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Venezuela Shifts Diplomacy: Embassies in Norway and Australia to Close, Focus Turns to Africa

  Venezuela announced it will close its embassies in Norway and Australia as part of a sweeping diplomatic restructuring. The government of President Nicolás Maduro described the move as a “strategic re-assignation of resources,” aimed at strengthening alliances in Africa. In place of the closures, Venezuela will open new embassies in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe , which officials called “sister nations and strategic allies” in the fight against colonial and hegemonic pressures. Consular services for Venezuelans in Norway and Australia will continue through other diplomatic missions, with details to be provided in the coming days. The decision comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and follows weeks of geopolitical maneuvering. Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed the closure of the embassy in Oslo, while Australian officials have yet to comment publicly on the development. This shift underscores Caracas’ intent to reconfigure its global presence, prioritizing regi...

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Canadian Service Sector Shrinks for Seventh Straight Month in December

 


According to S&P Global Canada services PMI data, the Canadian service sector shrank for the seventh consecutive month in December 2023, as elevated borrowing costs weighed on the housing market. The headline business activity index edged up to 44.6 in December from a near three-and-a-half-year low of 44.5 in November. However, it remained well below the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction.

The Canadian service sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, and its contraction could have far-reaching implications. The sector includes industries such as finance, insurance, real estate, professional services, and retail trade. The contraction of the service sector could lead to a decline in employment opportunities and a decrease in consumer spending.


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