Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction in Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2024. This powerful storm wreaked havoc on Mayotte, leaving entire neighborhoods flattened and causing severe damage. After crossing the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Chido intensified and impacted northern Mozambique, with strong winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rainfall, threatening lives and properties.

Cyclone Chido Overview

• Category 4 storm that made landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15.
• Prior devastation in the French overseas department of Mayotte, with winds exceeding 220 km/h.

Impact on Mayotte

• Devastated neighborhoods with extreme winds (220 km/h).
• Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead, though accurate death toll difficult due to local burial practices.
• This is the strongest cyclone to hit Mayotte in over 90 years.

Impact on Mozambique

• Landfall in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
• Winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rains caused damage to Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa.
• Estimated 1.7 million people were affected in Mozambique.
• Risks of flash floods, heavy rains, and destructive winds continue.

Emergency Response

• Malawi Red Cross: On the ground in southern Malawi, responding to the storm’s impact.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM): Assisting with assessment and coordination of early response in Mozambique.
• UNICEF: Concerned about the long-term impacts on vulnerable populations in Mozambique, coordinating with local partners for aid distribution.

Government and Global Efforts

• Mozambique’s government, alongside humanitarian organizations, is actively assessing the situation and providing immediate assistance.
• Partners continue to reinforce emergency response efforts, including measures for protecting children and ensuring safe distribution of aid.

On December 15, 2024, the United Kingdom officially became the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This significant move, a result of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy, aims to boost the country’s economy by providing new business opportunities and trade benefits across the Indo-Pacific region. The UK’s entry into the bloc was formalized after the ratification of the accession treaty by most CPTPP members, with several more expected to follow.

What is the CPTPP?

The CPTPP is an economic partnership that originally started with 11 members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. After the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2016, the remaining countries established the CPTPP, reducing trade barriers on a wide range of goods and services. The bloc accounts for around 15% of global GDP and includes some of the fastest-growing markets globally.

Economic Opportunities and Projections

UK officials anticipate that joining the CPTPP could add up to £2 billion to the UK economy annually, benefiting sectors like financial services, manufacturing, and food and drink. With reduced tariffs and barriers, UK businesses are expected to see enhanced market access across three continents, particularly in emerging markets of the Indo-Pacific.

Trade Benefits and Future Expansion

The CPTPP’s updated “rules of origin” provisions are expected to benefit industries like the UK’s car manufacturing and food production. In addition to large firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from the easier export processes. The deal will also help UK firms tap into the burgeoning growth corridors in Asia and the Pacific.

A Step Towards Global Trade Leadership

The UK’s membership in the CPTPP is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening its post-Brexit global trade strategy. Conservative leaders, including former Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, emphasize that this trade agreement unlocks substantial benefits for various sectors. As more countries, including Costa Rica, express interest in joining the CPTPP, the UK’s role within this growing trade bloc is expected to become increasingly central to its long-term economic success.

Summary of the news