Global Scans · Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] Key markets including Edge AI, Generative AI, Quantum Computing, AI in Healthcare (specific to the MENA region), and AI in Food Safety and Quality Control are forecasted to experience over 30% compound annual growth rates through 2030. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] The EU and Jordan will explore opportunities on how Jordanian companies could make better use of the simplified Rules of Origin Scheme to support Jordan in the context of the Jordan refugee crisis, while continuing to work on building export capacity and reinforcing their competitiveness. EEAS
• [New] Several large developing economies, including China, India and Indonesia, are expected to continue experiencing solid growth driven by resilient domestic demand or targeted policy measures. FirstPost
• [New] Economic growth in India is projected to moderate from an estimated 7.4% in 2025 to 6.6% in 2026. FirstPost
• [New] India is projected to grow at 6.6% in 2026, registering an exceptionally high growth in a challenging global environment, with resilient private consumption and strong public investment largely offsetting the impact of high US tariffs, the United Nations has said. FirstPost
• [New] Analysts including Gartner expect global IT spending to continue rising, with growth concentrated in AI infrastructure and AI-capable devices. The Daily Star
• [New] Early mover advantage in deploying robotaxis in major U.S. cities could improve Ford's brand positioning and drive share gains in the high-growth mobility sector (Reuters). Value Sense
• [New] Major projects from companies like Apple and Tesla could drive significant job creation in 2026, supporting long-term growth. Independence Title
• [New] Many of the skills Canadian professionals use today will shift as AI and automation continue to reshape routine work. PMC Training
• [New] Europe is projected to record the fastest regional growth during the forecast period, supported by offshore exploration initiatives and EV battery development. Yahoo Finance Singapore
• [New] India is expected to continue consolidating its position as a key driver of global growth in the coming years. http://www.uniindia.com/india-poised-for-resilient-grow
• [New] By 2026, generative AI will fundamentally change all aspects of life and work, from agentic AI improving productivity to AI-powered gaming, healthcare, and education. https://www.usaii.org/ai-insights/generative-ai-trends-
• [New] As the Dow Jones and S&P 500 reach new all-time highs, driven by a surge in data storage stocks amid an AI rally, investors are keenly observing the landscape for promising growth opportunities. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Vietnam is targeting double-digit growth in 2026, with GDP expected to expand by at least 10%, supported by higher investment, exports and strong domestic demand. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] The electronics sector, one of Vietnam's key strengths, is expected to continue leading with growth of around 14%, driven by investment demand in artificial intelligence (AI). VnBusiness
• [New] Gas supply momentum is building, led by Malaysia, with Indonesia and Vietnam expected to follow, while Asian national oil companies increase M&A to secure long-term growth and resource options. Rystad Energy
• [New] The mobile wallet industry is projected to experience explosive growth through 2026 and beyond, driven by increasing smartphone adoption, digital payment penetration, and consumer demand for convenient financial services. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] There is a huge opportunity if we can help UK SMEs adopt AI in a way that drives productivity and growth. The Times
• [New] AI investment, and fiscal and monetary easing will drive US growth in 2026, but at the cost of rising budget and trade deficits and inflation. Counterfire
• [New] Firms like Oppenheimer and Deutsche Bank are leading the bull case, citing innovation-led earnings growth and potential for further corporate tax cuts. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] The period leading up to 2026 will likely determine whether Vietnam can transition from a high growth emerging economy to a sustainable, innovation driven powerhouse. PDLegal LLC
• [New] EV adoption is accelerating in emerging markets like Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil, which could provide long-term growth opportunities even as competition intensifies. Economic Times

Last updated: 11 January 2026