Insights, Policy, and Business Intelligence for SMEs, Businesses, and Entrepreneurs
In a significant step toward deepening economic ties, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are finalizing a free trade zone agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the UAE, with a target signing date by the end of 2025. Announced by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk on April 28, 2025, the deal…
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Washington, D.C., March 20, 2025 — The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in collaboration with the global statistical community, has released the seventh edition of the Integrated Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM7), establishing updated international standards for compiling external sector statistics. The manual, last updated in 2009, incorporates significant changes reflecting the…
Read More “IMF Unveils New Global Standards for Macroeconomic Statistics with Release of BPM7” »
In our fast-paced, digital-first world, selecting the right productivity suite can make or break a business. For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs, these tools are more than just software—they’re the backbone of collaboration, project management, and customer engagement. With so many options available, how do you choose the one that fits…
IID Policy Brief 17 – Trade for Industrial Development: Leveraging the Potential of BRICS for Developing Countries 2025 | Author(s): B. Tse, F. Hartwich The expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, alongside its growing network of partner countries, marks a significant development in global economic cooperation. With a combined…
Read More “Leveraging BRICS for Industrial Development: A Critical Review of IID Policy Brief 17” »
New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – A high-level European Union (EU) delegation, led by Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, met with India’s Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi today to discuss strengthening collaboration in startups and innovation. The meeting marks a significant milestone…
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The World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) presents a comprehensive analysis of global labor market dynamics, offering insights into employment trends, economic challenges, and policy recommendations. As global labor markets navigate an era of uncertainty, the report provides a crucial assessment of resilience, productivity, and inclusivity in…
India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—the backbone of the economy—are set for a dynamic transformation with the Union Budget 2025-26. With an emphasis on credit expansion, digitization, trade competitiveness, and sustainability, the budget delivers strategic interventions to empower small businesses, ensuring they remain resilient and globally competitive. From revised classification criteria to green enterprise…
Read More “Budget 2025-26: The MSME Blueprint for Global Success & Sustainable Growth” »
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility requiring collective efforts from governments, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and MSMEs themselves. While resource constraints often hinder smaller enterprises, targeted strategies focusing on awareness, training, and collaboration can bridge these gaps. Below is a reimagined approach to enhancing safety through stakeholder involvement
Workplace safety and security are fundamental not only to safeguarding human life but also to achieving long-term, sustainable economic growth. A safe workplace fosters productivity, enhances employee morale, and ensures compliance with global labor standards, which are increasingly scrutinized in a connected global economy. For businesses of all sizes, ensuring workplace safety is a non-negotiable imperative. However, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face unique and often disproportionate challenges due to their limited resources, lack of access to training, and minimal regulatory oversight.
In an era of “jobless growth,” the India World of Work Lab (IWWL) by ISED unravels the evolving nature of jobs and work. From digital transformation to flexible work models, IWWL explores how economic growth and technology are reshaping income opportunities. With insights into historical transitions and future trends, the lab serves as a research and advisory hub for policymakers, educators, and businesses navigating this dynamic landscape.