish operations in Xiongan as of August. The new area has attracted tech companies including Alibaba Group Holding, Tencent Holdings, Baidu and JD.com. Projects including the Tsinghua University intelligent lab and the Zhongguancun science park are all under construction.

Launched in April in 2017 and with Xi personally behind the project, Xiongan is expected to be transformed from a humble backwater into a modern and innovation-driven smart city Source: SCMP -oooOOOooo-

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China

The construction site of Xiongan railway station, August 2019 Xiongan New Area, President Xi Jinping’s attempt to build a bustling new metropolis just outside Beijing, is pushing ahead with the construction of comprehensive smart city infrastructure, offering a taste of the future for city dwellers.

The former backwater consisting of three counties in Hebei province is building an intelligent urban management system that can cover everything “from the sky, to the underground to terminals and end devices”, according to a statement from city authorities on their official WeChat public account on Sunday.

Xiongan’s “smart city brain project” is aimed at enhancing infrastructure with technologies including satellite information services, sensor recognition, a 5G network, supercomputing and big data facilities.

WASHINGTON, Sept 16, 2019-Private exporters reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture export sales of 256,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to China during the 2019/2020 marketing year.

The marketing year for soybeans began Sept. 1.

USDA issues both daily and weekly export sales reports to the public. Exporters are required to report to USDA any export sales activity of 100,000 tons or more of one commodity, made in one day or quantities totaling 200,000 tons or more in any reporting period, except 20,000 tons for soybean oil, made in one day to one destination or quantities totaling 40,000 tons or more in any reporting period, by 3:00 p.m.

Eastern time on the next business day following the sale. Export sales of less than these quantities must be reported to USDA on a weekly basis.

For further information, contact the Export Sales Reporting Staff at (202) 720-9209.

Source: USDA -oooOOO000-

UNOPS Supports Affordable Homes Project A new agreement between the government of Pakistan, SHS Holdings and UNOPS will see at least 500,000 new affordable homes built in Pakistan over the next 10 years. The agreement is the latest in UNOPS Social Impact Investing Initiative (S3I), which will also see similar projects delivered in the Caribbean, Ghana, India and Kenya.

“This groundbreaking housing initiative is not just a regular project but a massive undertaking that has my full support and will undoubtedly change for the better the lives of millions of people,” said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan.

All of the new affordable homes built will include some of the latest renewable energy and disease preventative technology – including solar panel roofs, waste-to-energy technology and mosquito-repelling coatings.

“We are delighted to support Pakistan’s aspirations to build more affordable homes through our S3I initiative,” said UNOPS Deputy Executive Director, Vitaly Vanshelboim. Delivering half a million homes anywhere is a colossal task, but I am certain that through this new agreement, we will help deliver for the people of Pakistan.

As part of the agreement, the government will provide land and basic infrastructure including sewage, electricity and water connections. UNOPS and SHS will establish a framework to manage financial aspects, and ensure project activities are timely, efficient and maintain relevant quality standards. SHS will supply proprietary state of the art technology as well as oversee the development of housing.

CTIP International Trade and Investment Center, LLC (CTIP-ITIC)

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 13 “This agreement will spur the development of Pakistan with as many as 78 industries benefiting directly or indirectly. The people, especially the poor, will have a first in their lifetime opportunity to own a home. The social impact of this programme will be enormously positive,” said Pakistan’s Secretary of Housing, Dr. Imran Zaib.

“SHS is truly excited to be associated with this far-reaching initiative. We will spare no effort to deliver for the people of Pakistan and surpass their expectations and honour their right to have a safe roof over their heads and own a piece of their land,” said SHS Holdings CEO, Noel Lyons.

Construction dates will be set once a feasibility study has been completed jointly with the government of Pakistan.

Source: UNOPS

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EXIM Announces the Appointment of New Advisory and SubSaharan Africa Advisory Committees EXIM recently announced the appointment of 17 members to it Advisory Committee and the appointment of 11 members to its Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee (SAAC). Terms for members in both committees will run through September 2021.

Under the advisory Committee will be a new Subcommittee on Strategic Competition with the People’s Republic of China which will provide additional guidance to EXIM on how China is engaging in competition against the U.S.; how to mitigate the threat Beijing poses to American interests and economic security;

and how to how to overall advance the agency’s congressionally mandated Program on China and Transformational Exports. In addition, Africa, having six of the 10 fastestgrowing economies in the world and more than one billion consumers, will continue to play a critical role in this dynamic.

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Why some EXIM EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CLAIMS are DENIED

•

A policy endorsement is added that allows for U.S. delivery.

•

EXIM multi-buyer policy allows you to ship to someone other than the buyer as long as you have written instructions from the buyer to ship to that location and the destination is open in the Country Limitation Schedule (CLS).

Filing a Late Claim. Most claims must be filed within 8 months of the due date Filing a claim for an EXIM Export Creditof your original invoice. If there’s a Insurance (ECI) policy has somenonpayment issue, U.S. exporters requirements, like any insurance policy.covered under an EXIM ECI policy need EXIM recommends reviewing theto communicate it to EXIM. Claims can requirements of the policy upon acceptancebe filed online and your credit insurance to ensure you have the proper controlsbroker or EXIM can provide assistance and/or policies/procedures in place toover the phone or through email. Please perfect a claim. EXIM is always available tonote a claim filing extension may be assist you throughout the entire process.requested at claims@exim.gov.

Below is a partial list of reasons, compiled in no particular order, why someNot Paying Premiums. For example, EXIM multi- and single-buyer export creditif you invoice a customer on September 1st, EXIM gives you until October 31st to insurance policies get denied. report the shipment and pay the • Shipping Documentationpremium. This is an example of EXIM’s Issues. A key difference betweenflexibility – ship and then pay – but if you private sector insurance carriers andforget to pay the premium, you are EXIM is that EXIM requires proof ofuninsured. export (your third-party shipping documents must show the goods youEXIM can provide more information its policies, including sold left the U.S. and were receivedabout requirements, endorsements, and the by the buyer in the buyer’s country).

If you allow the buyer to pick up theclaims process. Click here to complete a shipment in the U.S, pleasefree consultation with an EXIM remember you will still need copiesspecialist. of the third-party shipping(Source: US EXIM Bank) documents if you file a claim. There -oooOOOoooare some notable EXIM exceptions to these rules: •

EXIM multi-buyer policies with delivery to Mexico and Canada allow shipment to the U.S. border as long as the purchase order (PO) says to deliver to said location and a bill of lading from a third-party carrier is provided to document that delivery.

CTIPGlobal Consulting Group, LLC (CTIP-GCG)

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 14

U.S. – China longterm investment falls to 9-year low amid pandemic, protectionism Factory builds and other long-term investments between China and the United States declined to $10.9 billion in the first half of 2020, the lowest level in nine years, according to a report from the Rhodium Group economic research firm and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, which advocates for bilateral ties. One key finding from the authors: The Trump administration’s tariffs against Chinese imports, designed to make manufacturing more expensive on the mainland and bring factory jobs back to the United States, has not succeeded. “The tariffs failed,” Stephen Orlins, president of the U.S.China committee, said.

“They succeeded in some relocation of production from China to other lower tariff countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka. But it did not bring manufacturing back to the U.S.” Chinese investment in the U.S. also fell because of the pandemic recession, as well as American protectionist policies against Chinese firms including TikTok, the report said. Those measures have pressured Beijing to retaliate against foreign companies and investors in China, said Rhodium Group partner Thilo Hanemann.

“Foreign companies may be hesitant to further deepen their footprint inside of China,” Hanemann said.

“They might diversify away from their Chinese manufacturing bases over the next couple of years.”

CTIP.TV

Political frictions may apply to strategically important sectors, like semiconductors, but Hanemann expects U.S.-China investment to continue in other areas, including KFC’s inroads into the mainland market.

Continued investments matter in the big picture, he added.

“We know from history that two-way trade and investment and integration decreases the risk of conflict,” Hanemann said. “If China really is isolated as a country, one of the biggest risks for all of us will be higher risk of a serious military confrontation.”

(Source: Marketplace) -oooOOOooo-

EXIM Renews Partnership with the Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO) for 25 Years After an open and public review process, the EXIM Board of Directors voted to renew the agency’s partnership with PEFCO for 25 years. In an effort to continue protecting small and mediumsized businesses, the renewed partnership includes seven key reforms which will be implemented through Standard Operating Procedures. Several actors voiced their support for this renewal, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade.

EXIM Approves 162 Small Business Authorizations in July and Adopts New SBA Standard EXIM stands ready to help U.S. businesses succeed. In July 2020 alone, EXIM approved 162 small business authorizations totaling $167.4 million and supporting an estimated 600 American jobs in 37 states and one U.S. territory. In an effort to increase transparency of their actions, EXIM provides a complete list of transactions online. In addition, visit the agency’s success stories page to see how small businesses across the country are using EXIM products and the state-by-state summary page to see how EXIM supports exports in each state. Other action EXIM has taken to support small business is the recent adoption of a Small Business Administration standard that inherently expands the number of U.S. small businesses that qualify for EXIM products. This is also part of an interagency effort to promote consistency in government programs.

(Source: US EXIM Bank) -oooOOOooo-

The American School for International Business (ASIB)

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“CTIP businesses are all interrelated to promote international trade and investment, consulting works for promoting trade and investments and PPP, real estate, project development, school for international business and tourism development.

Together they create synergy.”

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 15

Innovation: Contractor Builds Dam in Japan with Robots Confronted with Japan’s chronic construction labor shortage, contractor Obayashi is building a Dam almost entirely with Robot Eighty-four meters in height, and 334m in length, the concrete dam is being constructed in Mie Prefecture, on the southeast coast of Japan’s main island, reports from Nikkei Asian Reviews.

Remotecontrolled tower cranes pour concrete into 15-meter-square partitions to build the dam up in layers.

Robots polish the surfaces of each slab to create a watertight union with subsequent ones, and robots raise the formwork as the structure gains height, the contractor told the newspaper.

Construction is scheduled for completion in March 2023. Because it is a pilot robotics project, human workers are on hand to monitor and guide some of the machinery.

So, despite the advances in automation, productivity has increased only by about 10% so far. But Obayashi said it is learning from the experience in order to further reduce the necessary manpower.

“Eventually, we may be able to cut building time by 30%,” Akira Naito, head of Obayashi’s dam technology unit, told the Review. Japan’s construction industry is ageing quickly, with 35% of all workers now 55 or older, the newspaper said, citing the Japan Federation of Construction Contractors.

Companies are in a hurry to develop automated machinery informed by older workers’ knowledge before they retire.

Contractors also face stricter rules on overtime from 2024.

(Source: Global Construction Review) -oooOOOooo-

UNOPS Supports Affordable Homes Project A new agreement between the government of Pakistan, SHS Holdings and UNOPS will see at least 500,000 new affordable homes built in Pakistan over the next 10 years. The agreement is the latest in UNOPS Social Impact Investing Initiative (S3I), which will also see similar projects delivered in the Caribbean, Ghana, India and Kenya.

“This groundbreaking housing initiative is not just a regular project but a massive undertaking that has my full support and will undoubtedly change for the better the lives of millions of people,” said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan.

All of the new affordable homes built will include some of the latest renewable energy and disease preventative technology – including solar panel roofs, waste-to-energy technology and mosquito-repelling coatings.

“We are delighted to support Pakistan’s aspirations to build more affordable homes through our S3I initiative,” said UNOPS Deputy Executive Director, Vitaly Vanshelboim. Delivering half a million homes anywhere is a colossal task, but I am certain that through this new agreement, we will help deliver for the people of Pakistan.

electricity and water connections.

UNOPS and SHS will establish a framework to manage financial aspects, and ensure project activities are timely, efficient and maintain relevant quality standards. SHS will supply proprietary state of the art technology as well as oversee the development of housing.

“This agreement will spur the development of Pakistan with as many as 78 industries benefiting directly or indirectly. The people, especially the poor, will have a first in their lifetime opportunity to own a home. The social impact of this programme will be enormously positive,” said Pakistan’s Secretary of Housing, Dr. Imran Zaib.

“SHS is truly excited to be associated with this far-reaching initiative. We will spare no effort to deliver for the people of Pakistan and surpass their expectations and honour their right to have a safe roof over their heads and own a piece of their land,” said SHS Holdings CEO, Noel Lyons.

Construction dates will be set once a feasibility study has been completed jointly with the government of Pakistan.

Source: UNOPS -oooOOOooo-

www.ctiptradeconnect.com An e-commerce platform

As part of the agreement, the government will provide land and basic infrastructure including sewage,

“For 240 years it’s been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is the time to start…. America’s golden goose of commerce and innovation will continue to lay more and larger eggs” -Warren Buffett

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 16

Featured Article

CTIP Charter President, Fernando M. Sopot considered among 4 personalities as iconic influencer, by a European media organization

CTIP Chairman, the former Mayor Jeffery Jones led the launching of CTIP.TV and CTIPTradeConnect.com

Former Mayor Jeffery Jones, and current Chairman of CTIP accompanied by stockholders of CTIP-FII led the launching of CTIP TV and CTIP Trade Connect.

The recent launching of CTIP TV and CTIP Trade Connect brings another milestone in the achievements of its mother organization, the Council for Trade and Investment Promotion (CTIP).

CTIP Founder and Charter President, Mr. Fernando M. Sopot was considered as iconic influencer among the four personalities featured in a European Newspaper, Aesthetics International, in its latest publication.

CTIP Charter President Sopot has been chosen as an iconic influencer because of its ability to recruit numerous international members, that became very active with CTIP. Several CTIP Chapters were also organized by him thus making him as an iconic influencer in the field of trade and investments.

Mr. Sopot a Law Graduate, is also a Resource Speaker on Project Finance, investments, and trade, hosted by several organizations, including those organized by Terrapin.com.

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CTIP has a studio with complete facilities that can-do broadcasting. This is an important facility for the organization to disseminate its numerous advocacies, especially those involving CTIP’s support for Local Government Capacity Build-Up. The power of the media plays an important role in CTIP’s life. CTIP TV will focus more on why CTIP was created, and the CTIP Trade Connect.

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 17

Special Report

2020 WP Summary & Policy Priorities Matrix

3) Stimulating Innovation through Global Cooperation and Intellectual Property Protection.

(Source: AMCHAM China) NOTE: To our members. If you need a copy of the White Paper, please email us at Fernando.m.sopot@ctip.info.

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Secretary Ross Highlights Commerce Actions Supporting Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies

AmCham China’s American Business in China White Paper (White Paper) is a comprehensive analysis of China’s economic policies and practices impacting foreign trade and investment from the American business community in China. The 2020 White Paper, the 22nd edition, includes input from a wide variety of member companies representing 18 major industries, 12 cross-cutting issue areas, and four major regions/cities in China.

2019 was a turbulent year in US-China relations, which created challenging conditions for the business community.

Each of the 37 chapters in this year’s White Paper summarizes regulatory improvements seen throughout 2019, but also encapsulates the range of challenges and concerns still facing our member companies with respect to their China operations. The White Paper is nearly 500 pages in length.

In an effort to distill AmCham China’s key messages and policy priorities, this, our 2020 White Paper Summary document, maps our key recommendations by industry to AmCham China’s 2020 overarching Policy Priorities and at the same time reinforces the substance of the Policy Priorities with concrete examples of the kinds of challenges facing the American business community in China. AmCham China’s 2020 Policy Priorities focus and guide the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.

WASHINGTON – cis fully behind the President’s strategy and has already implemented several export controls on emerging technologies. Earlier this month, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in Commerce imposed controls on six more emerging technologies, bringing the total to 37.

“The National Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies is a critical roadmap to protecting our national security and ensuring the United States maintains its technological leadership in military, intelligence, and economic matters,” said Secretary Ross. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Commerce has already imposed controls on more than three dozen emerging technologies and we will continue to evaluate and identify technologies that warrant control.”

The most recent Commerce controls were implemented under agreements reached at the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies’ December 2019 Plenary meeting.

Developing and implementing multilateral controls on emerging technology is consistent with the requirements of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) to identify emerging and foundational technologies that are essential to U.S. national security.

The six emerging technologies now controlled on the Commerce Control List are: 1.

Hybrid additive manufacturing/computer numerically controlled tools

They are: 1) Rebuilding Trust through Concrete Actions Leading to Greater Transparency and Evenhandedness of Regulatory Processes, 2) Promoting Development through Policies of National Treatment and Competitive Neutrality, and

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Private Capital, Public Good: Drivers of Successful Infrastructure Public-Private-Partnerships -Brookings

September/October CTIP Trade and Investment Link 18 2. Computational lithography software designed for the fabrication of extreme ultraviolet masks 3. Technology for finishing wafers for 5 nanometer integrated circuit production 4. Digital forensics tools that circumvent authentication or authorization controls on a computer and extract raw data 5. Software for monitoring and analysis of communications and metadata acquired from a telecommunications service provider via a handover interface 6. Sub-orbital spacecraft This is the fourth set of emerging technology controls imposed by BIS since ECRA’s 2018 enactment. BIS has previously published three Federal Register Notices implementing new controls on 31 specific emerging technologies in the aerospace, biotechnology, chemical, electronics, encryption, geospatial imagery, and marine sectors, most of which were imposed with multilateral support. They include 24 chemical weapons precursors controlled for Chemical/Biological and Anti-Terrorism reasons as well as: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Discrete microwave transistors Continuity of operation software Post-quantum cryptography Underwater transducers designed to operate as hydrophones 5. Air-launch platforms 6. Geospatial imagery software (unilateral) 7. Single-use biological cultivation chambers Additionally, in accordance with ECRA, BIS requested public comment on the identification of foundational technologies on August 27, 2020, and the public comment period remains open until November 9, 2020.

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Dhaka aims to ease foreign concerns for companies exiting China Bangladesh is looking at simplifying its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy as well as the corporate taxation system to lure companies seeking to move their manufacturing base from China in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Internal Resources Division (IRD) sources, a team has already been formed under the leadership of Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus to make the necessary recommendations for a simplified FDI policy and taxation system.

To this end, a team has already been formed under the leadership of Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus to make the necessary recommendations for a simplified FDI policy and taxation system.

The move comes in the wake of Japanese investo rs expressing their reservations about the existing FDI norms and corporate taxation system. Currently, there are some 310 Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh. Japan's cumulative FDI into Dhaka is $3 billion. "The government has directed the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to make the FDI more lucrative through some amendments in the policy.

A high-level committee has already been formed to formulate a set of recommendations," a senior Finance Ministry official said. Senior NBR officials -- including Member (Tax Policy) Syed Golam Kibria, Member (VAT Policy) Masud Sadique and Second Secretary (Customs Policy) Mehraj-Ul-Alam Samrat -- are part of the panel.

The Finance Ministry official said that the government has been giving importance to Japanese investors, as they are mainly looking to exit China and scouting for new countries to set up shops It may be mentioned here that Japan has already allocated USD 2.2 billion of its record economic stimulus package to help its manufacturers shift production out of China, with coronavirus disrupting supply chains between the major trading partners. Japan External Trade Organisation's country representative Yuji Ando recently said at the Economic Reporters Forum that although more Japanese companies are expected to come to Bangladesh every year, the investment environment needs to be further congenial. Citing an example of Jetro annual study, Ando said that 70 per cent Japanese companies in Bangladesh are keen on expanding their businesses, which is the highest among other countries, despite a number of bottlenecks in the way of smooth investment.

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World bank and IMF Assessment of the World’s Economic Outlook of 2020

energy use and shift to cleaner alternatives—and, moreover, it generates revenue that can be used in part to support the most vulnerable," write the IMF's Vitor Gaspar, Paulo Medas, John Ralyea, and Elif Ture COVID-19 AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

OCTOBER 2020 WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK In our latest World Economic Outlook, we continue to project a deep recession in 2020. Global growth is projected to be 4.4 percent, an upward revision of 0.8 percentage points compared to our June update. This upgrade owes to somewhat less dire outcomes in the second quarter, as well as signs of a stronger recovery in the third quarter, offset partly by downgrades in some emerging and developing economies.

In 2021 growth is projected to rebound to 5.2 percent, 0.2 percentage points below our June projection.

"If medical solutions can be available faster and more widely relative to our baseline, it could lead to a cumulative increase in global income of almost $9 trillion by end 2025, raising incomes in all countries and reducing income divergence," said IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath at the press conference.

OCTOBER 2020 GLOBAL FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT In our latest Global Financial Stability Report, we found that significant improvement in financial conditions has helped maintain the flow of credit to the economy, but the economic outlook remains highly uncertain. A disconnect persists, for example, between financial markets—where there have been rising stock market valuations (despite the recent repricing)— and the weak economic activity and uncertain outlook. This gap can gradually narrow if the economy recovers swiftly. But if the recovery is delayed, for example because it may take longer to get the virus under control, the investor optimism may wane. Financial Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department Tobias Adrian.

OCTOBER 2020 FISCAL MONITOR

We just published the October 2020 Fiscal Monitor, which examines countries’ experiences managing the crisis and discusses what governments can do in the different phases of the pandemic to save lives, reduce the impact of the recession, and revive growth and job creation.

"As economies begin to recover, governments should seize this moment to move away from the pre-crisis growth model and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and digital economy. Carbon pricing should be a key feature of this transition, because it encourages people to reduce

The world economy has been hit by the biggest shock in the postwar era. Governments have responded with unprecedented measures to protect lives and livelihoods. Are we out of the woods yet? Moderated by Geoff Cutmore, Anchor, CNBC, this televised debate featured Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF; Christine Lagarde, President, European Central Bank; Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Finance Minister, Indonesia; and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair at GAVI / AU Special Envoy on response to COVID-19.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and IMF European Department Director Alfred Kammer also discussed the post-pandemic landscape and challenges for policy makers in Europe. Lagarde said that we need to address the pandemic and support the recovery by focusing on three kinds of policies: a sound regulatory environment, targeted public investment that encourages private investment, and both education and training. She also noted that citizens are going to drive change moving forward, and that 75 percent of the population in the Euro area expects their government to put environmental protection and climate change at the top of their priorities.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF, who said that governments need to focus on three priorities: improve health systems, avoid withdrawing stimulus support prematurely, and direct stimulus funding towards transforming the economy. Mark Carney, Finance Adviser to the Prime Minister for COP 26 and UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, also participated in the event, noting that climate change is now center stage for the private sector, financial sector and the real economy.

Laurence Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock, Inc., said that as we move forward to a more digital society, the need for hydrocarbons is going to reduce, and that we should provide digital access to every household in the world, which would lead to a better quality of life and a better existence. Vera Daves de Sousa, Finance Minister, Angola, talked about her strategy for the next 12 months: we need to make sure we survive, that we preserve lives, that our health system does not collapse, and that our debt remains sustainable.

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