Dr. Komal Patel

https://doi.org/10.64823/ijter.2507005

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented economic challenges, particularly for Global South nations, characterised by disrupted trade, constrained fiscal space, and heightened debt vulnerabilities. This study conducts a comparative analysis of seven major regional trade blocs and economic cooperation groups SAARC, BRICS, G20, G7, Quad, EU, and SCO evaluating their contributions to economic recovery in the Global South from 2020 to 2024. Leveraging authentic statistical data from sources such as the IMF, World Bank, and UNCTAD, the research examines trade volumes, foreign direct investment (FDI), development finance, and GDP growth impacts. Findings indicate that BRICS and G20 have been pivotal in fostering recovery through innovative financial mechanisms and inclusive multilateralism, while SAARC’s impact remains limited due to geopolitical constraints. The study underscores the need for coordinated global economic strategies to ensure sustainable recovery in the Global South.

https://doi.org/10.64823/ijter.2503022

In simple terms, the exchange rate represents the value of one nation’s currency in relation to another. It determines how much of one currency be exchanged for another and plays a crucial role in international trade and finance. Often referred to as the foreign exchange rate or forex rate, it influences economic stability, trade competitiveness, and investment flows between countries. Exchange rates are determined in the forex market, a global marketplace where various participants engage in continuous currency trading, operating 24 hours a day except on weekends. The spot exchange rate represents the current value at which currencies are exchanged. In contrast, the forward exchange rate is an agreed-upon rate set today for a transaction that will be executed on a future date. In both developed and developing nations, various stakeholders such as foreign exchange investors, exporters, importers, banks, businesses, financial institutions, and travelers base their decisions on exchange rate fluctuations. Changes in exchange rates affect the value of international reserves, influence the competitiveness of exports and imports, determines the cost of repaying foreign debts, and impact travel expenses by altering the purchasing power of a currency. Therefore, fluctuations in exchange rates greatly influence the business cycle, trade dynamics, and capital movements within an economy. Understanding these changes is vital for analyzing financial trends and evaluating shifts in economic policy.