Change in consumer prices in 2023-2024, %
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The World Economic Forum (WEF) has opened the world’s second Global Government Technology Center (GGTC Kyiv) in the capital of Ukraine, the press service of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine reported.
“It is not by chance that Ukraine became the second country in the world where the Global Government Technology Center started its work. I am proud that our progress is recognized at the international level, and I am confident that GGTC Kyiv will become a center of cooperation, innovation and transformational solutions in the field of digital governance,” the press service quotes the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology – Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhail Fedorov as saying.
It is reported that GGTC Kyiv will become a platform for cooperation between governments, businesses, scientists, technology companies and startups. It will facilitate the introduction of innovative solutions, exchange of the best GovTech practices and realization of joint projects. Through cooperation with international partners, Ukrainian startups will be able to share experience and accelerate digital reforms in the public sector around the world.
“The Center in Ukraine will support our global efforts to unlock the enormous potential of digital technologies to improve public services and create new opportunities. It will be a catalyst for cooperation between the public and private sectors, promoting digital technology and innovation at such a critical time for Ukraine and Europe,” the press service quoted WEF Director Mirek Dussek as saying.
GGTC Kyiv will host the GovTech Observatory, a platform for tracking global and national trends in GovTech. It is expected to become a place for knowledge sharing and data-driven policy development. In addition, Innovation Gateway – a platform for finding partners, piloting and scaling technologies in Ukraine with global investments. FutureGov Education – a training platform for public sector leaders to adapt the latest technologies such as digital twins and artificial intelligence. In partnership with CDTO Campu, the center will create a space for experimentation where leaders from around the world can test and implement promising digital solutions.
GGTC Kyiv is headed by social entrepreneur and innovation leader Zoya Litvin.
“Our mission at GGTC Kyiv is to position Ukraine as a global leader in GovTech innovation and inclusive digital transformation. By connecting with the World Economic Forum network and deepening collaboration across sectors, we aim to create solutions that strengthen governance, empower people, and set new standards of transparency and accountability in the digital age. We invite partners from around the world to join us in developing the future of governance,” Litvin was quoted as saying by the press service of the Ministry of Digitization.
The agreement to open GGTC Kyiv Fedorov, WEF President Berge Brende and its managing director Jeremy Jurgens signed in January 2024. It was reported that the first to open a similar center in Berlin, and Ukraine will become the second country in the world where such a platform will be opened.
In May, it was reported that the decision to open the center was contained in a memorandum that Fedorov, World Economic Forum Director Mirek Dushek and Eastern Europe Foundation President Viktor Lyakh signed at the Diia summit in Zurich. GGTC Kyiv will participate in the WEF and popularize the Ukrainian experience of digitalization at the global level.
https://thedigital.gov.ua/news/u-kievi-vidkrili-drugiy-u-sviti-global-government-technology-centre
China in November increased steelmaking by 2.5% YoY against the same month last year – up to 78.4 million tons, according to the State Statistics Office of the country. Meanwhile, relative to October, production decreased by 4.3%.
In January-November, steel output decreased by 2.7% YoY and amounted to 929.19 million tons.
The production of pig iron in China last month amounted to 67.5 million tons, which is 4.1% more than a year earlier, but 3.9% lower than in October. The country produced 782.8 million tons of pig iron in the eleven-month period, down 3.5% from the volume for the same period in 2023.
China has been the world’s biggest steel producer for years.
The first agreement under the state program “eHouse” for the purchase of an apartment in the house under construction in the eco-city Lucky Land by DIM was signed on Tuesday, December 17, the DIM press service reported.
“Signing an agreement to buy an apartment in the modern eco-city Lucky Land with the help of the state program eOselya is an important step towards providing affordable housing for many of our clients and confirming the reliability and transparency of DIM, because during accreditation, banks check the developer very carefully,” Olga Arbuzova, head of sales at Lucky Land, commented on the event, according to the report.
The state program of affordable mortgage lending “eOselya” has been launched in Ukraine since October 2022. Contract servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, employees of the security and defense sector, medical workers, teachers, and researchers can apply for a preferential mortgage at 3% per annum for up to 20 years with a down payment of 20% of the cost of housing.
Starting from August 1, 2023, war veterans, combatants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and citizens who do not have their own housing over the standard area can apply for the program at 7%.
Lucky Land (6 Berkovetska St.) is a comfort-class residential complex designed as a multifunctional area with developed infrastructure. It includes 23 buildings with a height of 13-14 floors, a total of 5183 apartments, with a guest parking lot for 2.5 thousand and an underground parking lot for 356 cars.
DIM Group was founded in 2014 and specializes in a full cycle of development, including design, construction, and property management. During this time, the company has commissioned 15 buildings in eight residential complexes, a total of 3,640 apartments, and built more than 332.7 thousand square meters of residential and commercial space. Six residential complexes of the comfort+ and business class categories are under construction: “Metropolis, Park Lake City, Lucky Land, A136 Highlight Tower, Olegiv Podil, and The One.
It joined the state program of affordable housing lending “eOselya” in the spring of this year. SKY Bank, a partner bank of the state program for affordable lending, has accredited DIM’s residential complexes, which are at the final stage of construction, for participation in the eHouse program: houses No. 4 and No. 6 in Lucky Land and house No. 3 in Metropolis in Kyiv.
https://interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1034879.html
2022-2024 goods trade balance forecast (usd billion)
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On June 21, 2023, the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE) approved Serbia as the organizer of Expo-2027. Five locations participated in the competition, including Phuket (Thailand), Minnesota (USA), Malaga (Spain) and Bariloche (Argentina). Belgrade defeated Malaga in the final, receiving the support of 81 nations.
Expo 2027 will be the first world exhibition to be held in Southeastern Europe, as well as in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The event will take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027 and will contribute to strengthening Serbia’s international image and developing the country’s economy.
How does the Expo affect the host cities?
World Expos, organized since 1928 under the auspices of the BIE, serve as a platform to showcase achievements in various fields, from culture and science to architecture. They are also a powerful tool for attracting investment and increasing tourist traffic.
Among the main benefits of holding Expo for host countries are:
For Belgrade, this means a major transformation, including the construction of new facilities, modernization of existing infrastructure and the influx of millions of visitors.
Preparing Belgrade for Expo 2027
The Serbian government has already embarked on an ambitious plan to prepare for the Expo. The plans include:
The “Expo-2027” complex will include multifunctional halls, congress centers, residential premises and commercial areas. These facilities will become part of the modern urban infrastructure, which will contribute to the further development of Belgrade.
Belgrade districts with investment potential
Surcin Special attention is paid to the Surcin district, where the main exhibition facilities will be built. Already today there is a significant increase in real estate prices here. For example:
Experts predict further price increases in Surcin, especially with the construction of the ring road and metro station. Privately owned land plots are becoming increasingly attractive to investors.
Novi Beograd The Novi Beograd neighborhood, known for its modern residential and commercial complexes, may also benefit from the upcoming transformation. Its convenient location and good transportation accessibility make it one of the most promising areas for investment.
Zemun Zemun, located near Surcin, is attractive for its historical landmarks and proximity to key infrastructure projects. Demand for housing is expected to increase here, which could have a positive impact on real estate values.
Impact on the real estate market in Belgrade
The holding of Expo-2027 will become a driver for the development of the entire Belgrade real estate market. New infrastructure, improved transportation and active attraction of foreign investors will create favorable conditions for long-term price growth.
The apartments built in preparation for the Expo are planned to be offered to citizens at preferential prices. This will help solve housing issues of the local population and improve the general standard of living in the region.
Potential for foreign investors
Experts note that the successful holding of Expo-2027 may attract new foreign investors to Belgrade. For them it will be important not only the location of the facilities, but also the prospects for the development of the market as a whole. A similar effect has been observed in other countries, where Expo exhibitions were previously held.
Preparations for Expo 2027 have already started to transform Belgrade. The districts of Surcin, Novi Beograd and Zemun offer unique investment opportunities. Future infrastructure projects, rising real estate prices and the influx of tourists make these districts attractive to both local and foreign investors.
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