Venezuela Establishes Business Commission to Boost Exports to BRICS Nations

In an effort to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil, Venezuela has created a business commission to expand exports to the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The commission, consisting of government officials, private sector representatives, and economists, will identify potential export opportunities and facilitate trade agreements between Venezuelan businesses and companies in BRICS nations. The move comes as Venezuela faces an ongoing economic crisis, exacerbated by sanctions from the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been working to restructure its economy and explore alternative sources of income. Exports to BRICS countries have long been a priority for Venezuela, given their growing economic power and consumer markets. The region represents a significant opportunity for Venezuelan businesses to sell a range of products, including agricultural goods, minerals, and manufactured goods. The business commission will focus on: * Identifying promising export industries and markets within BRICS countries * Facilitating trade missions and business-to-business meetings * Streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade barriers * Promoting Venezuelan products and services to potential buyers Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Trade, José Gregorio Vielma Mora, stated that the commission is “a strategic step towards consolidating economic relations with the BRICS countries.” He emphasized the potential for Venezuelan businesses to benefit from “increased investment, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.” The commission will also work closely with Venezuelan embassies and consulates in BRICS countries to provide support to businesses and promote trade opportunities. Analysts believe that the establishment of the business commission is a positive step towards Venezuela’s economic diversification efforts. By tapping into the expanding markets of BRICS nations, Venezuela can reduce its reliance on a single commodity (oil) and create a more stable and sustainable economy.Uganda: Lack of Free Preschool Education Impairs Children’s Education and Development

Uganda: Lack of Free Preschool Education Impairs Children’s Education and Development

Kampala, Uganda

– A recent study by Human Rights Watch and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) has highlighted the detrimental impacts of the Ugandan government’s failure to provide free preschool education.

Barriers to Access

Private preschool fees are prohibitively high for most Ugandan families, especially in rural and low-income areas. As a result, less than 1 in 10 Ugandan children aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in authorized preschools.

Consequences of Exclusion

The lack of access to free preschool education has severe consequences for children’s educational and developmental outcomes. Children who do not attend preschool are: * Twice as likely to repeat primary school * More likely to drop out of school * Experience higher income inequality in adulthood

Brain Development and Critical Period

Preschool education is crucial because it occurs during a critical period of brain development. Early childhood experiences shape cognitive development, social-emotional skills, language development, and physical coordination.

Government Neglect

The Ugandan government’s failure to provide free preschool education violates the right of children to education and undermines the country’s human capital development. Despite implementing free primary and secondary education, the government has neglected preschool.

Recommendations

The report calls for the government to: * Establish free preschool units in every primary school * Make at least one year of preschool mandatory and free * Increase investment in the public education sector * Regulate school fees in preschools

Benefits of Preschool

Preschool education provides numerous benefits for children, including: * Improved cognitive development * Enhanced social and emotional development * Boosted language and motor development * Promoted general health and well-being

Call to Action

Human Rights Watch and ISER urge the Ugandan government to prioritize the provision of free preschool education to all children. This investment would have long-term positive impacts on the country’s social and economic development.Venezuela has created a business commission to expand exports to BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The commission will be responsible for promoting Venezuelan products and services in these markets, as well as identifying and removing barriers to trade. The creation of the commission is part of Venezuela’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports. The country has been facing economic challenges in recent years due to low oil prices and international sanctions. The BRICS countries represent a significant opportunity for Venezuelan businesses, as they have a combined population of over 3 billion people and a growing middle class. The commission will work to identify potential export markets for Venezuelan products, such as food, beverages, and petrochemicals. The commission will also work to remove barriers to trade between Venezuela and the BRICS countries. These barriers include tariffs, quotas, and regulations. The commission will work with the Venezuelan government to negotiate trade agreements and remove other obstacles to trade. The creation of the business commission is a positive step towards expanding Venezuelan exports to BRICS countries. The commission will help to identify potential export markets, remove barriers to trade, and promote Venezuelan products and services. This will help to diversify the Venezuelan economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports.