Navigating the complex world of non-tariff measures
For decades, global trade debates have centered on tariffs – the duties countries impose on imported goods. Today, a new, more complicated set of trade
Frontiers of digital finance, part 1: A global perspective
The digitisation of payment, trading, and settlement systems is reshaping the financial architecture. This column, the first in a two-part series, offers an overview of
Supply chains and free trade agreements
Studies examining the effects of free trade agreements on the activities of multinational enterprises have tended to focus on trade between home countries and their
Spending smarter: A powerful growth strategy
With high public debt and weak medium-term growth, finance ministries seek to do more with less. This column argues that efficiency gaps in public spending
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the shifting landscape of trade and investment
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has reshaped international economic and political ties among countries and reorganised global value chains. This column reveals that the initiative
The lasting economic scars of war
Wars leave deep and lasting scars on economies. Using data for 115 conflicts across 145 countries over the past 75 years, this column documents large
How IFC is mobilizing capital for sustainable urban growth
Urbanization offers tremendous opportunities for job creation and economic growth, which can only be realized if cities invest in the infrastructure needed to support their
Conservation in the path of development: new data to guide road corridor investments
Biodiversity loss poses a direct threat to human well-being, economic development, and planetary health Biodiversity supports food security, clean water, climate stability, and livelihoods —
Cities that work: How urban tourism drives jobs
When cities invest in tourism, they invest in jobs, entrepreneurship, and growth. Marrakech is a compelling example. In 2024, the city welcomed nearly 4 million tourists, each
From space to strategy: using satellite data to drive low-emission development
Closing the data gap for low-emission development A low-emission growth path across key sectors — including agriculture, mining, forestry, manufacturing, infrastructure, and utilities — is
