Trade openness remains one of the key drivers of exchange rate fluctuations in both the long-run and short-run. The relationship between trade openness and exchange rate has long been explained in many theoretical and empirical studies. Nevertheless, in the empirical literature, the results on the trade openness and exchange rate nexus were mixed and divergent; while most studies revealed a negative relationship between trade openness and exchange rate, some found a positive relationship and very few even demonstrated a null relationship.

Can the digital economy help to alleviate the problem of inequality and forge more inclusive growth or will it exacerbate divisions as time goes by, to the detriment of those countries (including South Africa, India and Brazil) that have among the most unequal societies in the world? And what are the implications for trade policy, especially in developing countries?

The newly constituted International Trade and Investment Law Group (of Law Schools Global League - LSGL) presented four work-progress papers at the Research Workshop organised at University of Turin. The theme was: The recent trends in international trade: protection or protectionism? Four work-in-progress papers ar authored by Dr. Johanna Jacobsson (IE, Madrid); Dr. Ru Ding (CUPL, Beijing); Dr. Daria Boklan (HSE, Moscow) and Dr. Amrita Bahri (ITAM, Mexico City); and Professor Jide Nzelibe (Northwestern University, Chicago).

Mr. Daniel Abala gave a presentation on how to attract FDI in Keny. His presentation, covered the following points:

Prof. Tabitha Kiriti-Nganga delivered a presentation on 41st regional course on key issues on the international economic agenda. The presentation covered:

• Kenya’s experience in economic development
• Attempts at diversifying its economic productive base
• Main challenges at diversifying
• Economic policies and reforms undertaken by the Government