From the ups and downs of global trade and investment to the risks of cryptocurrencies for developing countries, these are the most-read stories of the year.
1. Global trade hits record high of $28.5 trillion in 2021, but likely to be subdued in 2022
Published on 17 February 2022 | UNCTAD analysis showed that all major trading economies saw imports and exports rise above pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter of 2021.
2. Four key challenges facing least developed countries
Published on 4 April 2022 | UNCTAD explored the major obstacles facing the world’s most vulnerable nations, including soaring debt, export marginalization, energy poverty and climate vulnerability.
3. Global foreign direct investment rebounded strongly in 2021, but the recovery is highly uneven
Published on 19 January 2022 | UNCTAD estimates showed that infrastructure finance had increased due to COVID-19 recovery stimulus packages, but greenfield investments remained weak across industrial sectors.
4. Ukraine war’s impact on trade and development
Published on 16 March 2022 | UNCTAD’s assessment of the war’s impact showed a rapidly worsening outlook for the world economy, with the situation especially alarming for least developed countries.
5. Here's how we can resolve the global supply chain crisis
Published on 18 January 2022 | UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan outlined how to make supply chains more resilient to future crises, including climate change.
6. Investment flows to Africa reached a record $83 billion in 2021
Published on 9 June 2022 | UNCTAD’s World Investment Report showed that the continent saw foreign direct investment rebound strongly after the fall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
7. COVID-19 boost to e-commerce sustained into 2021, new UNCTAD figures show
Published on 25 April 2022 | New data showed that the surge in electronic commerce fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic continued in 2021, even as many countries eased restrictions.
8. Global trade hits record $7.7 trillion in first quarter of 2022
Published on 7 July 2022 | UNCTAD analysis showed that world trade hit a record but warned that the positive trend could come to an end amid tightening policies and geopolitical frictions.
9. UNCTAD spells out actions to curb cryptocurrencies in developing countries
Published on 10 August 2022 | UNCTAD published three policy briefs that delved into the risks and costs of cryptocurrencies, including the threats they bring to financial stability and monetary systems.
10. UNCTAD warns of policy-induced global recession
Published 3 October 2022 | Projecting global growth to slow to 2.2% in 2023, UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report outlined actions to avert crisis and support developing countries.
