UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

The recent tariff increases taken by the U.S. government is a "wrong approach" that presents significant challenges to global economic development and industrial growth, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said on Friday.

In an article published on its official website on Friday, UNIDO said the imposition of tariffs, in a period of stagnant international trade, particularly hurts developing and the least developed countries since tariffs undermine their potential to fully participate in global trade and hamper their efforts to diversify and modernize their industrial sectors.

By driving up the cost of industrial production, these tariffs undermine economic efficiency, diminish the benefits of trade, and weaken competitiveness, ultimately putting jobs at risk worldwide, thereby affecting the most vulnerable countries the hardest, it pointed out.

Noting that as 450 million people work in global supply chains, UNIDO said a rise in protectionism in advanced countries will slow down industrialization efforts and impede poverty reduction by limiting job creation and economic opportunities.

UNIDO warned that the negative effects of increasing tariffs will affect not only already vulnerable countries, but also the very countries implementing tariffs, exacerbating geopolitical tensions and uncertainty.

The UN agency asserted that these measures take the wrong approach, particularly as their calculation and implementation are not grounded in evidence to achieve the intended outcome.

Gerd Müller, director general of UNIDO said that rather than erecting barriers to industrial trade, a fairer and sustainable global economy should be the goal.

The U.S. withdrawal from development and economic cooperation and shared responsibility has set a dangerous chain in motion, with other industrialized countries reducing their commitments, Müller said.

Instead of cutting development budgets and now aggravating the situation by turning to economic protectionism and raising tariffs, the United States and all industrialized countries must work together with developing countries to create win-win situations and build a fairer and more sustainable global economy that ensures long-term prosperity for all, Müller emphasized.

Protectionism is not the answer to solving today's challenges, UNIDO said in the article reiterated, calling for the strengthening of global partnerships towards a more just international trade system, where all countries, especially developing and the least-developed countries, get to benefit from the global economy.

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

UN agency sees US tariff increases as "wrong approach"

Attractions across China are embracing a tourist boom during the five-day May Day holiday season beginning on Thursday.

In south China's Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a mega bridge connecting Guangdong's Zhuhai City with neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

The total number of visits of the bridge during the holiday has exceeded 6,800, about 50 percent more than that on normal days.

"I am indeed feeling very proud [of this mega project], a big thumbs-up for our great country!" said a tourist surnamed Ke.

In the Tianmen Mountain scenic area in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, performances featuring local folk customs are amazing tourists from home and abroad.

"I think it's really traditional in China, the costumes and the dance. We really like it," said tourist Julie from France.

"I love the performance. I felt like it was very immersive, and with the view, it's crazy. I'll recommend everyone thinking of coming here for sure," said tourist Duarte from Portugal.

In northwest China's Gansu Province, the famous Mogao Grottoes are also see a peak of visits during the holiday, as the tickets, which are limited to 6,000 per day, would all sell out well in advance.

Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Grottoes are home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks, with more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals located in 735 caves, carved along the cliffs by ancient worshipers.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, more than 1,900 meters above sea level, had the ice floes on it thawed just before the holiday, offering tourists a breathtaking view.

"This is my first time to visit the lake. The view is shockingly beautiful when you see it in person!" said tourist Chen Yanru from northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Xinjiang's Manas county is a famous destination for self-driving tours because of the region's diverse natural landscapes, such as yardangs, the Danxia landform, river valleys, canyons, alpine meadows and forests.

"It's a very worthwhile trip for the holiday. I am amazed by the picturesque scenery of Xinjiang," said tourist Zhou Chenchong from Shanghai.

Attractions across China embrace May Day holiday tourism boom