SDG #8: Decent work and economic growth

The paper starts with an overview of Ethiopia?s economic growth and the change in the domestic economic structure. The manufacturing sector is seen as the success of Ethiopia?s Growth, and its development to a large extent the product of an activist developmental state. The paper then examines growth and diversification of exports and the country?s recent efforts to effectively exploit its natural resources. An analysis of public and private investment and the underlying allocation of financial resources finds that a recent upturn in domestic investment has been financed largely by foreign aid, and that private financing remains too low. Finally, the paper addresses educational attainment, arguing that Ethiopia has some distance to go in its attempts to close the large human capital gap relative to other low-income countries.

The United States Federal Reserve raises its key policy rate by 25 basis points, amid continued strengthening of labour market conditions Rapid rise in inflation poses policy challenges for several developing economies in Africa, South Asia and Western Asia East Asian economies are experiencing a rebound in exports, but the trade outlook faces significant downside risks

A review of recent trends suggests the need for a renewed commitment and enhanced efforts by the international community to support financing for sustainable development. It also points out at potential risks of debt sustainability for a few developed and some emerging economies.

Rising headline inflation primarily reflects higher energy prices, amid a modest recovery in global demand Stronger-than-expected fourth quarter growth in Canada, China and India Argentina and Brazil are set to emerge from recession

Summary: Developed countries? economic performance since the global financial crisis has been disappointing, with subdued growth,

Some countries have graduated from the LDC category or made progress towards graduation not through progress in all three LDC criteria but by specializing in a few economic activities while at the same time investing in human capital. Bhutan falls within this latter category given that it specializes in natural resource based activities (hydropower generation) and tourism, with some manufacturing.

Summary: As indicated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sustained economic growth will continue to be an important

According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2017, the world economy remains trapped in a prolonged period of slow growth Weak investment is a major cause of the slowdown in global growth East Asia and South Asia remain the world?s most dynamic regions

The global economy remains trapped in prolonged episode of slow growth, of which weak international trade is both a cause and a symptom. While developing countries have become more integrated and benefitted from international trade in recent years, this has also made them more vulnerable to a slowdown in global trade. Ensuring an enabling global environment for trade is thus critical for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular given the risks associated with protectionism and inward-looking policies, which is on the rise in many countries.