International Relations: August 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Economic Community of West African States

Context

In the ongoing crisis in Niger, where a military coup ousted the president, ECOWAS has been active.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional bloc established in 1975 with the goal of promoting economic integration among its 15 member countries in West Africa.

Members: These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.

Aim: ECOWAS aims to achieve a single common currency and create a large trading bloc in various sectors like industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance, and culture.

The organization is committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance.

Actions taken

• ECOWAS has a history of intervening in conflicts within the region, having deployed peacekeeping forces and playing roles in resolving conflicts in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone.
• It suspended members like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso following coups in those countries, refusing to recognize their new governments.

China’s Stapled Visas

Central Idea

The issuance of stapled visas by China to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the two countries.

What is Stapled Visa?

• A Stapled Visa is an unstamped piece of paper attached to the passport, different from a regular visa that is affixed and stamped.
• China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are territories that China disputes with India.
• By using stapled visas for residents of these regions, China is making a unilateral claim over the disputed territories, suggesting that it considers them as part of its own territory.

China’s Dispute over Indian Territory

• Sovereignty Dispute: China disputes India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and questions the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary agreed upon between Tibet and British India in 1914. This dispute underlies Chinese claims over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its repeated border transgressions into Indian Territory.
• Unilateral Claim: China claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet.” Chinese maps often depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.

Use of Stapled Visas

• Signaling Intentions: Chinese state media began referring to Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” in 2005. In 2006, China refused to grant a visa to an Indian government official serving in Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, China started issuing stapled visas to all Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
• Timeline of Events: Stapled visas for Jammu and Kashmir residents appeared around 2008-09. Over the years, China repeatedly issued stapled visas to Indian nationals, including sports athletes, weightlifters, and archers, leading to tensions between the two countries.

India’s Response and Stance

• Protest and Diplomatic Efforts: The Indian government has consistently protested against the issuance of stapled visas and conveyed its stance to China, asserting that there should be no discrimination based on domicile or ethnicity in the visa regime for Indian citizens.
• Refusal to Accept Stapled Visas: India has refused to accept stapled visas as valid travel documents and cautioned Indian citizens that such visas are not considered valid for travel out of the country.
• Sovereignty Assertion: India firmly asserts its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and maintains that stapled visas undermine its territorial integrity.

G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting and B20 Summit 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India concluded the G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with a consensus on safeguarding cultural heritage highlighting repatriation and addressing threats to assets.

• Additionally, the PM also addressed the Business 20 (B20) India 2023 summit in New Delhi.

What are the Key Highlights of the G20 Culture Meet?

• Acknowledgment of Threats to Cultural Heritage: 
  • The "Kashi Culture Pathway" document identified various threats to cultural heritage, including looting, illicit trafficking of cultural property, destruction of cultural sites, desecration of relics, and more.
• Impact of Cultural Threats: 
  • These threats can lead to the irreversible loss of cultural assets, disrupt socio-cultural practices, and affect the cultural, human, economic, and social rights of people and communities.
• Concern Over Illicit Online Trade: 
  • Culture ministers from G20 countries expressed concerns about the rise of online platforms enabling illicit trafficking of cultural property and emphasized the need for potential regulations to address this issue.
• Link Between Cultural Property and Organized Crime: 
  • Ministers highlighted the connection between the destruction and trafficking of cultural property and organized crimes like money laundering, corruption, tax evasion, and terrorist financing, especially in conflict situations. 
• Unity Against Cultural Destruction: 
  • All participating nations united against intentional or collateral destruction of cultural heritage, particularly in conflict scenarios that hinder peace and sustainable development.
• Commitment to Living Heritage for Development: 
  • The G-20 nations also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen institutional and policy frameworks to harness living heritage (inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants) for sustainable development.
• Prime Ministers' Museum: 
  • The PM of India highlighted the "Prime Ministers’ Museum" in New Delhi, which showcases India's democratic heritage and emphasized the development of the "Yuge Yugeen Bharat" National Museum, set to become the world's largest museum showcasing India's history and culture spanning over 5,000 years. 

What is Business 20 (B20)?

• About: 
  • The B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum involving the global business community.
  • B20 plays a leading role in mobilizing global business leaders' perspectives on global economic and trade governance.
    • It represents the unified voice of the entire G20 business community. 
  • Each year, a B20 Chair is appointed by the G20 Presidency, supported by a B20 Sherpa and secretariat.
  • B20's goal is to provide actionable policy recommendations aligned with rotating presidency priorities to foster economic growth. 
  • B20 operates through Task Forces (TFs) and Action Councils (ACs) responsible for consensus-based policy recommendations. 
  • These recommendations are directed towards the G20 and international organizations.
• B20 India 2023 Theme: 
  • The theme for the B20 India is R.A.I.S.E. This stands for Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses. 
    • The vision is to collaborate with global partners in areas such as inclusive global value chains (GVCs), energy and climate change, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the future of work.
• B20 India Members: 
  • Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Türkiye, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Mexico.

Highlights of B20 India Summit

• Caution Against Treating Countries as Markets: 
  • The PM of India cautioned global businesses to move beyond treating countries solely as markets.
    • Stressed the importance of balancing the interests of both producers and consumers for sustaining a profitable market. 
• Global Supply Chain Disruptions and India's Solution: 
  • Pointed to irreversible disruptions in global supply chains post-Covid-19 pandemic. 
  • Questioned the efficiency of such supply chains during critical times.
  • Presented India as a trustworthy solution to address disruptions in global supply chains.
    • Highlighted India's technological prowess, indicating its capacity to adopt innovative solutions and digital tools to manage and optimize supply chains.
• Rethinking Business Approach: 
  • Advocated for a reboot of the traditional "brand and sales" approach. 
    • Emphasized the need to improve the purchasing power of people. 
  • Highlighted India's success in lifting 13.5 crore people out of poverty in five years, creating a new consumer base. 
• International Consumer Care Day: 
  • Suggested an annual "International Consumer Care Day" to enhance trust between producers and buyers. 
    • Proposed businesses globally come together to pledge commitment towards consumers' well-being and market integrity.
• Cryptocurrencies and AI Ethical Considerations: 
  • Addressed the emerging challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence (AI). 
    • Highlighted the need for an integrated global framework to address concerns from all stakeholders.
  • Discussed ethical considerations associated with AI, including algorithm bias and societal impact. 
  • Advocated for collaboration between global business communities and governments to ensure the expansion of ethical AI. 
• Challenges and Opportunities: 
  • Urged businesses and society to analyze decisions' impact on the planet.
  • Stressed that answers to challenges like climate change, energy crisis, food supply chain imbalance, and cybersecurity will shape business and humanity's future. 
• B20 Task force Recommendations: 
  • The Task Force has made four key recommendations they are
    • Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Acceleration. 
    • Fund for financing of ‘Global Public Goods’ (with initial thrust on geographically fungible SDG projects in climate, energy, biodiversity, and ocean pollution)
    • Capacity building of domestic financial sectors for SDGs financing
    • Improving MSME access to finance and reducing cost of capital to foster inclusive growth. 
    • Financing sustainable and resilient infrastructure with enhanced focus on healthcare, energy, and digital infrastructure. 

20th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting

20th ASEAN India Summit

The 20th ASEAN-India Summit, which recently took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, had the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” During this summit, India’s Prime Minister addressed key points:

• ASEAN and India’s Act East Policy: The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN is a central pillar of India’s Act East Policy, underlining the importance of India’s relationship with Southeast Asian nations in its foreign policy approach.
• Support for ASEAN’s Outlook: India expressed its support for ASEAN’s outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and the Indo-Pacific. This reflects India’s commitment to regional cooperation and stability.
• Common Interest in Indo-Pacific: The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the importance of amplifying the voices of the Global South. This indicates India’s commitment to working with ASEAN and other nations for mutual benefit and shared regional interests.

ASEAN Summit 2023 Highlights

An important step was recently taken to strengthen economic cooperation between India and the ASEAN member nations at the 20th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Semarang, Indonesia.

Strengthening Economic Partnership

• In order to provide significant benefits for both parties, the summit emphasized the shared commitment to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The ministers emphasized the value of promoting economic cooperation in view of the Pandemic’s problems.
• In 2022–2023, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 131.5 billion, accounting for 11.3% of India’s overall trade.

ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC)

• The ministers recognized the work done by AIBC in 2023, particularly the 5th ASEAN-India Business Summit that took place in Kuala Lumpur in March of that year.
• The governments of ASEAN and India established the AIBC in 2005 with the goal of promoting stronger business ties and offering an industrial perspective to the widening and strengthening of economic ties between ASEAN and India.
• Businesses’ worries about non-tariff barriers (NTBs) were acknowledged, underlining the increased dialogues and contacts between stakeholders on both sides.
• Any barrier to trade that does not entail the imposition of a direct tariff or customs duty on imported products is referred to as a non-tariff barrier (NTB).

Addressing Regional and Global Challenges

• The ministers discussed the multifaceted consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, financial market instability, inflation, and geopolitical tensions among the complex panorama of regional and global concerns.
• Strong Supply Chains, Food Security, Energy Security, Health, and Financial Stability were recognized as key areas for cooperation.

AITIGA Review – A Key Agenda

• The meeting’s in-depth examination of the 2009-signed ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) was a key component.
• A meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee, which decided on the review’s schedule, came before the debates.
• During this procedure, the terms of reference and work schedule for the AITIGA review negotiations were resolved.

Endorsement and Commencement of Review

• The review documents for AITIGA were formally approved by the ministers, opening the stage for the formal opening of negotiations with predetermined modalities.
• The start of the AITIGA review promises to improve the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and make it more advantageous for both parties and conducive to trade, which is a long-standing desire from Indian enterprises.
• It was decided to hold negotiations on a quarterly basis in order to finish the AITIGA review by 2025. It is believed that this review process will improve trade diversification while addressing current trade imbalances.

ASEAN Summit 2023 Venue 

• The 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 September 2023, will be hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jakarta will serve as the venue for a series of meetings, including those related to the Political-Security Pillar (CPR, SOM, AMM, APSC, ACC) and Economic Pillar (Prep-SEOM, AECC), bringing together leaders and representatives from ASEAN member states to discuss various regional and global issues, fostering cooperation, and advancing the objectives of ASEAN.

ASEAN Summit Background

• As for ASEAN itself, it was established in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration and comprises 10 founding members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, along with Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. 
• ASEAN’s motto is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” and its objective is to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
• ASEAN operates with a rotating chairmanship among member states, with important decisions made through consensus and in accordance with principles such as non-interference in internal affairs and peaceful conflict resolution. 
• The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating the organization’s functions and initiatives. The 20th ASEAN-India Summit served as a platform for strengthening ties between India and ASEAN countries while emphasizing shared objectives and regional cooperation. Check all about ASEAN Countries.

ASEAN Summit 2020 held in which Country

The ASEAN Summit in 2020 was originally scheduled to be held in Vietnam. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit was conducted virtually, with the leaders participating via video conferencing.

China Releases a Map Asserting Territorial Claims

Context

China’s issuance of a new map in 2023, claiming disputed territories, has added complexity to already tense relations and provoked protests from India, Malaysia, and the Philippines

China’s New Map and Its Impact

• China released a “standard map” for 2023, asserting territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, and the South China Sea.
• This move drew protests from India, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Comparison with India’s Map Issuance in 2019

• In 2019, India issued a new map after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory.
• China responded with strong statements and took the issue to the United Nations Security Council.

Need for Trust-Building

• Summit meetings have historically provided opportunities for India and China to de-escalate tensions, as seen in the 2017 BRICS Summit after the Doklam standoff.
• Regardless of whether President Xi visits New Delhi, prospects for reconciliation remain uncertain.
• Rebuilding relations will require a gradual restoration of trust, grounded in mutual sensitivity.
• China should exhibit the same sensitivity it expects from its neighbors to improve increasingly strained relations.

Conclusion

The current state of India-China relations reflects a need for trust-building and mutual sensitivity. Addressing territorial disputes and fostering a more constructive dialogue will be essential to move forward.

India-Bangladesh Relations

Why in News?

The 14th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bangladesh was convened recently, in New Delhi.

• The India-Bangladesh Joint Group of Customs meetings serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration on customs-related matters and enhancing the facilitation of cross-border trade.

What are the Key Outcomes of the 14^th JGC Meeting?

• Expansion of Land Customs Stations: The meeting deliberated on the establishment of new land customs stations, which play a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border trade.
  • The meeting explored the possibility of entering into a bilateral agreement on customs cooperation, which could serve as a comprehensive framework for future collaboration.
• Easing Port Restrictions: The discussion revolved around measures to simplify port restrictions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of port operations and reducing trade barriers.
  • India expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's completion of trial runs and the subsequent notification for operationalizing the Agreement on Use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports (ACMP), as agreed upon in the 13^th JGC meeting.
• Electronic Connectivity of Transit Modules: Discussions were initiated concerning the electronic connectivity of the respective transit modules of ACMP, signifying a step toward efficient digital collaboration.
• Pre-Arrival Customs Data Exchange: Both parties engaged in talks regarding the pre-arrival exchange of customs data. This step aims to expedite the customs clearance process by enabling authorities to prepare in advance.

What are the Major Areas of Cooperation Between India and Bangladesh?

• About
  • India was the first country to recognise Bangladesh as a separate and independent state and established diplomatic relations with the country immediately after its independence in December 1971.
  • India's links with Bangladesh are civilisational, cultural, social and economic.
    • Bangladesh's geographical location as India's eastern neighbor gives it strategic importance.
    • It provides India with access to the Bay of Bengal and an important route for trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Bangladesh is India’s biggest trading partner in the subcontinent. India’s export to Bangladesh stood at USD 8 billion during April –November 2022.
    • India enabled the export of cargo from ICDs within India to Bangladesh through inland waterways.
    • Also, the transshipment of containerized export cargo from Bangladesh to third countries through India gained a streamlined process.
      • Utilizing both riverine and land routes, this measure reinforces trade routes and opens up new possibilities for cargo movement.
  • India has provided duty free quota free access to Bangladesh on all tariff lines except tobacco and alcohol under South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) since 2011.
  • Bangladesh and India in July 2023 launched a trade transaction in rupees, a move aimed at reducing dependence on the US dollar and strengthening regional currency and trade.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km. of border; the longest land boundary that India shares with any of its neighbors.
    • Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura share borders with Bangladesh.
  • The two also conduct Joint Exercises - Army (Exercise Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Bongosagar)
• Energy and Connectivity:
  • The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline connecting Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh, will transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh.
    • India and Bangladesh have been cooperating in developing cross-border infrastructure projects, such as the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and Maitri Setu.
• Multilateral Cooperation:
  • India and Bangladesh are also engaged in regional cooperation through multilateral forums such as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

What are the Current Major Issues Between India and Bangladesh?

• Sharing of Transboundary River Waters: India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but only two treaties have been signed so far of Ganga Waters Treaty and The Kushiyara River Treaty.
  • The other major rivers, such as the Teesta and Feni are still under negotiation.
• Illegal Migration: Illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, involving refugees and economic migrants, remains a pressing issue.
  • This influx strains Indian border states, impacting resources and security. The problem intensified with Rohingya refugees entering India through Bangladesh.
  • The National Register of Citizens (NRC), aimed at curbing such migration, has raised concerns in Bangladesh.
• Drug Smuggling & Trafficking: There have been many incidences of cross border drug smuggling & trafficking. Humans ( especially children & women) are trafficked & various animal & bird species are poached through these borders.
• Growing Chinese Influence in Bangladesh: At present, Bangladesh is an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (India is not a part of BRI).
  • China's increasing involvement with Bangladesh could potentially undermine India's regional standing and impede its strategic aspirations.

Way Forward

• Joint Task Forces: There is a need to establish joint task forces comprising law enforcement agencies from both countries to effectively combat cross-border drug smuggling and human trafficking. Shared intelligence and coordinated operations can disrupt illegal networks.
• Smart Border Management: Implementing smart border management solutions that utilize artificial intelligence and data analytics can streamline cross-border movements while ensuring security and efficiency.
• Digital Connectivity Corridor: There is a need to establish a digital connectivity corridor between the two countries, focusing on high-speed internet connectivity, digital services, and e-commerce. This can create new avenues for trade, collaboration, and technological exchange.

India and Greece Relations

Context 

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece, the two nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership,” focusing on enhancing political, defence, and security cooperation.

What is a Strategic Partnership? 

A strategic partnership is a long-term interaction between two countries based on political, economic, social and historical factors. E.g., India has strategic partnerships with the United States, Russia, China, Japan, UK, France and others

Key points of the visit

• This visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
• Greece conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour (Greece’s 2nd highest civilian honour) on Modi, making him the first foreign head of government to receive this honour.
• The two countries also aimed to double bilateral trade by 2030
• Early finalization of the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)to facilitate skilled migration between the two countries.
• They reaffirmed their commitment to a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and the Mediterranean Sea, advocating for international peace, stability, and security.

Various aspects of India-Greece Relations

Conclusion

Enhancing India-Greece relations is crucial for India to become a pivotal player in the evolving global order, uniting key seas and continents. Strengthening economic ties can establish new financial networks across Eurasia. Advancing military cooperation through comprehensive agreements will enable joint exercises, technology sharing, and intelligence collaboration.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Recognition in Suriname

Context

Recently, the Cabinet approved signing of MoU between India and Suriname in the field of the regulation of medicines.

Highlights of the MoU

The parties recognize the importance of developing close cooperation and exchanging information in the field of the regulation of medicines in accordance with their respective laws and regulations and reach the following understandings:

• to accept Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) as a book of standards for medicines in Suriname so as to ensure quality of medicines being manufactured and/or imported in Suriname;
• to accept the Certificate of Analysis issued by Indian manufacturers per IP and to do away with requirement of duplicate testing of the medicines in Suriname;
• to get IPRS and Impurity standards from IPC at reasonably low cost to be used during the quality control analysis;
• to have better scope for development of generic medicines and contributing to availability of affordable medicines in Suriname;
• to promote an understanding of pharmacopoeia in the regulatory framework, requirements and processes;
• to facilitate the exchange of information and documentation relating to the development of monographs of IP;
• to enhance the ability of regulatory authorities in the provision of their services relating to or in connection with public health, to meet the needs of their respective population;
• to explore opportunities for technical cooperation in areas of mutual benefit in the development of monographs and future technologies.

Significance

• The Memorandum of Understanding will facilitate the export of medical products leading to foreign exchange earnings.
• This would be a   step towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Benefits of International recognition of the Indian pharmacopoeia! Standards

• It would boost the export of Indian pharmaceutical products to these countries as it would remove double regulation, duplication in testing and post-importation checks. Indian drug exporters would thus, gain a competitive edge and trade would become more remunerative.
• Further, importing nations would gain access to quality Indian medical products at affordable prices.
• Manufacturers in importing countries would have better scope for the development of generic medicines contributing to the availability of affordable medicines to their citizens.
• The various reference standards and impurity standards would become available to these manufacturers at a reasonable cost.
• Convergence in the regulatory practices could help in increasing export of medicines from India and consequentially help in better employment opportunities for educated professionals in the Pharmaceutical sector.

Suriname

Location

Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America situated on the Guiana Shield.

Borders

• Suriname is situated between French Guiana to the east and Guyana to the west.
• The southern border is shared with Brazil and the northern border is the Atlantic coast.

Geographic Regions

• The country can be divided into two main geographic regions.
  • The northern, lowland coastal area (roughly above the line Albina-Paranam-Wageningen) has been cultivated, and most of the population lives here.
  • The southern part consists of tropical rainforest and sparsely inhabited savanna along the border with Brazil, covering about 80% of Suriname's land surface.

Mountain Ranges

• The two main mountain ranges are the Bakhuys Mountains and the Van Asch Van Wijck Mountains.
• Julianatop is the highest mountain in the country at 1,286 metres (4,219 ft) above sea level.

Ecoregions

• Suriname contains six terrestrial ecoregions: Guayanan Highlands moist forests, Guianan moist forests, Paramaribo swamp forests, Tepuis, Guianan savanna, and Guianan mangroves.
• Its forest cover is 90.2%, the highest of any nation in the world.
• The country had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 9.39/10, ranking it fifth globally out of 172 countries.

Climate

• Lying two to five degrees north of the equator, Suriname has a very hot and wet tropical climate, and temperatures do not vary much throughout the year.
• The average relative humidity is between 80% and 90%.

Biodiversity and Conservation

• Snakewood (Brosimum guianense), a tree, is native to this tropical region of the Americas that is often illegally exported to French Guiana, for the crafts industry.
• The Central Suriname Nature Reserve has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unspoiled forests and biodiversity.