Unlocking Regional Potentials

Ecosystem services in the Nordic countries entail a high potential with regard to regional growth and job creation. The report Unlocking regional potentials describes recent policy actions taken by the Nordic countries regarding natural and cultural heritage as a valuable resource in sustainable regional development. In addition, the report introduces examples of European and Nordic research and development activities concerning valuation of natural and cultural heritage. Nordic experiences underline the need to apply a broad view on regional development including the importance of natural and cultural heritage to human health, well-being, social inclusion and local identity. There is also a need to develop regional platforms for interaction between different interest groups, and to carry out further analyses of regional assets with regard to natural and cultural heritage.

Illuminating and timely, this book explores several theoretical and empirical issues related to the potential for increasing capacities for innovation, knowledge and entrepreneurship. It highlights the current academic and political consensus that calls for policy interventions targeted towards more balanced, inclusive and regionally cohesive growth.

This report examines how countries in South Asia could capitalize on opportunities to cooperate for closer regional economic integration, in particular in the four broad areas of trade and market integration, regional connectivity, financial cooperation, and collective actions to address shared risks and vulnerabilities. It reveals that trade barriers, infrastructural deficits and political divergences have cost the sub-region direly in terms of lost opportunities for exports. The report underscores the prospects available for South Asian countries to play a stronger role in broader regionalism in Asia-Pacific as well as discusses the unique role of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in facilitating that process.

At the outset, the subregions of East and North-East Asia are more dissimilar than similar, with different stages of development, economic structure and size, political systems and culture. Due to these differences and long standing historical and geopolitical tensions, institutionalized regionalization has not made much progress. Yet, there are increasing interactions and this publication looks into how greater cooperation and integration could offer solutions to not only the old problems of poverty and political instability facing the subregion but also the new challenges posed by economic growth such as emerging income gaps, environmental degradation, urbanization and congestion and various social issues.

Africa welcomes business investment and offers some of the world's highest returns and impacts Africa has tremendous economic potential and offers rewarding opportunities for global businesses looking for new markets and long-term investments with favorable returns. Africa has been one of the world's fastest-growing regions over the past decade, and by 2030 will be home to nearly 1.7 billion people and an estimated $6.7 trillion worth of consumer and business spending. Increased political stability in recent years and improving regional integration are making market access easier, and business expansion will generate jobs for women and youth, who represent the vast majority of the population. Current economic growth and poverty-alleviation efforts mean that more than 43 percent of the continent's people will reach middle- or upper-class status by 2030. Unlocking Africa's Business Potential examines business opportunities in the eight sectors with the highest potential returns on private investment—the same sectors that will foster economic growth and diversification, job creation, and improved general welfare. These sectors include: consumer markets, agriculture and agriprocessing, information and communication technology, manufacturing, oil and gas, tourism, banking, and infrastructure and construction. The book's analysis of these sectors is based on case studies that identify specific opportunities for investment and growth, along with long-term market projections to inform decision-making. The book identifies potential risks to business and offers mitigation strategies. It also provides policymakers with solutions to attract new business investments, including how to remove barriers to business and accelerate development of the private sector.

This report finds that the key to successful regional growth lies in strong leadership in the regions, with all ties of the government, business, trade union, and the community cooperating in the push to stimulate investment and foster a global outlook. CONTENTS : Executive summary. Introduction. A snapshot of Australia's regions : a story of diversity. The role of business investment in regional wealth creation. The impact of regional leadership. Focussing on the the key issues. The learning agenda. The role of governments. Regional economics. Industrial locations. Leadership.

Considers prospects and problems for small businesses in long term export market for timber, fish and agricultural products from the Pacific Northwest. Hearing was held in Portland, Oreg., pt. 1; Hearing, held in Mobile, Ala., focuses on agricultural and industrial exporting activities in Alabama and Mississippi, pt. 2; Hearing, held in Milwaukee, Wis., focuses on role of small enterprises in Wisconsin exporting activities, pt. 3; Examines the potentials and problems of developing exports of small business and regional industries over the next decade. Hearings were held in Miami, Fla., pt. 4; Reviews U.S. international trade posture and balance of payments deficit, to identify means of expanding northeast regional exports and increase involvement of small business. Focuses on implementation of GATT Kennedy Round tariffs revisions, improvement of port and harbor facilities, increased loan authority for the Export-Import Bank, and overseas markets for U.S. goods. May 3 hearing was held in Newark, N.J.; and May 6 hearing was held in New York City, pt. 5; Continuation of hearings on the problems of expanding exports of small businesses and regional industries over a ten year period, pt. 6