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Insights into SPIEF 2024: Shifting Pathways Towards Global South

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SPIEF 2024

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Conceptually, the idea of holding every year an international economic forum is unique to explore and navigate available potential opportunities generally for development and specifically for investment and trade. Established several years ago, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has earned its unique achievements through organisational strategy and consistent approach toward this serious gathering.

While analysing several emerging reports, first and foremost it offers us to understand the significance of this platform. It provides a unique opportunity for politicians, investors and corporate business executives as well as the young generation to interact network and ask questions to opinion leaders or trade experts, and to get better acquainted with the changing trends, investment climate adherence to traditional values, and adapting to diversities in business culture on the global landscape.

At the initial formative stages, SPIEF’s focus was largely on the United States and Europe as conceptualized, the nucleus results must harmonise trade and financial flows, and reflect on economic growth. After the Soviets crumbled and what else, the rising frequency of shuttling to the United States and Europe – Russia’s dream of becoming part of Europe. But that has changed during the past few years primarily due to the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine and due to the sudden geopolitical shift, the urge to move away from Global North to Global South. Without mincing words here, that is the undeniable reality.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin posted a greeting on his official website to the participants, organizers and guests underscoring the fact that the time has arrived to make the necessary departure away from the United States and Europe, and that “Russia is open to constructive dialogue and interaction with friendly partners” and strictly based on the principles of true equality, the consideration of each other’s legitimate interests, and respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of states and peoples.

Putin has previously used his address to share his assessment of the global economy and highlight issues on the domestic business agenda. He pointed to the fact that it is not only essential to maintain a stable trajectory of qualitative growth but also to capitalize on emerging opportunities, effectively develop competitive advantages, and boost potential in the fields of science and technology. Given this, it is crucial to preserve and strengthen business and investment ties between countries within the context of multipolar conditions.

The fact remains that Putin’s position overwhelmingly reflects the shift away from the post-Soviet dream of becoming part of prestigious Europe. As evolving developments show, the only alternative left for Russia is to become an indivisible part of Asia, an integral constituent of the Global South. Russia has invited Asian and African countries under the tagline: ‘The Foundation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World’ at the 27th gathering June 6 to 8 in St. Petersburg, the second largest city in the Russian Federation.

By Russia’s BRICS chairmanship, much of the business programme is devoted to issues related to long-term cooperation in spheres such as the financial and banking sectors, investment and trade, development of high technologies and pharmaceutical industry between BRICS members. China and India, the United Arab Emirates and Iran are prominent on the agenda. Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa have their positions and expectations from SPIEF.

Currently, due to global rivalries combined with political and economic tensions, Russia faces new ambitious tasks, including perceptions over the development of a ‘public-private partnership’ as the macroeconomic situation remains the practical key mechanism of interaction between the state and business. Here, Russia is relatively lost in the standard practice of private businesses, after its century-long under socialism and communism. In an assessment, corporate businesses are still centrally controlled under the ministries and in the Kremlin. The learning process of analytical and the importance of ‘public-private partnership’ for now is just a daily business slogan and a theory being frequently chuckled in the Russian Federation.

The biggest obstacle is related to the analysis of legal rules and regulations, and now Russia’s relations with the Global South, its characteristic efforts in creating the necessary conditions for advancing and attracting investments and promoting trade between Russia and potential countries in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Beyond business networking and participating in practical seminars and masterclasses, ultimately results in signing agreements. On the other hand, according to expert analysts, multiple agreements highlight distinctive achievements by the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“Stability and justice in a multipolar world are only possible if new centres of influence emerge, capable of offering their view on world problems and participating in the formation of a new world order. The development of new points of growth requires the active participation of different countries and regions that are ready to take responsibility for their future. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum creates opportunities for discussions at the highest level, scaling ideas, solutions and initiatives to all spheres of social life and activities of the countries participating in its work,” said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee.

According to Anton Kobyakov, about “6,000 people from more than 110 countries and territories have already confirmed their intention to participate in the forum. The international cooperation that occurs at SPIEF plays a key role in the development of mutually beneficial relations between countries and organizations. Participants share their experiences and make new connections. This builds trust between nations, expands markets, attracts investment, and creates a more favourable international economic environment. SPIEF is a platform for structured, focused dialogue between global business participants and government officials who contribute to the development of effective international cooperation.”

The programme consists of four (4) thematic tracks: “The Transition to a Multipolar World Economy”, “Goals and Objectives of Russia’s New Economic Cycle”, “Technologies for Leadership”, “A Healthy Society, Traditional Values and Social Development: The Priority of the State”. Roscongress Foundation, the organizer, has listed an international track which includes more than 10 business dialogues: EAEU–ASEAN, Russia–Africa, Russia–Latin America, Russia–China, Russia– South Africa, and other bilateral meetings.

More than 6,000 representatives of Russian and foreign businesses from over 3,000 companies located in 75 countries and territories took part in SPIEF 2023. More than 900 agreements worth a total of RUB 3,860 billion were signed (including 43 agreements with representatives of foreign companies, among them two with Italy and Spain.

In contrast, the SPIEF 2021 saw an unprecedented 890 agreements signed, eclipsing 2019’s 745 agreements worth a total of RUB 3.271 trillion. In addition, more than 150 international agreements were signed. That year, the total value of signed agreements not classed as confidential exceeded RUB 4.2666 trillion. Before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in December, the SPIEF 2019 recorded 745 agreements signed totalling 3.271 trillion roubles.

The main theme of this year’s forum is “The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World” and the SPIEF 2024, as always, the business programme includes panel discussions, round tables, public talks, and speeches. President Vladimir Putin delivers the keynote address full of all directions, including establishing trends and external economic relations. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be held on 5–8 June at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Trump Slams 15% Tariff on Nigeria

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15% tariff nigerian exports

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria will bear a 15 per cent tariff as President Donald Trump looks to enforce tariffs on countries trading with the United States.

President Trump has set a baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all imports to the United States, as well as additional duties on certain products or countries.

The American President says tariffs will encourage US consumers to buy more American-made goods, increase the amount of tax raised and boost investment.

So, Nigerian companies that bring goods into the US have to pay the tax to the government.

However, they may pass some or all of the extra cost on to customers.

Countries and Tariffs

Here is a list of targeted tariffs he has implemented or threatened to put in place.

Afghanistan – 15 per cent

Algeria – 30 per cent

Angola – 15 per cent

Bangladesh – 20 per cent

Bolivia – 15 per cent

Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30 per cent

Botswana – 15 per cent

Brazil – 50 per cent, with lower levels for sectors such as aircraft, energy and orange juice

Brunei – 25 per cent

Cambodia – 19 per cent

Cameroon – 15 per cent

Canada – 10 per cent on energy products, 35 per cent for other products not covered by the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement

Chad – 15 per cent

China – 30 per cent, with additional tariffs on some products. This agreement, which was due to expire on August 12, has been extended for another 90 days through an executive order, according to a White House official.

Costa Rica – 15 per cent

Cote d’Ivoire – 15 per cent

Democratic Republic of the Congo – 15 per cent

Ecuador – 15 per cent

Equatorial Guinea – 15 per cent

European Union – 15 per cent on most goods

Falkland Islands – 10 per cent

Fiji – 15 per cent

Ghana – 15 per cent

Guyana – 15 per cent

Iceland – 15 per cent

India – 25 per cent, additional 25 per cent threatened to take effect August 28

Indonesia – 19 per cent

Iraq – 35 per cent

Israel – 15 per cent

Japan – 15 per cent

Jordan – 15 per cent

Kazakhstan – 25 per cent

Laos – 40 per cent

Lesotho – 15 per cent

Libya – 30 per cent

Liechtenstein – 15 per cent

Madagascar – 15 per cent

Malawi – 15 per cent

Malaysia – 19 per cent

Mauritius – 15 per cent

Mexico – 25 per cent for products not covered by USMCA

Moldova – 25 per cent

Mozambique – 15 per cent

Myanmar – 40 per cent

Namibia – 15 per cent

Nauru – 15 per cent

New Zealand – 15 per cent

Nicaragua – 18 per cent

Nigeria – 15 per cent

North Macedonia – 15 per cent

Norway – 15 per cent

Pakistan – 19 per cent

Papua New Guinea – 15 per cent

Philippines – 19 per cent

Serbia – 35 per cent

South Africa – 30 per cent

South Korea – 15 per cent

Sri Lanka – 20 per cent

Switzerland – 39 per cent

Syria – 41 per cent

Taiwan – 20 per cent

Thailand – 19 per cent

Trinidad and Tobago – 15 per cent

Tunisia – 25 per cent

Turkey – 15 per cent

Uganda – 15 per cent

United Kingdom – 10 per cent, with some auto and metal imports exempt from higher global rates.

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Agama Urges Tapping into $10trn Digital Assets Opportunities by 2030

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Director-General (DG) of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Emomotimi Agama, says Africa and the Middle East must tap into opportunities in digital assets, which will be worth $10 trillion by 2030.

The SEC DG said this in his acceptance speech after he was elected the Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

According to a statement, with young and tech-savvy populations, Africa and the Middle East must lead and not follow in digital assets.

He said his mandate as the Vice Chairman was to transform the capital markets into engines of inclusive growth, innovation, and shared prosperity for Africa and the Middle East.

”We must aggressively expand listings by working with African Financial Markets Initiative (AFMI) and SSA exchanges to harmonise standards, reduce listing costs, and create cross-border linkages.

”To boost liquidity, we will pioneer regional market-making schemes and advocate for pension fund reforms to channel domestic savings into productive investments.

“Critically, we will partner with AFMI and development institutions to de-risk infrastructure investments and attract global capital.

”However, infrastructure alone is not enough. With 70 per cent of Africa’s population under 30, we must empower youth through: Retail investor programmes to democratise market participation, Fintech sandboxes to nurture youth-led innovation and Listings of high-growth startups to create wealth and jobs,” he said.

Mr Agama said there was still a lot of work to be done despite the progress made by IOSCO, calling on members to continue to render the mutual support and cooperation of past years for the benefit of investors, markets and indeed the world economy.

He noted that the committee would continue to deepen discussions and debates to launch a “Listings Growth Initiative” for Small and Medium Enterprises.

Mr Agama will serve on the Board of IOSCO, the highest decision making organ of the global securities regulatory organisation, till 2026.

IOSCO was established in 1983 as the standard setter for the securities industry worldwide and currently has over one hundred ordinary members. It is recognised as the leading international policy forum for securities regulators. The organisation’s membership regulates more than 95 per cent of the world’s securities markets in over 100 jurisdictions.

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Tether Exposure to US Treasuries Climbs to $127bn

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading figure in the global cryptocurrency landscape, Tether, has revealed that its exposure to the United States treasuries stood at $127 billion in the second quarter of 2025 compared with about $119 held in the first quarter of this year, becoming one of the largest US debt holders.

This milestone comes at a time when US policymakers, through the GENIUS Act, have taken decisive steps to solidify the Dollar’s global leadership in digital form.

Tether’s reserves composition exemplifies how private innovation can align with public monetary goals, serving as a conduit for secure, on-chain access to US Dollar liquidity at scale.

Business Post gathered that the treasuries held by Tether comprise $105.5 billion in direct holdings and $21.3 billion owned indirectly.

In its financial figures, Tether also revealed that it issued over $13.4 billion USDT between April and June 2025, bringing the circulating supply to more than $157 billion, reflecting the growing adoption of the stablecoin and deepening the trust in Tether as the most stable, transparent, and resilient digital dollar instrument in the world.

The firm said it closed June 2025 with a net profit of about $4.9 billion, bringing the total for the first six months of the year to $5.7 billion.

Building on the strength of its equity buffer and continued profitability, Tether has reinvested a substantial portion of its recent earnings into long-term strategic initiatives.

“Q2 2025 affirms what markets have been telling us all year: trust in Tether is accelerating. With over $127 billion in US Treasury exposure, robust bitcoin and gold reserves, and over $20 billion in new USD₮ issued, we’re not just keeping pace with global demand, we’re shaping it,” the chief executive of Tether, Mr Paolo Ardoino, stated.

“As regulators formalize frameworks for digital dollars, Tether stands as a live, proven model of what stablecoin innovation can achieve: transparency, resilience, and massive global reach.

“USDT is helping billions access the stability of the US Dollar, and that mission has never been more urgent or more relevant,” Mr Ardoino added

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