Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled five new models as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the Egyptian market.
At an event held earlier this week at Abdin Palace, the carmaker unveiled the Arrizo 5 FL, Arrizo 8, Tiggo 7 Pro Max, Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Tiggo 9 PHEV.
Shen Xiantian, CEO of Chery Egypt, said the carmaker will accelerate the transition to hybrid and smart vehicle technologies and work with global partners and suppliers to build a global sales, service and production network.
“We are currently establishing eight R&D centers, 10 manufacturing plants and parts distribution centers in key regions around the world,” Shen Xiantian said, adding that the automaker will “strengthen local partnerships to meet the needs of regional end users and partners.”
According to the company, Chery will sell more than 580,000 new energy vehicles in 2024, up 232.7 percent year-on-year. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WELLINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) — More than 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants across New Zealand began a 24-hour strike on Wednesday morning after talks with authorities over wages and recruitment ended in failure.
The wages offered by the New Zealand Ministry of Health are not satisfactory for nurses and staff shortages are becoming a serious problem.
According to national radio station Radio New Zealand, the country’s Ministry of Health offered a 3 per cent pay rise over 27 months, while the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) counter-offered a 5 per cent pay rise over two years.
Meanwhile, data obtained by NZNO from the New Zealand Ministry of Health shows that more than half of day shifts in hospital surgeries were understaffed last year.
NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter has accused the government of failing to meet urgent demands for staff to fill positions identified as essential to ensure safe staffing.
“NZNO has expressed concern about the chronic and ongoing staff shortages throughout the collective agreement negotiation process that began in September last year,” Pg Goulter said.
However, life-saving services will continue to be provided. “The public can be assured that we have an agreement with NZNO to support life-saving services throughout the strike and our hospitals and emergency departments will continue to operate,” said New Zealand Health chief executive Dr Dale Bramley. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
YANGON, July 31 (Xinhua) — A total of 10,395 people from 2,298 families have been evacuated to 24 temporary shelters due to flooding in Hpa-an township in Kayin state, state broadcaster Myanmar Radio Television reported late Wednesday.
The evacuation was carried out by disaster management committee members, firefighters, the Myanmar Red Cross Society and community organisations on Wednesday as the water level of the Thanlwin River exceeded the danger mark due to heavy rain, the statement said.
Water levels rose about six feet above the danger mark on Thursday and are expected to remain at that level for at least another day, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
The Kayin State Government, in collaboration with philanthropists, is providing basic food items, while the Ministry of Health is providing medical care and other services, the statement said. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Uzbekistan’s food exports increased by 44 percent in the first six months of 2025, the press service of the head of Uzbekistan reported on Wednesday.
“On July 30, a videoconference meeting was held under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on issues of increasing the export of fruit and vegetable and food products,” the statement said.
“In the first 6 months of this year, food exports grew by 44 percent, amounting to 1,326 million dollars. The geography of exports expanded to 16 new countries,” the report noted.
Uzbekistan’s agricultural reforms are reportedly gaining international recognition. This month, Uzbekistan was elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This opens up broad opportunities to advance national and regional initiatives and attract additional investment. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Recently, under the auspices of the Jilin Provincial Komsomol Committee and Tonghua Normal University, a student internship entitled “Developing the Spirit of the Anti-Japanese United Army – Resolute Youth Ready for Responsibility” was organized to study the culture of the Northeast China Anti-Japanese United Army.
The event brought together 140 teachers and students from 15 practical teams representing 13 universities in and outside Jilin Province. The participants retraced the steps of the revolution and delved into important revolutionary sites and museums in the province, including three iconic formation and battlefields of the Anti-Japanese Allied Army, as well as three “cradles” of China’s industry. Through hands-on learning, historical immersion, and discussion, the teams grasped the modern reinterpretation of the spirit of the Anti-Japanese Allied Army in Northeast China, which helps consolidate the resolute youth force to serve the motherland.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — In 2024, China made continuous efforts to implement information technology in social services such as medical care, health care, social security, employment and elderly care, bringing people a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.
By the end of 2024, the number of users of online medical services in China will reach 418 million, and the country will have 1.07 billion users of electronic social security cards, Wen Ruisong, an official with the State Internet Information Office, said on Wednesday at an event to release a report on the development of informatization in China.
The aforementioned report states that in terms of the level of information technology development among China’s provincial-level administrative units, the top ten places are occupied by Beijing City, Zhejiang Province, Shanghai City, Guangdong Province, Jiangsu Province, Shandong Province, Fujian Province, Sichuan Province, Chongqing City and Tianjin City.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
YINCHUAN, July 31 (Xinhua) — The China-Central Asia Cooperation Center on Desertification Prevention and Control was launched on Wednesday under the Forestry and Grassland Administration of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The establishment of the center is an important step in implementing the outcomes of the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit and is intended to contribute to the construction of the green Belt and Road.
As it became known, under the auspices of the center, 6 demonstration practice-oriented bases will be created, primarily concerning the establishment of production with the specificity of sandy terrain, the development of plant varieties adapted to the conditions of sandy soils and the improvement of territories subject to erosion. It is planned to implement practical cooperation in the relevant areas with the countries of Central Asia. Deepening cooperation in technology transfer, project implementation, professional training and in other areas, as emphasized, should lead to an increase in the overall potential for preventing and combating desertification.
Ningxia is the only provincial-level region in China that has the status of a model zone for preventing and combating desertification, which pays serious attention to international cooperation: 24 cooperation projects have been implemented to date. Experts from 72 countries and regions of the world and international organizations have become familiar with Ningxia’s experience by personally visiting this Chinese region. It also periodically organizes international seminars on this issue.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China’s manufacturing sector weakened slightly in July due to seasonal factors, but the fundamental conditions for economic growth remained in place, new industries are gaining momentum and business confidence continues to strengthen.
China’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 49.3 in July, down 0.4 percentage points from June, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Thursday.
China’s manufacturing industry has entered its traditional low season, with the situation further affected by abnormally high temperatures and natural disasters, including heavy rains and floods in some regions, said NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe.
Despite the overall decline, Zhao Qinghe noted that a number of sub-indices showed positive dynamics. The business activity index in high-tech manufacturing was 50.6, and in equipment manufacturing – 50.3, both indicators remained above the threshold separating growth and decline.
Market expectations have improved markedly. The business expectations index rose to 52.6, up from 52 in June. Particularly optimistic were sectors such as automobile manufacturing, railway equipment manufacturing and electrical equipment manufacturing, with their expectations indexes exceeding 55.
Other positive signals revealed by the data include steady growth in the manufacturing index, continued price recovery and stable growth in large enterprises. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CANBERRA, July 31 (Xinhua) — For the Australian federal government, recognizing Palestine is a matter of “when, not if,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC on Thursday.
“There are still a number of obstacles to recognizing a Palestinian state. For example, the treatment of hostages, their release, ensuring that Hamas plays absolutely no role,” Chalmers said.
He made the statement shortly before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country’s intention to recognize Palestinian statehood at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September.
On Tuesday, foreign ministers from 15 countries, including Australia and Canada, issued a joint statement reaffirming their “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution for Palestine.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under pressure from his fellow party members to recognize Palestinian statehood, ABC reported Thursday. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the actor, screenwriter, and TV presenter on his 80th birthday.
The telegram, in particular, notes:
“You are rightfully considered a legend of Russian television. Talent and creative energy, subtle irony allowed you to become one of the brightest TV presenters. For many years you have been on the air of the capital show “Field of Miracles”. Thanks to you, the program continues to enjoy great popularity.
I wish you creative success, interesting projects, health and all the best.”
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Meeting of Alexander Novak with the co-chairman of the Joint Russian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak made a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He met with the co-chairman of the Joint Russian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.
The participants discussed cooperation within the Joint Russian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and the results of the implementation of the instructions of the co-chairs of the commission following the last meeting. The parties noted with satisfaction the recent opening of direct flights between the two countries, the signing of several memorandums of understanding in various areas, such as industry, education, media, as well as in terms of organizing the Hajj.
During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for increasing trade turnover and expanding cooperation in key economic sectors of mutual interest. The parties also discussed preparations for the ninth meeting of the intergovernmental commission, which will be held in Riyadh on November 6 this year.
Another topic of negotiations was the situation on the oil market and the prospects for cooperation between the two countries within OPEC.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 28–29, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Svyatoslav Sorokin visited the Kaliningrad Region on a working visit. One of the key topics was the development of infrastructure on the Baltic Sea coast. The Ministry of Economic Development gave a positive opinion on the region’s application to build the Belaya Dune resort — the project can receive preferential financing through the mechanism of treasury infrastructure loans.
The resort “White Dune” near the village of Yantarny has been applied for funding under the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”. The application involves the construction of engineering infrastructure – access roads, electricity and gas supply systems.
“The region is counting on treasury loans at 3% per annum for a period of 15 years. We have given a positive opinion on the application. The final decision will be made by the presidium of the government commission on regional development,” said Svyatoslav Sorokin.
The main topic of the trip was monitoring the implementation of the state program “Socio-economic development of the Kaliningrad region”. Over 10 years, 400 billion rubles were allocated from the federal budget within the framework of the program. These funds made it possible to build more than 200 objects – from roads and hospitals to coastal protection.
The Deputy Minister inspected the facilities in Svetlogorsk: work is underway to build an embankment and anti-landslide structures.
“The program remains a strategic instrument for the development of the region. It is important that the authorities of the Kaliningrad Region respond flexibly to changes related to the challenges of the time, including the consequences of sanctions pressure on business. We also discussed options for solving these problems with colleagues. A comprehensive approach is needed: maximum use of various types of support from the federal budget and prompt development of regional programs where necessary. The Kaliningrad Region is already taking serious steps in this direction,” noted Svyatoslav Sorokin.
Currently, the region has a Special Economic Zone with more than 300 residents. Companies have already invested over 300 billion rubles, creating jobs and tax returns.
“SEZ residents produce about 40% of all goods and services in the region and provide half of the tax revenues. They are key employers and investors,” the deputy minister emphasized.
During the visit, Svyatoslav Sorokin visited two key enterprises in the region. The Sodruzhestvo Group of Companies is a leading producer of plant protein for the feed industry, providing up to 15% of the needs of the entire feed industry in Russia. The company is one of the five largest taxpayers in the region.
The Avtotor Group of Companies is one of the largest employers in the region, and together with related industries, it provides employment for over 30,000 people. The company is currently implementing a project to launch the production of compact electric vehicles on its own technological platform.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.146 [2025]
(Open Market Operations Office, July 31, 2025)
The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB283.2 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 31, 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 31) the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2025.
According to the advance estimates, GDP increased by 3.1% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.0% in the first quarter.
Analysed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure increased by 1.9% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 1.2% in the first quarter.
Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 2.5% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.9% in the first quarter.
Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased by 2.9% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, following the increase of 1.1% in the first quarter.
Over the same period, total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 11.5% in real terms over a year earlier, accelerated further from the growth of 8.4% in the first quarter. Imports of goods measured in national accounts terms grew by 12.7% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 7.2% in the first quarter.
Exports of services rose further by 7.5% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, after the increase of 6.3% in the first quarter. Imports of services increased by 7.0% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 4.7% in the first quarter.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 0.4% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 when compared with the first quarter.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong economy continued to expand solidly in the second quarter of 2025, supported by strong exports performance and improved domestic demand. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew by 3.1% over a year earlier, picking up slightly from the preceding quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose further by 0.4%.
Analysed by major expenditure component, total exports of goods saw accelerated growth, as the external demand was resilient and the temporary easing of US tariff measures led to some “rush shipments”. Exports of services continued to expand notably, thanks to strong growth in inbound tourism, further expansion in cross-boundary traffic, and vibrant financial and related business service activities amid the buoyant local stock market. Domestically, private consumption expenditure resumed moderate growth after four consecutive quarters of decline, as supported by the stabilisation in the domestic consumption market. Meanwhile, overall investment expenditure increased further alongside the economic expansion.
The Hong Kong economy exhibited remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025. Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Asia, particularly in the Mainland, combined with the Government’s various measures to bolster consumption sentiment, attract investment, diversify markets, and promote economic growth, will continue to provide steadfast support for various segments of the Hong Kong economy. Nevertheless, uncertainties in the external environment remain elevated. The US’ renewed tariff hikes of late will exert pressure on global trade flows as well as its domestic economic activity and inflation. The uncertain pace of US interest rate cuts will also affect investment sentiment. Moreover, the “rush shipment” effect is expected to fade later this year. Hong Kong’s economic performance going forward will, to a certain extent, depend on how these factors evolve.
The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the second quarter of 2025, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2025, will be released on August 15, 2025.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP and selected major expenditure components in real terms from the second quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1.
For enquiries about statistics on GDP by expenditure component, please contact the National Income Branch (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 5077 or email: gdp-e@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (July 31).
The value of total retail sales in June 2025, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, increased by 0.7% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in May 2025 increased by 2.4% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 3.3% compared with the same period in 2024.
Of the total retail sales value in June 2025, online sales accounted for 8.5%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.5 billion, increased by 8.4% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in May 2025 decreased by 1.2% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 0.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in June 2025 decreased by 0.3% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in May 2025 increased by 1.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 4.7% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.
Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing June 2025 with June 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 6.8%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+7.2% in value); commodities in supermarkets (+0.4%); medicines and cosmetics (+6.0%); commodities in department stores (+5.7%); and optical shops (+1.0%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of wearing apparel decreased by 4.3% in June 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-1.5% in value); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-9.3%); motor vehicles and parts (-6.0%); fuels (-8.7%); furniture and fixtures (-16.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.2%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-2.0%); and books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-4.7%).
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.7%.
Commentary
A government spokesman said that retail sales showed signs of stabilisation in recent months. The value of total retail sales increased further by 0.7% in June 2025 over the year.
Looking ahead, the spokesman said continued increase in employment earnings, buoyant local stock market, coupled with the Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events and also enterprises’ strenuous effort in providing more diversified experiences would provide support to the consumption sentiment in the domestic market and businesses of the retail sector.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.
The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.
Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government’s financial results for three months ended June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025 HK$ millionJune 30, 2025 HK$ millionand repayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government BondsGovernment Bonds*and repayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at June 30, 2025 (Note 3) HK$323,357 million Debts Guaranteed by Government as at June 30, 2025 (Note 4) HK$121,369 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
June 30, 2025 HK$ millionJune 30, 2025 HK$ millionissuance and repayment of Government Bonds(Note 5)Notes:
1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at June 30, 2025, was HK$216,709 million.Issued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (July 31) published the unaudited financial position of the Exchange Fund at end-June 2025.
The Exchange Fund recorded an investment income of HK$194.4 billion in the first half of 2025. The main components were:
gains on bonds of HK$75.3 billion;
gains on Hong Kong equities of HK$22.9 billion;
gains on other equities of HK$27.4 billion;
positive currency translation effect of HK$56.8 billion on non-Hong Kong dollar assets (Note 1); and
gains on other investments of HK$12.0 billion (Note 2).
Fees on placements by the Fiscal Reserves and placements by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government funds and statutory bodies were HK$8.5 billion (Note 3) and HK$8.3 billion respectively in the first half of 2025, with the rate of fee payment at 4.4 per cent for 2025.
Total assets of the Exchange Fund stood at HK$4,297.1 billion at end-June 2025, an increase of HK$216.1 billion from the end of 2024. Accumulated surplus stood at HK$877.9 billion at end-June 2025.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The global financial markets experienced significant volatility in the first half of 2025 due to escalating trade barriers and frictions, as well as intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In particular, following the announcement of a series of aggressive tariff measures by the US Government in early April, the global financial markets underwent massive sell-offs, with the equity and bond markets experiencing sharp declines. The S&P 500 fell by roughly 12 per cent over a few days since April 3. The 10-year US Treasury yield also surged by 50 basis points to around 4.5 per cent within a week in April, registering the sharpest weekly change since the pandemic outbreak in 2020.
As the US and major economies made progress in tariff negotiations, investor confidence stabilised and global equity markets rebounded. The Hong Kong equities also benefitted from capital inflows and the Hang Seng Index rose by about 20 per cent in the first half. As for the bond market, the US Fed kept its monetary policy target unchanged in the first half of the year. Hence, US bond yields stayed at relatively high levels, generating good interest income for the Exchange Fund’s bond portfolio.
Against this backdrop, the Exchange Fund recorded a decent investment income in the first half of 2025, with positive returns across major asset classes of bonds, equities and alternative investments. The weakening of the US dollar against major currencies in the first half also resulted in significant positive currency translation effect on the Exchange Fund’s assets.”
He added, “While the Exchange Fund achieved good returns in the first half of the year, the investment landscape in the second half remains highly uncertain. The uncertainty of US Government’s economic and trade policies will affect international capital flows, as well as corporates’ earnings and investment decisions. Any increase in trade frictions or deterioration in geopolitical situations may cause a slowdown in global economic growth, and may also trigger a sharp reversal of market optimism, bringing shocks to the financial markets. In addition, the pace of adjustments of the Fed’s monetary policy and concerns over the US Government’s debt servicing ability may also affect the performance of US dollar assets and the US dollar against other currencies. While a sizeable part of the Exchange Fund’s investment income in the first half was from the positive foreign currency translation effect, these valuation changes are subject to fluctuations and may not be sustained in the second half of the year.
In the face of the complex and volatile investment environment, the HKMA will continue to adhere to the principle of capital preservation first while maintaining long-term growth. We will continue to manage the Exchange Fund with prudence and flexibility, implement appropriate defensive measures, and maintain a high degree of liquidity. We will also continue our investment diversification to strive for higher long-term returns, and ensure that the Exchange Fund remains effective in achieving its purpose of maintaining monetary and financial stability of Hong Kong.”
Note 1: This is primarily the effect of translating foreign currency assets into Hong Kong dollar after deducting the portion for currency hedging. Note 2: This is the valuation change of investments held by investment holding subsidiaries of the Exchange Fund. This figure reflects the valuations at the end of March 2025. Valuation changes of these investments from April to June are not yet available. Note 3: This does not include the 2025 fee payment to the Future Fund because such amount will only be disclosed when the composite rate for 2025 is available.
The Government today announced the revision of the eligibility criteria for government-subsidised post-secondary student places and subsidies.
The revision – which will introduce two categories of tuition fees and revise the eligibility criteria – will apply to the 2027-28 academic year and thereafter.
Under the current admissions arrangements, dependant visa/entry permit holders who were below 18 years old when first issued with the visa/entry permit by the Immigration Department (ImmD) are considered local students.
There has been recent concern that some of these students did not come to reside in Hong Kong but applied for government-subsidised student places at University Grants Committee-funded universities as local students, which affected opportunities for university admission and the targeted use of public funds.
Having regard to overseas practices and the practical situation in Hong Kong, the Education Bureau considers it necessary for dependant children to reside in Hong Kong for two years before becoming eligible for government-subsidised post-secondary student places.
In addition, holders of a full-time employment visa/work permit or a visa/entry permit for various admission schemes will no longer be eligible for government-subsidised post-secondary student places.
The two categories of tuition fees being introduced are subsidised fees and non-subsidised fees respectively.
Persons holding specific documents are eligible for government-subsidised student places in relation to sub-degree, undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes.
These documents include a Hong Kong permanent identity card, other documents issued by the ImmD showing the right to land/right of abode in Hong Kong, and a visa label for unconditional stay; a One-way Permit for entry to Hong Kong; and a dependant visa/entry permit.
Holders of a dependant visa/entry permit who were below 18 years old when first issued with the visa/entry permit by the ImmD, must have resided in Hong Kong for two years immediately preceding the first day of their respective programmes.
The Government will put in place a transitional arrangement for the revision, whereby the residency requirement for the 2027-28 academic year will be set at one year. The two-year residency requirement will be implemented starting from the 2028-29 academic year.
Demographic changes in Europe are having an immense impact on our societies and entail challenges, not least for the labour market, pension systems and an increased need for health and social care. The Swedish Presidency has invited EU Member States and other actors to a high-level meeting on active and autonomous ageing, 13 –14 February, where they will discuss how to tackle the issues related to Europe’s ageing population. Minister for Older People and Social Security Anna Tenje will host the conference. Among the participants will be the Estonian Minister of Social Protection, the Danish Minister for Senior Citizens, and the Minister for Active Ageing from Malta.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in US politics and international security, University of Portsmouth
There are masked men, and some women, on the streets in American cities, sometimes travelling in unmarked cars, often carrying weapons and wearing military-style kit. They have the power to identify, arrest, detain non-citizens and deport undocumented immigrants. They also have the right to interrogate any individual who they believe is not a citizen over their right to remain in the US.
These are agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, known as Ice. This is a federal law enforcement agency, which falls under the control of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is playing a significant and contentious role in the implementation of Donald Trump’s tough immigration policy.
On the campaign trail Trump promised “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history”. And he is giving Ice more power to deliver his plans.
Since Trump took office in January, Ice funding has been significantly increased. Trump’s “big beautiful bill”, passed by Congress in July 2025, gave Ice US$75 billion (£55 billion) of funding for the next four years, up from around US$8 billion a year.
This funding boost will allow the agency to recruit more agents as well as adding thousands more beds plus extensions to buildings to increase the capacity of detention centres. There is also new funding for advanced surveillance tools including AI-assisted facial recognition and mobile data collection. There’s another US$30 billion going to frontline operations, covering removing immigrants and transport to detention centres.
The president has committed to deporting everyone who is in the US illegally, that is estimated by the Wall Street Journal to be about 4% of the current US population. For the past five months, the numbers of people being picked up by Ice agents has been ticking up fast.
Average daily arrests were up 268% to about 1,000 a day in June 2025, compared with the same month a year earlier. This was also a 42% rise on May 2025, according to data analysis from the Guardian and the Deportation Data Project. However, this is still considerably short of the 3,000 a day ordered by secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
Ice’s tactics have already attracted significant criticism. Right-leaning broadcaster Fox News has reported on how masked agents are not showing ID or naming their agency when picking up people in raids. Other reporting has highlighted allegations that American citizens are also sometimes being swept up in the raids.
The agency, currently led by acting director Todd M. Lyons, has three main divisions: the Enforcement and Removal Operations division, which identifies and deports undocumented immigrants as well as manages detention centres. The Homeland Security Investigations, which investigates criminal activities with an international or border nexus such as human trafficking, narcotics, and weapons smuggling. The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor provides legal advice to Ice and prosecutes immigration cases in court.
Lyons claimed that mask wearing was necessary because of Ice agents being “doxed” – when a person’s personal information such as names and home addresses are revealed online without their permission. Assaults on Ice agents have risen, he claimed. DHS data suggested that there were 79 assaults on Ice agents from January to June 2025, compared to ten in the same period in 2024.
Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries compared mask wearing by Ice agents to secret police forces in authoritarian regimes. “We’re not behind the Iron Curtain. This is not the 1930s.”
The Ice agency was established in 2003 by the George W. Bush administration, partly as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and was part of a broader reorganisation of federal agencies under the then newly created DHS. It incorporated parts of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and some elements of the US Customs Service.
According to the agency’s website, Ice’s core mission is “to protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety”.
News coverage of Ice agents wearing masks and not identifying themselves.
What’s changed?
At the start of the administration in January, the White House gave Ice the authority to hasten the deportation of immigrants that had entered the country with government authorisation during the previous administration. This “expedited removal” authority allowed Ice to deport individuals without requiring an appearance before an immigration judge.
As arrests have grown in the past months, Lyons told CBS News that Ice would detain any undocumented immigrant, even if they did not have a criminal record.
And the Trump administration has also allowed Ice agents to make arrests at immigration courts, which had previously been off limits. This restriction was introduced by the Biden administration in 2021 to ensure witnesses, victims of crimes and defendants would still appear in court without fear of arrest for immigration violations, unless the target was a national security threat.
Protests over Ice raids have spread across California.
However, Lyons rescinded those restrictions in May, part of a broader shift towards aggressive enforcement.
Much of the time, Ice has targeted illegal immigrants. But the agency has also arrested and detained some individuals who were residents (green card holders) or tourists – and, in some cases, citizens.
In recent weeks, according to the Washington Post, Ice has been ordered to increase the number of immigrants shackled with GPS-enabled ankle monitors. This would significantly increase the number of immigrants that are under surveillance. Ankle monitors also restrict where people can travel.
Sparking protests
There have been numerous public protests about Ice raids, most notably in California. This peaked on June 6 after Ice had conducted numerous raids in Los Angeles, resulting in clashes between agents and protesters. This led to the White House sending around 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, despite opposition from California governor Gavin Newsom.
Part of the friction between the Trump administation and the state is that Los Angeles and San Francisco have adopted local policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities including Ice. California has sanctuary laws, such as SB 54, that prohibit local police and sheriffs from assisting Ice with civil immigration enforcement.
However, Trump shows every sign of pushing harder and faster to crack down on illegal immigrants, and Ice agents are clearly at the forefront of how he aims to do it.
Dafydd Townley 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.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting on the Senate floor for Joint Resolutions of Disapproval concerning sales of weapons to Israel:
“The starvation and suffering that we are watching unfold in Gaza is unimaginable and heartbreaking. There is simply no way to defend it, and it has to stop.
“I have been crystal clear since the day of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel that they have the right to defend themselves, respond, and bring the hostages home. I still believe that. I also firmly believe that this Netanyahu government must protect innocent Palestinian families and prevent children from starving – and right now, they are not doing that. I cannot stand idly by.
“This vote is about sending a loud and clear message to Netanyahu and the Trump Administration that they must urgently act to end this war, surge food and aid to innocent Palestinians, and finally bring all the remaining hostages home.”
India’s gold consumption in 2025 is set to fall to a five-year low, as record-high prices are denting jewellery purchases, overshadowing a slight boost in investment demand, the World Gold Council said on Thursday.
Gold demand in the world’s second-biggest consumer of the precious metal could stand between 600 metric tons and 700 metric tons in 2025, the lowest since 2020, and down from last year’s 802.8 tons, Sachin Jain, CEO of WGC’s Indian operations, told Reuters.
Demand could reach 700 tons if prices stabilise, but a 10%–15% price rise driven by geopolitical factors may pull it down to the lower end of the range, he said.
Local gold prices MAUc1, which hit a record high of 101,078 rupees per 10 grams in June, have risen 28% so far in 2025, after a 21% gain in 2024.
India’s gold consumption in the April-to-June quarter fell 10% from a year ago to 134.9 tons, as jewellery demand fell 17% while investment demand rose 7% in the quarter, the WGC said.
Demand in the September quarter is expected to be lower than last year’s 248.3 tons, when New Delhi’s move to reduce import duties boosted purchases, Jain said.
The precious metal has been outperforming other asset classes, drawing investors who favour both physical gold and gold exchange traded funds, he said.
“Gold ETFs in India are at a very important cusp for growth, and as India becomes more digitised, they are gaining popularity and prominence,” he said.
Gold ETFs in India saw inflows surge ten-fold month-on-month to 20.81 billion rupees ($237.5 million) in June, hitting a five-month high, data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India showed earlier this month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday discussed ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
In a telephonic conversation, the two leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further deepen engagement across key sectors. They underscored the growing collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, energy, digital infrastructure, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed also expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of the relationship and agreed to continue working closely to expand cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
During the call, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated PM Modi on becoming the second longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history and conveyed his best wishes for continued success in his leadership.
The Prime Minister thanked the UAE President for his warm wishes and the affection expressed for the people of India.
India and the UAE have significantly expanded their bilateral relationship in recent years, with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2017, serving as a key framework for cooperation across multiple sectors.
Extreme weather killed at least eight people in the city of Chengde just outside the Chinese capital Beijing, with 18 still unaccounted for, as heavy rainfall pounded the hilly region over the past week.
The deaths occurred in villages within the Xinglong area of Chengde in Hebei province, state-run Xinhua reported late on Wednesday citing local authorities, without specifying when or how the people died.
Work is still underway to locate those missing, Xinhua said.
Set against mountainous terrain, Chengde was known as a resort town for Qing dynasty emperors to escape Beijing’s heat in the summer centuries ago.
Extreme rains that began last Wednesday have lashed Beijing and surrounding regions, pouring a year’s worth of rain in less than a week in some areas and killing at least 30 in the outskirts of the capital. Twenty eight of those deaths occurred in hilly Miyun district.
The deaths in Chengde occurred in villages which border Miyun and sit about 25 km (16 miles) away from the Miyun reservoir, the largest in China’s north.
The reservoir saw record-breaking inflow and outflow of water, and overall water level and capacity during this round of rainfall which devastated nearby towns.
At its peak on Sunday, up to 6,550 cubic metres of water – about 2.5 Olympic-sized pools – flooded into the reservoir every second, pushing its capacity to a record high of 3.63 billion cubic metres since it was built in 1960.
The villages where eight have died sit on higher elevations in a valley, upstream of the Miyun reservoir.
In another village to the north of the reservoir, a landslide on Monday killed eight people while four remained missing.
Extreme rainfall and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges for Chinese policymakers, with officials partially attributing a slowdown in factory activities to heavy rains and flooding.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
RSV vaccine prevents hospitalisation in older people and newborns
RSV vaccines are 82% effective for older people and 72% for newborns when mothers are vaccinated at least 14 days before birth.
A new UK Health Security Agency study – Effectiveness of RSV Vaccine Against RSV Associated Hospitalisation Among Adults Aged 75 to 79 years in England – in partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals and other NHS trusts, shows the RSV vaccine provided strong protection for older people, around 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions with RSV infection.
The study also found that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing hospitalisation for older people with a chronic respiratory condition and those living with immunosuppression.
Two new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programmes were introduced to the NHS Vaccination Schedule in September last year; an older adults programme and a maternal programme.
The programme for older adults offers the vaccine to those turning 75, as well as a one-off catch up campaign for all adults aged 75 to79 years.
The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns, who are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV.
A separate new study – Vaccination in Pregnancy and RSV Hospitalisation in Infants in the UK, led by NHS paediatricians, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health – found that the maternal RSV vaccine was 72% effective in preventing hospitalisation for infants whose mothers were vaccinated more than 14 days before delivery.
UKHSA has also today published the latest vaccine uptake figures for both RSV programmes, including the:
older adults programme: overall coverage as of 30 June 2025 in the catch-up cohort (adults aged 75 to 79) reached 62.9%, up from the 60.3% reported in March
maternal programme: of the 36,657 women reported as having given birth in March 2025, 20,051 (54.7%) had received an RSV vaccine
maternal coverage varied by ethnic group with the highest coverage reported among the Chinese ethnic group (73.3%) and lowest among Black and Black British Caribbean (26.4%)
Greta Hayward, Consultant Midwife at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
Having the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way for women to protect their newborn against RSV, as the vaccine boosts their immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, and these then pass through the placenta to help protect their baby from the day they are born. RSV infects around 90% of children in their first 2 years of life.
The RSV season usually starts in October and while there is no risk-free birth month, babies born in late summer or the autumn are most likely to be admitted to hospital. Hundreds of babies attend Emergency Departments each day for bronchiolitis through most of November and December. That is why it is so important that over the summer pregnant women reaching 28 weeks of pregnancy, ensure they are vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr Conall Watson, Immunisation Consultant at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
The evidence clearly shows the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is highly effective and will give much reassurance to parents, knowing their newborn is protected from birth, when they are at much greater risk from RSV.
As a parent and health professional I can’t stress enough the importance of getting the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy. We recommend vaccination in week 28 or soon after but if you are later on in your pregnancy and still haven’t had your vaccine please contact your maternity service or GP practice to arrange one.
RSV can be a particularly serious infection for older people, so this new evidence will also give much reassurance that having the RSV jab will greatly reduce their chances of ending up in hospital.
While the uptake of the RSV vaccine continues to rise, we want to see every single pregnant woman and eligible older person getting protected. The virus picks up in the autumn, so don’t put if off over the summer – as soon as you reach your 75th birthday or week 28 of pregnancy get the vaccine for healthy peace of mind.
UKHSA has published its first RSV Annual Report, which looks back at the 2024 to 2025 RSV season, providing analysis on disease pattern, vaccine uptake and vaccine impact.
The surveillance shows RSV activity started across all UK nations around week 42 of 2024 (week starting 14 October) and peaked around weeks 47 to 49 2024 (18 November to 8 December), before steadily declining and reaching baseline activity around weeks 7 to 8 2025 (10 to 23 February).
The Report also details UKHSA’s analysis from the primary care surveillance, which involves swabbing in around 300 GP Practices in England when a patient presents with an acute respiratory infection (ARI). This found that by age group, the highest RSV positivity (% of laboratory confirmed RSV cases out of total ARI swabs) was observed in children under 5 years; with positivity peaking at 53.1% in week 46 (11-17 November).
Among those aged 75 years and above, the highest RSV positivity rate was 18.5% reported in week 49 (2 to 8 December).
Surveillance of patients attending hospital emergency departments (ED) in England found that among infants (babies under 1), bronchiolitis peaked in late November. This is the main clinical presentation of infant RSV and RSV is the primary pathogen causing bronchiolitis.
Price and non-price credit terms and conditions remained largely unchanged between March 2025 and May 2025, tightening slightly for certain counterparty types
Demand for lending against collateral and financing rates/spreads increased across all asset classes except equities
Tariff turmoil in April 2025 had a limited but slightly negative impact on bank clients’ ability to meet margin calls
Price and non-price credit terms and conditions remained largely unchanged between March 2025 and May 2025, with a slight tightening of non-price terms across banks and dealers, non-financial corporations and sovereigns. For price terms, survey responses indicated no net change. General market liquidity and functioning was most frequently cited as the primary driver behind tightening. Looking ahead, some survey respondents expect credit terms and conditions to ease slightly in the third quarter of 2025. However, the vast majority (86%) stated that, overall, no changes were foreseen (Chart 1).
Chart 1
Expected and realised quarterly changes in overall credit terms and price/non-price terms offered to counterparties across all transaction types
(net percentages of survey respondents)
Source: ECB.
Note: Net percentages are calculated as the difference between the percentage of respondents reporting “tightened somewhat” or “tightened considerably” and the percentage reporting “eased somewhat” or “eased considerably”.
Turning to financing conditions for funding secured against the various types of collateral, financing rates/spreads increased across nearly all collateral types except equities for both average and most-favoured clients, reversing the decline observed in the preceding quarter. Furthermore, respondents indicated that demand for funding secured against any type of collateral except equities increased in the most recent period (Chart 2). Maximum maturities of funding decreased slightly for most collateral types, especially for government bonds, with only high-quality, non-financial corporate bonds showing a small net increase.
Chart 2
Securities financing transactions experienced an increase in financing rates/spreads and demand for funding, except for equities
a) Change in financing rates/spreads for average clients by collateral type
b) Change in overall demand for term funding by collateral type
(net percentages of survey respondents, inverted)
(net percentages of survey respondents, inverted)
Source: ECB.
Note: Net percentages are calculated as the difference between the percentage of respondents reporting “decreased somewhat” or “decreased considerably” and the percentage reporting “increased somewhat” or “increased considerably”.
Against the background of broadly unchanged credit terms and conditions for the various types of non-centrally cleared over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, including initial margin requirements, survey respondents pointed out a few changes regarding credit limits, liquidity and valuation disputes. The volume of valuation disputes increased for a few types of derivatives, particularly foreign exchange derivatives and credit derivatives referencing structured credit products. The maximum allowed exposure decreased for interest rate and commodity derivatives, while it increased slightly for credit derivatives. This was paired with reported improvements in the liquidity and trading of credit derivatives.
The survey found that the US tariff announcements on 2 April had a limited but slightly negative impact on clients’ ability to meet margin calls. At the same time, the announcements did not significantly increase forced asset sales. The survey also featured a set of special questions examining euro area government bond (EGB) repo market activity and trading strategies. A large majority of respondents confirmed that they had engaged in trades combining EGB repo and reverse repo transactions, with margin offsets being a common practice for these types of transactions. However, other EGB repo trades were less common, such as those in combination with EGB futures or other interest rate derivatives. Yield curve or duration trades were named the most popular trades among client hedge funds, although alternative strategies, including cash-futures basis trades and intra-euro area sovereign repo trades, were also prevalent. Moreover, the majority of respondents indicated they had conducted a material number of EGB repo or reverse repo transactions as non-CCP bilateral trades in the last year and that they also expected the share of these trades to increase further over the next year.
The SESFOD survey is conducted four times a year and covers changes in credit terms and conditions over three-month reference periods ending in February, May, August and November. The June 2025 survey collected qualitative information on changes between March 2025 and May 2025. The results are based on the responses received from a panel of 26 large banks, comprising 14 euro area banks and 12 banks with head offices outside the euro area.
For media queries, please contactVerena Reith, tel.: +49 172 2570849.
This material provides an overview of Sweden’s work to combat men’s violence against women. Stopping men’s violence against women is a priority issue for the Swedish Government. In 2016, a ten-year national strategy to prevent and counter men’s violence against women was adopted. The strategy applies to the period 2017–2026 and particularly emphasises preventive measures.
The countries are working together to build economic resiliency and provide new market opportunities for Canadian and Swedish businesses. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden made the following statement.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Press will launch a new book this evening that explores the diverse ways in which the Jukskei River has influenced the cultural, social, political and scientific narratives of Johannesburg.
Titled ‘Johannesburg from the Riverbanks: Navigating the Jukskei’, this engaging volume is edited by Mehita Iqani and Renugan Raidoo.
According to HSRC, this innovative volume brings together an array of interdisciplinary voices, shedding light on the complex and often tangled relationships between the city and this vital waterway.
Five different launches have been organised, starting with the launch at Exclusive Books in Rosebank on Thursday, 31 July 2025, from 6:30 pm.
The organisation said the book builds on the insightful discussions and interdisciplinary perspectives shared at the 2022 Riparian Urbanism Conference, which brought together a diverse range of voices to explore the complex relationship between the city and this river.
“From the bustling inner city to the tranquil northern suburbs, the Jukskei’s history acts as a mirror reflecting the city’s growth, struggles and stark inequalities.
“Readers will uncover the dynamic interaction of memories, identities, and aspirations that the river embodies, all while addressing the urgent environmental challenges resulting from modernisation.”
Professor Emeritus at the University of the Witwatersrand, Isabel Hofmeyr, said this “treasure trove of a book” tells stories of how Johannesburg and the Jukskei River make each other.
“A sparkling compendium of chapters and images by artists, activists, scientists, urban planners, and historians will make you think about the river in new ways,” she said.
Professor of History at the University of the Witwatersrand, Mucha Musemwa, believes the book not only investigates the Jukskei River itself but also enriches the city’s understanding of Johannesburg in refreshing ways.
“[It is] an invigorating read for anyone interested in the intersection of nature and urban life,” he said.
The Head of the History Workshop at the University of the Witwatersrand, Noor Nieftagodien, believes that authors highlight how the processes of modernisation, such as the mining industry and urbanisation, have contaminated this historic waterway.
Nieftagodien said they also illustrate how the banks of the river reflect the city’s significant inequalities.
“Yet, amidst these challenges, artists and activists offer hope by reimagining our relationship with the river, making this a crucial contribution to current conversations about environmental crises,” Nieftagodien added.
The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed five officials for corruption and sexual assault.
“On Monday, 28 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs dismissed a further five officials, with immediate effect, for offences ranging from fraud to sexual assault. The total number of officials dismissed between July 2024 and July 2025 now stands at 38,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said eight officials have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 18 years, while the criminal prosecution of another 19 is underway.
“These dismissals follow on the crackdown on a passport syndicate in Durban just last month, where two officials and three members of the public were arrested. These results demonstrate the growing success of Home Affairs in dealing with criminal syndicates both inside and outside the department,” said the Ministry.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the days of defrauding the department are over.
“In just 12 months, we have already rid Home Affairs of 38 crooked and delinquent officials. I repeat my warning to anyone involved in corruption: the days of defrauding this department or committing acts of sexual harassment or abuse while relying on long drawn-out disciplinary processes, are over.”
The Minister thanked the department’s diligent officials, including those involved in accelerating disciplinary processes, who are playing a critical role “in our work to clean up Home Affairs”.
“Committed officials like these are the future of Home Affairs, as we continue to work together as #TeamHomeAffairs to clean out the corrupt elements that represent the past,” said the Minister.-SAnews.gov.za