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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival
    General out-patient clinic service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival
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    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:     The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (October 9) announced that 14 general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday GOPC services on the Chung Yeung Festival holiday (October 11) (see table below). Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system or the “Book GOPC” function of the “HA Go” mobile app.     The spokesperson reminded members of the public that they should stay vigilant to personal and environmental hygiene during the public holiday to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. Apart from GOPCs of the HA, patients may also consider attending consultation by private family doctors. To choose a suitable family doctor and related clinic service, the public can browse the Primary Care Directory of the Health Bureau at http://www.pcdirectory.gov.hk.     Moreover, the HA is currently providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons at public hospitals and outpatient clinics. The spokesperson said that eligible patients can receive vaccinations at the time of their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with a distant follow-up appointment date may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements. The spokesperson emphasised, “As Hong Kong is about to enter winter, the risk of influenza transmission increases. High-risk individuals such as chronic disease patients, the elderly and children may develop severe complications after an influenza infection, leading to serious illness or death. Members of the public should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations as soon as possible to enhance immunity against influenza and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness or death from infection.”GOPC service arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival (October 11) 

    Region
    List of GOPCs
    Address
    Telephone number for booking
    General enquiries

    Hong Kong Island
    Aberdeen Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen
    3543 5011
    2555 0381

    Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan
    3157 0077
    2560 0211

    Violet Peel General Out-patient Clinic
    LG, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
    3157 0000
    3553 3116

    Kowloon
    Kwun Tong Community Health Centre
    UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong
    3157 0687
    2389 0331

    Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic
    G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin
    3157 0118
    2354 2267

    Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic
    600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong
    3157 0113
    2383 3311

    Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei
    3157 0880
    2272 2400

    New Territories
    Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic
    213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan
    3157 0107
    2614 4789

    Lek Yuen General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Sha Tin
    3157 0972
    2692 8730

    Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 108-130 Jockey Club Road, Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui
    3157 0965
    2670 0211

    Tai Po Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po
    3157 0906
    2664 2039

    Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) General Out-patient Clinic
    G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O
    3157 0660
    2191 1083

    Tuen Mun Clinic
    11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun
    3543 0886
    2452 9111

    Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre
    269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long
    3543 5007
    2443 8511

     Service hours:9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders
    Property owner fined over $230,000 for persistently not complying with removal orders
    *************************************************************************************

         A property owner who persistently failed to comply with two removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) was convicted and fined over $230,000 in September 2024 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts.      Both removal orders involved unauthorised building works (UBWs) at a three-storey house on Yu Chui Street, Tai Lam, Tuen Mun. The first removal order included illegal site formation works for constructing an unauthorised platform of about 122 square metres on a slope adjoining an approved garden, erection of a floor slab over a void adjacent to an approved dining room, removing parts of external walls and constructing unauthorised structures to extend the floors at different levels of the building with a total floor area of about 57 sq m. The second removal order included an unauthorised canopy at a ground floor entrance. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), two removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.      Failing to comply with the first removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD six times, was fined over $350,000 in total and was given a four-month imprisonment sentence suspended for two years upon convictions by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted for the seventh time. The owner also did not comply with the second removal order and he was prosecuted at the same time. The owner was convicted at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on December 2, 2022, and the court adjourned the hearing and ordered the owner to report on the status of the removal of the UBWs before handing down a sentence. On the adjourned hearing date of September 27, 2024, the owner reported to the court that the UBWs under the second removal order had been removed and a contractor had been appointed to follow up on the remaining UBWs removal work under the first removal order. Eventually the owner was fined by the court $239,100 in total, of which $113,100 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued.      A spokesman for the BD today (October 9) said, “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement actions and consider instigating prosecution against the owners again if they persist in not complying with the orders, so as to ensure building safety.”      Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest for driver who damaged two police vehicles and assaulted police officers

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Leo Belay, Waikato Police

    Today police arrested a man who drove his vehicle into two police vehicles after fleeing from officers who were conducting a traffic stop at Five Cross Roads, Claudelands.

    Officers responded and located the vehicle following complaints from members of the public about the manner of driving.

    At about 10.15am the vehicle was located at the Five Cross Roads shops where police staff approached and spoke with the driver.

    After refusing to engage with Police, the driver then fled from the traffic stop and subsequently spikes were successfully deployed.

    The vehicle then fled to nearby Claude Street, where police converged and located the man driving in a dangerous manner on the road committing sustained loss of traction.

    While police were responding to the vehicle on Claude Street, the driver deliberately drove his vehicle into two of the responding police units, causing significant damage to all three vehicles involved.

    No one was injured as a result of the vehicle collisions.

    To mitigate the risk that the driver posed to the public, further police units that were responding managed to successfully block in the offending vehicle and safely bring it to a stop.

    The driver then resisted arrest, and during this process police have deployed tactical options, such as Taser and OC spray.

    The driver was restrained and taken into custory without further incident.

    During the arrest process, two police officers were assaulted by the driver, however their injuries were minor.

    A 39-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow charged with Failure to remain stopped for an enforcement officer, Operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, Driving in a dangerous manner, Assaults person with a blunt instrument (police), Assaults police, and Resists police.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement.

    “The Auditor General’s damning findings today make it crystal clear that coalition agreements alone cannot be used to justify government expenditure,” Labour mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said.

    “The findings say the procurement process was “unusual and inconsistent” with the principles used to procure government services.

    “The Government talks a big game about spending public money wisely yet used a loophole to get Gumboot Friday funding across the line without a fair and transparent process.

    “They did this because they had already decided before coming into government that Gumboot Friday was an organisation they wanted to fund.

    “It’s outrageous that the loophole was used to “retrospectively justify an outcome that had already been decided” which flies in the face of goo procurement.

    “By pre-cooking the outcome National forced officials to use a legal loophole they know was never intended for this type of procurement.

    “Ministers must stop from riding roughshod over procurement rules to maintain public trust and confidence and NZ’s reputation for public sector integrity.

    “Meanwhile other mental health community groups locked out of government funding are struggling to provide critical services to their communities, and several have already closed,” Ingrid Leary said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MPs attend 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to debate peace, innovation, and the future of Parliaments

    Source: New Zealand Parliament

    Media Release
    Wednesday 9 October

    A cross-party delegation of members of Parliament (MPs) will join representatives from over 140 other parliaments at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The New Zealand delegation will be led by Stuart Smith MP with Tangi Utikere MP, Kahurangi Carter MP, and Hon Rachel Brooking MP attending.  

    The Assembly is a biannual event, and the theme for this conference is ‘Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future’. A general debate will give the delegates the opportunity to hear from their overseas counterparts, and to offer a unique New Zealand perspective on the Assembly’s key themes.

    MPs will also take part in forums on Women Parliamentarians and Young Parliamentarians, and workshops and discussions on topics such as the future of Parliaments. Committees will explore subjects such as peace and international security, and democracy and human rights.

    Events from the Assembly will be live streamed on the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) YouTube channel.

    The IPU is the global organisation of national Parliaments, founded more than 130 years ago. It is made up of 180 different national parliaments, 15 associate members, and more than 70 observer organisations. The Assembly is an opportunity to build relationships and network with a diverse range of countries and Parliaments.

    The delegation will also attend the 28th EU-NZ Inter-Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels, where they will recommence dialogue with the members of the European Parliament following recent EU elections.

    ENDS

    The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 13–17 October 2024. Find out more about the 149th IPU Assembly. 

    IPU Assemblies are held twice a year in different cities around the world, with more than 1,200 delegates attending each one. The New Zealand group of the IPU is chaired by Stuart Smith MP. 

    Inter-Parliamentary Relations are a way for members of New Zealand’s Parliament to keep Parliament relevant, effective, and innovative. Dialogue between members of different parliaments increases mutual understanding between countries, develops best practice, and ensures New Zealand is playing an active part in the international community. Members’ active participation in inter-parliamentary activities improves their knowledge and insights as legislators, which in turn improves parliamentary scrutiny of Government.

    Contact Information

    For more information contact IPR@parliament.govt.nz

    For media enquiries contact:

    communications.team@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China handles about 6.3B parcels during holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An exhibitor operates an unmanned autonomous delivery vehicle for courier service displayed at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 in north China’s Tianjin, June 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s postal and express delivery industry handled around 6.3 billion parcels during the seven-day National Day holiday that ended on Monday, reflecting vibrant tourism and consumption during the period.

    A total of 3.16 billion parcels were collected during the holiday, with the average daily collection volume increasing by 28.4 percent compared with the National Day holiday last year, according to data released by the State Post Bureau on Tuesday.

    The number of parcels delivered totaled 3.12 billion, and the daily volume of delivered parcels during the period expanded by 26.7 percent from the National Day holiday period in 2023.

    Relevant enterprises have taken multiple measures to meet the robust demand nationwide, including extending service times and cooperating with cultural and tourism enterprises, said the bureau.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China studying measures to raise tariffs on imported large-engine fuel vehicles: ministry

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is studying measures on increasing tariffs for imported fuel-powered cars with large-displacement engines, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Tuesday.

    China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries and enterprises, according to a spokesperson from the MOC.

    The MOC announced on Tuesday that it will impose temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy originating from the European Union (EU) in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, while adhering to World Trade Organization rules.

    China is also conducting the anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products imported from the EU, as well as the anti-subsidy probe into certain imported EU dairy products, which will fully protect the rights of all stakeholders and make an objective and fair ruling based on the results of the investigations, the spokesperson added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China confident to achieve full-year growth target

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 2, 2024 shows a container vessel berthing at the smart zero-carbon terminal of Tianjin Port in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is confident to maintain steady and healthy economic growth and achieve the full-year growth target, the country’s top economic planner said Tuesday.

    The market sentiment has improved recently with a pick-up of the purchasing managers’ index in the manufacturing sector, a warming stock market and a vital consumption market during the National Day holiday following the implementation of existing policies and the additional policies unveiled recently, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference.

    The fundamentals of China’s economic development have not changed, and favorable conditions such as huge market potential and strong economic resilience have not changed, said Zheng.

    China’s financial authorities announced a broader-than-expected policy package last month to stimulate economic recovery. These policy measures include reducing the reserve requirement ratio for banks and mortgage rates for existing homes, as well as introducing new monetary programs to boost the capital market, among other initiatives.

    The recently unveiled package of additional policies was designed to strengthen counter-cyclical macro policy adjustment, expand effective domestic demand, increase efforts to help enterprises, stabilize the real estate market and boost the capital market, Zheng said.

    The Chinese economy was able to maintain overall stable growth, with progress made in the first three quarters, said Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the NDRC, in the press conference.

    With the effect of additional policies gradually emerging, China’s economic vitality will be further unleashed, market confidence will be further strengthened, and the foundation for the high-quality development and stable economic operation will be further consolidated, said Zhao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: A-share market set to further buoy confidence

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Following the A-share market’s recent robust recovery buoyed by a number of stronger-than-expected stimulative policies, increasingly confident investors are attaching more attention to the stock market, whose upward momentum can be further consolidated by more supportive measures and the ongoing optimization of China’s economic growth, said industry experts.

    Preparations were made during the National Day holiday, which ended on Monday. The Shanghai Stock Exchange announced on Sunday that it will add an extra five minutes, from 9:25 to 9:30 on each trading day, for designated transactions. The new policy will take effect on Tuesday, the first trading day after the holiday.

    As explained by industry experts, a designated transaction is a step that an investor must take between opening a new stock account and commencing trading on the SSE.The latest adjustment at the SSE has been made to address the surging number of newly registered retail investors over the past few days and to facilitate trading efficiency once the market resumes, they said.

    The market’s upbeat sentiment can be felt at securities brokerages. Leading brokerages provided round-the-clock online account opening and consulting services during the recent holiday. Sinolink Securities said the account opening appointments they received during the holiday jumped 150 percent from a month earlier. Minsheng Securities said the number of daily requests for opening stock accounts over the past seven days was four times the amount before the holiday.

    To meet such surging demand, the securities account platform and identification information checking system at China Securities Depository and Clearing Co resumed operation on Sunday and Monday.

    Investor confidence has been supported by the A-share market’s recent strong rebound. Ever since the batch of incremental policies was introduced on Sept 24, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 20 percent by the end of September, with the Shenzhen Component Index up 29 percent. The combined trading value at the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges hit a new single-day record of 2.6 trillion yuan ($370 billion) on Sept 30.

    Laura Wang, chief China equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, said on Oct 3 that Chinese equities will gain another 10 to 15 percent on average if a new round of fiscal expenditure measures can be released in the following weeks.

    At a news conference scheduled for Tuesday, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top economic regulator, will explain their measures to better implement the range of supportive policies released in late September, in order to further advance economic growth and optimize China’s economic structure.

    Yang Delong, chief economist at First Seafront Fund, said the 140-trillion-yuan Chinese household savings will provide more capital for the A-share market after the National Day holiday, providing more upward impetus for the indexes.

    The increase in the Hong Kong stock market has already overtaken that of the A-share market as the latter took more days off for the holiday, said experts at Shenwan Hongyuan Securities. Therefore, a continued rally can be expected from the A-share market in the short run to narrow the price gap with Hong Kong, they added.

    Dai Kang, managing director of the development research center at GF Securities, said private equity investment funds have increased their exposure to the A-share market, which has just seen the strongest rebound in months. Chinese policymakers have smartly used the time window of interest rate cuts made by the US Federal Reserve to introduce stronger-than-expected supportive measures, he said.

    Goldman Sachs upgraded its call on Chinese stocks to overweight, saying that recent stimulus measures have bolstered confidence, and Chinese equities’ valuations are below historical averages while their earnings could further improve.

    Qiu Xiang, joint chief strategist at CITIC Securities, said that the current A-share market rally is mainly supported by reversed market expectations, as a result of the innovative monetary policies and a relaxed grip on the property market announced in late September. A further market recovery can be expected, with companies showing improving earnings and those benefiting from a recovery in domestic demand offering more opportunities to investors, he added.

    Analysts from Huafu Securities also warned investors of the possibility of adjustments and fluctuations in the A-share market after it experienced a drastic increase. But the recent bull run is far from its end. The overall rise will last longer, they said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK test-fires multiple rocket launcher shells

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Academy of Defence Sciences of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted a test-fire of 240 mm-caliber controllable multiple rocket launcher shells on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday.

    The test-fire aimed at reconfirming the hit accuracy of the rocket launcher shells at a maximum range of 67 km while checking the reliability of the automatic firing system, the KCNA said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai gets ready for 7th CIIE

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An attendee takes photos of a billboard during a pre-expo supply-demand matchmaking meeting for the Intelligent Industry & Information Technology Exhibition Area and Automobile Exhibition Area of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China’s Shanghai, Aug. 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With less than 30 days left before the seventh China International Import Expo, due preparations are in place while multinational companies from around the world are looking forward to the annual expo to showcase their new products and technologies.

    During a meeting held by the executive committee of the 7th CIIE on Monday, Wang Wentao, minister of Commerce, said that efforts should be made help companies expand the impact of the show. The exhibition should also help to nurture new-quality productive forces and serve the country’s high-quality development, he said.

    By aligning with the world’s highest standards and best levels, Shanghai has stepped up its preparation for the 7th CIIE by addressing new issues and optimizing services in all aspects, Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng said at the Monday meeting.

    Various steps have been taken to further facilitate the entry and exit of people and exhibits.

    Shanghai has launched measures such as renewing valid visas for multiple entries and residence permits for this year’s CIIE.

    Customs clearance instructions and supportive measures have been released. The market supervision department continues to implement supportive policies such as exemption from China Compulsory Certification and temporary licenses for special food exhibitors.

    More convenient payment methods have been introduced. Dazhong Transportation (Group) Co Ltd, a taxi-hailing service provider in Shanghai, will complete the installation of 2,000 POS machines accepting foreign bank cards before the CIIE. All restaurants and catering service providers in the exhibition hall have installed POS machines accessible to foreign bank cards.

    Sustainability is another highlight of this year’s CIIE. The green construction rate and material recycling rate of the exhibition will achieve 100 percent. Up to 10 million kWh of green power will be used at the show.

    The 7th CIIE will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. According to the exhibition’s organizer CIIE bureau, companies have signed up for over 360,000 square meters of exhibition area. More than 70 countries and international organizations will be present at the country exhibition area, overtaking last year’s scale. Norway, Slovakia, Benin, Burundi and Madagascar will participate in the country exhibition for the first time.

    The first inbound exhibit for this year’s show, the three-wheeled concept car made by Japanese manufacturer Yamaha Motor, arrived in Shanghai in September. It will make its debut to the Chinese market via this year’s CIIE.

    It is the seventh year in a row for French beauty giant L’Oreal at the CIIE. This year also marks the fifth consecutive time for the company to work as the chairman of the exhibition’s enterprise alliance.

    “It is both a testimonial of our belief in China and the fact that we want to continue to invest in China,” said Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L’Oreal.

    As Hieronimus further explained, the CIIE is the “only event like this in the world” in which L’Oreal is so involved by introducing new brands, demonstrating the latest innovation results and showcasing technology breakthroughs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Home sales up in holiday period

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This file photo shows a renovated residential building in a community in Yanta District of Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Home sales and inquiries by potential buyers rose considerably in benchmark cities including Beijing and Shanghai during the just-concluded National Day holiday, thanks to a number of optimization measures rolled out by the central government and first-tier cities, industry experts said on Tuesday.

    This is playing a positive role in digesting the housing policies and shoring up market sentiment, they added.

    After announcing policies to free up restrictions on home purchases ahead of the weeklong holiday, China’s top-tier cities saw a market recovery during the holiday period, despite it being a conventional low season for home transactions, the experts said.

    Some 59,000 square meters of new home space were traded across Shanghai in the first six days of October, doubling from that of last year’s 29,000 sq m, said Lu Wenxi, a market analyst with Centaline Shanghai.

    In the pre-owned homes market, 2,133 units of existing residential properties changed hands during the weeklong holiday, more than twice the 1,064 units registered during the same period last year, Lu said.

    According to Lu, the market recovery followed a batch of favorable local policies effective on the first day of October, such as the lowering of a threshold for non-local buyers, reduction in down payments for both first-time and second home purchases, and expanding VAT exemptions during home trading.

    “There is an evident warm-up in market confidence as we see some 20 percent rise in business inquiries and visits,” said Ye Yongxiang, an agent with Sinyi Realty in Shanghai’s Xuhui district.

    Ye said it has been an extremely busy holiday season for himself as well as his colleagues, a sharp contrast from the same period during the past two years.

    “Being in the business for nearly a decade, I can really feel the vibes of the market on the rise,” Ye said.

    Beijing saw new home transaction volumes surge 730 percent during the first six days of the month from the same period last year, and its existing home market also experienced a gradual growth since the latter half of the holiday, with trade volumes rising 58 percent compared to last year, according to a report on the official website of Beijing Youth Daily.

    Guangzhou, the capital of South China’s Guangdong province, saw more than 3,000 units of new homes traded at real estate brokerage platform Beike as of 2 pm Monday, more than tripling from that of last year, the local Guangzhou Daily reported.

    The rising market demand could be seen in a broader scale in the secondary home market of major cities.

    As many as 384 units of pre-owned homes were sold daily in six key cities, soaring 117.6 percent year-on-year, according to Linping Real Estate Data Research Institute.

    “The market confidence index has been on an upward trend three weeks in a row, according to the weekly data collected in 50 cities, indicating that the supportive measures introduced one after another have boosted market confidence,” said Wang Xiaoqiang, chief analyst at the institute.

    “The encouraging messages delivered by both local and central governments will certainly help stabilize the property market and improve market confidence,” Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China requests WTO consultations over Türkiye’s EV tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China filed a request on Tuesday for consultations with Türkiye at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs and licensing measures for imported electric vehicles and other vehicles from China, the Ministry of Commerce said.

    Türkiye announced the imposition of a 40 percent additional tariff on imported electric vehicles and other vehicles from China, in addition to setting import license restrictions.

    “This discriminatory action is a violation of WTO rules and a typical protectionist practice,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

    “We urge Türkiye to abide by its relevant commitments at the WTO and immediately correct its wrong practices,” said the spokesperson, adding that China will take all measures available to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its industries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National Day holiday sees surge in online payments

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An Indian passenger (L) asks about Weixin Pay, one of China’s major mobile payment platforms, at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s just-concluded National Day holiday has seen strong consumption momentum, as indicated by a surge in the number of transactions made via Weixin Pay, a major e-payment method in China.

    Over the week-long holiday ending on Monday, the total number of online and offline transactions going through Weixin Pay increased by 20 percent year on year, said a report released by WeChat, an all-in-one social media app operated by Tencent.

    According to the report, cross-border transactions using the service during the period surged by 68 percent compared to last year, suggesting high demand for overseas travel. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Japan are among the most popular overseas destinations based on the transaction figures.

    Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents were also active shoppers on the Chinese mainland during the holiday, with both the number and amount of transactions using WeChat Pay approximately doubling year on year, it said.

    A boom in tourism and consumption has characterized this year’s National Day holiday, during which 765 million domestic trips were made, marking a yearly increase of 5.9 percent, while domestic tourist spending climbed 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.11 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan duty-free sales exceed $110M

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This aerial photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Offshore duty-free shops on south China’s island province of Hainan generated 785 million yuan (about 111 million U.S. dollars) in sales during the recent National Day holiday, local customs said Tuesday.

    Hainan’s offshore duty-free shops received some 110,200 customers with per capita consumption of 7,124 yuan during this period, Haikou Customs confirmed.

    China released a master plan in June 2020 to build Hainan into a globally influential and high-level free-trade port by the middle of the century. During recent years, the island province has become an attractive shopping destination for domestic consumers.

    Following years of efforts to enhance the local tourism and shopping sector, Hainan now boasts 12 offshore duty-free shops.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Miscellaneous amendments to marine legislation to be gazetted tomorrow

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Miscellaneous amendments to marine legislation to be gazetted tomorrow
    Miscellaneous amendments to marine legislation to be gazetted tomorrow
    **********************************************************************

         The Government will gazette tomorrow (October 10) a proposal to amend and update marine legislation by enacting eight pieces of amendment regulations/orders/notices, including the Pilotage Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 3 and 4) Notice 2024; the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Ferry Terminals) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Ports) (Amendment) Order 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; and the Merchant Shipping (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2024.     The proposed amendments aim to update and unify the types and formats of the geodetic reference datum used in marine legislation. It also makes miscellaneous amendments to various pieces of marine legislation in relation to designating new special anchorages, updating the radio channels and sectors under the vessel traffic services, updating the definition of Radio Regulations, removing obsolete cable reserves, adjusting boundaries of various bridge areas due to shoreline changes, removing the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal from the legislation which specifies terminals for use by cross-boundary ferry vessels given its cessation of cross-boundary passenger transport, as well as prescribing the fees for surveying Hong Kong ships in relation to an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate and other fees in relation to that certificate.     A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “To uphold Hong Kong’s standing as an international maritime hub, the Government is committed to updating marine legislation regularly to reflect the latest developments in the local and global marine landscape. The current amendments are pivotal to ensuring that Hong Kong’s marine legislation remains contemporary.”     The Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative Council (LegCo), as well as the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, Pilotage Advisory Committee, Port Operations Committee and Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department, have been consulted on the legislative proposal respectively. Members supported the proposal.     The proposed legislative amendments will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on October 16. 

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Earns American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, recognizing her steadfast commitment to Wisconsin farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin accepted the award while visiting Messerschmidt Farms in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

    “Wisconsin farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy and the fabric of our rural communities, and it’s my job to hear their concerns and fight for them in Washington,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I’m honored to be named a ‘Friend of Farm Bureau,’ and look forward to continuing to fight in Washington to give Wisconsin farmers and rural communities the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”

    “The Wisconsin Farm Bureau supports Senator Tammy Baldwin for her continued dedication to Wisconsin’s agricultural community,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson. “Senator Baldwin has led efforts to enforce FDA labeling standards through the Dairy Pride Act and increased funding in Wisconsin businesses through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, which has directed almost $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses. Her leadership on key legislation like the Meat Business Innovation Act and the Farmland Security Act reflects her commitment to the future of our farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin understands the unique challenges facing Wisconsin agriculture and has consistently been a strong voice in Washington, advocating for policies that promote sustainability and growth in our state’s farming industry.”

    AFBF gives the award to members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. Senator Baldwin was given the award based on her legislative efforts to support Wisconsin’s farm families and agriculture economy. Senator Baldwin has introduced several pieces of legislation backed by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, including:

    • Farmland Security Act, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in the American agricultural industry.
    • Protecting Future Farmland Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that federal investments in rural energy projects prioritizes both land stewardship and responsible deployment of renewable energy to protect America’s farmlands for future cultivation.
    • Dairy Business Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities. Senator Baldwin successfully created the DBI Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and has since delivered $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses innovate and reach new customers.
    • Meat Business Innovation Act, legislation that applies the successful model of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives to the livestock farming and meat processing industry.
    • DAIRY PRIDE Act, bipartisan legislation to require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants, and algae to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as milk, yogurt or cheese.

    Downloadable pictures from the visit and of Senator Baldwin receiving the award can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Audit Commission personnel attending 16th Assembly and 9th Symposium of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Audit Commission personnel attending 16th Assembly and 9th Symposium of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (with photos)
    Audit Commission personnel attending 16th Assembly and 9th Symposium of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Director of Audit, Professor Nelson Lam, attended the 16th Assembly and 9th Symposium of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) held from September 21 to 27 in New Delhi, India. At the invitation of the National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China (CNAO), Professor Lam participated as a member of the People’s Republic of China Delegation, which was led by the Auditor General of CNAO and Secretary General of ASOSAI, Mr Hou Kai. The Assembly and Symposium were hosted by the Supreme Audit Institution of India and focused on “Digital Public Infrastructure and Gender Divide – Issues of Inclusion and Accessibility”. Mr Hou participated in the meetings and chaired some agenda items. The President of India, Mrs Droupadi Murmu, attended and spoke at the opening ceremony.      Attended by 201 delegates from 44 ASOSAI members and observers, the Assembly endorsed the work report of the ASOSAI Secretariat, made additions and amendments to the ASOSAI Regulations, and held discussions on issues related to the three newly established working groups on state-owned enterprise, information technology audit and data analytics, and regional and municipal audit. Also, members of the new term of the Governing Board and the Audit Committee of ASOSAI were elected. It was affirmed that the next Assembly will be held in Saudi Arabia.      Professor Lam, along with Senior Auditor Mr Alfred Wong, who also joined the meetings and activities, exchanged ideas and experiences with Mr Hou, the Commissioner of Audit of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Ho Veng-on, and leaders of audit institutions of various Asian countries on the theme of the Assembly, as well as on the management and development of public sector auditing bodies. Professor Lam also shared on the current work and updates of Audit, and expressed his wish to have further exchanges with the participating audit institutions.             Professor Lam said that the ASOSAI Assembly and Symposium, which were held physically for the first time since the pandemic, brought together representatives from various audit institutions to engage in face-to-face exchanges that proved to be fruitful and beneficial. He thanked CNAO and Mr Hou for their support and care for Audit. With strong support from the motherland, auditors from Hong Kong have had the privilege to, as part of the national teams, connect with the world through taking part in worldwide audit forums and United Nations audit assignments. These forums and assignments have provided great opportunities for Hong Kong auditors to assimilate good audit practices from around the world and apply the acquired knowledge in their roles at work. Not only did these valuable experiences enhance professional development within Audit, but they also enabled Audit to tell good stories of China, Hong Kong, and auditing on international platforms.  

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:42

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sydney Dance Company’s momenta – a breathtaking study in perpetual motion

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvette Grant, PhD (Dance) Candidate and Dance History Tutor, The University of Melbourne

    SDC/Pedro Greig

    Artistic director Rafael Bonachela’s latest work for the Sydney Dance Company, momenta, had its Melbourne premiere on October 8 at the Playhouse Theatre in the Arts Centre.

    Bonachela says that he wanted the full-length work to represent both momenta – the plural form of momentum from the Latin movimentum – and moments.

    And it does exactly that.

    The work is a maelstrom of macro and microcosmic momentums, capturing mundane and monumental moments.

    The 17 dancers move through unmarked yet distinct worlds of perpetual motion.

    Sometimes they are suggestive of atoms under a microscope that collide and react, constantly forming new molecules and compounds. They randomly meet each other in physical entanglements, only to move on in a moment to another cluster of moving bodies.

    Other times they evoke the relentless rolling of the sea with waves of unison movement. These repetitively sweep in one line after another through the bodies as they traverse across the stage.

    Still other times they stand in distinct separation in a grid pattern with minimal but identical movements that beat like a collection of pumping hearts.

    The movement never stops. It gains momentum.

    Bodies connected in momenta.
    SDC/Pedro Greig

    The dancers become human and through a series of duets we encounter the momentum of relationships.

    A solo from within the crowd shows us the secret internal flows of emotion that are a relentless apsect of the human experience.

    Using lighting, one intimate scene seems to capture the flickering motion of old grainy film. It briefly transports the audience back in time to a voyeuristic peep show.

    Damien Cooper’s lighting design acts as the narrator throughout, directing our attention to small sections of the action or opening the whole stage. The lights are rigged on a large horizontal circle over one side of the stage. It starts near the stage’s surface and moves incrementally, upward scene by scene, sometimes tilting at angles. It is suspended and moves silently until it is no longer visible, at which point it begins its decent.

    The colour palette of the lighting – whites, yellows, browns, greens and blues – changes the mood from hot to cool, soft to hard, today to yesterday.

    Choreographer Rafael Bonachela based on the work on concepts of momentum, force, time and space.

    Elizabeth Gadsby and Emma White’s costumes are mostly neutral tones with some black accent pieces. They provide almost nude surfaces on which the lighting plays. As the work progresses some of the costumes of the male dancers are removed as they appear bare-chested, even more naked, implying an increasing emotional exposure.

    The dancers show extraordinary vulnerability, athleticism and stamina.

    There is a consistency and persistence to the movement quality in momenta: sweeping, sliding, extending and contracting in cyclical patterns which contain traces of elements of the patterns that came before them.

    It is breathtaking.

    At times warm lighting washes over the dancers.
    SDC/Pedro Greig

    Nick Wales’ score has the same cyclical nature with repeated music motifs. The score is varied in an imitation of life and includes musical solos on viola and piano, contrasted with orchestral pieces and percussive and electronic elements.

    In momenta’s penultimate scene dancers spread out evenly across the stage and dance in unison. The scene is very light but with a black background when suddenly silver sparkles begin to fall from above. There is a powerful sense of both the universe and the universal.

    This cuts to a final intimate and human solo exquisitely danced by Piran Scott. In and out of the light, he slides and turns and rolls sometimes with propulsion, other times with suspense.

    He brings us back to ourselves. Perpetually in motion.

    The Sydney Dance Company’s momenta is on until October 12 at the Arts Centre, Melbourne.

    Yvette Grant does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Sydney Dance Company’s momenta – a breathtaking study in perpetual motion – https://theconversation.com/sydney-dance-companys-momenta-a-breathtaking-study-in-perpetual-motion-240320

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 08, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 524,659.73 6.24 2.00-7.30
         I. Call Money 9,875.51 6.42 5.10-6.50
         II. Triparty Repo 366,048.45 6.21 6.11-6.26
         III. Market Repo 147,457.77 6.29 2.00-6.45
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,278.00 6.46 6.39-7.30
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 103.00 6.26 5.95-6.75
         II. Term Money@@ 254.50 – 6.60-6.85
         III. Triparty Repo 267.00 6.35 6.35-6.37
         IV. Market Repo 206.06 6.60 6.60-6.60
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Tue, 08/10/2024 3 Fri, 11/10/2024 9,398.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Tue, 08/10/2024 1 Wed, 09/10/2024 5,308.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Tue, 08/10/2024 1 Wed, 09/10/2024 88,739.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -92,829.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 04/10/2024 14 Fri, 18/10/2024 44,275.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Mon, 07/10/2024 4 Fri, 11/10/2024 36,825.00 6.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       6,300.46  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -71,259.54  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -164,088.54  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 08, 2024 988,113.30  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 18, 2024 1,001,756.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 08, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 20, 2024 418,318.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1251

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme
    Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme
    *************************************************************************

         ​The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) announced today (October 9) the launch of the Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme through the Community Care Fund to subsidise a non-governmental organisation in providing mediation services on maintenance to people in need who are eligible for the Pilot Scheme (including maintenance payers and payees), to provide an alternative way for parties concerned other than court proceedings.           The Government is committed to improving the effectiveness of the system for collecting maintenance payments and enforcing maintenance orders. In this regard, the Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the Pilot Scheme to assist the parties concerned to resolve disputes on the related matters through a more time-saving way, which is mediation.           The three-year Pilot Scheme is expected to process a total of 1 200 cases, benefitting 2 400 separating or divorcing persons. Parties involved in maintenance payment disputes are eligible to apply for the Pilot Scheme free of charge, provided that one of the parties (applicant) is a Hong Kong resident and meets the income limit. This can encourage maintenance payers in default of payment to engage in mediation.           Based on Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (HKFWS)’s extensive experience and well-established network in relation to the relevant mediation services and publicity work, the HYAB has appointed HKFWS as the service operator of the Pilot Scheme.           Persons interested in participating the Pilot Scheme can visit the dedicated webpage (www.familyandwomen.gov.hk/en/story/2024091920185069798.html), or contact HKFWS at 2561 9229.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lunar New Year fair stall auctions to start this month

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         ​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (October 9) that stalls at the 2025 Lunar New Year (LNY) fairs will be put up for open auction in batches starting from October 22 (Tuesday).
     
         The LNY fairs are to be held at 15 locations and will be open for seven days from January 23 to 29, 2025. A total of 910 wet goods stalls, 633 dry goods stalls and 27 fast food stalls will be provided.
     
         The upset prices range from $380 to $6,530 for wet goods stalls, $450 to $8,540 for dry goods stalls (regular size), $680 to $12,810 for dry goods stalls (large size) and $2,290 to $120,470 for fast food stalls.
     
         The six fairs on Hong Kong Island, in Islands District and in Kowloon will be located at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, Tat Tung Road Garden in Tung Chung, Cheung Sha Wan Playground and Fa Hui Park in Sham Shui Po, Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground in Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong Recreation Ground in Kwun Tong. A total of 812 stalls will be put up for auction.
     
         The auction for stalls of the LNY fair in Victoria Park will be held for three days from October 22 to 24 (Tuesday to Thursday) at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon. The first auction day (October 22) is scheduled for fast food stalls and wet goods stalls, while the second auction day (October 23) and the third auction day (October 24) are scheduled for dry goods stalls. The auction sessions are scheduled from 9am to 12.30pm (AM session) and 2pm until completion of the auction (PM session). Due to the limited number of seats, those who are interested in bidding for a specific type of stalls at the Victoria Park LNY fair are invited to participate in the respective auction at the Lai Chi Kok Government Offices on the designated date.
     
         The auction for stalls of Tat Tung Road Garden LNY Fair in Tung Chung will be held at the above-mentioned venue on October 25 (Friday). The auction session is scheduled from 9.30am until completion of the auction.
          
         The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Cheung Sha Wan Playground and Fa Hui Park in Sham Shui Po, Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground in Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong Recreation Ground in Kwun Tong will be held at the above-mentioned venue from October 28 to 31. The auction sessions are scheduled from 9am or 9.30am to 12.30pm (AM session) and 2pm until completion of the auction (PM session).
     
         Details of the auctions are as follows:
     
    Victoria Park (Causeway Bay)
    ——————————————–
    Number of stalls: 395
     
    Auction date: October 22 (Tuesday)
    AM session: Fast food (Stall Nos. A to D) and wet goods (Stall Nos. 217 to 276)
    PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 277 to 391)
    Opening prices:
    Fast food: $120,470
    Wet goods: $6,530
     
    Auction date: October 23 (Wednesday)
    AM session: Dry goods (Stall Nos. 1 to 20 and 51 to 76)
    PM session: Dry goods (Stall Nos. 21 to 40 and 77 to 109)
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods (regular size): $8,540
    Dry goods (large size): $12,810
     
    Auction date: October 24 (Thursday)
    AM session: Dry goods (Stall Nos. 41 to 50 and 110 to 168)
    PM session: Dry goods (Stall Nos. 169 to 216)
    Opening price:
    Dry goods (regular size): $8,540
    Dry goods (large size): $12,810
     
    Tat Tung Road Garden (Tung Chung)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: October 25 (Friday)
    Number of stalls: 27
    Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $380
    Dry goods (regular size): $450
    Dry goods (large size): $680
     
    Cheung Sha Wan Playground (Sham Shui Po)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: October 28 (Monday)
    Number of stalls: 89
    AM session: Wet goods
    PM session: Fast food and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $500
    Fast food: $2,290
    Dry goods (regular size): $550
    Dry goods (large size): $830
     
    Fa Hui Park (Sham Shui Po)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: October 29 (Tuesday)
    Number of stalls: 136
    AM session: Wet goods
    PM session: Fast food and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $3,540
    Fast food: $17,480
    Dry goods (regular size): $7,800
    Dry goods (large size): $11,700
     
    Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground (Wong Tai Sin)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: October 30 (Wednesday)
    Number of stalls: 76
    AM session: Wet goods
    PM session: Fast food and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $1,500
    Fast food: $5,000
    Dry goods (regular size): $1,370
    Dry goods (large size): $2,060
     
    Kwun Tong Recreation Ground (Kwun Tong)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: October 31 (Thursday)
    Number of stalls: 89
    AM session: Wet goods
    PM session: Fast food and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $2,180
    Fast food: $3,030
    Dry goods (regular size): $2,130
    Dry goods (large size): $3,200
     
         In the New Territories, 521 wet goods stalls, 230 dry goods stalls and seven fast food stalls will be set up at nine fairs. They are located at Sha Tsui Road Playground in Tsuen Wan, Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square in Tai Po, Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground in Yuen Long, Tin Hau Temple Plaza in Tuen Mun, Man Yee Playground in Sai Kung, Po Hong Park in Tseung Kwan O, Shek Wu Hui Playground in North District, Kwai Chung Sports Ground in Kwai Tsing and Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin.
     
         The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long and Kwai Tsing will be held at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, on November 1, 5 and 11. The auction sessions are scheduled from 9am to 12.30pm (AM session) and 2pm until completion of the auction (PM session).
     
         The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Tai Po, Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O, North District and Sha Tin will be held at the above-mentioned venue on November 4, 7, 8 and 12. The auction session is scheduled from 9am or 9.30am until completion of the auction.
     
         The auction for stalls of Tin Hau Temple Plaza LNY fair in Tuen Mun will be held at Tseng Choi Street Community Hall, 27 Tseng Choi Street, Tuen Mun, on November 6. The auction session is scheduled from 9.30am until completion of the auction.
     
         Details of the auctions are as follows:
     
    Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 1 (Friday)
    Number of stalls: 126
    AM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 1 to 64)
    PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 65 to 96) and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $1,770
    Dry goods (regular size): $8,480
    Dry goods (large size): $12,720
     
    Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square (Tai Po)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 4 (Monday)
    Number of stalls: 61
    Stall types: Dry goods, wet goods and fast food
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods: $1,450
    Wet goods: $2,270
    Fast food: $5,480
     
    Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 5 (Tuesday)
    Number of stalls: 158
    AM session: Dry goods and wet goods (Stall Nos. 57 to 72)
    PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 77 to 156) and fast food
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods (regular size): $1,350
    Dry goods (large size): $2,030
    Wet goods: $700
    Fast food: $5,480
     
    Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 6 (Wednesday)
    Number of stalls: 57
    Stall types: Wet goods, dry goods and fast food
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $1,490
    Dry goods: $2,140
    Fast food: $2,740
     
    Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 7 (Thursday)
    Number of stalls: 20
    Stall types: Dry goods and wet goods
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods: $450
    Wet goods: $380
     
    Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 7 (Thursday)
    Number of stalls: 90
    Stall types: Dry goods, wet goods and fast food
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
    Dry goods (large size): $2,310
    Wet goods: $830
    Fast food: $4,570
     
    Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 8 (Friday)
    Number of stalls: 73
    Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $710
    Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
    Dry goods (large size): $2,310
     
    Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 11 (Monday)
    Number of stalls: 98
    AM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 1 to 56)
    PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 57 to 76) and dry goods
    Opening prices:
    Wet goods: $490
    Dry goods (regular size): $2,250
    Dry goods (large size): $3,380
     
    Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin)
    ——————————————–
    Auction date: November 12 (Tuesday)
    Number of stalls: 75
    Stall types: Dry goods and wet goods
    Opening prices:
    Dry goods (regular size): $4,570
    Dry goods (large size): $6,860
    Wet goods: $3,580
     
         Bidders for LNY fair stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong.
     
         Anyone can bid for more than one stall. A bidder must pay the bid price and register in person with his or her own name as the licensee of the stall immediately after successfully bidding for a stall. The bidder is also required to sign at once a licence agreement with the FEHD, or he/she will forfeit the rights to operate the stall.
     
         All fair sites will be made available to the licensees three days in advance of the fairs (from January 20 to 22, 2025) for the setting up of stalls. In the event of any unforeseeable incident that will cause reduction of the whole licence period (including the duration for setting up stalls and the business period of the fair), the Government has the right to postpone the commencement date and shorten the duration of the period. The bidding price (licence fee) paid will be refunded to the successful bidder on a pro-rata basis without interest.
     
         Stall licensees must completely remove the stall structure and all paraphernalia, together with all refuse, debris and unsold commodities (whether damaged or otherwise), from the licensed area before 7am on January 29, 2025 (9am for the Victoria Park LNY Fair).
     
         The FEHD reminded licensees that the stalls are solely for the purpose of selling and promoting the sale of the permitted commodities, and no other activities are allowed in the licensed area. If the FEHD considers that any activity conducted by the licensee to publicise, promote, display, show or sell any permitted commodities in the venue is unlawful, contrary to the interest of national security, immoral or incompatible with the object of the LNY fair, the FEHD is entitled to direct the licensee to stop conducting such activities, and the licensee must immediately comply with the direction.
     
         Stall licensees should not destroy, damage or abandon any unsold commodities at or in the vicinity of the stall. They may surrender unsold flowers and plants left behind at the stall to the FEHD at no charge, cost or compensation whatsoever, before 7am on January 29, 2025 (9am for the Victoria Park LNY Fair).
     
         According to the licence agreement, except inside designated stalls, licensees must not keep, store or use any compressed helium cylinder in the licensed area. Whereas licensees of the designated stalls may keep, store or use helium cylinders in the licensed area, the quantity of helium should be such that a licence is not required pursuant to the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295E), i.e. equivalent to 150 litres of helium. Sales of floating LED glowing balloons and aquarium fish by stall licensees are prohibited at the LNY fairs.
     
         In addition, as stated in the licence agreement, the height of dry goods stalls must not exceed three metres from ground level. The height of wet goods stalls and fast food stalls must not exceed 4.5m from ground level. For wet goods stalls and fast food stalls with a height of more than 3m from ground level, the licensee must, at his own costs, provide the FEHD with the original certificate issued by an authorised person, a registered structural engineer, or a competent person under the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (Cap. 59I) to certify the structural safety of the structure in the licensed area before the fair is opened to the public. The licensee must also affix a copy of the aforesaid certificate on the structure of the stall.
     
         Successful bidders shall comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.
     
         Details of the 2025 LNY fairs, such as the public notice, the locations and layouts of the fair venues, commodities allowed for sale at the fair stalls, open auction arrangements and related rules, and a sample of the licence agreement, are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call the FEHD hotline 2868 0000.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Submissions open for Te Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan Final Draft

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  09 October 2024

    Te Tapatoru ā Toi Joint Management Committee Chair Vince Copeland says the plan has been under development by Te Tapatoru ā Toi (TTāT), with the support of DOC, to put taiao at the centre of all decision making for the reserves – Moutohorā/Whale Island Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve – known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

    “The Committee worked closely with hapū, technical experts and stakeholders to develop a plan of how we expect to care for, protect, and relate to Te Tāpui Tokotoru over the next 10 years.”

    TTāT was established through the Ngāti Awa Settlement Act in 2005 and has representatives from Ngāti Awa, the community, and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

    The floor is now open for the community to have their say on whether the plan meets the needs and interests of all who enjoy Te Tāpui Tokotoru (the three reserves).

    “We invite you to share your feedback with us, and to be part of bringing the vision to life over the next 10 years,” says Vince.

    Submissions will be open from 9 October to 1 December, with public hearings on 15/16 November at Te Whare o Toroa Marae.

    The draft plan can be viewed on the DOC website copies can be viewed at DOC Whakatāne or Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa reception.

    Submissions may be emailed to ttat@doc.govt.nz, or posted to 9 Louvain Street, Whakatāne, 3120.

    Background information

    The Te Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan (TTāT CMP or CMP), is a statutory planning document describing how public conservation lands and waters will be cared for, protected and managed into the future.

    The CMP sets the strategic direction for the management of Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve, known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

    The name Tapatoru-ā-Toi symbolises the connection between, and the shared responsibility to care for, these treasured reserves. The name draws upon the symbolism of the triangle (tapatoru) to:

    • bring together the three reserves, Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve
    • reference the relationship between the three groupings of Ngāti Awa, Department of Conservation, and the community
    • recognise the three articles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa.

    Toi-te-huatahi is the esteemed ancestor of Ngāti Awa who dwelled within the bounds of the land and sea of these three significant places.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: OCR decision a welcome relief for working people

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney said the decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points (0.5%) to 4.75% will be a welcome relief to workers facing higher unemployment and a struggling economy. “The Reserve Bank has been forced into a significant cut because the economy has failed to fire. Weak consumer spending, weak business investment, weak house prices, and a weakening labour market all put our economic recovery at risk.”

    “The Government is expecting the Reserve Bank to do all the work and support economic growth. Rather than supporting the economy and working people through difficult times, this Government has chosen to cut spending and investment, and is happy to see unemployment rise to levels not seen for a long time. These are choices, and the Government could invest now to deliver the growth we need for the future. Simply cutting interest rates returns to the economy of the past – and all the problems it already had”.

    “While many people will welcome lower interest rates, and some retailers will welcome the potential for additional spending, the rate cut is not a sign of strength in the economy but is a recognition of its weakness. We need to build a better economy,  one with good work and higher incomes. Nothing in the government’s plan for cuts delivers that.” Renney said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland’s cultural institutions collaborate to deliver improvements

    Source: Auckland Council

    A significant milestone has been reached as Auckland’s major cultural organisations join forces to tackle long–standing challenges and enhance collaboration. 

    The Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT, and Stardome, each operate independently under different outdated laws. These individual arrangements have not encouraged collaboration within the sector or enabled Auckland Council to specify and monitor outcomes to make the most of available funding. 

    Deputy Mayor, Councillor Desley Simpson, who has led a political working group to come up with this solution, says agreement has now been reached on how to address these concerns.   

    “For years, the council has acknowledged our cultural institutions were set up to work separately and we invested significantly on reports and reviews to try and fix that,” Cr Simpson says. 

    “Now, after a lot of time, effort, debate and discussion, we have delivered a way forward. Most importantly, we’ve found an approach that is supported by our wonderful cultural institutions themselves who have been an integral part of this journey.”

    The working group’s two-stage solution will address issues identified in external reviews dating back to 2015. Previous discussions have not led to tangible changes to address these, until now.  

    Phase one will focus on achieving better outcomes through collaboration, and a newly formed alliance will play a key role in this effort. The new alliance will bring together the Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT, Stardome, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which owns and operates Auckland Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum and Auckland Zoo, to leverage shared resources and talent. This collaboration will lead to more efficient promotion and programming, coordinated advertising and marketing, and the ability to tell a culturally cohesive Auckland story. 

    Phase two will involve updating outdated laws to better support this collaboration and enhance outcomes relative to the council’s funding. 

    Cr Simpson says she’s pleased that all her fellow councillors have chosen to support a more sustainable and effective path forward for each of these key cultural institutions that are unique, valued and much loved.  

    The council’s Governing Body unanimously agreed to progress the recommendations at its meeting on 26 September 2024.  

    Read more about the recommendations here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West Coast summer highway maintenance: chocks away

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Expect to see more road crews and traffic managers out and about repairing and re-sealing highways and keeping everyone safe around the West Coast and Buller  from now into the New Year, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    Please give them a friendly wave, says NZTA.

    “Most road maintenance can only happen over the summer months, as the increased daylight hours, warmer temperatures and dry air are needed for the chip seal surfacing to stick to the pavements below,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

    ”Our crews – contractors and sub-contractors – have a tight schedule, working through extremely variable conditions over the summer. We all appreciate people building in extra time to reduce stress when the highways are getting busy, often with people unfamiliar with the local road layouts.”

    On the West Coast there are two major rehabilitation sites this summer maintenance season:

    • SH73 at Jacksons, east of Kumara, from Monday, 14 October through to late November. Working hours are 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays and weather dependent). 
    • SH6 at Fergusons Bush, south of Ross (south of Hokitika), starting after Christmas in the New Year. 

    There will be single lane and Stop/Go traffic management at both these sites, with minor delays, depending on the activity on the day. 

    Keep up to date with actual delays on the NZTA Journey Planner:

    https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions(external link)

    All work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

    What else is happening to keep West Coast highways smooth?

    The West Coast reseal programme for summer 2024/25 includes 131 lane kilometres between Mohikinui north of Westport to the Haast Pass in the south and all places in between, between now and the end of March 2025. Expect up to 20-minute delays if you strike a crew busy at work.

    “Maintenance crews also will be out in force completing other pavement repairs throughout the network,” says Miss Whinham.

    Asphalting to come in Greymouth

    “We also have asphalt work planned on Tainui and High Streets in Greymouth, and further details of this will be provided closer to the time. 

    “Thanks for your patience and supporting our crews while this work is done. 

    “And if you have any concerns with the work being carried out, contact NZTA 0800 4 HIGHWAYS – 0800 44 44 49.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Site clearance work to begin alongside SH2, near Kennedy Road off-ramp, Hawke’s Bay

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Works begin next week alongside State Highway 2 (SH2), south of Taradale Road roundabout, to remove vegetation and prepare the site for further works.

    Contractors will set up on the section of land adjacent to the Kennedy Road off-ramp in Napier from Monday 14 October, with these works expected to take a few weeks.

    “SH2 is an incredibly important connection for the region – the spine connecting Napier to Hastings and beyond. This section of SH2 between the roundabouts at Taradale Road and Pākowhai/Links Road, where the vegetation will be cleared away, is the most congested section during peak traffic,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge.

    “When we do this work we’ll also put environmental controls in place by way of silt fences to ensure debris doesn’t enter Purimu Stream once the vegetation cover is removed.

    “NZTA will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and work as quickly as possible. We thank road users and residents nearby in advance for their patience and understanding as this important site clearance work is carried out,” says Mr Partridge.

    Traffic impacts

    As a result of the work, from 14 October, the right-hand turning lane into Kennedy Road from the northbound offramp will be closed.

    NZTA encourages road users to instead drive to the Taradale Road roundabout and exit the highway there. The detour route will be clearly sign posted.

    People still wishing to exit onto Kennedy Road will need to turn left onto Kennedy Road towards Greenmeadows and then right at the roundabout onto Taradale Road.

    Road users are also advised of a lower 50km/h temporary speed limit in place on this stretch of the highway, while the work is carried out.

    Traffic will also be held (where traffic is temporarily stopped) for short periods at a time during this work.

    A section of the shared-user path adjacent to the northbound lane of the highway will be closed for the duration of this work. Alternative pathways on Konini Crescent and Downing Avenue will be available.

    Detours will be in place for the duration of this work (expected to be a few weeks) and may be in place for up to 3-4 months if further works are approved.

    Section of highway where the clearance work will be undertaken.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: World-first fire aviation simulator launched

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    CFA has created a world-first mixed reality fire aviation simulator which will improve the training and skills of hundreds of the state’s eyes in the sky.

    The aviation simulator has state-of-the-art mixed reality goggles with a 280-degree view of the surrounding landscape which provides real-world training and skill testing in a safe, controlled environment.

    The simulator was officially launched today (9 October) at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) at Bangholme by Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes alongside CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Fiona Dunstan and aviation specialists.

    The $640,000 project was jointly funded by CFA and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

    A prototype trailer of the aviation simulator was originally designed and developed by CFA Aviation Commander John Katakouzinos AFSM, who started the project in his garage during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

    This trailer-based prototype is still being utilised by aviation members across the state.

    CFA Aviation Commander John Katakouzinos AFSM said due to the success of the prototype, the need for a permanent aviation simulator became evident.

    “The simulator allows aviation volunteers and staff to undertake mapping, air attack missions, direct aircraft and practise communication and radio skills in a simulated environment,” John said.

    “It replicates the interior of an aircraft and uses photorealistic mapping software and communication technology to immerse pilots and students in the flight experience.

    “It’s also designed to be programmed to train students in any scenario in any of the aircraft used for aerial firefighting in Australia, including re-enacting past operations for pre-season training.”

    Both the prototype and new permanent aviation simulators have achieved successful training outcomes with over 300 Air Attack Supervisors, Air Observers and Airborne Mission Commanders trained or reaccredited over the past few years.

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan commends John and everyone who worked hard to develop this world-first technology.

    “The new aviation simulator at Bangholme as well as the existing simulator trailer are vital assets for aviation training across Victoria,” said Jason.

    “Aviation is important for providing intelligence and support to our crews on the ground during a fire and we’re excited to be able to share this simulator with our partner agencies.”

    There has already been further interest from our airborne partners with a portable aviation trailer being built for NSW Parks and Wildlife.

    • From L-R: CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, CFA Board Chair Jo Plummer, Minister Jaclyn Symes, CFA Aviation Commander John Katakouzinos , FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Fiona Dunstan
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Bill restoring Samoan Citizenship progresses

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Labour is pleased the Samoan Citizenship Bill has unanimous support as it enters second reading.

    The Bill would provide the right to New Zealand citizenship to people who were born in Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949, and whose citizenship was removed by the 1982 Act.

    “This is about righting a historic wrong for those born in Samoa who had their citizenship revoked under the 1982 Act, when they were rightly entitled to it,” Pacific Peoples spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “I want to firstly thank the tens of thousands who made submissions, marched in the streets, and shared their stories with the committee. Your voices helped shape this Bill.

    “I also acknowledge our Cook Island colleague Teanau Tuiono for putting this member’s bill in the ballot.

    “This shows the importance of having Pacific representation across political parties and the way issues pertaining to our communities can be prioritised. We may be Pacific MPs from different parties, but on issues like this, we work together for the good of our people.

    “Labour has supported this Bill from the start and will continue to fully support it.

    “We know how much this means to our Samoan aiga and we’re certainly standing with them – it is the right thing to do and honours the spirit of the Government’s formal Dawn Raids apology,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “During the select committee process, we also heard from the community that they want Samoa-New Zealand visas to be reviewed. We would be supportive of the Government exploring these settings,” Labour Pacific Caucus Chair Jenny Salesa said.

    “I know our Pacific Labour MPs have been consistently engaging with their local Samoan communities. We’ve attended numerous public hearings where our communities’ confronting stories were heard and pleas for justice were made.

    “Labour has heard the call and encourages our Samoan and wider-Pacific whānau to stay engaged on this issue as it enters the House for second reading,” Jenny Salesa said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: A service for interaction between science and business has opened in Moscow

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow Innovation Cluster launched a service to establish connections between science and business R. He told about this Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “It will help to integrate scientific developments into the real sector of the economy more quickly and efficiently. Two scientific organizations and 14 universities of the capital have joined the service, eight of which have the special status of national research university,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    These include Lomonosov Moscow State University, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

    Scientists and students conduct research for the subsequent implementation of developments at large businesses. Research teams have more than 400 laboratories equipped with advanced equipment at their disposal.

    More than 300 requests have already been received from oil refining, transport, medical, metallurgical, energy, railway, and electric grid companies. Each application is accompanied by experts and the necessary laboratory is selected to implement the project.

    Sobyanin: Lomonosov Cluster Plays Leading Role in Import Substitution Development

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11874050/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –