The Weekly Tradecast by UNCTAD

64. Commodity conundrum: Why developing countries need to add value to their exports of raw materials

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at commodities and the challenges for developing countries in adding value to exports with UNCTAD economist Clovis Freire.
Commodities cover everything from oranges to oil and timber to gold. And every economy needs them to run and grow.
But countries that rely very heavily on exporting commodities can face fickle swings in markets. Many developing countries are especially vulnerable because they ship raw materials for others to process, rather than adding value themselves.    
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Clovis Freire to find out what developing countries can do to make the most of their commodities while diversifying their economies in sustainable ways.

63. Rising concerns: Solutions, strategies to keep the good face of inflation, not the bad and the ugly

In the second of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at inflation with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo to see the steps being taken to contain it and how new ways of thinking might work better.
When food, fuel and almost everything else gets rapidly more expensive, we see our paychecks buying less and our savings eroded. But a bit of inflation is good for economies, workers and equality.
How can we keep inflation as a positive force rather than a damaging one? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find out.

62. Rising concerns: The good, the bad and the ugly faces of inflation

In the first of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at what inflation is, why we need it and when it becomes too much – with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo.
These days, inflation is high as disruptions from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine drive a global cost of living crisis.
Everyone is feeling the pinch, but for governments and people in developing countries, even basic goods can become unaffordable.
Will inflation start to ease or are we in for more pain? Listen in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find out why rising prices can be good, bad and ugly.

61. Easing the burden: Reforms to multilateral lenders and money for developing countries on G20 agenda

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role multilateral lenders play with UNCTAD senior economist Penelope Hawkins. 
In early September, leaders from the world’s wealthiest countries meet in India for the G20 summit. With inflation and borrowing costs running high, debt and development are high on the agenda. 
Multilateral development banks provide vital funding to countries in need. But critics say financial conditions imposed by the lenders can keep debt burdens heavy and cut into spending on development. 
Should these multilateral lenders be reformed? Is there enough money and urgency to help countries drowning in debt? 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins to find out how multilateral banks can make funding more available and more sustainable. 

60. Extinction or protection: The race to stop the illegal wildlife trade before it’s too late

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the illegal wildlife trade with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
Every year, huge numbers of animals and plants are bought and sold illicitly as food, medicine, clothing, furniture and even musical instruments.
Wildlife is big business. The illegal trade is estimated to be worth at least $7 billion but it could be much larger.
Trafficking is driving some species – especially rhinos, elephants, tigers, lions and pangolins – towards extinction. Many others are at risk.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s David Vivas to find out how we can crack down on the illegal trade.

59. Disruption and demand: How Africa can help diversify global supply chains

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at how Africa can deepen global supply chains and develop its own economies at the same time, with UNCTAD director Paul Akiwumi.
Geopolitical and economic disruptions have everyone from manufacturers and shippers to investors and governments looking at ways to strengthen and diversify global supply chains.
The UN's latest Economic Development in Africa Report sets out a roadmap for how the continent of 1.4 billion people could turn these disruptions into opportunities.
Africa has vast resources of materials needed by the electronics, renewable energy and other high-tech sectors – along with potentially huge consumer markets. 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Paul Akiwumi to find out how African countries can seize the moment by adding value to raw materials and enhancing supply chain connections. 

58. Cracked rice bowl: Why an essential crop needs to be bigger but also better for the environment

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at rice, its importance for development and its impact on the environment with UNCTAD senior economist Miho Shirotori.
Rice is a vital crop as the main source of nutrition for more than half of people around the world.
Demand is only expected to soar as populations grow in Asia and Africa. Some estimates suggest the world will need almost one third more rice by 2050.
But production is faltering. At the same time, excessive use of pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation is depleting and polluting soil and ground water.
How we can boost rice output without putting more strain on our environment? Tune into UNCTAD’s Miho Shirotori to find out.

57. Key to progress: Why landlocked countries need extra help with trade and development challenges

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the unique challenges for landlocked countries that impede their trade and development with UNCTAD senior economist Mussie Delelegn.
There are 32 developing countries without access to the sea, leaving them with far higher bills to import and export goods by road and rail. In many places, poor infrastructure and border bureaucracy add time, cost and complication. 
These extra demands put even more pressure on vulnerable economies being hit by higher costs of food, energy and debt. 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Mussie Delelegn to find the key to unlocking better prospects for trade and development in landlocked countries.