Geopolitics: July 2022

Monday, July 25, 2022

Advisor Perspectives: The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Creating a More Secure Investment Climate

"The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Creating a More Secure Investment Climate"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Guest Column

Advisor Perspectives

25 July 2022

Originally published: https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2022/07/25/the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-creating-a-more-secure-investment-climate

Attracting international investors and securing new trade partnerships while a country is involved in an internal armed conflict is very challenging. However, that is the task of the Congolese government and the National Investment Promotion Agency (Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements: ANAPI).

Kinshasa under Tshisekedi

Since coming to power in January 2019, President Félix Tshisekedi made it clear that bringing reliable and trustworthy international partners was imperative. On 11 July, International Commerce Minister Jean-Lucien Bussa Tongba told the local media that taxation in the country "is crushing." Thus, the government aims to cancel 14 taxes dealing with imports and exports to make the DRC more "economically competitive." The result will be an easier climate for investors to invest “more and more money [which will] allow us to diversify our economy.” the senior officer noted.

Friday, July 22, 2022

Shephard Media: IDS, XTEND seek Italian impact for UAS and C-UAS technologies

"IDS, XTEND seek Italian impact for UAS and C-UAS technologies"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Uncrewed Vehicles

Shephard Media

22 July, 2022

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/ids-xtend-seek-italian-impact-for-uas-and-c-uas-technologies/

XTEND and IDS are targeting the Italian market with a JV focusing on advanced solutions for urban warfare and tactical mission capabilities.

Israeli UAV manufacturer XTEND has shared more information with Shephard about its recent MoU with Italian firm Ingegneria Dei Sistemi (IDS).

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The Diplomat: What Is China’s Role in Central Asia’s Changing Climate?

"What Is China’s Role in Central Asia’s Changing Climate?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

20 July, 2022

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2022/07/what-is-chinas-role-in-central-asias-changing-climate/

As climate change hits Central Asia, China needs to be a team player regarding water.

New English-language academic publications highlight the necessity for more research to understand the effects of climate change across Central Asia. One key extra-regional actor to monitor is China. Development projects in Xinjiang put water flows toward the country’s Central Asian neighbors at risk as droughts and extreme temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, have made every drop of water vital.

Geopolitical Monitor: DRC Joins the East African Community

"DRC Joins the East African Community"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Geopolitical Monitor

20 July, 2020

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/drc-joins-the-east-african-community/

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) became the seventh member of the East African Community (EAC) on 11 July after depositing the instruments of ratification on the accession of the EAC Treaty. Thanks to the DRC’s membership, the East African Community now extends from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. The expansion of the EAC will have repercussions for both the bloc and the DRC.