Jamaica joins China's Belt and Road Initiative, and other news (16 April 2019)

From a development partnership between Jamaica and China, to a new school curriculum in Ghana


Every week we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention.

  • Jamaica has signed to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an international development strategy currently in place in 152 countries. It is hoped that the BRI will support cooperation between the two countries and aid development through shared infrastructure projects. Read more in Jamaica Gleaner.
  • The United Nations Development Programme has officially opened the new College of Fine Arts at Mosul University. Funded by USAID and redeveloped by UNDP following damage during ISIL’s occupation of Mosul, the college offers third-level arts courses to 600 students from across Iraq. Read more in Iraq Business News.
  • A Permit Process System is being introduced in Ghana to automate the process of issuing construction and building permits. Started as part of the DIFID supported implementation of the Business Enabling Environment Project (BEEP), it is expected that this project will save time and reduce costs for accessing permits. Read more in All Africa.  
  • A new primary and kindergarten curriculum is being introduced in Ghana for the 2019 – 2020 academic year, reducing the number of subjects being taught at kindergarten. The curriculum will be standards-based, meaning emphasis will be placed on national assessments to ensure every pupil is meeting expected levels of knowledge. Read more in Ghana Web.
  • Vietnam has asked for USAID to continue their support in the country, particularly in developing e-government. USAID has increased its budget in Vietnam by 40% in the last three years and is currently implementing the Country Development Cooperation Strategy in Vietnam for 2020-2024. Read more in Hanoi Times.

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