ITC’s new website
In March 2011, ITC launched its
new website, which has consolidated existing multiple websites onto a single
platform. Underpinned by a client-focused approach, the new website is the
result of ITC’s strategy to improve communications. It includes previously
inaccessible content and tools such as ITC’s new market analysis tool,
Standards Map (see page 34). ITC is in the process of migrating existing web
content across to this new platform.
For information visit www.intracen.org
Gap widens between least developed countries and others
A
recent UN report has indicated that the wealth gap between least developed
countries and the rest of the world continues to widen. The UN classifies a
total of 48 nations as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), with more than two
thirds of them in Africa. The classification is based on several criteria,
including per capita gross national income of less than US$ 905 per annum. The
report suggests that basic weaknesses were the cause of the growing disparity,
blaming poor education, fragile agricultural infrastructure and a limited range
of exports from these countries. Since 1970, only three countries have
successfully moved out of the group –Botswana, Cape Verde and the Maldives. The
UN has indicated that it would like to see the number of LDCs halved by the end
of 2021.
Asian ICT exports surge
Data
released in February by UNCTAD suggests that in the wake of the global
financial crisis, Asia’s share of information and communications technology
(ICT) exports has surged to a record high. Increasingly, trade in global ICT
goods is dominated by Asia, with 66.3%, of the world’s information and
communications technology exports originating in mainland China and Hong Kong
alone. The UNCTAD data shows that the global financial crisis prompted a shift
in world trade of ICT goods with a new focus on Asia for production and
distribution. UNCTAD suggests that this shift is assisted by the development of
micro-enterprises in developing countries that are facilitated by the effective
use of mobile telephones and other ICT goods. The rise in Asian exports is
coupled with a sharp decline in ICT goods from most major exporters such as
France, Germany and the United States. The USA topped the list in terms of ICT
goods imports, followed by China and Hong Kong. Economies for which ICT goods
represent large shares of their imports are mainly found in East and South-East
Asia, which are part of global value chains related to ICT products.
Africa’s rapid
technological acquisition indicates emerging industrial base
The rapid acquisition of
technology in Africa is an indication that the continent has the capacity to
increase its manufacturing potential, a new study by UNECA (United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa) suggests. The research is the first
comprehensive study to track flows of investment and knowledge in developing
regions. Based on increased numbers of patents, scientific publications and
technology imports and exports, the report suggests that Africa has the
potential to increase the production of value-added goods and services. The
report also makes a number of recommendations that will help to increase ICT
development, such as the implementation of programmes that assist with home
Internet access and creating international agreements that foster the exchange
of information from leading ICT-export countries. According to UNECA, the study
indicates that the rise in industrial technology acquisition may diversify
African exports from coffee, cocoa, copper, tea, diamonds and petroleum.