General Council Elected New Chair

The General Council, on 14 February 2012, elected Ambassador Elin Johansen (Norway) as chairperson for 2012.

Ambassador Elin Johansen (Norway) is elected as chairperson of the General Council for 2012 (WTO)

The outgoing chair, Ambassador Yonov Frederick Agah (Nigeria), informed members that consensus had not been achieved on the slate of names for the appointment of officers to WTO bodies. The General Council agreed that the new chair should continue consultations, and that it would reconvene as soon as possible to continue its consideration of this matter.

Director-General Pascal Lamy and many delegations paid tribute to the leadership of Ambassador Agah during the past year. They especially commended his efforts leading to the success of the Eighth Ministerial Conference held last December.

The General Council adopted the two waiver decisions: “Cuba — Article XV:6 — Extension of the waiver”, and “European Union — Additional autonomous trade preferences granted by the EU to Pakistan”. Pakistan expressed gratitude to members and the EU in particular for the decision.

The Chairman of the Dedicated Session of the Committee on Trade and Development, Ambassador Anthony Mothae Maruping (Lesotho), recalled the Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies adopted at the Eighth Ministerial Conference,  and said that the focus of that programme for this year would be the identification of non-tariff measures and their effect on small economies. Barbados, speaking on behalf of the small vulnerable economies (SVEs), said that non-tariff measures were an important area for further examination in the WTO, and particularly critical for small vulnerable economies whose exports could be permanently impaired by non-tariff measures. 

The outgoing General Council chair reported on his consultations on a proposal by the Arab Group on improving the guidelines for granting observer status to intergovernmental organizations in the WTO. He urged continued engagement of members to address this issue.

The Director-General reported on the implementation of the recommendations for savings and more efficient use of resources made by the Budget Committee and adopted by the General Council at its November 2011 meeting. He referred to measures taken on documentation and to save on translation costs, including moving from detailed minutes of meetings to summary records. He sought members’ co-operation in devising better notification formats and in developing more efficient notification processes. Another important element in this cost-saving exercise was to improve the scheduling and management of meetings.

Source: http://www.wto.org/english

Czech Republic offers CZK 500,000 to WTO training programme for developing countries

The Czech Republic on January 25 has donated CZK 500,000 (about US$26,306) to the WTO Global Trust Fund.

This donation will finance technical assistance programmes and training activities for developing and least developed countries with the aim of enhancing their ability to participate effectively in the WTO negotiations and ensure they fully benefit from the results achieved during these negotiations.

“I welcome this new donation which demonstrates the Czech Republic continuous commitment to help developing countries fully benefit from the multilateral trading system” declared WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.

The Czech Republic Ambassador Kateřina Sequensová stated that “this donation is a concrete demonstration of the Czech Republic’s continuous support to developing countries in better understanding the WTO rules, with the aim of expanding their trading activities and making trade a tool for growth, development and poverty reduction”.

Netherlands offers US$5.06 million to training for least-developed countries

The Netherlands on February 6 has donated EUR 3.9 million (approximately equal to US$5.06 million) to the Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTP) for the period 2012-2015.

Launched in March 2005, The Netherlands Trainee Programme aims at providing junior public officials from least-developed countries, the opportunity to learn about trade related issues and to develop their knowledge of trade policy, while working for the WTO. After up to 10 months of WTO internship, the trainees go back to their ministries and contribute to the strengthening of their countries’ institutional capacity. Particular attention is given to African countries.

“I welcome this new donation which demonstrates The Netherlands continuous commitment to help developing countries fully benefit from the multilateral trading system” declared WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.

The Dutch Minister for Development and Cooperation, Ben Knapen, stated that “The Netherlands has decided to renew and further enhance the arrangement governing its Trainee Program. This donation is a concrete demonstration of The Netherlands continuous support to developing and least developed countries in better understanding the WTO rules, with the aim of expanding their trading activities and making trade work as a tool for growth, development and poverty reduction”.

WTO launches essay award for young economists

The WTO launched on 16 February the “2012 Essay Award for Young Economists”. The Award aims to promote high-quality research on trade policy and international trade co-operation among young economists and to reinforce the relationship between the WTO and the academic community.

Prize

The annual WTO Essay Award consists of a prize of CHF 5,000 to the author(s) of the winning essay. In the case of a co-authored paper, the prize will be equally divided among the authors. The winning paper will be officially announced at the annual meeting of the European Trade Study Group (ETSG), which is currently the largest conference specializing in international trade. The award ceremony will take place in September 2012 in Leuven, Belgium. The winning author(s) will receive funding to attend the meeting.

Selection

An Academic Selection Panel is responsible for the selection of the winning paper. The Panel comprises:

• Professor Avinash Dixit (Princeton University)
• Professor Robert Staiger (University of Wisconsin)
• Professor Alberto Trejos (INCAE Business School).

Dr Patrick Low (Director, Economic Research and Statistics Division, WTO Secretariat) is ex officio Member of the Panel. Dr Michele Ruta (Counsellor, Economic Research and Statistics Division, WTO) coordinates the work of the Selection Panel.

Eligibility

The paper must address issues related to trade policy and international trade co-operation.  The author(s) of the paper must possess or be engaged in the completion of a PhD degree and, if over 30 years of age, be no more than two years past a PhD defence. In the case of co-authored papers, this requirement shall apply to all authors. In addition, to be considered for the Award, essays cannot exceed 15,000 words.

Past winners

• The 2011 WTO Prize was awarded to Rafael Dix-Carneiro (University of Maryland) and Kyle Handley (Stanford University). 
• The 2010 WTO Prize was awarded to Dave Donaldson (MIT) and Olena Ivus (Queen’s University). 
• The 2009 WTO Prize was awarded to Ralph Ossa (University of Chicago). The runner-up was Mostafa Beshkar (University of New Hampshire). 

·         Important deadlines

·         Essays must be submitted by 1 June 2012. The Economic Research and Statistics Division of the WTO Secretariat will shortlist eligible papers by 15 June 2012 and the Selection Panel will take a final decision by 15 July 2012. Only the author(s) of short-listed essays will be notified. 

Publication

·         The winning essay will be published in the WTO Working Paper Series and it is the responsibility of the author(s) to endeavour to secure publication of the contribution in a journal.

Submissions

·         All submissions should be sent to essay.award@wto.org. Submissions should include as separate attachments in PDF format:

·         1. the essay

2. the CV of the author(s), specifying (i) current affiliation(s), (ii) the academic institution awarding the PhD, (iii) the year (or the expected year) of the PhD, (iv) the date of birth of the author(s).

Source: http://www.wto.org/english

"My Wonderful Mother" Compaign

International Women's Day is celebrate in many countries around the world. In 101st Anniversary of the International Women's Day on March 08, 2012, the Open Institute will participate with the Ministry of Women's Affair by organizing an awareness campaign on the value of Mother under the theme “My Wonderful Mother”.

The Open Institute would like to invite you to participate and shares us your mother story. This story can be about your own mother or of the other mother you have known. It can be also a fiction story. Story telling can be in difference form such as painting, writing, poem, video clip, etc. Your story and painting will be broadcast in the Open Institute's women web portal, twitter, face book, etc.

Activities
You all are welcome to share us your story about a mother. This story can be about your own mother or of other mother you have known. It can be also a fiction story. Story telling can be in difference form such as painting, writing, poem, video clip, etc. Your story and painting will be broadcast in the Open Institute's women web portal, twitter, face book, etc.

• Collect painting (hand painting, computer painting, picture taken from digital camera and camera mobile phone) describe about a mother.
• Collect story (hand written or computer typing) about "My Wonderful Mother" (very short story)
• Make a video clip about a wonderful mother
• Collect article about wonderful mother. You can collect any article about mother from any kind of publications such as newspaper, magazine, bulletin, research, etc. Please note that, source of information ( article you collected) should be well attributed.
• Promote discussion about " My Wonderful Mother" through social network tools (twitter, facebook, online forum, blog ) and gender mailing list.

- Please send your story, painting, article, etc to the address evaw@open.org.kh
- Please note, this is for non-professional artist/writer. Please write and paint in the way you think of a mother. But professional artists/writer are also warmly welcome

For further question, please send an email to evaw@open.org.kh call 023 224 821
Phnom Penh 13 February, 2012

Please follow think for more information:
http://women.open.org.kh/km/announcement-women-2012

http://women.open.org.kh/km/IWD-OI-concept-note-2012

Technology Generation People are just as Smart as like that

Asia according to some Americans

Asia according to some Americans. 
Photo Credit : Alphadesigner

Cambodia = skulls, Thailand = brothel , Vietnam = cemetery,  Iran is Satan, Japan is Toyota, Korea is Samsung, China is Supermarket, Somalia is Jack Sparrow, Mogolia is Savages, Iraq is Fuck to name a few. What is America according to Asian ?

Saudi Arabia’s Economy, A Strong Impact on Global Economy

“The Saudi economy has navigated the global financial crisis well. Strong economic policies in the preceding years, together with prudent supervision of the financial sector, allowed the government to boost expenditure to support demand during the crisis, and to limit the direct impact on the financial system,” According to statement issued by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued on February 4 in Riyadh at the conclusion of her visit to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s policies had an important positive impact on the region and the global economy. Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in social development and is now close to the G20 average for most indicators. However, challenges still remain. Access to housing and job creation are clear priorities and initiatives are underway in both these areas.

Saudi authorities for their progress in preserving financial stability despite the difficulties experienced in global financial markets, and we discussed the next steps in deepening financial markets to provide more support for growth. Accelerating private-sector growth that can generate employment opportunities for Saudi nationals entering the labor market will be key.

“I have reiterated to the Saudi authorities the IMF’s readiness to help in areas of its expertise through constructive policy dialogue tailored to the needs and circumstances of the Saudi economy.”

“I conveyed to King Abdullah the IMF’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s important role in supporting the global economy, including its commitment to stabilize the oil market and its active participation in both international financial institutions, such as the IMF, and global economic policy discussions in the context of the G20,” Christine Lagarde  said. This constructive global and regional engagement reflects Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in not only the oil market but also the region and the global economy.

During visiting Saudi Aradia, Christine Lagarde has hold discussions with H.E. the Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf, and H.E. the Governor of the Central Bank Fahad Abdullah Al Mubarak on the economic priorities and outlook for the Kingdom. She also had productive meetings with the private sector and civil society representatives, including women leaders.

8 positions with Economics Today Magazine

Economics Today Magazine

Description
	As Cambodia’s premier business publication, Economics Today magazine (ETM) is dedicated to providing important, accurate, and balanced information on development, economic and business issues. Economics Today is an English-language full-color business magazine, currently published once a week. As we are expanding our activities, we are currently seeking motivated, pro-active and daring Cambodian candidates with education background and experience in in fields related to fill the position of: 1. Graphic Designer 2. Senior Business Development Officer 3. Business Development Officer 4. Support Staff 5. Senior IT officer 6. IT Officer 7. Reporter Intern 8. Senior Editor.  .

Positions
	Graphic Designer Category: Computer - Programming, Arts / Graphic Design Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Senior Business Development Officer Category: Sales / Marketing, Business Administration Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Business Development Officer Category: Sales / Marketing, Business Administration Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Support Staff Category: Computer - General, Customer Service/Support, Communications Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Senior IT officer Category: Computer - General, Computer - Programming Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	IT Officer Category: Computer - General, Computer - Programming Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Reporter Intern Category: Media, Business Administration, Volunteer, Economics Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time
	Senior Editor Category: Execute. / Management, Media, Communications Location: Phnom Penh Schedule: Full-time

Duties + Requirements
	Graphic Designer   Duties Reporting to Assistant to Publisher, his or her responsibilities include Design layout pages and cover for publications Design artwork such as products, packaging, advertisement, magazine and web page design; Design map on request, using GIS mapping Design all kinds of materials, including name cards, logos, leaflets, reports, brochures, banners, diaries, etc. as assigned Take photographs, adjust and airbrush photographs as needed Manage and supervise work of design team, including making action plan and monitor implementation Coordinate printing works with printing houses Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor and management   Requirements Degree in Computer Sciences, majoring in Creative Design or equivalent in related field Proven creative skills through portfolio of design work Proven experience in professional graphic design and/or printing process Ability to take photographs with creative image composition Excellent proficiency in Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, and other design software; proficiency in GIS mapping is a plus Good command of English in both writing and speaking Good organizational and communication skills, willing to learn and work in a team Flexible and hard working, able to repeatedly meet deadlines under pressure Always able to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces
	Senior Business Development Officer   Duties Reporting to Assistant to Publisher, his or her responsibilities include Identify and develop business opportunities for ETM’s growth and development Prepare annual Business Development Plan; as well as prepare annual Work Plan Define and follow up of yearly targets and objectives Increase the company’s involvement with existing client Develop and deliver the business plans through carrying out research, formulate market analysis and deliver accurate business reports Develop and manage client communication tools such as the corporate website Pro-actively hunt for target organizations and establish communications with those businesses that can benefit from our Company’s services Build referral and lead generation network Develop the corporate brand strategy and your own marketing plans and sales pitch and implement these plans with measurable and quantifiable goals and objectives Develop and manage effective customer relationships Attend exhibitions, conferences and other events to market and promote Economics Today’s publications Prepare and submit weekly and monthly report reports on marketing activities and results Coordinate own sales activities from pre-sales to final commissioning/delivery and payment Track distribution of Economics Today’s publications in your assigned territory Other tasks assigned by Manager   Requirements University graduated in business or marketing field or relevant degree Experience in similar position or preferably marketing-related professional and proven track record of sales; experience in media and publishing industry is a plus Very good English writing and communicating skills Good proficiency in using Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Being flexible, hard working and available to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces Honest, reliable and committed Confident and outgoing Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and meet deadline under pressure
	Business Development Officer   Duties Reporting to Assistant to Publisher, his or her responsibilities include Identify and develop business opportunities for ETM’s growth and development Prepare annual Business Development Plan; as well as prepare annual Work Plan Define and follow up of yearly targets and objectives Assist in distributing ETM publications plan to points of sales and complimentary readers Clear sales of ETM publications at points of sales on a monthly basis Manage, monitor and check distribution network; search, design, and implement ways of expanding distribution network Assist in coordinating work and relations with Customers Attend exhibitions, conferences and other events to market and promote Economics Today’s publications Develop your own marketing and distribution plans under supervision and implement these plans with measurable and quantifiable goals and objectives Develop and manage effective customer relationships Prepare and submit weekly reports and monthly report on distribution activities and results Provide logistics assistance and support during exhibitions, and other events Execute other distribution-related tasks that are assigned by management   Requirements University graduated in business or marketing field or relevant degree Experience in similar position or preferably marketing-related professional and proven track record of sales; experience in media and publishing industry is a plus Good English writing and communicating skills Good proficiency in using Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Being flexible, hard working and available to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces Honest, reliable and committed Confident and outgoing Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and meet deadline under pressure
	Support Staff   Duties Deliver Economics Today’s magazines to points of sales, clients, subscribers, bookstores , and other locations Manage, monitor and check distribution network Search, design, and implement ways of expanding distribution network Control and manage stock Clear points of sales’ payment to Economics Today Send to and receive ETM magazines from provinces Execute other distribution-related tasks that are assigned by management Deliver letters, documents, publications, and others when assigned Provide logistics assistance and support during exhibitions, and other events Petty purchase Execute other general support-related tasks that are assigned by management   Requirements Completed high school Good English reading and communicating skills Knows how to use Word and Excel Knows how to read a map and find addresses Has own motorbike, good and careful driver Being flexible, hard working and willing to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces Honest, reliable and committed to work Can work in a team and contribute to the team’s goals under pressure
	Senior IT officer   Duties Reporting to Assistant to Publisher, his or her responsibilities include Develop and/or maintain application programming via Microsoft Visual Basic.NET or Microsoft Visual C# with MS Access, MS SQL Server, Oracle or other DBMS Implement under supervision the work-plan for all ICT-related activities including maintenance and support On-site maintenance and installation of hardware and software Provide technical support and troubleshoot ICT problems on-site Conduct ICT need assessment Assist in preparing quotations and procurement documents for all ICT-related equipment purchases, taking into account qualities, prices, reliability Assist in managing and maintaining network and server Manage and maintain Operating Systems such as Windows and system Monitoring, Troubleshooting software & Hardware in proper working of system management control Internet/ network (internal data/file management and cataloging systems) development, maintenance and upgrade Check e-mail problems and update antivirus Submit to ICT Manager regular work-plans and reports   Requirements University graduated in Computer Science/ IT, or relevant field Good in Database programming (Access, VB.net, Microsoft SQL server 2005/2008, Chrystal report…) At least 2 year-experience in application programming and computer maintenance or other related field Ability to design website with Joomla, PHP and MySQL is a plus Strong knowledge in hardware repairing, software installation, protect virus, spam and spyware Good knowledge of Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 or 2008, Windows XP, Windows 7, MS DOS, Mail Server Good English writing and communicating skills Good organizational and communication skill Being flexible, reliable and hard working Always able to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces or stay overnight at clients’ locations, based in Ksam Ksan Commune, Oudong District, Kampong Speu Province Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and meet deadline under pressure
	IT Officer   Duties Reporting to Assistant to Publisher, his or her responsibilities include Develop and/or maintain application programming via Microsoft Visual Basic.NET or Microsoft Visual C# with MS Access, MS SQL Server, Oracle or other DBMS Implement under supervision the work-plan for all ICT-related activities including maintenance and support On-site maintenance and installation of hardware and software Provide technical support and troubleshoot ICT problems on-site Conduct ICT need assessment Assist in preparing quotations and procurement documents for all ICT-related equipment purchases, taking into account qualities, prices, reliability Assist in managing and maintaining network and server Manage and maintain Operating Systems such as Windows and system Monitoring, Troubleshooting software & Hardware in proper working of system management control Internet/ network (internal data/file management and cataloging systems) development, maintenance and upgrade Check e-mail problems and update antivirus Submit to ICT Manager regular work-plans and reports   Requirements University graduated in Computer Science/ IT, or relevant field Good in Database programming (Access, VB.net, Microsoft SQL server 2005/2008, Chrystal report…) At least 2 year-experience in application programming and computer maintenance or other related field Ability to design website with Joomla, PHP and MySQL is a plus Strong knowledge in hardware repairing, software installation, protect virus, spam and spyware Good knowledge of Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 or 2008, Windows XP, Windows 7, MS DOS, Mail Server Good English writing and communicating skills Good organizational and communication skill Being flexible, reliable and hard working Always able to travel around Phnom Penh and to provinces or stay overnight at clients’ locations, based in Ksam Ksan Commune, Oudong District, Kampong Speu Province Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and meet deadline under pressure
	Reporter Intern   Duties Conditions of employment of Intern Reporters include Preliminary 6-month internship with financial compensation of US$150 per month Permanent staff employment contract after internship evaluation Accident and health insurance benefits   Requirements Reporting to Editor-in-Chief, his/her qualifications require University degree in a field relevant to economics, business, or journalism Very good English writing and communicating skills Strong analytical skills and ability to take initiative Being flexible, hard working and available to travel to provinces and around Phnom Penh Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and meet deadline under pressure Proficiency in Microsoft Office
	Senior Editor   Duties Manage newsroom and mentor reporters, monitor and evaluate staff output and competency Provide guidance and ideas to reporters during the reporting and writing process Edit all copy of ETM’s publications, and for reports and other company projects Assist the managing editor to conceptualize design, plan allocation and oversee production Foster and maintain good relations with sources and potential clients and partners Research, analyze, prepare and write features, hard news and analysis Keep up to date on all happenings in local and world news, build links with sources able to provide ‘off the record’ information Undertake other tasks and assignments as set by the ETM management   Requirements Proven experience in journalism or a similar position Good grasp of Cambodia’s economic and business environment, development topics, and socio-political issues Good English writing skills, with available published examples Excellent communication and management skills Ability to direct a team and inspire loyalty Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Innovative, positive and an ‘out-of-the-box thinker’ Flexible, hard working, willing to travel around Phnom Penh and to provincial areas Honest, reliable and committed Confident and outgoing Computer literate and able to use all standard programs

Application Information

Salary is competitive based on experience, including accident and health insurance benefits. Interested candidates should submit their CV with 3 references by Thursday February 16th, 2012 to the Economics Today magazine by using the contact details below. Only short listed candidates will be contacted Applications will not be returned

Closing Date

16-Feb-2012

Contact Details
Address :	#2012ABC, NR5, Sangkat Tuol Sangke, Khan Russei Keo, P.O Box 1575, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Name :	Economics Today Magazine
Phone :	023 987 843 (Phone/Fax)
Email :	recruit@etmcabodia.com
Website:	www.etmcambodia.com

Source: http://www.bongthom.com