INSTANT NEWS RECAP | W. EUROPE: French Govt. Stays Firm on Immigration Bill, Despite Criticisms

 14/12/23

The French Government Stays Firm on the Immigration Bill Despite Facing Rejection.

• Amidst a political crisis, the French government has announced its firmness about the immigration reform, despite opposition groups ranging from the far right to the hard left.

•  On Monday, December 11, for the first time in 25 years, a government bill, the immigration bill, was rejected by parliament before it was even given a chance to be discussed.

• The bill in question demonstrated Macron's aim at introducing strict immigration laws while welcoming foreign labourers who could boost the country's GDP. 

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/french-government-vows-push-on-immigration-bill-despite-defeat

INSTANT NEWS RECAP | APAC: ADB and JICA Collaborate

13/12/23

ADB and JICA Collaborate on Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Fund Launch

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have collaborated to launch the Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), with a capital infusion of up to $1.5 billion from JICA. Acting as a fund manager and administrator, ADB aims to boost private infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific, countering China's increasing influence. LEAP 2 succeeded its predecessor, LEAP, operational from March 2016 to August 2023. This new fund will focus on projects in India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, emphasising carbon reduction, healthcare, and education. LEAP, with over $1 billion in co-financing, supported 35 projects, creating 1.4 gigawatts of electricity and 7,285 jobs across 14 developing countries.