Highlighting the opinions and thoughts of policymakers and think-tanks on global trade and foreign policy

Egypt’s geographical location, at the crossroads of three continents, and its role in regional stability, offers a huge potential to attract investment that will generate growth and jobs. I look forward to discussions on how the Bank Group can help unlock the country’s potential and address the needs of the poor and vulnerable, especially in underdeveloped regions.

Source: World Bank Group

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Group President, Speaking ahead of his first visit to Egypt

We want to have long-term economic relations with the Russians. Our plan is to seriously expand economic and technical ties with Russia. I also think it is good to develop Iran’s economic ties with Russia, China, India and emerging economic states.

Source: International Business Times

Bijan Zangeneh, Iran’s Minister of Petroleum Commenting on the Iran-Russia oil trade deal

The export-oriented sector is the bread winner for the country and the government is trying its best to facilitate it. Pakistan has signed free trade agreements with China, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.There are also ongoing Free Trade Agreement discussions with Thailand, Turkey and Korea.

Source: The Nation

Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistan’s Federal, Commerce Minister commenting on the development in FTA negotiations with South Korea & Thailand

I think I have a pretty good idea of what we can do to meet the tests that I believe any trade agreement, especially TPP, must meet. It needs to, number one, protect American workers, number two, it needs to raise wages and create good jobs at home, number three, it needs to be in our national security interests.

Source: Voice of America

Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential front-runner during a campaign appearance in Des Moines

Food management is responsibility of the government and last year’s rainfall was much lower than this year’s prediction. But we did not allow prices to go up because we have huge buffer of food grains. And therefore, the government has this tool available.

Source: PTI

Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, downplaying fears over predictions of a deficient monsoon

Our consumption figures are growing steadily, which is always a good indication. The Free Trade Agreement is a great win for businesses who wanted to, but weren’t sure how to expand their trade offshore.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Marcello Colosimo, Chief Executive, Australian Brewery, sounding optimistic about Australia’s FTA with Japan