− Commercial drone revenue is on track to outpace that of military drones by 2025 − Regulatory and safety concerns have slowed rollout in developed markets − Companies are testing their fleets by delivering essential supplies in emerging markets − Partnerships with e-commerce firms could make instant delivery a reality Emerging markets are capitalising on commercial drone…
On the evolution of e-commerce during the pandemic and prospects for sustainable growth In what ways has e-commerce evolved during the pandemic? GEISEN: As e-commerce was deemed an essential industry, operations continued uninterrupted under strict biosecurity protocols. E-commerce growth in Mexico greatly accelerated from April 2020 onwards, following the immediate social restrictions and economic…
En Español – Covid-19 drove significant growth in e-commerce across Latin America – As one of the fastest-growing markets, retail e-commerce expanded by 37% in 2020 – A number of local players, led by Mercado Libre, dominate the regional market – The increase in activity has attracted the attention of international competitors Mirroring global trends, the coronavirus pandemic led…
With the coronavirus pandemic leading to the closure of restaurants and bars, so-called cloud kitchens have emerged as a food and beverage (F&B) alternative, as the hospitality industry adapts to shifting consumer demand. Cloud kitchens, also known as virtual or ghost kitchens, are spaces that allow restaurants to prepare food orders solely for delivery. Instead of being located in traditional…
The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern end of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Its rich and varied heritage lends itself to a vibrant society and cuisine derived from an array of ethnicities and religions. On the back of elevated global oil prices, T&T has gone through a period of rapid economic expansion in recent decades, resulting in higher leve
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive global economic growth and employment, accounting for an average of 33% of GDP and 45% of the workforce in high-income countries, and over 60% of GDP and 70% of employment in developing economies. The rise of SMEs has been crucial to economic diversification and resilience, particularly in countries vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations. SMEs have…
Trinidad and Tobago’s economic output remains intertwined with energy revenue, despite the fact that the effects of the 2009 oil boom have long since declined. The country has emerged from its recessionary period following three consecutive quarters of growth, but, as Paula Gopee-Scoon, the minister of trade and industry, notes, between 2017 and 2019 there were difficulties experienced in every sector…
Trinidad and Tobago’s retail sector has been impacted by the national economy’s recent period of slow growth, with consumer behaviour – including reduced consumption and evolving spending patterns – accounting for shortfalls in an otherwise promisings sector. State of Play The national government has been keen to highlight the importance of the retail sector both to the consumer and the economy,…
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive global economic growth and employment, accounting for an average of 33% of GDP and 45% of the workforce in high-income countries, and over 60% of GDP and 70% of employment in developing economies. The rise of SMEs has been crucial to economic diversification and resilience, particularly in countries vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations. SMEs have…
Interview:Gervase Warner What effect has government deficit spending had on the overall economy of the country? GERVASE WARNER: Deficit spending has not corrected the course of the economy as hoped. It did, however, postpone the pain, maintain the social fabric and keep the country together. Social, political and economic issues tend to converge, and all governments must find a way to manage…
