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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transcript of Global Financial Stability Report October 2024 Press Briefing

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 22, 2024

    Speakers:

     

    Tobias Adrian, Financial Counselor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF

    Caio Ferreira, Deputy Division Chief, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF

    Jason Wu, Assistant Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF

     

    Moderator: Alexander Müller, Communications Analyst, IMF

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: OK. Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, depending on where you are joining us from. Welcome to this press briefing on our latest Global Financial Stability Report, titled “Steadying the Course: Uncertainty, Artificial Intelligence, and Financial Stability.”

     

    I am Alex Müller with the Communications Department here at the IMF. I am joined today by Tobias Adrian, the IMF’s Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department; to Tobias’s left, Jason Wu, assistant director at the Monetary and Capital Markets Department; and to his left, Caio Ferreira, deputy chief of the Global Markets Analysis Division.

     

    Our latest GFSR is out as of right now, so you can download the full text, our executive summary, and the latest blog on our website at IMF.org/GFSR.

     

    This press briefing is on the record. And we’ll start things off with some opening remarks just to set the stage before opening the floor to your questions. As a reminder we do have simultaneous interpretation into Arabic, French, and Spanish, both in the room and online.

     

    With that, I think we can get started.

     

    Tobias, when we released our last GFSR in April, optimism in financial markets was fueling asset valuations, credit spreads had compressed, and valuations in riskier asset markets had ratcheted up. At the time, you warned of some short‑term risks, like persistent inflation, as well as the tension between these narrowing credit spreads and the deteriorating underlying credit quality in some regions; but you also warned of some more medium‑term risks, like heightened vulnerabilities amidst elevated debt levels globally. So where are we now since then, six months later?

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Thanks so much. And let me welcome all of to you this launch of the Global Financial Stability Report.

     

    So the themes that you highlight, Alex, have broadly continued.

     

    Let me start with inflation. So global inflation has progressed toward target in most countries. So most central banks continue with a tight stance of policy but have started to cut rates. Now, with inflation heading towards target in many countries, the focus of the central banks has shifted from being primarily focused on inflation toward also considering real activity.

     

    So, concerning real activity, we have seen upward surprises relative to expectations. In financial markets, that has been particularly visible in earnings surprises that have been on the positive side. So as a result, the likelihood of a global recession has continued to recede. So the baseline forecast is one of a soft landing globally. And that is the optimism that we had flagged already in April. That has been reinforced in many ways. And that is fueling optimism in financial markets. So financial conditions globally continue to be accommodative. Credit spreads continue to be tight. Implied volatility, particularly in risky asset markets, such as equity markets, continues to be fairly low.

     

    Now, you know, our main theme in Chapter 1, which was released today, is a tension between this financial market assessment of volatility‑‑i.e. the implied volatility in the equity market is perhaps the best indicator here‑‑which is at fairly low levels by historical standards, relative to measures of global geopolitical uncertainty.

     

    So in the report, we’re showing two measures that are computed not at the Fund but by other institutions. One on geopolitical uncertainty. The other one on economic uncertainty. And those continue to be relatively elevated. So there’s a kind of wedge in between the financial market‑implied volatility and the assessment of political or economic uncertainty. So this tension worries us, as it gives rise to the potential for a sharp readjustment of financial conditions. So we saw a little bit of that in August in a sell‑off that was very brief. So it’s a blip, in retrospect; but it does raise the concern, whether there are some vulnerabilities in the financial system that could be triggered if adverse shocks hit.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you, Tobias. That sets the stage nicely for us, I think.

     

    We will turn to your questions now. We do have runners in the room with mics, so please do raise your hand. You can raise your hand both online or in the room, and we’ll come to you. Please do remember to state your name and affiliation. And keep it as brief as possible so we can get to as many questions as possible.

     

    Let’s start over here with the first question.

     

    QUESTION: Thank you so much. I am not asking you to comment on the presidential election in the U.S. But we have a presidential election here in 14 days, and President Trump or Vice President Harris may win the election. And that election will have ramifications not just in the U.S. but around the world.

     

    How does the IMF assess the outlook for the U.S. economy in the lead‑up to the presidential election? And what implications could a potential economic shift have for emerging markets in Africa, particularly regarding investment flows and debt sustainability? Thank you.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Thank you so much.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Do you want to group some questions? Do we have similar questions on the election or the U.S.? Can we take the question over there, please?

     

    QUESTION: How do you explain the recent backup in U.S. yields? And are you concerned about financial stability in the United States, given the rising projections of federal debt, irrespective of the outcome of the election? Thank you.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: I think we can start with that for now.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: OK. Sounds good. Yes.

     

    You know, we don’t comment on specific election outcomes. Of course, this year is an unusual year, in that over half of the population globally either has elected already this year or will elect this year new governments. And so that is certainly part of the reason why this policy uncertainty globally is high. There’s some uncertainty as to, you know, what the policy path for economic policies and broader policies is going to be going forward.

     

    When we look at volatility, as I said, that uncertainty in equity markets is relatively contained. But in interest rates, volatility is somewhat more elevated than it was, say, in the decade after the global financial crisis. So we are back to levels that are more similar to pre‑financial crisis. So interest rate volatility is relatively high. And that answers to some degree the second question.

     

    We have seen volatile longer‑term yields throughout the year, but we don’t think that that volatility is excessive, relative to the fact that monetary policy has become more data dependent. You know, after the global financial crisis, there was this challenge of the zero lower bound for monetary policy; so forward guidance was a very important tool. And that had even been phase in prior to the financial crisis with, you know, forward guidance being a compressor of volatility for interest rates. And that is less the case today. So interest rate volatility has increased.

     

    When we look at the longer‑term yields, we do certainly see that term premia have decompressed to some extent. So after the global financial crisis, we had seen negative term premia at a 10‑year level in the U.S. and many other countries, and some of that has decompressed. And that is, as would be expected, as the interest rate wall is coming up, asset purchases are normalizing, and quantitative tightening is being phased in.

     

    Now turning to Africa. Of course, you know, financial markets are global. So the base level of interest rates is moving across the world in a common fashion. So you can think about sort of like the base level of interest rates and then the spreads in countries, relative to that. So what we see in sub‑Saharan Africa is that countries with market access‑‑so those are the frontier economies‑‑they have seen spreads being compressed, so financial conditions have eased. And you know, relative to, say, 12 months ago, interest rates have certainly declined as a base. And many frontier markets have reissued, sort of accessed international capital markets. So, of course, there are countries that do face debt challenges, that do face liquidity challenges; and we’re actively engaged with the membership to address those.

     

    Mr. WU: Just to quickly add to what Tobias said about Africa.

     

    As he pointed out, the backdrop heading into this year was one of improvement, both in terms of growth, as well as financing conditions and spreads. Inflation is still high in the region, but it is coming down and stabilizing. Debt is an issue, but we have seen several cases this year being resolved. So that is good news.

     

    I think to your broader point, you know, we don’t comment on election outcomes; but we do know that financial markets tend to see, you know, more uncertainty around those outcomes. And this may affect financing conditions around the world, including in Africa. Uncertainty can also bring, you know, some slowdown in investments in the near term or the medium term. And so those are all possible outcomes. I think the key thing is for the macroeconomic framework to remain stable to address domestic situations and for countries that may be facing debt issues to engage with their creditors early, including through the Common Framework and other international setups.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you. Can we take other questions? I think we have a question here in the middle, at the center.

     

    QUESTION: I was hoping you could talk about quantitative tightening. The Fed is still doing it. What are the risks now going forward? When do you think they might stop it? Thanks.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Thanks so much.

     

    As I mentioned earlier, you know, during the global financial crisis and then in the decade after the global financial crisis and then again with the COVID crisis, central banks‑‑advanced economy central banks around the world engaged in a quantitative easing. So these are asset purchases, called large‑scale asset purchases, in the U.S. that led to an increase in the balance sheet size of the central banks. So in the U.S. case, it grew roughly by a factor of 10. And the Fed has started to move towards a normalization of the balance sheet size. So that is generally referred to as quantitative tightening. And that has proceeded in a very orderly fashion. So when we look at market functioning, we see orderly markets in money markets. We see ample liquidity in core funding markets, including Treasury markets. And that is generally the case in other advanced economies that are doing quantitative tightening, as well.

     

    Of course, there is the question of how far the balance sheet normalization is going to go. And policymakers in the U.S. and other advanced economies have indicated how far this normalization would be going. So what is notable here is that the operational framework of the Federal Reserve changed to a floor system, so having a sufficient amount of reserves in the system to operate that floor system is key. So, you know, looking at funding conditions in money markets and market functioning is absolutely key. Back in 2019, there were some dislocations, and that is certainly something that policymakers are watching out for. But I would say that this balance sheet normalization has proceeded in a satisfactory and very orderly manner.

     

    Mr. FERREIRA: Tobias, just a quick complement.

     

    I think that we have seen a quantitative tightening from all of the major central banks. And I think that from the peak in 2022, of about 28 trillion in terms of assets in their balance sheets, it has come down by about one‑quarter already and, as Tobias was saying, in a very orderly fashion.

     

    The main risk that I think is important to monitor going forward is the potential drain on reserves, as Tobias was saying, to avoid the kind of episodes that we have seen in 2019. But there is also a potential risk for a bounce of increasing volatility, in the sense that we are moving from central banks being one of the main buyers of Treasuries to more price‑sensitive buyers. And this might cause volatility coming from data releases.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: OK. Let’s take it back as well. We have a question in the front here, in the center, that we can take.

     

    QUESTION: Thank you for taking my question. I want to ask about the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy and its impact, spillover impact. I think recently, it started to cut rates, and it’s going to cut rates further going forward. And it seems to be allowing other governments, other policymakers to have more room, including the People’s Bank of China. I want to ask Tobias whether he could comment on the latest action by China’s central bank and what’s the IMF’s suggestion going forward. Thank you.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Yeah. Absolutely.

     

    What we have seen in China is an easing of monetary policy. So the question is referring to the most recent action, which was a cut in interest rates. And, of course, we have seen PBoC engaging in asset purchases, which has supported the easing of financial conditions. So when we look at financial conditions‑‑so, you know, the cost of funding for households and corporations in China, those financial conditions have eased quite markedly. Equity markets have rallied. Longer‑term bond yields have declined. And we generally welcome that easing. We think that is the appropriate policy for monetary policy.

     

    There have been also some announcements on the fiscal side that are indicating support ‑‑ to the real estate sector, in particular. And, of course, authorities in China had already engaged for some time in terms of addressing the exposure of the banking system to the real estate sector. The real estate sector has cooled off in China, and that has created some risks in the banking sector. So authorities are working actively at addressing those by merging banks and using asset management corporations (AMCs) in an active manner. And we welcome that, as well.

     

    You know, we are watching closely how financial stability policies are going to evolve going forward, relative to the real sector but also the broader economy, and how fiscal policy is evolving going forward.

     

     

    Mr. FERREIRA: Maybe on this last point, Tobias, on financial stability.

     

    Of course, there’s some slowdown in economic activity, and the problems that we are seeing in the property sector are exerting some pressure on the financial system. The good news I think is that particularly the large banks seem to have strong capital buffers and liquidity buffers. The authorities also have the capacity to make target interventions, and this somewhat limits the risks of spillovers.

     

    There are some vulnerabilities that need to be monitored. Right? So one, of course, is this potential pressure on asset deterioration coming from this slowdown in the property market. So far, banks have been quite good in terms of being able to deal with this potential deterioration, particularly using asset management companies to dispose of some of the nonperforming assets. The capacity of these asset management companies to keep absorbing these assets needs to be monitored going forward. It’s also important to monitor the stability of the smaller banks that are not as strong as the larger banks.

     

    And the last point I think that’s important to mention is that the financial sector holds a lot of exposure to local government financing vehicles. And if there is‑‑and there are some pressures on these vehicles, and a potential restructuring of these debts might cause some losses to the banking sector, as well.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you, Caio. Do we have any other questions on China before we move to anything else?

     

    So we can turn over to the side.

     

    QUESTION: Thank you. My question will be for Tobias and Jason.

     

    Of course, reading your report, you talked about financial fragilities, so I would like to know what financial fragilities you see in developing economies and what policymakers should do to keep financial markets resilient and stable in the face of high interest rates as a result of high inflation in developing economies like Nigeria, too.

     

    The question I have for Jason would be around, what does vigilance really mean for policymakers? Because in your report, you said that the policymakers need to be vigilant. Because vigilance in European economies or advanced economies is also different vigilance for developing economies. Thank you.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Thank you so much. Those are very pertinent questions. And thanks so much for taking a close look at the report.

     

    For developing economies broadly, I would say that there are three priorities. In terms of financial stability, we are engaging with many countries in terms of building capacity on regulatory issues, so making sure that banks are well capitalized, that monetary policy frameworks are sound. And Nigeria is a good example, where the central bank has been moving toward an inflation‑targeting regime, has liberalized the exchange rate. And we welcome that direction.

     

    Secondly‑‑and I think you alluded to that‑‑is, of course, the overall indebtedness. That is a challenge for some countries. As I mentioned earlier, frontier markets are developing economies with market access. And we have seen many frontier markets issue this year. The issuance levels are fairly high. And we think market access is there, though, of course, financing conditions have improved but are still more expensive than they were, say, in 2021, before the run‑up in inflation.

     

    So with inflation coming down and interest rates expected to further normalize, we would also expect that frontier market funding conditions will improve. And as I said, interest rate spreads are fairly tight.

     

    Now, of course, there are some countries a that do not have market access, and many of those countries are in programs with the IMF. And we are working actively with authorities on the debt issue. We do feel we have made good progress within the Common Framework, but there is certainly more to be done.

     

    Now, of course, it remains key to also work on structural issues to enhance the growth outlook. And that is really something that the regional economic briefings are going to address in detail.

     

    Mr. WU: Maybe just a quick word, to add to what Tobias said about Nigeria, in particular. We recognize that many citizens do face difficulty. The flood was quite devastating. Inflation is still very high, at some 30 percent. So in that regard, the central bank’s rate hikes so far this year have been appropriate.

     

    You asked a question about vigilance. I think importantly, macroeconomic conditions within the country should stabilize. Right? And that includes inflation that will provide room to guard against external shocks, which is less controllable, right, for the economy of Nigeria. So when appropriate, the various foreign exchange measures that were taken by authorities earlier this year are also appropriate in improving vigilance, as are the banking sector‑related measures that Tobias has mentioned.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: All right. Do we have any more questions on that side of the room before we turn it back over here?

     

    QUESTION: Thank you very much.

    So Ghana has just completed its debt restructuring. It’s good news for Ghanians. However, it appears the government is looking at the capital market. What advice do you have for the government at this point? And also because we have an election around the corner.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Yeah. As I noted earlier, we don’t really comment on elections in the countries of our membership. You know, these are democratic processes. And the people in each country are‑‑it’s their liberty to vote for the government, so we don’t comment on that.

     

    We are, of course, engaged very closely with Ghana. Ghana is in a program. Ghana did restructure its debt. And we are confident that the outlook is going to improve going forward. The regional economic press briefing on Africa is going to go further into detail on those issues.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you, Tobias.

     

    As a reminder these regional press briefings will be on Thursday and Friday. So they’re all going to be here, so you will have the opportunity to ask those specific questions then.

     

    Can we turn it over here to the middle for a question, please? Right in the center. Thank you.

     

    QUESTION: Thank you.

     

    A follow‑up question related to the yields going up for the Treasury. In simple words, do you see them going up as a source of a potential sell‑off in the financial markets?

     

    And a separate question, if possible. For the same token, yields are going up because of the fiscal trajectory in the U.S. that is worrisome for some, at least, although the candidates are not talking about it. For the same token, considering that the Italian debt is only going up, according to the latest estimates from the IMF, does that represent a source of financial instability for the euro zone?

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Yeah. Thanks so much for this question.

     

    We have, indeed, done work on the interconnection or the nexus between fiscal‑‑or, you know, sovereign debt and financial market debt. So in the euro area, of course, we are watching closely the sovereign‑bank nexus, so the exposure of banks to the sovereign. And you know, in general, we have seen an amelioration there. So, you know, debt‑to‑GDP has been increasing. And that’s very broadly the case around the world. It’s really in the pandemic that we see a sharp upward move in debt‑to‑GDP in both advanced economies and emerging and developing economies. And you know, the fiscal outlook in many countries does imply that debt-to-GDP may continue to rise. So that could‑‑you know, that is certainly a backdrop for the financial system.

     

    Now having said that, governments in advanced economies and major emerging markets have ample room to adjust the fiscal situation going forward through spending measures, through revenue measures. So it is not an immediate financial stability concern in those advanced economies or major emerging markets.

     

    You know, in terms of the pricing of sovereign debt‑‑so, you know, Treasury yields and other benchmark yields around the world‑‑as I said earlier, volatility in those longer‑term yields has increased relative to the decade of the post‑crisis environment, where central banks were constrained at the zero lower bound or the effective lower bound, so had very low interest rates; so they deployed forward guidance and these quantitative asset purchases. So that really compressed longer‑term yields. And that has normalized to some degree, but we don’t think that it is an unusual move. So we are quite comfortable with the kind of levels that we are seeing.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you. Let’s bring it back over here. I think we have a few questions. Can we take the one in the middle right at the center? Thank you.

     

    QUESTION: A question for Tobias, if I may.

     

    There has been quite a lot of talk about fragmentation and geopolitical risk. Do you think that, as others have said, the momentum for financial regulation and for completing the job on a lot of areas of that is fading? Is there a risk of complacency there? Thank you.

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Yeah. So let me note that we are working around the membership on the regulation of banks but also non‑banks, including security markets, insurance companies, pension funds, and other non‑bank financial institutions.

     

    Concerning banking regulation, of course, there was a major initiative after the global financial crisis to improve capital and liquidity in the banks and to improve the supervision of the banks, primarily of internationally active banks. So the members of the Basel Committee‑‑this is, you know, a group of countries that roughly maps into the G‑20‑‑have committed to phasing in Basel III as a standard for capital and liquidity requirements in those banks. And our understanding is that the membership is still committed to that phase‑in.

     

    I would note that it has taken longer than was initially anticipated, but we are very confident for now that, you know, the major advanced economies and major emerging markets that have signed onto this Basel III framework are going to phase that in.

     

    In the broader membership of the IMF, there’s also a substantial improvement in the regulation of banks. And I would note that there has also been quite a bit of progress in terms of regulations of non‑banks, including insurance companies but also security markets, though we do think that more needs to be done going forward.

     

    Mr. FERREIRA: We have seen important progress in the post‑crisis. Our baseline is still that all the internationally agreed standards will be implemented. Although, as Tobias was saying, there are some major jurisdictions that are facing some challenges implementing that.

     

    We see this with some concern because when you see a major jurisdiction not implementing any standard or implementing it with substantial deviations from what has been agreed, it kind of jeopardizes the international standard‑setting process. That seems to be working fine, but we still are concerned with the delays in the implementation of these regulations that are important for the banks but also to maintain trust in the international standard setting process.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: Thank you. We are coming close on time. So let’s take two or three last questions from this side. Then I think we still have one more question online. Can we do the three over here in the front, on the right?

     

    QUESTION: [Through interpreter]

     

    Good day. Jesus Antonio Vargas. Chucho Lo Sabe Newsletter.

     

    This is the ninth time I come to the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. Six times in Washington. I come from Medellín, Colombia. I have also been in Lima, in Bali, last year in Marrakech. And it is a pleasure to see Tobias Adrian here. He has been year in, year out heading the endeavors. Congratulations.

     

    First, a surprise positively since there’s measures to come from the effort to the citizens. In Bogota, they’ve been talking about building a Metro system for 60 years, and they’re attempting it yet again now.

     

    Now, leaving that aside, we have spoken about, it is unlikely there will be a global recession, which is a relief.

     

    I was talking about the risk of a recession. You were talking about a positive surprise in terms of the gains. What do you mean exactly by that? Thank you.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: If we could take two more questions over here.

     

    QUESTION:

     

    You just mentioned there is a disconnect between market volatility and also market economic uncertainties. Could you please just elaborate a little bit more on these risks. And also, more importantly, how will it affect global financial stability if it persists? Thank you.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: One last question in the back there.

     

    QUESTION:

     

    I’ve got a question on liquidity mismatch, in the world of DC pensions. The report mentions the U.K.’s desire to shift toward unlisted assets as investments. And our current Chancellor has also expressed an interest in this. What are the risks in this? Should the shift toward these assets be limited? And how should we guard against them?

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: Yeah. Let me perhaps start with the question on macro uncertainty, which was the second question.

     

    So yeah, you know, what we’re seeing is that there is leverage and there are maturity mismatches in the financial sector in many different parts. You know, some of those are contained through prudential regulations, but not all institutions are subject to prudential regulations. So when there’s a sudden burst of uncertainty, some institutions may be forced to unwind their positions. So this includes, say, leveraged trades in fixed‑income markets or in equity markets.

     

    We saw some of that in August, when there was a sharp sell‑off in global equity markets but also in some fixed‑income markets, such as the carry trade across countries. And you know, volatility increased very quickly, leading to this forced deleveraging, and that can amplify downward moves in asset markets.

     

    In August, this episode was very short‑lived. So the sell‑off was followed by a buying of longer‑term investors, such as insurance companies and pension funds. But if such a sell‑off persists for more than‑‑or is more sharp, that could lead to financial stability problems or financial sector distress.

     

    Concerning the U.K. situation and the liquidity mismatches, let me just point out that the Bank of England and the FCA are very focused on those issues. And they do have, you know, broad authorities to regulate those mismatches. And I think they’re actively looking at how to model stress and how to make sure that these investments are sort of balancing risks and returns in an appropriate manner. I think Andrew Bailey made some remarks just this morning in that regard, and we’re fully aligned with his views there.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: I’ll take one last question we have from WebEx, online on the Mexican central bank lowering interest rates. For future adjustments and to maintain financial stability, what should it take into account more, the movements of the Federal Reserve, internal inflation, or the depreciation of the currency?

     

    Mr. ADRIAN: OK. I don’t want to go too specifically into Mexico. Again, there is the Regional Economic Outlook that will speak more closely to specific country issues. So, you know, in general, in the major emerging markets, such as Mexico, that have open capital markets and have inflation targeting regimes, you know, inflation targeting and monetary policy credibility has proven to be very powerful in terms of generating macroeconomic stability, relative to both domestic and external shocks. And you know, in those frameworks, central banks look at both internal and external conditions and are targeting the medium‑term convergence of inflation back to target rates. That has proven very successful. And I would argue that in the major emerging markets, we really see a great deal of improvement in those monetary policy frameworks. So let me stop here.

     

    Mr. WU: Just to quickly complement.

     

    Hence, this is why we have seen major emerging markets come through this rate hike cycle with reasonable resilience across the board. This inflation‑targeting framework has obviously done work, to an extent. Having said that, we are now on the opposite side of the cycle, where interest rates are being cut. That, in theory, should be conducive to emerging markets. Financial conditions could ease. We just want to point out that, as we said in the report, expectations could change. Volatility could be introduced and suddenly surge. So this may have spillovers to emerging market economies, you know, sentiment, financial market sentiment, as well. So policymakers need to remain vigilant on monetary policy and on other aspects of financial sector policies in order to guard against those risks.

     

    Mr. MÜLLER: All right. Great. Thank you.

     

    Unfortunately, that does bring us to a close because we do have to respect the next press briefing in this room.

     

    If you do have any questions that we weren’t able to address, please do send them over to me or someone from our team. We’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as we can.

     

    Meanwhile, the events here at the IMF do continue. We still have a host of press conferences this week, from our Fiscal Monitor tomorrow at 9 a.m. Eastern Time to the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda on Thursday to our five regional briefings that we talked about, on Thursday and Friday, not to mention the seminars. We have the Managing Director joining the debate on the global economy. That is on Thursday afternoon, which is always a hit that you won’t want to miss. On Friday, the First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath will participate in a panel discussion on monetary policy in a shock‑prone world on Friday afternoon. And there’s a whole lot more, so do check the full schedule online at IMFConnect or at meetings.imf.org.

     

    With that, Tobias, Jason, Caio, thank you for your insights. And thank you all for joining us for this event. We look forward to seeing you at the next one. Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Alexander Muller

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transcript of G24 October 22 Press Briefing

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 22, 2024

    Speakers
    Chair: Ralph Recto, Secretary of Finance, Philippines

    First Vice‑Chair: Candelaria Alvarez Moroni, Argentina, representing Ministry of Economy Luis Caputo
    Second Vice‑Chair: Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria
    Iyabo Masha, G‑24 Secretariat

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): Thank you, all. We had a productive exchange of views and experiences on some of the most pressing issues, confronting the global economy today. We are hard‑pressed on multiple fronts. The suffering costs by conflicts and humanitarian crisis around the world is vast and the affected region’s recovery, the construction, and long‑term development, cannot wait. They demand immediate forceful multilateral action.    

    While the global economy shows signs of stabilization, the outlook for many vulnerable nations, particularly in the global south, remains bleak. These weak economic prospects continue to haunt those already struggling to recover from the pandemic.      

    Inflation may be easing, but rising geopolitical tensions are keeping the threat of commodity price spikes and elevated interest rates alive. These risks impair capital flows, fiscal stability and the very survival of economies on the brink.          

    One thing is clear. Any slowdown in the global economy due to these new economic realities is bound to hit developing countries the hardest. While current circumstances have made it more difficult for us to achieve a sustainable and inclusive future by 2030, we believe that it remains possible with the right priorities and concerted international cooperation.         

    Thus, we continue to call for a more agile and strong will IMF and World Bank. We need heightened development cooperation, scale‑up support, and innovative solutions as we now begin the headwinds to foster peace, stability, and prosperity for all. And the key issue that underpins our discussions is the 80th Anniversary of the Bretton Woods System.         

    We acknowledge the significant evolution of the system over the decades. Yet, we must recognize that rapid transformations are occurring at an unprecedented base. We must therefore critically assess if the Bretton Woods System is adopting fast enough to the rapidly changing and increasingly volatile global environment.         

    To this end, the G‑24 has identified four key reforms that will enhance the system’s effectiveness and empower both the IMF and the World Bank Group to better serve their members.              

    First, the IMF must create a new mechanism to support countries with sound fundamentals during liquidity crisis.

    Second, the immediate submission of eradicating poverty on a livable planet, the World Bank needs more ambitious goals for its concessional and non‑concessional windows, commensurate with the challenges of achieving inclusive and sustainable development by 2030.    

    Third, the sovereign debt resolution framework must be reformed to deliver comprehensive, predictable, swift, and impactful debt relief, addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable economies.               

    Fourth, we must accelerate governance and institutional reforms of the Bretton Woods Institutions, to increase the voice and representation of developing nations. Without improvements and both actions, decades of individual and global efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality, combat climate change, and invest in growth‑enhancing projects will be put to a halt, if not reversed. Thus, we are counting on our recently concluded meeting to set an unprecedented multilateral cooperation and action. All of these points are comprehensively discussed in the communiqué and press release we have prepared for your perusal. With that, we are now ready to take your questions. Thank you.         

    MODERATOR: Thank you, Mr. Chair. So now moving on to the Q&A section, I would like to remind you that when you raise your hand, please identify yourself, your outlet, and please identify the Chair members that you would like to address the question to. Now moving on to the gentleman in the third row, please.       

    QUESTIONER: Thank you so much. I have a question actually for the three of you. Mr. Recto, you talked about the need for liquidity and buffers. The Philippines serves as a really good example. You are one of the fastest growing economies in the developing Asia region. Business process outsourcing, revenues have passed $35 billion. I wanted to find out, what is the Philippines doing so well? Is it a well‑educated workforce or is it constant electricity; what is the secret; and is AI going to disrupt that going forward?        

    For Candelaria Alvarez, reforms have been taking in Argentina. Javier Milei recently, I think it was in the last month, vetoed a bill that was going to increase financing for public universities, and students have been protesting. How patient do you expect the residents of Argentina to be with the reforms that are taking place?               

    And for Mr. Olawale Edun, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, at the last monetary policy meeting in Nigeria mentioned that the FAAC allocations, the Federation Account Allocation Committee, are causing—he noted they are causing the naira to depreciate when those disbursements are made. What do you think need to be done to address that?

    Then, two, you recently, I think it was a month or two, you talked about the need for single‑digit interest rates in Nigeria. Do you think that is ever going to happen with inflation being in double digits and a hawkish monetary policy path in Nigeria? Thank you.              

    MODERATOR: Thank you. Let me remind you that I hope that your question will be under the purview of G‑24 discussions but let ask the Chair to respond to the questions.               

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): Thank you very much for your question. Thank you for noticing the Philippines. The Philippines at the second quarter grew by roughly 6.3 percent. For the first 2 years of this administration, we have grown about 6 percent. We are following our macro fiscal framework of reducing the deficit over time. We expect the good debt‑to‑GDP to be way below 60 percent by 2028. Today are roughly at 60 percent.               

    On the expenditure side, we are spending roughly 5 to 6 percent on infrastructure, maybe a similar amount also for human resource development, particularly in health and education.               

    You are correct that the BPO industry is growing by about—well, we collect roughly 35 billion in revenues a year. We also have a robust remittance of roughly the same amount, about $35 billion a year as well. That helps our consumption. 70 percent of the economy is household consumption. And public investments have also generated most of that growth as well.                 

    AI is a challenge, but in the Philippines the BPO industry is already adapting to AI. So thank you for your question. Thank you.               

    MODERATOR: Mr. Edun, would you like to address the question?              

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): Thank you very much. Let me answer it within the context of the discussions of the G‑24. Fundamentally, of course, foreign exchange and liquidity generally is very difficult. There are countries that are—they are reforming their economies domestically. They key into the rules‑based world trading system. And they do have debt sustainability in terms of debt‑to‑GDP. However, they have liquidity constraints, particularly foreign exchange with relation to debt servicing of the foreign debt but also their domestic debt. And I think to bring that—that is the context within which the questions of how to help. In fact, the IMF is specifically focusing on how to help is sort of a bridge financing that takes a question that does have its fundamentals right, but it gives it enough time for that adjustment and probably helps it with heightened debt servicing, which is just for a period.

    Clearly with regard to Nigeria, the key about the foreign exchange market really is supply. And, of course, as you know we have the—we are an oil‑producing country. We just need to get our oil production up, and that will deal with that issue of foreign exchange supply, and pressure on foreign exchange every time there are large flows.                  

    In terms of single‑digit inflation, of course, the western world, the rich countries, they have effectively defeated inflation. That is why the interest rates can come down. The Governor of the Central Bank in Nigeria, in the context of high inflation, is continuing with monetary tightening. That is the orthodoxy of the day. And it is one which is following. Thank you.               

    MODERATOR: Ms. Moroni on Argentina.          

    Ms. Moroni (Argentina): Thank you. Going back to the question on Argentina, just as an important framework, G‑24 has been working on the need for emerging market and developing economies to try to put their economies in the right place. The Minister mentioned the need for the international financial organizations to give liquidity or to provide access to liquidity for countries like Argentina and others to be able to get back on our feet. For the government of Argentina, it is really relevant. We do think there is a need for a fiscal anchor on that sense. What happened with the education law had to do with the idea to keep the budget where it has to be, and it has not to do with kind of cutting education. It has to do with evaluating costs and expenditure in the right way. I think that is it.          

    MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Going back to the floor. The gentleman in the fourth row, please.            

    QUESTION: Just turning to the U.S. election, obviously we have seen the U.S. follow suit on trade change to a more protectionist stance. We have seen more industrial policy. Regardless of who wins the election, how do you see the U.S. involvement with multilateral organizations represented here and the WTO; and what is the impact of maybe a lessen gauged, more transactional U.S. on the group of countries, the G‑24?           

    MODERATOR: Mr. Chairman, maybe the Secretariat would like to respond?               

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): We are concerned that there will be a setback on multilateralism, particularly on trade as well. And we know the driver of global growth is more trade. So that is a concern. In the Philippines, we count on our relationship with the United States to do maybe more out‑shoring to the Philippines, and hopefully that will be done also with other members of the G‑24.            

    Ms. Masha (Secretariat): If I can add, if you look at the communiqué, the last paragraph there actually addresses this issue. It is not just about the U.S. it is also about different countries all over the world implementing protectionist policies. And we have seen the impact of that in sectors that continue to build more to growth and development in many countries. So where do we go from here? What we are calling on is for the WTO to become the center of trade discussions, trade negotiations, and for the World Bank and the IMF to rise up to a much more multilaterally‑engaged organization that will be able to at least influence the kind of policies that countries take one way or the other. Thank you.            

    MODERATOR: Thank you. We are going to go online. The question that was just received from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka as a member of G‑24 is currently making attempts to emerge out of a crisis. What can you tell us about a G‑24 position to support countries like Sri Lanka and also for the island nations to secure financial facilities at reasonable conditions. Mr. Chair, maybe Iyabo?            

    Ms. Masha (Secretariat): Yes. So I would say that Sri Lanka has come a long way from where it was 2 years ago. The last IMF Article IV Consultation assessment does show that growth is picking up, that fiscal buffers are coming up, and also import duties are rising, so that indicates that the countries are making some recovery.           

    As for the position that the G‑24 takes on this issue, the way it affects Sri Lanka most is on the debt sustainability issue. So what we are calling for is that countries, especially middle‑income countries, should also have a framework, a forum where they can negotiate with their debtors. As it is now, the Common Framework only works for low‑income countries. Only low‑income countries are part of the Common Framework, but middle‑income countries can be part of another forum called the Sovereign Debt Resolution Roundtable, which is not really an association—an organization that delivers any form of debt relief. It just fosters common understanding. So that is what we are calling for. We want very timely, very comprehensive reduction in debt for countries, and also for both middle and low‑income countries to qualify. So that is where I see it working out. If things work out and the discussion in that area picks up quite fastly, then we can see the likes of Sri Lanka and maybe Lebanon and a few other countries benefiting from that. Thank you.          

    MODERATOR: Thank you. Back to the floor. Maybe I will take one question from the side and come back to you. I’ve seen your hand, sir, in the third row. Sorry, the fourth row. Yes.               

    QUESTION: Hi, there. Mr. Recto, you said that developing countries would be hit by the hardest by any slowdown. I am going to ask an uncomfortable question, but the U.S. election has two very different results, one of which will likely be much more inflationary and lead to more trade tensions. Could each of you tell me a little bit about how your economies are preparing or thinking about the possibility of a Trump victory and associated trade tensions and inflationary pressures that could be a headwind to growth?              

    MODERATOR: Yes, please.             

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): Well, in the Philippines, we do have a relationship with the U.S. We have a mutual defense treaty. We are hoping to leverage that relationship so that we do not get much affected. We understand that many U.S. companies are also interested to invest in the Philippines. We do have a partnership also, the U.S.-Japan-and the Philippines, with regards to our security arrangements. We expect more investments to take place also in the Philippines.             

    MODERATOR: Anything to add from Mr. Edun or Ms. Moroni?             

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): Thank you. I think the issues that we are contending with in Africa, in many ways, we are bystanders to this all‑important election. Yes, we do have African Growth and Opportunity Act, which tries to open up the U.S. market to African‑manufactured products. I do not think that will be affected in any way by the results of this election. Generally, what we are finding is that at this particular time, the economies of trade generally, there is a reversal of globalization, of trade. There is a move to protectionism in these countries. There is on‑boarding of production. All these things tend to work against the developing world’s ability to benefit from expanding trade and thereby use that opportunity for investment, for growth, and for job creation and poverty reduction.            

    Overall, I think that we are not that affected specifically or that in general we continue to ask for an improved global financial architecture that provides us with more concessional funding, add skill, particularly for those countries that, as I said earlier, are undertaking the macroeconomic reforms that everybody agrees are sensible and will lead to better lives for their people. Thank you.             

    MODERATOR: Anything to add from the macro, broad perspective?             

    Ms. Moroni (Argentina): Very briefly. What was mentioned by both Ministers is the right sentimenting in the emerging markets. We do think, at least for Argentina, the U.S. is a strategic partner and whatever the elections go, we do think that we need to keep having that channel open. Trade is quite a relevant issue. Financial issues are quite relevant. Governance issues in institutions also will be something sensitive to work with the new administration. We do think it is going to be something quite interesting to see in the short‑term. Thank you.           

    MODERATOR: You, sir, in the second row right here.            

    Question: My question is meant for Mr. Wale. Like Mr. Recto said in his opening remarks, a lot of G‑24 countries are having challenges implementing structural reforms and adjustment programs. I would like you to speak specifically to the case of Nigeria. What are the key lessons to learn from the structural reforms being implemented in Nigeria today. And looking back, are there better ways these reforms would have been implemented to limit the level of disruptions? Also, you met with the IMF MD and the team yesterday. We would like to know some of the discussions on that meeting and how does that relate to debt sustainability for Nigeria. Thank you.           

    MODERATOR: Mr. Edun, would you like to respond?         

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): Thank you very much. When we talk about—I will take the last one—debt sustainability, and also reforms generally, the G‑24 I think is better to talk within the framework, to talk beyond Nigeria and more about developing countries as a whole. The requirement really for support from the international community, from the development partners, from the multilateral development banks is that you undertake reforms that lead to sustainability at the macro level.             

    The key lesson that I think I would focus on is that in devising these programs and carrying out the reforms, what is particularly important — because the benefits over the longer term and the costs are frontloaded, it is important that the social safety nets that will help the poor and the vulnerable cope with the up‑front costs with a spike in their cost‑of‑living is adequately planned for and dealt with. So, it should not be an issue of it is an afterthought that you decide now that there need to be certain poverty alleviation initiatives. And linked to that, focus on helping the poor and the most vulnerable, [what can] cope with the cost is communication. I think one of the critical things in carrying out these economy reforms that are so fundamental and clearly they are necessary, otherwise they would not be implemented, is that communicating what is being done, what was to be expected, and also the timing as much as possible, the timing of the various activities, and then communicating what actually has been done so if it is a program to give direct benefits, direct transfers of funds to a group of people, then it should be published. There should be a dashboard that people can follow, thereby engendering and building public trust. I think those are the two important things that I would say you need to have for all of us at the G‑24 and developing countries in general. Thank you.         

    MODERATOR: Thank you, Minister. I have time for two more questions. Let me go back to the far end of the room right there. Thank you.

    QUESTION: Thank you. A question on climate change. Do you think the development banks, MDBs, are doing enough to tackle climate change? And especially our shareholders of MDBs, are they doing enough to tackle this issue? Thank you.            

    MODERATOR: Thank you. Mr. Recto, you would like to comment?        

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): The short comment is, it is never enough.     

    MODERATOR: Minister, do you want to chime in or, Ms. Moroni, or Iyabo on climate change.        

    Ms. Masha (Secretariat): Yes, I will say that the ambition is there. They really want to do a lot. The finance is just not commensurate with the level of ambition, so that is also one area where we have called on them to demonstrate the ambition. Thank you.     

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): Sorry. If I may, since you asked me.     

    MODERATOR: Please.

    Mr. Edun (Nigeria): The thing I would say on climate change, for a poor country such as Nigeria and others that are actually endowed with fossil fuels in particular, must take a realistic approach to climate change because it is the resources that we have that we must use to industrialize, to modernize our economies while being members of the global fight against climate change. We are signatories to the Paris Accord. We have our target for net zero, and while sticking to those, we must take a realistic view that we need to use our fossil fuels to develop our economies. Thank you.        

    Ms. Moroni (Argentina): The recent issue we had been discussing on G‑24, G‑20, and other forums, the need for development banks to keep in mind their core objective. Then as you mentioned, there is a need to kind of—we do have an ambition, a climate agenda, but we do need to respect the emerging markets’ right to develop first. So, there is a need to—for financing for other development issues that are not directly linked to this, thank you.      

    MODERATOR: Last question to the lady up‑front.       

    QUESTION: Thank you. My question will be to Ms. Director and Mr. Olawale. Earlier on the World Economic Outlook, we were told that inflation is almost won, so I would like to know how the Group of Twenty‑Four is actually interpreting that, especially with the fundamentals in the developed world getting a little bit better; and what are the risks that are posed to the Group of 24. Also, to you, Mr. Recto, you rolled out four key reforms that G‑24 is asking from the World Bank and the IMF. Are you looking at timelines for these reforms? Then over to Nigeria’s Finance Minister and the Second Vice Chair. One of the reforms is heightened development support. That reform, what does it mean for African economies? For example, so I would really like you to take a look at that and perhaps what are the timelines that you are expecting? Is there a Nigerian agenda within these four key reforms?         

    MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Also, I would like to invite Iyabo to address on the reforms of the Bretton Woods institutions as well, but first, the Director or Mr. Edun, would you like to respond on inflation?         

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): On inflation, I think for next year, the global inflation rate will still be relatively high, lower than this year, but something like 5.8 percent, thereabouts. I still think that will be high, and because of that, the interest rate, while it is going down, it remains high. That is why we are also calling for the World Bank to reduce cost of borrowing. This will be very beneficial to the developing economies. On the time frame, maybe Iyabo can elaborate more.              

    Ms. Masha (Secretariat): Yes. Yes, the Bretton Woods initiative itself, the reform, they just started, so now they are in the process of consultations, going around countries, going around regions, so I will say that at a minimum, maybe by next Spring Meeting, they will have an update on where they are in the process and maybe some final decision by the Annual Meetings. In any case, these things have to go through the boards of both the IMF and the World Bank for ratification.        

    MODERATOR: Thank you. Mr. Edun.

    Mr. Recto (Philippines): I think I think around this time last year, we were still dealing with heightened levels of inflation, particularly in the developed countries. That means elevated rates of interest as they put as their number one priority, the fight against inflation and tight monetary policy by the central banks. That has changed. And there is now as we are seeing monetary easing or at least easing of rates of interest by central banks, but that is in the developed world.

    In the developing world, rates are still high and that fight against inflation means that the interest rates also will remain high. But as far as the developed world is concerned, lower interest rates translate to more affordability. Nobody wants to borrow. Nobody likes to borrow. But when it becomes necessary. It is something that must be managed as well as possible. So the first port of call is concessional financing; IDA financing, for instance, from the World Bank. And what the developing world continues to call for is larger sums that can really make a difference, not just to be able to help a country cope with its immediate payment needs, but to have funds to grow the economies. That is what the fight against inflation translates to for the developing countries. Victory therefore or success therefore in the developed world means that they should be able to make more resources available. I must note here that the IMF has reduced their charges. 36 percent reduction in the rates and the excess charges is significant, and it is in the right direction to help developing countries get the resources they need to develop and grow.

    MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Minister and

    Secretariat. Thank you so much for the questions. Unfortunately, we are out of time. Thank you so much again for joining this press conference. The G‑24 communique is being posted on IMF.org and the transcript of this press briefing will be made available later. Have a good rest of your day. Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $13.7 Million for Pipeline Safety from His Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $13,692,920.00 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for pipeline safety from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
    “Pipelines play a crucial role in delivering the energy that powers our everyday lives,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This investment from the Infrastructure Law will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of Louisiana’s infrastructure and build our economy for 2050.”

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $3,000,000.00
    Grant Parish Police Jury
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace 36 miles of 2-inch legacy PVC gas mains.

    $2,546,363.00
    Iberville Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace 5.64 miles of existing steel mains with 4-inch polyethylene coiled pipe, 88 steel service lines with 1-inch PE coiled pipe, and 88 aging residential meters.

    $2,330,843.00
    Village of Elizabeth
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace 8 miles of 6-inch legacy steel distribution line with 4-inch high-density polyethylene pipe.

    $1,872,488.00
    Village of Morganza
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace four miles of PVC pipe with modern polyethylene pipe with tracer wire.

    $1,327,022.00
    City of Patterson
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace 3.06 miles of steel main and services with polyethylene.

    $1,176,277.00
    Town of Montgomery
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace five 60+ year old regulator stations.

    $1,059,315.00
    Town of Washington
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace approximately 2.3 miles of service line connections of 3/4-inch & 1-inch steel pipe with modern 1-inch polyethylene pipe with tracer wire. The project includes all connections, service valves, regulators, and fittings for approximately 300 customers.

    $217,212.00
    Village of Moreauville
    This grant will provide federal funding to replace valves.

    $163,400.00
    Town of Basile
    This grant will provide federal funding to perform an extensive leak survey on the distribution system and any area containing abandoned portions of legacy steel pipe.

    Background
    Thanks to IIJA, the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization is helping communities throughout the country safeguard natural gas pipes. Nearly one billion will be awarded over five years.
    Earlier this year, Cassidy announced over $52 million to municipalities and gas utility districts seeking to replace aging natural gas infrastructure with new pipelines. Additionally, a similar announcement was made last April of over $27 million going to cities and towns in south and central Louisiana, for similar purposes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update on Edmonton Public Schools negotiations

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3550, which represents roughly 3,200 employees, served notice for strike action to begin on Thursday, Oct. 24. Because the Disputes Inquiry Board was established before strike or lockout action began, the union local cannot strike and the employers cannot lock out employees until the inquiry process concludes.

    Negotiations between the two parties can occur even while the Disputes Inquiry Board is in place.

    “Alberta’s government is providing another mediator to the parties in this dispute so that there is a full opportunity for the parties to reach a negotiated settlement before a work disruption occurs.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    If a settlement cannot be reached in the dispute, the board will make a recommendation for settlement to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. The recommendation will then be forwarded to both parties, which will have 10 days to notify the minister of their acceptance of the recommendation. If the parties accept the recommendation, it will form part of a new collective agreement and the dispute will be settled.

    If one or both parties to a dispute does not accept the recommendation, the Alberta Labour Relations Board conducts a vote of the party that did not accept it.

    If the recommendation is rejected again, the parties can continue negotiations to reach a settlement or a strike or lockout action may commence after 72 hours.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Xi highlights BRICS’ role in driving multipolarity, globalization ahead of Kazan Summit

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xi highlights BRICS’ role in driving multipolarity, globalization ahead of Kazan Summit

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 22 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday underscored the role of BRICS as “a pillar” in promoting a multipolar world and fostering an inclusive economic globalization ahead of leaders’ formal meetings at the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

    The BRICS mechanism is the world’s most important platform for solidarity and cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries, Xi said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

    The Kazan Summit marks the first in-person BRICS gathering since the group expanded its membership last year in Johannesburg, South Africa. More than 30 countries attend this year’s summit which runs until Thursday.

    Xi told Putin, who chairs the summit, that he expected to have an in-depth discussion with Putin and other world leaders on the future development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, so as to secure more opportunities for the Global South.

    One of the key priorities of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship is integrating the new members into the BRICS framework, according to the official website. Other areas of practical cooperation include boosting trade and direct investment, as well as fostering a balanced and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.

    BRICS countries are expected to deepen consensus on strategic communication and practical cooperation for the group’s future development, said Wang Lei, director of the BRICS Cooperation Research Center at Beijing Normal University.

    Wang also expressed hope for productive engagement between BRICS and the broader Global South at the summit to promote shared global development and uphold the effectiveness of multilateral governance systems.

    Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and the fifth-largest city in Russia, holds historical and cultural significance. During their meeting, Xi told Putin that around 400 years ago, the Great Tea Road that connected the two countries went past Kazan, through which tea leaves from China’s Wuyi Mountain region found their way into many Russian households.

    The city is also home to Kazan Federal University, where notable figures like the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin studied.

    Around noon on Tuesday, Xi arrived at Kazan International Airport, greeted by Russian officials. Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin told Xinhua that the city is honored to host the Chinese leader.

    Guards of honor lined both sides of a red carpet to salute the Chinese leader, while Russian youths in traditional attire offered a warm welcome. Russian fighter jets escorted Xi’s plane before its landing.

    “It is very important that, at the moment, we have such a good leader who can introduce new initiatives,” said Timirkhan Alishev, vice rector for International Affairs, Kazan Federal University, speaking of Xi’s role in international affairs.

    Alishev told Xinhua that all initiatives introduced by China are rooted in multilateralism, fostering communication and dialogue on multiple levels.

    “We see China puts a lot of efforts to develop BRICS,” said Alishev. “There are no preconditions for BRICS cooperation … You can start dialogue on equal basis with everybody.”

    The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, as an investment concept referring to emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS officially took shape.

    After last year’s expansion, BRICS grouping now accounts for about 30 percent of the global GDP, nearly half of the global population and one-fifth of global trade. “Measured by GDP, the BRICS countries have already surpassed the G7 in importance,” said Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank (NDB), in a recent interview with Xinhua.

    “I think this BRICS meeting is very important … At the moment, the countries of the Global South are in great need of funding. And the conditions for obtaining it are quite complicated,” Rousseff said during a meeting with Putin in Kazan on Tuesday.

    Observers see the BRICS Summit as an opportunity for Global South countries to voice their needs. Victoria Fedosova, deputy director of the Institute for Strategic Research and Forecasts of the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University, said the very dynamic development of BRICS and the growth in membership reflect a demand for a platform for addressing global issues.

    “The BRICS mechanism has enormous potential in adjusting the imbalances in global development accumulated over the last 80 years,” said Fedosova.

    Other than the countries that became new full members on Jan. 1, 2024, over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in its membership, while many other developing countries are seeking deeper cooperation with the group.

    As its influence expands, BRICS has gained appeal among many countries, particularly in the Global South, by offering them concrete advantages, said Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa.

    “BRICS has undoubtedly made notable strides in recent years,” said Roboji. It offers emerging economies easier access to financial resources and better opportunities for trade, investment and development, the expert added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Tours Military Solutions Provider in Wichita, KS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Wichita, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. visited Leading Technology Composites (LTC) in Wichita, KS. Leading Technology Composites (LTC) provides composite solutions for the defense, military, aerospace, and automotive industries. It designs and manufactures protective body armor plates, such as stab and handgun plates, ballistic and protective inserts, and buoyant plates. Additionally, LTC produces vehicle protective armor and aerospace solutions. The company was founded in 1993, employing over 400 Kansans and serving both domestic and international clients. 
    “I am proud of LTC for supporting our military and law enforcement through their innovative solutions,” Senator Marshall said. “LTC protects our protectors, and I am proud of the work they have accomplished and the opportunities they provide for Kansans and our country.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Visits Salina Pregnancy Service Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Salina, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. toured the Salina Pregnancy Service Center and their new, expanded space this past week. 
    Salina Pregnancy Service Center serves over 300 new clients and hosts over 12,000 visits per year. The Center offers a variety of services to moms and their families throughout pregnancy and postpartum, including ultrasounds, clothing, counseling, and referrals to other programs throughout Salina. 
    “As an OBGYN, ensuring mothers and families have quality care is one of my top priorities,” Senator Marshall said. “It was a pleasure to visit this clinic and hear about what they are doing for Salina families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Risch to introduce Stand with Israel Act to combat UN’s persecution of Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and colleagues in announcing their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act to combat the United Nation’s (U.N.) persecution of Israel. The legislation would block any U.S. dollars from going to the U.N. if it downgrades Israel’s status in any way, such as preventing Israel from having certain voting powers, access to committees or other roles within the organization.
    “The U.N. has failed to pass any resolution to condemn the October 7 terrorists, yet the Palestinian delegation has tried to delegitimize Israel by introducing radical resolutions. Even though the U.N.’s policies often run against American interests, we remain its biggest funder. We shouldn’t send American tax dollars to groups that demonize our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East while elevating terrorist-sympathizers and the Palestinian Authority,” said Kennedy.
    Last month, Kennedy criticized the Palestinian Authority for introducing a U.N. resolution that would reward terrorism. The resolution would have supported an end to Israel’s presence in the West Bank, sanction Israeli officials and block other countries’ arms transfers to Israel. The U.N. General Assembly adopted the one-sided resolution without U.S. support. 
    “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic. That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences,” said Risch. 
    The legislation is the companion to the House of Representative’s bipartisan H.R. 9394, which Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced. 
    Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) also cosponsored the legislation.
    Full text of the Stand with Israel Act is available here.  
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Mount Logan Capital Inc. Schedules Release of Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (CBOE: MLC) (“Mount Logan” or the “Company”) will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 after market close on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The Company will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. Shareholders, prospective shareholders, and analysts are welcome to listen to the conference call. To join the call, please use the dial-in information below. A recording of the conference call will be available on Mount Logan’s website http://www.mountlogancapital.ca in the Investor Relations section under “Events”.

    Canada Dial-in Toll Free: 1-833-950-0062
    US Dial-in Toll Free: 1-833-470-1428
    International Dial-in:
    Access Code: 672430

    About Mount Logan Capital Inc.
    Mount Logan Capital Inc. is an alternative asset management and insurance solutions company that is focused on public and private debt securities in the North American market and the reinsurance of annuity products, primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Mount Logan Management LLC and Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), respectively. The Company also actively sources, evaluates, underwrites, manages, monitors and primarily invests in loans, debt securities, and other credit-oriented instruments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns and present low risk of principal impairment through the credit cycle.

    Ability is a Nebraska domiciled insurer and reinsurer of long-term care policies acquired by Mount Logan in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Ability is unique in the insurance industry in that its long-term care portfolio’s morbidity risk has been largely re-insured to third parties, and Ability is no longer insuring or re-insuring new long-term care risk.

    This press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication of this release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or an offer to purchase any securities in the Company or in any fund or other investment vehicle. This press release is not intended for U.S. persons. The Company’s shares are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Company is not and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). U.S. persons are not permitted to purchase the Company’s shares absent an applicable exemption from registration under each of these Acts. In addition, the number of investors in the United States, or which are U.S. persons or purchasing for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, will be limited to such number as is required to comply with an available exemption from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act.

    Contacts:
    Mount Logan Capital Inc.
    365 Bay Street, Suite 800
    Toronto, ON M5H 2V1
    info@mountlogancapital.ca

    Nikita Klassen
    Chief Financial Officer
    Nikita.Klassen@mountlogancapital.ca

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chehalis To Be Site of 60,000-Square-Foot Upcycling Plant Thanks to $10M Federal Investment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    10.22.24

    Chehalis To Be Site of 60,000-Square-Foot Upcycling Plant Thanks to $10M Federal Investment

    CleanFiber facility will turn upcycled cardboard into home insulation, expected to support 40 local full-time jobs; DOE grant is first of its kind awarded in WA under program that helps former coal communities

    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced a major federal investment that will help create new jobs in Chehalis. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) has selected CleanFiber’s Chehalis location to receive $10 million to establish a 60,000-square-foot production facility that will turn recycled cardboard into carbon-storing insulation for homes.

    “This planned new manufacturing plant is a triple win for the region: it will deliver good new manufacturing jobs, produce energy-saving advanced insulation, and reduce waste by upcycling local materials,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Supporting well-paying jobs in transitioning communities is a key requirement we included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and this announcement shows the federal government is betting on Chehalis to be an engine of revitalization in Southwest Washington.”

    The facility is expected to produce enough advanced insulation to weatherize more than 10,000 homes a year and will support 40 full-time employees. 

    Building the facility will require approximately 33 full-time local contractors during the construction phase to provide civil work, electrical, engineering, fire protection and insulation, mechanical work, and pipefitting. All contractors will be paid at or above the prevailing wage and CleanFiber will help create apprenticeship opportunities by engaging contractors with structured apprenticeship programs.

    Once the facility is operational, CleanFiber expects to hire approximately 40 full-time employees. All hires will receive competitive wages and full benefits packages. The company plans outreach to disadvantaged and displaced coal workers, and will develop partnerships with state and local organizations (such as WorkSource Washington, the Washington State Labor Council, and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Board) to recruit from those populations. CleanFiber also pledges to remain neutral during any union organizing campaigns at their facility.

    CleanFiber’s Chehalis plant is one of 14 projects announced today by DOE to accelerate domestic clean energy manufacturing in 15 coal communities across the United States. This is the first grant to a project in Washington state under the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Program.

    The program was created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that Sen. Cantwell helped craft in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, before passing the full Senate. Each project further positions the United States to win the competition for manufacturing in the 21st century and strengthen our national security by building supply chains for existing and emerging technologies in America, built by American workers with American materials.

    CleanFiber is also building a sister plant in Ennis, Texas.

    The projects, led by small-and medium-businesses in communities with de-commissioned coal facilities, were selected to address critical energy supply chain vulnerabilities. Sen. Cantwell was a strong supporter of the landmark BIL, which provided historic investments to revitalize communities in Washington state. The Senator’s CHIPS & Science Act also included provisions focusing on rural economic development, notably the recently announced Recompetes grant for the Olympic Peninsula.  Overall the CHIPS & Science Act has led to resurgence of American manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and spurred over $230 billion of investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing.



    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Democrats Send Amicus Brief Urging Federal Court to Protect Access to Emergency Abortions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    10.22.24

    Cantwell, Democrats Send Amicus Brief Urging Federal Court to Protect Access to Emergency Abortions

    Members ask the Ninth Circuit to affirm that under federal law, hospitals participating in Medicare must provide emergency stabilizing treatment to patients, including abortion care when necessary; Ninth Circuit Court received the case after the Supreme Court dismissed it in June

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 258 other Members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States, two consolidated cases concerning the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) under consideration by the en banc Ninth Circuit. EMTALA is a federal law that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary “stabilizing treatment” to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care.

    After the Dobbs decision in 2022, a draconian anti-abortion law in Idaho went into effect that makes it a felony for a doctor to terminate a patient’s pregnancy unless it is “necessary” to prevent the patient’s death. The United States sued the State of Idaho, arguing that the state’s law is preempted by EMTALA in those circumstances in which abortion may not be necessary to prevent imminent death, but still constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition. The district court agreed; it held that in those limited, but critically important situations, EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals to provide abortion as an emergency medical treatment. Idaho Republicans appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court, which lifted the injunction and took the case in January—in March, Sen. Cantwell and 257 other Members filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to affirm the district court decision. In June, the Supreme Court dismissed the case but without a ruling on the merits, sending the case back to the Ninth Circuit Court and reinstating the district court’s injunction.

    In their brief in support of the Justice Department, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling. They argue that the congressional intent, text, and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it is the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition, and that EMTALA preempts Idaho’s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient’s health.

    In their brief in support of the Justice Department, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling. They argue that the congressional intent, text, and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it is the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition, and that EMTALA preempts Idaho’s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient’s health.

    “[T]he 99th Congress passed EMTALA to ensure that every person who visits a Medicare-funded hospital with an ‘emergency medical condition’ is offered stabilizing treatment,” the Members write in their amicus brief. “Congress chose broad language for that mandate, requiring hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide ‘such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition.’… That text—untouched by Congress for the past three decades—makes clear that in situations in which a doctor determines that abortion constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a pregnant patient, federal law requires the hospital to offer it. Yet Idaho has made providing that care a felony, in direct contravention of EMTALA’s mandate.”

    Importantly, the Members note that in this case, “respecting the supremacy of federal law is about more than just protecting our system of government; it is about protecting people’s lives. If this Court allows Idaho’s near-total abortion ban to supersede federal law, pregnant patients in Idaho will continue to be denied appropriate medical treatment, placing them at heightened risk for medical complications and severe adverse health outcomes… And health care providers, unwilling to let Idaho’s law override their medical judgment regarding their patients’ best interests, will continue their exile from Idaho, creating maternity-care ‘deserts’ all over the state.” The Members point to numerous reports of OB/GYNs leaving Idaho en masse since the state’s abortion ban went into effect—Idaho has since lost fifty-five percent of its maternal-fetal medicine specialists and three rural hospitals have shut down maternity services altogether.

    “These are not hypothetical scenarios. Because Idaho’s abortion ban contains no clear exceptions for the “emergency medical conditions” covered by EMTALA, it forces physicians to wait until their patients are on the verge of death before providing abortion care. The result in other states with similar laws has been ‘significant maternal morbidity,’” write the Members, pointing to harrowing reports of pregnant women with severe health complications being denied necessary abortion care, including an Idaho woman who was flown to Utah for an abortion while hemorrhaging, leaking amniotic fluid, and terrified that she would not survive to care for her two other children. “Federal law does not allow Idaho to endanger the lives of its residents in this way.”

    In their brief, the Members also clarify that the references to “unborn child” in EMTALA were intended to expand hospitals’ obligations with respect to providing stabilizing treatment—not contract them or take away the obligation to provide abortion care in certain circumstances.

    The Members’ brief also counters an argument from Idaho and its amici that the Supremacy Clause does not apply in this case because EMTALA was passed using Spending Clause authority, and therefore acts only as a condition on Medicare funding. The Members make clear that all laws passed by Congress are entitled to preemption—regardless of their source of constitutional authority—and states cannot pass laws that make it impossible for private parties to accept federal funding, inhibiting the purpose of the federal law. 

    “Because EMTALA requires abortion when necessary to stabilize a patient with an emergency medical condition, Idaho’s near-total abortion ban is preempted to the extent that it prevents doctors from providing that care,” the Members write. “This Court should reject Appellants’ novel theory that EMTALA is not entitled to preemptive effect because it was enacted pursuant to Congress’s spending power.  Under the Supremacy Clause, all ‘the constitutional laws enacted by congress,’ constitute ‘the supreme Law of the Land,’. As the Supreme Court has repeatedly held, the principle of federal supremacy applies to laws passed pursuant to Congress’s spending authority no less than it does to laws effectuating other enumerated powers.”

    “In sum, EMTALA plainly requires hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide abortion care when, in a doctor’s medical judgment, it constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a patient’s ‘emergency medical condition.’”

    The lawmakers conclude by asking the Ninth Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision that EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals to provide abortion care when it is necessary as emergency medical treatment.

    In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by 48 U.S. Senators: Schumer, Murray, Wyden, Durbin, Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Butler, Cantwell, Cardin, Carper, Casey Jr., Coons, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Hassan, Heinrich, Helmy, Hickenlooper, Hirono, Kaine, Kelly, King Jr., Klobuchar, Luján, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Padilla, Peters, Reed, Rosen, Sanders, Schatz, Shaheen, Sinema, Smith, Stabenow, Tester, Van Hollen, Warner, Warnock, Warren, Welch, and Whitehouse.

    In the House, the brief was signed by 211 U.S. Representatives.

    The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trade Secretary launches new fund to unlock multi-billion exports boost 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Jonathan Reynolds will announce Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund on visit to Brazil including his first G20 meeting

    • New £2.3million Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund will help to unlock export opportunities worth nearly £5 billion for UK companies over five years   
    • Sectors like clean energy and life sciences set to benefit, as fund targets trade barriers worth £300m in its first year   
    • Announcement comes as Jonathan Reynolds visits Brazil for G20 trade talks  

    The UK’s pharmaceutical industry will find it easier to sell innovative medicines in huge markets like Brazil and around the world thanks to a new fund to cut red tape and boost exports.  

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will announce the new £2.3 million Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund as part of a three-day visit to Brazil, which will include his first G20 meeting.  

    The fund builds on the Prime Minister’s call at the International Investment Summit last week for UK regulators to support the Government’s growth mission, keep pace with emerging industries and upgrade the regulatory regime to make it fit for the modern age.  

    The fund will help UK regulators work with international partners to remove trade barriers and shape markets in various growing sectors. This will see sectors benefit from a potential £5 billion of new export opportunities over five years, with trade barriers worth £300 million being targeted within the first 12 months – which would be equal to an average of £135 in exports per pound invested.   

    In an exciting project in the life sciences sector, this will see UK regulators and expert bodies work closely with Brazil’s Ministry of Health in sharing best practice around evaluating cancer drugs, supporting them to improve their nation’s health while making it easier for the industry to access Brazil’s pharmaceutical market. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:   

    We are rolling up our sleeves and removing red tape where it is holding this country back from harnessing every opportunity available.  

    This multi-million-pound fund will unleash the potential of some of the most prominent sectors in the UK, and through our excellent regulators businesses will find it easier to sell their world class goods and services to Brazil and other partners around the world, as we continue to build momentum ahead of our new Industrial Strategy.

    The fund will also:  

    • enable the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to partner with Brazil as it develops a comprehensive offshore wind regulatory framework, which could generate an additional £55 million of exports over five years for the UK supply chain.   
    • in the professional services sector, the Law Society will build closer relationships with other countries to reduce requirements for UK lawyers to practice overseas, including in some US states, where they have faced onerous requirements.    
    • support UK regulators who will aim to improve the process for accreditation of UK education programmes, such as university degrees, in countries all over the world, including Malaysia.  

    Dr Stephen Wyatt, Director – Strategy and Emerging Technology, ORE Catapult said:   

    The UK is a world leader in offshore wind and, in partnership with the Department for Business & Trade, we now have the opportunity to translate two decades of experience into new export opportunities for UK companies.    

    Our work will help other countries to accelerate their plans to develop offshore wind and pinpoint key areas, such as floating wind, project development, and operations and maintenance where the UK’s leading companies can also flourish overseas.

    Richard Atkinson, President of The Law Society England and Wales said:   

    The Law Society of England and Wales appreciates the government’s initiative to establish the Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund.  

    This funding will provide essential support to UK businesses by helping them move past regulatory barriers in various global markets.  

    By building closer relationships with countries overseas, this fund will contribute to the growth and progression of the legal profession globally.

    It comes as the Trade Secretary heads to São Paulo and Brasília to build on the UK’s strong and enduring relationship with Brazil, meeting investors including one of the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturers, Embraer, as well as some of the largest UK businesses in Brazil such as Astra Zeneca.   

    The Trade Secretary will then meet Brazil’s Vice President and Trade Minister Geraldo Alckmin in Brasília, where they will talk about how to build on the over £10bn of UK-Brazil trade last year and implementation of Brazil’s Industrial Strategy ahead of the UK publishing its own next year. He will then meet his G20 counterparts and call for pragmatic and meaningful reform to strengthen the World Trade Organization, as well as action to promote gender equality in trade.   

    The Trade Secretary will also use the visit to hold the first bilateral meeting on trade between the UK and Argentina since 2019 when he meets with his counterpart Diana Mondino, where he will commit to strengthening the UK’s trade and investment relationship in line with both governments’ goals to support economic growth.  

    He will also speak to the Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, where he will emphasise the importance on resetting the relationship between the UK and the EU.   

    The meetings are alongside wider G20 discussions under Brazil’s presidency on sustainable investment and how trade can drive greener and more sustainable development, ahead of South Africa taking on the G20 Presidency in 2025.   

    Notes to Editors

    • Not all the trade barriers that are part of the £2.3m fund can be made public due to commercial or diplomatic sensitivity.  
    • The data on trade barriers to be resolved by the £2.3m fund is extracted from the Digital Market Access Service (DMAS). DMAS is not a comprehensive repository of all market access issues facing UK exporters, and reporting rates vary widely across countries and regions  
    • The £2.3m fund will be used to aid the resolution of 36 barriers in scope – the aggregate valuation of these barriers is around £5bn over 5 years. The aggregate figure of around £300m over 5 years is for a sample of 6 barriers only. To calculate the aggregate figures, the mid-point for each valuation range is estimated over a five-year period and added to provide a central estimate. Further details on the methodology for the aggregate valuation figures are published in a DBT analytical working paper. In some cases, estimates may have been sourced externally from industry.  
    • The figure of around £135 in export value per pound over five years is calculated by dividing £300m by the cost of the fund (£2.3m). This is a potential export win and it should not be interpreted that every additional pound might get another £135 in return.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Child Abuse Prevention Month: Minister Turton

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “No child should ever have to experience abuse. Whether at school or in the home, online or out in the community, abuse of any kind is always unacceptable. Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as an important reminder that everyone has a responsibility to know the warning signs and speak up to keep young people safe.

    “Our government remains committed to protecting all children and youth and ensuring they have a safe place to turn, as well as the resources they need when abuse does happen. This includes supporting the invaluable work of Alberta’s child and youth advocacy centres, which foster welcoming environments where young survivors are empowered to tell their stories and seek justice, as well as Little Warriors, for those who need longer-term support to recover from child sexual abuse trauma.

    “If you believe a child’s safety is at risk, don’t wait. Call the confidential, 24/7 Child Intervention line at 1-800-638-0715 or contact the nearest Children and Family Services office, Delegated First Nations Agency or local police.

    “To every Albertan who has taken action to protect a child’s safety and well-being, or prevent abuse from happening in their community, thank you. To every child and youth who has experienced abuse: we believe you, you are not alone and help is available.”

    Related information

    • What is child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation
    • Get help for child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation | Alberta.ca
    • Alberta Child Advocacy Centres – AB Child Advocacy Centres (albertacacs.ca)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Complaints Related to November 2024 General Election

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combating discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins has been appointed to serve as District Election Officer for the Southern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of Election Day complaints regarding voting rights, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    U.S. Attorney McGrath said: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Askins will be on duty while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (619) 546-6692.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (858) 320-1800.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    U.S. Attorney McGrath urged those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately, before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.22.2024 Cruz, Lankford Challenge Biden-Harris Administration’s ‘Gender Identity’ Guidance Targeting Women, People of Faith

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    ASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra about new guidance from HHS that compels speech, targets the ability of federal employees to practice their faith, and endangers women.
    In the letter, the senators wrote, “We write out of deep concern over Guidance you issued entitled ‘Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy for Employees and Applicants.’… According to the Guidance, failure to use the preferred names and pronouns an individual asks to be addressed with ‘contribute[s] to an unlawful hostile work environment.’ Notably, your Guidance states that the Department cannot ‘require a legal change of name or gender marker, medical certification, or other documentation.’ In other words, anyone can change their names and pronouns and compel coworkers to use that name or pronoun, or face disciplinary action.
    “Perhaps more egregious than the Guidance’s position on compelled speech related to pronoun usage is the policy on bathroom, locker room, and lactation room usage. According to the Guidance, HHS will ‘ensure there are no barriers to equally accessing restrooms, locker rooms, lactation rooms, or other personal care spaces.’… Including lactation rooms in this same Guidance is blatantly offensive—males cannot breastfeed their children, and claiming to be female does not change that reality. The only reason for including this in the Guidance is to continue to push a radical agenda in every facet of the federal workplace.”
    Sens. Cruz and Lankford were joined by Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) in signing the letter.
    Read the full letter here or below:
    Dear Mr. Secretary:
    We write out of deep concern over Guidance you issued entitled “Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy for Employees and Applicants.” This Guidance denies science, compels speech, jeopardizes the ability of federal employees to practice their faith without fear of retaliation, endangers women, and further erodes the American people’s trust in public institutions. We urge you to reverse course and rescind this Guidance.
    According to the Guidance, failure to use the preferred names and pronouns an individual asks to be addressed with “contribute[s] to an unlawful hostile work environment.” Notably, your Guidance states that the Department cannot “require a legal change of name or gender marker, medical certification, or other documentation.” In other words, anyone can change their names and pronouns and compel coworkers to use that name or pronoun, or face disciplinary action. The Guidance also stipulates that training on this guidance will be included in “all new employee training.” It also says additional trainings regarding gender identity will be made available, and that “specialized training” may be deemed necessary “for particular offices or Department-wide.” There is no mention anywhere in the Guidance about accommodations for those with religious or conscience objections to the compelled use of incorrect pronouns.
    In addition to violating extremely clear, long-standing Supreme Court precedents on compelled speech, reaffirmed as recently as 303 Creative v Elenis, this also violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In forcing employees to choose between deeply held religious beliefs or losing their job, HHS is creating a hostile work environment for employees.
    Perhaps more egregious than the Guidance’s position on compelled speech related to pronoun usage is the policy on bathroom, locker room, and lactation room usage. According to the Guidance, HHS will “ensure there are no barriers to equally accessing restrooms, locker rooms, lactation rooms, or other personal care spaces.” The Guidance notes that, “HHS will not condition this access on an employee having undergone or providing proof of gender-affirming surgeries or other medical procedures.” Further, if any employees are made uncomfortable by having to share bathrooms, locker rooms, or lactation rooms with individuals using the wrong space, they will be directed to use other facilities, because “employees will not be barred from using the restroom consistent with their gender identity.”
    Given the Guidance’s stipulation on not requiring any evidence of gender dysphoria or gender transition procedures, women could be forced to be exposed to fully male anatomy in the bathroom or in the locker room. This creates a hostile work environment for women who may have no other option than using the facilities at work. A female employee who has used a women’s restroom for more than a decade will be told that she has to find a new option for a restroom if she is uncomfortable with a biological male in her restroom. Women deserve better. Including lactation rooms in this same Guidance is blatantly offensive—males cannot breastfeed their children, and claiming to be female does not change that reality. The only reason for including this in the Guidance is to continue to push a radical agenda in every facet of the federal workplace.
    Finally, the Guidance’s denial of science—and incorporation of that denial into the hiring, firing, and promotion process—raises questions about the work and research being done through the HHS. Gender is not, as the Guidance erroneously asserts, “a social construct of identities, norms, behaviors, and roles that vary between societies over time.” There are only two sexes: male and female. Research by the HHS at taxpayer expense should not be done in contravention of that scientific and self-evident fact.
    HHS is rapidly losing the confidence of the American people over the last three years. According to Pew Research polling, in 2020, HHS had a favorable/unfavorable rating of 73/19. In 2023, that favorability metric had plummeted to 55/30. By rejecting science and diving deeper into the culture wars, HHS risks further undermining faith in critical public institutions. We urge you to rescind this Guidance, and request answers to the following questions no later than October 30.
    In your response to a Finance Committee question for the record, you stated that this Guidance does not change any religious protections for employees, but you did not answer whether there was a specific exemption process in place for this guidance. What exemption process is HHS providing to employees and managers being required to follow or implement this guidance based on religious or conscience objections?
    Please provide detailed account of the exemption process; how HHS is ensuring employees are aware of this process; if individuals have to apply for an exemption; and how many individuals have received exemptions.
    The Guidance requires managers who become aware of “derogatory remarks or demeaning behaviors” to “take appropriate steps to immediately and effectively stop these activities.”
    Is an employee’s refusal to use preferred name or pronouns considered “derogatory remarks or demeaning behavior?”
    What does HHS consider “appropriate steps?”
    How many HHS employees have faced employment consequences of any type for not abiding this guidance?
    The Guidance refers to updating websites, policies, programs, trainings, and publications to “replace gendered language with gender-neutral and gender-inclusive language.”
    Please provide detailed accounts of how many hours have already or will be used on this, the total cost of updating training materials, and any other expenses incurred as a result of this change.
    Will information pertaining to male and female specific medical issues—including testicular or ovarian cancer, maternal health, etc.—also be changed to gender neutral language?
    The Guidance creates an “LGBTQI+ Coordinating Committee.”
    Who will determine the members of this committee?
    What funds will be used to pay for the activities of this committee?
    Will there be a member on this committee dedicated to ensuring the protection of employees with religious and conscience objections?
    On what statutory authority does HHS base this Guidance?
    We look forward to your prompt response.
    Sincerely,
    /X/

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Deluzio, Lee Announce $6 Million for Pittsburgh International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding will help improve the terminal building

    Airport Terminal Program funding comes from infrastructure law

    With this funding, Pittsburgh International Airport has received more than $129 million in federal funding since the start of 2021

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) announced that Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is receiving $6,000,000 in competitive grant funding to modernize and rehabilitate the terminal. This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), which was created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to revitalize the Nation’s aging airports.

    “Pittsburgh International Airport is an essential connection between the region and the world, and it’s critical that the terminals are safe and can meet passenger needs. This investment from the infrastructure law will support ongoing efforts to modernize the airport by replacing floors, bulkheads, and decades-old moving walkways,” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight for investments that boost Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy and keep the region moving.”

    “Pittsburgh’s airport should reflect the grit and resilience of the city it serves and this $6 million investment helps make that happen. Upgrading parts of the terminal that have been in place for over 30 years will help bring our airport back up to speed, create jobs, and ensure it serves both the community and travelers with true Pittsburgh pride,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “The Infrastructure Law is still at work in Western PA, this time bringing home $6 million more for the Pittsburgh International Airport terminal updates,” said Congressman Deluzio. “The airport is not only a place where people catch flights: but it’s also a workplace, employer, and economic hub. We need to make sure it works as smoothly as possible, and that we help out airport be the best it can be. I’m proud federal funding from the Infrastructure Law is a part of that effort.”

    “Today’s announcement of $6 million in federal funding for Pittsburgh International Airport is a big win for the people of Pittsburgh and the hardworking travelers who rely on safe, accessible, and efficient airports. This investment is about putting people first by creating good-paying jobs, ensuring smoother and safer travel experiences, and revitalizing a space that millions pass through each year. It’s also a commitment to the growth and well-being of our community, helping Pittsburgh remain a hub of opportunity and progress for all who live, work, and visit here,” said Congresswoman Lee.

    The funding for Pittsburgh International Airport will support the Terminal Modernization Program, which includes installing new flooring, restoring columns and bulkheads, and replacing 32-year-old moving walkways in the concourses. Since the infrastructure law was passed, millions of dollars have been allocated to PIT. In June 2024, Casey, Fetterman, Deluzio, and Lee announced $20.6 million for PIT to support their ongoing terminal improvement project. In February 2024, the Members announced $5.3 million in new infrastructure funding to fund a component of the 700,000 square foot landslide terminal construction. PIT has received a total of $129,706,728 since the start of 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans, Scanlon, Parker Announce $27.5 Million for Philadelphia International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding will be used to upgrade terminals, including modernizing HVAC and electrical systems

    With this funding, PHL has received more than $347 million in federal funding since the start of 2021

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that Philadelphia International Airport is receiving $27,500,000 in new federal infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), which was created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to revitalize the Nation’s aging airports.

    “Philadelphia International Airport serves as a vital transportation and economic gateway to the rest of the Commonwealth and the world,” said Senator Casey. “This investment from the infrastructure law will help modernize the airport by upgrading HVAC and electrical systems in Terminals D and E. I will always fight for investments that boost Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and keep the region moving.”

    “It’s investments like this that help keep Philadelphia a world-class city with world-class infrastructure. This $27.5 million for terminal energy upgrades guarantees that the commonwealth’s largest airport stays efficient, resilient, and ready for the future. That’s how we keep Philly competitive and connected,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “I’m pleased to see another $27.5 million in federal funding that I voted for coming to Philadelphia! The airport has also received other federal funding for improvements through the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and this will all benefit people traveling from and to our area, along with our local economy,” said Congressman Evans.

    “I’m proud to see PHL earning the competitive grants we authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bringing good jobs to our region as PHL upgrades its terminals.” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “Modernizing our region’s airport infrastructure will improve air travel for passengers and position our local economy for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

    “It is tremendous news that our Philadelphia International Airport will be receiving $27.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to help with important HVAC and energy efficiency projects,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Every single federal grant or funding allocation coming into Philadelphia is because of the hard work of all our federal partners, including Senator Casey and every member of our delegation, along with the support of the Biden-Harris administration.  It’s another step forward for Philadelphia, and we are profoundly grateful.”

    The funding for Philadelphia International Airport will support improvements to the existing upper levels of portions of Terminals D & E that have reached the end of their useful lives, including HVAC and electrical efficiency upgrades and improvements. PHL has received a total of $374,545,577 in federal investments since the start of 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman Announce More Than $3 Million for Harrisburg International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding will help improve the terminal building by replacing escalators and renovating bathrooms

    Airport Terminal Program funding comes from infrastructure law

    With this funding, Harrisburg International Airport has received more than $63 million in federal funding since the start of 2021

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced that Harrisburg International Airport is receiving a total of $3,088,114 in new federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize and rehabilitate the terminal. The awards, made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will support airport terminal improvement by replacing escalators and renovating bathrooms.

    “Improving the passenger experience in our airports is critical to keeping our Commonwealth moving. This grant from the infrastructure law will help modernize Harrisburg International Airport by replacing escalators and renovating bathrooms throughout the terminal,” said Senator Casey. “I will keep pushing for investments in our Commonwealth’s infrastructure that improve Pennsylvanians’ travel experiences and boost our economy.”

    “Every dollar counts when it comes to keeping our airports modern, safe, and accessible. Renovating restrooms might not be glamorous, but it’s a vital investment in making sure every traveler gets the best experience in our state capital,” said Senator Fetterman.

    This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), created by IIJA to revitalize aging airports across the Nation. Harrisburg International Airport is receiving $2,449,089 to replace escalators in the terminal. Additionally, the airport is receiving $639,025 to renovate the terminal’s bathrooms. Since the infrastructure law was passed, millions of dollars have been allocated to Harrisburg International Airport. In February 2024, Senators Casey and Fetterman announced $7.5 million to improve passenger safety by replacing jet bridges.

    Harrisburg International Airport has received $63,299,831 in federal funding since the start of 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator Announces Community Liaison Hiring Program As Helene Recovery Continues

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Administrator Announces Community Liaison Hiring Program As Helene Recovery Continues

    FEMA Administrator Announces Community Liaison Hiring Program As Helene Recovery Continues

    WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continued meeting with survivors and responders in North Carolina while leading the federal recovery efforts.FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined Gov. Roy Cooper to visit a community care station in Asheville where the administrator announced the community liaison hiring program in the state. The agency will hire community-based staff to serve as liaisons between North Carolina survivors and FEMA to ensure needs are met throughout the recovery. North Carolina’s recovery continues progressing with power being restored to most customers while roads are reopening as debris is cleared. Over $130 million has gone to more than 91,000 households in the state for assistance like making home repairs and paying for a temporary place to stay. Nearly 4,600 survivors have participated in FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program where they stay in hotels as they work on their recovery plans.Recovery continues in other states affected by Helene and Milton. For instance, in Florida—where power has been restored to pre-storm levels—more than 97,000 households have been approved for over $308 million in FEMA assistance for their Helene recovery. Over 116,000 households have received more than $129 million for Milton. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Operation Blue Roof which is a free service to homeowners for 25 counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents can sign-up at http://www.blueroof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).  The sign-up period deadline is Nov. 5.FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. Here are the ways to apply for federal assistance: Apply online at disaster assistance.govCall 800-621-3362Use the FEMA AppVisit a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistancePresident Biden has approved major disaster declarations in six states – Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia – affected by Helene. He has also approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton.These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56715″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/ea36011f24448953e593fc9711a78afc.jpg?itok=4skrYjFT” alt=”Caption: Hendersonville, NC (Oct. 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Crisswell, meets with survivors of Hurricane Helene as well as staff supporting recovery efforts at a Disaster Recovery Center.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Hendersonville, NC (Oct. 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Crisswell, meets with survivors of Hurricane Helene as well as staff supporting recovery efforts at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56723″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/32c26741d8be2764728a9fd776fcb778.jpg?itok=KWdFFHt6″ alt=”Caption: Asheville, NC (October 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell, and North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, visit a Community Care Station where they engage with volunteers and DoD responding to Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Asheville, NC (October 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell, and North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, visit a Community Care Station where they engage with volunteers and DoD responding to Hurricane Helene.

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56717″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/72ea43eb5f2c751b8017625bacb6b3c4.jpg?itok=DlgyTlbz” alt=”Caption: Hendersonville, NC (Oct. 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Crisswell, meets with survivors of Hurricane Helene as well as staff supporting recovery efforts at a Disaster Recovery Center.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Hendersonville, NC (Oct. 21, 2024) – FEMA Administrator, Deanne Crisswell, meets with survivors of Hurricane Helene as well as staff supporting recovery efforts at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56673″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/4ba445c82ee4600a324abec797464634.jpg?itok=evYDlfmN” alt=”Caption: Henderson County, N.C. (Oct. 20, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open in Henderson County to help survivors of Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Henderson County, N.C. (Oct. 20, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open in Henderson County to help survivors of Hurricane Helene.

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56644″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/87d6851fbd578890475cd1f006042951.jpg?itok=Lf-wvhTn” alt=”Caption: Chimney Rock, N.C. (Oct. 18, 2024) – U.S. Army Soldiers of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment remove debris from the riverside of Chimney Rock, N.C. on Friday, October 18, 2024. FEMA photo by Madeleine Cook” class=”image-style-large”>

    Chimney Rock, N.C. (Oct. 18, 2024) – U.S. Army Soldiers of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment remove debris from the riverside of Chimney Rock, N.C. on Friday, October 18, 2024. FEMA photo by Madeleine Cook

    GRANITEVILLE, South Carolina — Survivors visit a Disaster Recovery Center to learn and apply for disaster assistance to recover from Hurricane Helene. (Photo Credit: FEMA)

    PALMETTO, Florida – FEMA workers set up in a new Disaster Recovery Center in Manatee County. Survivors can meet with FEMA staff at centers to discuss their applications and available federal resources. Find your closest center at www.FEMA.gov/DRC.  (Photo Credit: FEMA)

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56656″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/b1f397baae1ec281f0d729e2ef2f78f8.jpg?itok=EWL_9iKb” alt=”Caption: Plant City, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2024) – A Florida Multiple Agency Resources Center has opened to assist Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors with essential needs, including taking FEMA applications.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Plant City, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2024) – A Florida Multiple Agency Resources Center has opened to assist Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors with essential needs, including taking FEMA applications.

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56648″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/248308d77a173777da4d7ca79290a2a4.jpg?itok=di_u_teT” alt=”Caption: Charlotte County, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvass the area to help those after Hurricane Milton.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Charlotte County, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvass the area to help those after Hurricane Milton.

    MARTIN COUNTY, Florida- FEMA Disaster Survivors Assistance team members and Martin County emergency management canvas Martin County, Florida, to register and assist disaster survivors after Hurricane Milton. (Photo credit: FEMA)

    View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56695″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/dca0cc6832d311bc4c47dce5552b03a6.jpg?itok=2VxOWtN1″ alt=”Caption: Statesboro, Ga. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers from a disaster relief group clear debris from Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>

    Statesboro, Ga. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers from a disaster relief group clear debris from Hurricane Helene.

    FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Toolkit provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor response web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene and Milton response and recovery. 
    amy.ashbridge
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 22:50

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ambassador to France

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lynette Wood as Australia’s next Ambassador to France.

    Australia and France have a strong, enduring and forward-looking partnership underpinned by shared values and interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

    We are enhancing our cooperation through the ambitious Australia-France Roadmap and its three pillars – defence and security, resilience and climate action, and education and culture – which are delivering practical outcomes.

    The Ambassador to France is also accredited to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Principality of Monaco.

    Ms Wood is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She was most recently First Assistant Secretary in the Strategic Planning and Coordination Group.

    She has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Germany and Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. She has had earlier postings to Canada and Germany.

    I thank outgoing Ambassador Gillian Bird PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in France since 2020.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: High Commissioner to Canada

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today I announce the appointment of Ms Kate Logan as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Canada.

    Australia and Canada have a close and enduring relationship, underpinned by shared values and institutional ties.

    Our two countries work closely together in a range of international forums, including the United Nations, G20, APEC, WTO, OECD, CPTPP and the Commonwealth. We are also close partners in the Five Eyes group.

    We cooperate across a range of shared priorities, including upholding the multilateral system, taking greater action on climate change, advancing gender equality, and achieving meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

    Australia welcomes Canada’s increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, and is committed to working together to shape a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

    Ms Logan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Strategy Division.

    She has previously served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, and on postings to Australia’s missions in Paris and Colombo.

    I thank outgoing High Commissioner, the Hon Scott Ryan, for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Canada since 2021.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on New Brunswick election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Susan Holt and the Liberal Party of New Brunswick on their success in yesterday’s election.

    “This is truly a historic moment, not just for New Brunswick but for all of Canada, as Premier-designate Holt will become the first woman to serve as Premier in the province’s history. Her success marks a significant milestone for leadership, gender equality and the advancement of progressive politics across our country.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on New Brunswick election
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: New and updated curriculum units on Residential Schools launched for Yukon students

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Yukon’s Department of Education is launching two Social Studies curriculum units – one new and one updated – for Grades 5 and 10, focusing on the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools in the Yukon and Canada. These resources, designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the impacts of residential schools, represent a significant step toward truth and reconciliation in the Yukon’s education system.

    • Read more about New and updated curriculum units on Residential Schools launched for Yukon students
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Conservation and Action Plan released for Aishihik bison population

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Yukon has released a new Conservation and Action Plan for the Aishihik bison population. The new collaborative plan articulates a longer-term vision and recommendations for conservation and management of the Aishihik bison population.

    The plan promotes:

    • Read more about New Conservation and Action Plan released for Aishihik bison population
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business and Tech – Connecting Kiwi cleantech ventures with global opportunities

    Source: Callaghan Innovation

    23 October 2024 – Fourteen ambitious Kiwi cleantech startups will soon chase global investment and partnership opportunities as part of the 2024 Cleantech Trek to the USA and Europe.

    Estimated to be worth more than NZD$1 trillion annually by 2030, the global cleantech market is growing rapidly due to investment in clean energy technologies like solar and wind, and growing consumer demand for more sustainably produced materials.  

    The 2024 Cleantech Trek is a New Zealand Cleantech Mission initiative to support innovative Kiwi startups to access the multi-billion-dollar global cleantech market.

    Participating companies will attend key industry events to pitch to investors, meet multinationals and make connections as they seek to participate in this market.

    A highlight of the trip will be a visit to leading global steelmaker ArcelorMittal’s commercial flagship carbon capture and utilisation facility in Ghent, Belgium.

    The commercial-scale facility uses Lanzatech’s carbon capture process to capture carbon-rich waste gases from steelmaking and convert these into advanced ethanol.

    Nasdaq listed Lanzatech began as a cleantech startup based in Auckland. “As Lanzatech has shown, we have the world-class science and engineering expertise, and vision, to develop cleantech solutions that can make a global impact,” says New Zealand Cleantech Mission Lead, Callaghan Innovation’s Phil Anderson.

    Because cleantech solutions are addressing the most difficult to solve environmental and sustainability challenges, their commercialisation typically requires more capital, stronger networks, and a longer path to market than is the case in most other sectors.

    “To succeed, Kiwi cleantech startups need to build long-term relationships with multi-nationals and investors to develop and commercialise their solutions on a global scale,” says Phil Anderson.

    The 2024 Cleantech Trek will begin in the USA in late October, and head to Europe, where three participating startups will be recognised on US-based Cleantech Group’s 2024 50 to Watch list, in Paris, at the 2024 Cleantech Forum Europe in early November.

    Cetogenix, Mushroom Material, and Nilo will be recognised on the Cleantech Group’s 2024 50 to Watch list of the top cleantech ventures globally in the early stages of commercialising solutions to global environmental problems and climate change.  

    “Having three Kiwi cleantech startups on this influential list shows that the world is beginning to see just how much potential Kiwi cleantech startups have to offer,” says Phil Anderson.  

    “This country is such a small player it’s really important that we work together when it comes to getting in front of potential investors and partners overseas.

    “That’s why I’m thrilled this year that the Cleantech Trek will be supported by NZTE, Are Ake, Auckland Unlimited and ASB Bank, who have come on board as our Europe leg sponsor, as well as our Verge stand partner Climate Salad,” he says.

    About Callaghan Innovation

    Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency. It activates innovation and helps businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. The government agency partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Its staff – including more than 150 of New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers – empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding. Callaghan Innovation also enhances the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with MBIE, NZTE, NZVIF, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation. The agency operates from five urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations across Aotearoa.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Scurvy is largely a historical disease but there are signs it’s making a comeback

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland

    Matilda Wormwood/Pexels

    Scurvy is is often considered a historical ailment, conjuring images of sailors on long sea voyages suffering from a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    Yet doctors in developed countries have recently reported treating cases of scurvy, including Australian doctors who reported their findings today in the journal BMJ Case Reports.

    What is scurvy?

    Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for the production of collagen. This protein helps maintain the health of skin, blood vessels, bones and connective tissue.

    Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot properly repair tissues, heal wounds, or fight infections. This can lead to a range of symptoms including:

    • fatigue and weakness
    • swollen, bleeding gums or loose teeth
    • joint and muscle pain and tenderness
    • bruising easily
    • dry, rough or discoloured skin (reddish or purple spots due to bleeding under the skin)
    • cuts and sores take longer to heal
    • anaemia (a shortage of red blood cells, leading to further fatigue and weakness)
    • increased susceptibility to infections.

    It historically affected sailors

    Scurvy was common from the 15th to 18th centuries, when naval sailors and other explorers lived on rations or went without fresh food for long periods. You might have heard some of these milestones in the history of the disease:

    • in 1497-1499, Vasco da Gama’s crew suffered severely from scurvy during their expedition to India, with a large portion of the crew dying from it

    • from the 16th to 18th centuries, scurvy was rampant among European navies and explorers, affecting notable figures such as Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake. It was considered one of the greatest threats to sailors’ health during long voyages

    • in 1747, British naval surgeon James Lind is thought to have conducted one of the first clinical trials, demonstrating that citrus fruit could prevent and cure scurvy. However, it took several decades for his findings to be widely implemented

    • in 1795, the British Royal Navy officially adopted the practice of providing lemon or lime juice to sailors, dramatically reducing the number of scurvy cases.

    Evidence of scurvy re-emerging

    In the new case report, doctors in Western Australia reported treating a middle-aged man with the condition. In a separate case report, doctors in Canada reported treating a 65-year old woman.

    There’s an abundance of vitamin C in our food supply, but some people still aren’t getting enough.
    Rebecca Kate/Pexels

    Both patients presented with leg weakness and compromised skin, yet the doctors didn’t initially consider scurvy. This was based on the premise that there is abundant vitamin C in our modern food supply, so deficiency should not occur.

    On both occasions, treatment with high doses of vitamin C (1,000mg per day for at least seven days) resulted in improvements in symptoms and eventually a full recovery.

    The authors of both case reports are concerned that if scurvy is left untreated, it could lead to inflamed blood vessels (vasculitis) and potentially cause fatal bleeding.

    Last year, a major New South Wales hospital undertook a chart review, where patient records are reviewed to answer research questions.

    This found vitamin C deficiency was common. More than 50% of patients who had their vitamin C levels tested had either a modest deficiency (29.9%) or significant deficiency (24.5%). Deficiencies were more common among patients from rural and lower socioeconomic areas.

    Now clinicians are urged to consider vitamin C deficiency and scurvy as a potential diagnosis and involve the support of a dietitian.

    Why might scurvy be re-emerging?

    Sourcing and consuming nutritious foods with sufficient vitamin C is unfortunately still an issue for some people. Factors that increase the risk of vitamin C deficiency include:

    • poor diet. People with restricted diets – due to poverty, food insecurity or dietary choices – may not get enough vitamin C. This includes those who rely heavily on processed, nutrient-poor foods rather than fresh produce

    • food deserts. In areas where access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables is limited (often referred to as food deserts), people may unintentionally suffer from a vitamin C deficiency. In some parts of developing countries such as India, lack of access to fresh food is recognised as a risk for scurvy

    • the cost-of-living crisis. With greater numbers of people unable to pay for fresh produce, people who limit their intake of fruits and vegetables may develop nutrient deficiencies, including scurvy

    Capsicums are a good source of vitamin D but they’re not cheap.
    Pexels/Jack Sparrow
    • weight loss procedures and medications. Restricted dietary intake due to weight loss surgery or weight loss medications may lead to nutrient deficiencies, such as in this case report of scurvy from Denmark

    • mental illness and eating disorders. Conditions such as depression and anorexia nervosa can lead to severely restricted diets, increasing the risk of scurvy, such as in this case report from 2020 in Canada

    • isolation. Older adults, especially those who live alone or in nursing homes, may have difficulty preparing balanced meals with sufficient vitamin C

    • certain medical conditions. People with digestive disorders, malabsorption issues, or those on restrictive medical diets (due to severe allergies or intolerances) can develop scurvy if they are unable to absorb or consume enough vitamin C.

    How much vitamin C do we need?

    Australia’s dietary guidelines recommend adults consume 45mg of vitamin C (higher if pregnant or breastfeeding) each day. This is roughly the amount found in half an orange or half a cup of strawberries.

    When more vitamin C is consumed than required, excess amounts leave the body through urine.

    Signs of scurvy can appear as early as a month after a daily intake of less than 10 mg of vitamin C.

    Eating vitamin C-rich foods – such as oranges, strawberries, kiwifruit, plums, pineapple, mango, capsicum, broccoli and Brussels sprouts – can resolve symptoms within a few weeks.

    Vitamin C is also readily available as a supplement if there are reasons why intake through food may be compromised. Typically, the supplements contain 1,000mg per tablet, and the recommended upper limit for daily Vitamin C intake is 2,000mg.

    Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

    – ref. Scurvy is largely a historical disease but there are signs it’s making a comeback – https://theconversation.com/scurvy-is-largely-a-historical-disease-but-there-are-signs-its-making-a-comeback-241894

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum in New York (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum in New York, yesterday (October 22, New York time): Mike (Founder of Bloomberg L.P. & Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mr Michael Bloomberg), Mr Cotzias (Global Head of External Relations of Bloomberg, Mr Constantin Cotzias), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     Good afternoon. I’m pleased to be here, in New York City, in fall. And delighted to hear that baseball, more than politics, is still the talk of the town.      Well, baseball and finance. For that, for hosting today’s Global Regulatory Forum, for consistently driving high-powered discussion on the future of global finance, my thanks to Bloomberg.     Last year’s Forum took place for the first time in Hong Kong, when we discussed how to navigate complexity and unlock opportunities. A year on, many things in the financial world have changed, and I’m pleased to bring you some positive updates about our city.Hong Kong: strong fundamentals     Despite several challenging years, from social violence to the pandemic, Hong Kong is back, back once again with a stable, welcoming and promising business environment.      Our strong fundamentals continue to be internationally recognised. Hong Kong ranks once again among the top three global financial centres, behind only New York and London.      Canada’s Fraser Institute has again ranked Hong Kong the world’s freest economy.      The International Monetary Fund and credit-rating agencies have reaffirmed Hong Kong’s institutional framework, our quality regulation and economic and financial resilience.      These commendations are echoed by the global investor community. Total banking deposits in Hong Kong, for example, have grown 5 per cent, or US$100 billion, this year to date, reaching more than US$2 trillion.      Our asset-and-wealth-management sector is also growing. We are managing over US$4 trillion in assets, and over half of that value was sourced from investors outside Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.      Coupled with easing interest rate cycles and the Mainland’s stimulus package to inject liquidity to the banking sector and provide more support to the real estate sector, our stock market has gone on a rally, rising some 15 per cent in the past month or so.       From late September to early October, we have seen strong net buys from American and European investors, constituting some 85 per cent of the buy side by value. And 90 per cent of those investors are long-term fund managers and investment banks.     International investors have good reason to be confident in Hong Kong. Our singular “one country, two systems” arrangement is here to stay, here for the long term.      That clear and compelling commitment has been reiterated, time and again, by President Xi Jinping. Indeed, the arrangement was designed not for short-term expediency but for the long-term interests of our country. It is clear that the Mainland is fully embracing high-level opening up, evident in the conclusions of state and party meetings in Beijing in the past year or so. The Mainland will support Hong Kong in remaining as a “super connector”, to assist in realising the country’s vision.      We can, and will, continue to do just that, thanks to the advantages that define Hong Kong’s international character: our common law tradition, a judiciary that exercises powers independently; the free flow of goods, capital, talent and information; a currency pegged to the US dollar; and business practices that align with the best international standards.     For so long, we have built our success as an international financial, trade and shipping centre on these merits, and they will continue to underpin Hong Kong’s development in the future.      Robust financial regulation     But still, Hong Kong is a small, fully open and externally-oriented economy. That means we are prone to external shocks and volatility. The trials and tribulations in the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998, the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, and the market squeeze during the onset of the COVID pandemic, are good lessons to learn.      Each time we weathered a crisis, we grew more resilient, but the take home message for us is clear: first, we need to identify systemic weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and address them. Second, establish multi-sectoral risk detection and monitoring systems to raise alarm against potential crises. Third, build in a strong buffer to allow us to respond to the unknowns.       This is particularly valid for Hong Kong which implements a linked exchange rate system. Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar, and therefore we must have sufficient monetary depth to enforce our convertibility undertakings and defend our currency board system. To ensure we have ample liquidity as we need it, we have a foreign exchange reserve of more than US$420 billion at our disposal.      In light of rising geopolitical and economic challenges, we’ve established a high-level, cross-market, co-ordinated and round-the-clock monitoring mechanism. It covers all sectors of the financial market and gathers all financial regulators, allowing us to detect looming risks.     I’m glad to report that over the past few years, our financial markets have been functioning in an orderly manner, despite volatility that might appear from time to time. The role of regulators in market development     Good regulation, of course, is only half the story. For the ultimate goal of regulation is to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the financial market. Good market development, in my view, is equally important, and it is the best means to future-proof our financial systems.      This requires the regulatory regime be agile and forward-looking. This requires the regime to respond to market and economic changes, embrace and empower technological innovation, and create the conditions for markets to thrive.      It’s why in Hong Kong, regulators have been given a dual mandate, serving both as regulators and market enablers.      Our listing regime reform is a good case in point. Back in 2018, the Government and the financial regulators made bold decisions to allow pre-profit or pre-revenue biotech companies, and new economy companies with weighted voting rights structures, to list on our stock exchange. The idea was met with doubt initially. But today the facts speak for themselves: new economy companies constitute only 13 per cent of the total number of listed companies, but their capitalisation accounts for 26 per cent. These reforms have not only broadened our market’s appeal but also put Hong Kong as a leading listing hub for innovative enterprises.     Reform is an ongoing process. For instance, last year we introduced a new Chapter in our listing rules to facilitate the listing of specialist technology companies.     Looking ahead, two key areas will be vital for Hong Kong’s financial future: enhancing our financial connectivity with the world, and embracing innovation.Enhancing Connectivity      Connectivity has always been the trump card of Hong Kong – although “trump” may be a word that you may now love or hate. For long, we have been the premier listing platform for Mainland companies going global. The launch of the “Stock Connect” 10 years ago was a landmark in forging close connectivity between the two markets. Its very significance was to allow foreign investors to make use of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and all the regimes, regulation and practices with which they are familiar, to access the Mainland’s stock market. Today, over 70 per cent of the A-share holdings by foreign investors were acquired through the Stock Connect. The Scheme has been continuously expanding, now covering bonds, ETFs, derivatives such as swap contracts.      Just in April this year, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced four further measures to expand the Connect Schemes, including enlarging the scope of ETFs Connect, covering REITs in Stock Connect, and more. Meanwhile, it also made clear that they will support leading Mainland companies to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Obviously our IPO market has seen a rebound. In the first nine months this year, we raised more than US$7.1 billion, ranking fourth globally thus far.       Looking ahead, Hong Kong is also strengthening connections with other markets in the ASEAN countries, the Middle East and the Belt and Road countries. For instance, next week, we will be seeing the launch of two ETFs on the Saudi Stock Exchange investing in the Hong Kong Stock market.     So Hong Kong’s role as a connector of markets will only grow stronger. And with this, our financial regulators will continue to make it their strategic priorities to enhance collaboration with regulatory counterparts for timely and effective responses. Embracing innovation      Ladies and gentlemen, another area essential to our future is innovation.      In Hong Kong, we’re taking a balanced regulatory approach to enable financial innovation.      For example, last year, we introduced a regulatory regime for digital assets, along the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”. The key feature is to put in place guardrails for investor protection, while enabling financial innovation to thrive in a responsible and sustainable manner.      So far, three firms have been issued with virtual asset trading platform licences, and we are expecting more in the next couple of months.      Besides, legislation will be introduced later this year for the regulation of stablecoins.      Then there’s also AI (artificial intelligence), which is reshaping the financial services industry, driving new products and services that enhance efficiency, security and customer experience.      Like blockchain and other new technologies, we must address the potential challenges of AI, such as cybersecurity, data privacy and the protection of intellectual property rights.      To that end, we will publish a policy statement next week. We will work to provide a clear supervisory framework and create a conducive and sustainable market environment.      Concluding remarks     Ladies and gentlemen, alongside changing global financial landscape comes far-reaching opportunity. Judging from Hong Kong’s experience, capturing such opportunities calls for the mentality of policy makers to focus not just on regulation compliance but also market development. For some, this may require a paradigm shift. But in our view, it will be an essential path to future-proof our financial markets, ensuring their long-term sustainable growth.      Finally, I wish to convey my thanks again to Bloomberg for inviting me to this Forum. I wish you all the best of business and health in the coming year. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Pulse Seismic Inc. Reports Q3 2024 Results and Approves Regular Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pulse Seismic Inc. (TSX:PSD) (OTCQX:PLSDF) (“Pulse” or the “Company”) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, accompanying notes and MD&A are being filed on SEDAR (http://www.sedar.com) and will be available on Pulse’s website at http://www.pulseseismic.com.

    Today, Pulse’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.015 per common share. The total dividend will be approximately $764,000 based on Pulse’s 50,904,663 common shares outstanding as of October 22, 2024, and will be paid on November 28, 2024, to shareholders of record on November 14, 2024. This dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. For non-resident shareholders, Pulse’s dividends are subject to Canadian withholding tax.

    “While Pulse’s third quarter sales were not as robust as in 2023, it is common in our business to have significant variances between quarterly and annual results, which is why we focus on keeping costs low and maintaining a strong balance sheet,” stated Neal Coleman, Pulse’s President and CEO. “Already in October, we have completed another $2.7 million in sales, bringing year to date total revenue to $20.5 million,” Coleman continued. “We have consistently generated positive quarterly free cashflow and remain committed to providing a significant return of capital to shareholders. Pulse has declared $0.10875 per share in dividends up to today and bought back nearly 1.7 million shares under the NCIB in the first three quarters of the year. Total capital returned to shareholders is approximately 92% of the shareholder free cashflow generated as of September 30, 2024,” he concluded.

    HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

    • A regular quarterly dividend of $0.015 per share and a special dividend of $0.05 per share were declared and paid in the third quarter. For the nine-month period, regular quarterly dividends totalled $0.04375 per share. Regular and special dividends declared and paid in the first three quarters of 2024 totalled $4.8 million;
    • In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, Pulse purchased and cancelled, through its normal course issuer bid, 3.2% of the shares outstanding at December 31, 2023, for a total of 1,686,300 common shares at a total cost of approximately $3.7 million (at an average cost of $2.17 per common share including commissions);
    • At September 30, 2024, Pulse was debt-free and held cash of $7.5 million;
    • Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $1.1 million ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $2.8 million ($0.05 per share basic and diluted) for the comparable period in 2023. Shareholder free cash flow was $10.0 million ($0.19 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $13.9 million ($0.26 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
    • EBITDA(a) was $1.1 million ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3.3 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. EBITDA was $11.7 million ($0.23 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $16.8 million ($0.32 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023;
    • For the three months ended September 30, 2024, there was a net loss of $1.4 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) compared to net earnings of $393,000 ($0.01 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.6 million ($0.05 per share basic and diluted) compared to net earnings of $6.7 million ($0.13 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023; and
    • Total revenue was $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total revenue was $17.8 million compared to $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
     
    SELECTED FINANCIAL AND
    OPERATING INFORMATION
             
               
               
    (Thousands of dollars except per share data, Three months ended
    September 30,
    Nine months ended
    September 30,
    Year ended
    numbers of shares and kilometres of seismic data) 2024 2023 2024 2023 December 31,
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 2023
    Revenue        
    Data library sales 2,726 5,103 17,803 22,266 39,127
               
    Amortization of seismic data library 2,278 2,273 6,827 6,833 9,103
    Net earnings (loss) (1,405) 393 2,617 6,700 15,007
    Per share basic and diluted (0.03) 0.01 0.05 0.13 0.28
    Cash provided by operating activities 2,665 10,564 11,860 16,524 23,524
    Per share basic and diluted 0.05 0.20 0.23 0.31 0.44
    EBITDA (a) 1,064 3,289 11,711 16,839 30,431
    Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.02 0.06 0.23 0.32 0.57
    Shareholder free cash flow (a) 1,061 2,793 9,968 13,883 24,829
    Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.02 0.05 0.19 0.26 0.47
               
    Capital expenditures          
    Seismic data – – 225 – –
    Property and equipment 45 14 45 28 28
    Total capital expenditures 45 14 270 28 28
               
    Dividends          
    Regular dividends 766 731 2,255 2,138 2,862
    Special dividends 2,548 7,992 2,548 7,992 18,519
    Total dividends 3,314 8,723 4,803 10,130 21,381
               
    Normal course issuer bid          
    Number of shares purchased and cancelled 519,500 853,158 1,686,300 945,506 1,005,006
    Cost of shares purchased and cancelled 1,245 1,670 3,653 1,830 1,943
               
    Weighted average shares outstanding          
    Basic and diluted 51,071,111 53,135,041 51,640,483 53,436,340 53,237,569
    Shares outstanding at period-end     50,935,563 52,681,363 52,621,863
               
    Seismic library          
    2D in kilometres     829,207 829,207 829,207
    3D in square kilometres     65,310 65,310 65,310
               

    FINANCIAL POSITION AND RATIO

             
          September 30, September 30, December 31,
    (Thousands of dollars except ratio)     2024 2023 2023
    Working capital     7,460 7,820 7,468
    Working capital ratio     3.8:1 2.3:1 1.5:1
    Cash and cash equivalents     7,414 9,821 15,948
    Total assets     22,374 34,727 41,249
    Trailing 12-month (TTM) EBITDA (b)     25,303 17,306 30,431
    Shareholders’ equity     19,351 28,225 25,655
               

    (a) The Company’s continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of “EBITDA”, “EBITDA per share”, “shareholder free cash flow” and “shareholder free cash flow per share”. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Company’s financial performance. The Company’s definition of EBITDA is cash available to invest in growing the Company’s seismic data library, pay interest and principal on long-term debt when applicable, purchase its common shares, pay taxes and the payment of dividends. EBITDA is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA per share is defined as EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. The Company believes EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulse’s results on a consistent basis without regard to non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non-operating factors such as historical cost. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation by adding back non-cash expenses and deducting net financing costs and current income tax expense from EBITDA. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.
    (b) TTM EBITDA is defined as the sum of EBITDA generated over the previous 12 months and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure.
    These non-GAAP financial measures are defined, calculated and reconciled to the nearest GAAP financial measures in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

    OUTLOOK

    So far in 2024, there have been a variety of factors influencing industry conditions which impact Pulse’s revenue generation. While land sales in Alberta at September 30, 2024 were approximately $300 million, down slightly from the $318 million for the same period in 2023, they remain significantly higher than in recent years going back to 2014. There are several notable infrastructure improvements which will lead to increased offtake capacity for Canadian oil and gas, such as the recent completion of the TMX pipeline expansion and the 2025 forecast completion of LNG Canada’s natural gas export facility. 2024 has also brought improvements in oil prices and an expectation by some for increasing natural gas prices in 2025. These positives, are offset by the factors that create uncertainty for the future, including economic, political, and environmental concerns. Pulse, as always, has low visibility regarding future seismic data library sales levels, regardless of industry conditions. The Company remains focused on business practices that have served throughout the full range of conditions. The Company maintains a strong balance sheet, has zero debt, no capital spending commitments, and a disciplined and rigorous approach to evaluating growth opportunities. This 15-person company, led by an experienced and capable management team, operates with a low-cost structure and focuses on developing excellent client relations as well providing exceptional customer service. Pulse’s strong financial position, high leverage to increased revenue in its EBITDA margin and careful management of its cash resources have resulted in the return of capital to shareholders through regular and special dividends and the repurchase of its shares.

    CORPORATE PROFILE

    Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 65,310 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 829,207 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, where most of Canada’s oil and natural gas exploration and development occur.

    For further information, please contact:
    Neal Coleman, President and CEO
    Or
    Pamela Wicks, Vice President Finance and CFO
    Tel.: 403-237-5559
    Toll-free: 1-877-460-5559
    E-mail: info@pulseseismic.com.
    Please visit our website at http://www.pulseseismic.com

    This document contains information that constitutes “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “forecast”, “target”, “project”, “guidance”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “estimate”, “predict” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or language suggesting an outlook.

    The Outlook section herein contain forward-looking information which includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding:

    >   The outlook of the Company for the year ahead, including future operating costs and expected revenues;
    >   Recent events on the political, economic, regulatory, public health and legal fronts affecting the industry’s medium- to longer-term prospects, including progression and completion of contemplated pipeline projects;
    >   The Company’s capital resources and sufficiency thereof to finance future operations, meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities and carry out the necessary capital expenditures through 2024;
    >   Pulse’s capital allocation strategy;
    >   Pulse’s dividend policy;
    >   Oil and natural gas prices and forecast trends;
    >   Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity;
    >   Oil and natural gas company capital budgets;
    >   Future demand for seismic data;
    >   Future seismic data sales;
    >   Pulse’s business and growth strategy; and
    >   Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance, as they relate to the Company or to the oil and natural gas industry as a whole.
     

    By its very nature, forward-looking information involves inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations and anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking information. These factors include, but are not limited to:

    >   Uncertainty of the timing and volume of data sales;
    >   Volatility of oil and natural gas prices;
    >   Risks associated with the oil and natural gas industry in general;
    >   The Company’s ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital;
    >   Credit, liquidity and commodity price risks;
    >   The demand for seismic data and;
    >   The pricing of data library licence sales;
    >   Cybersecurity;
    >   Relicensing (change-of-control) fees and partner copy sales;
    >   Environmental, health and safety risks;
    >   Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection, public health and safety;
    >   Competition;
    >   Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel;
    >   The loss of seismic data;
    >   Protection of intellectual property rights;
    >   The introduction of new products; and
    >   Climate change.
     

    Pulse cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Company’s operations and financial results is included under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form, and in the Company’s most recent audited annual financial statements, most recent MD&A, management information circular, quarterly reports, material change reports and news releases. Copies of the Company’s public filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Pulse, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking information contained in this document is provided as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, except as required by law. The forward-looking information in this document is provided for the limited purpose of enabling current and potential investors to evaluate an investment in Pulse. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information may not be appropriate, and should not be used, for other purposes.

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/684389a6-5b96-4478-ba47-39eb0d1160a8

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $3 Million Grant for Memphis International Airport

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Ranking Member of its Aviation Subcommittee, today announced that the Memphis International Airport will receive $3 million for the reconstruction of a portion of the Terminal Access Road which will allow for the expansion of the terminal building. The work will provide easier access to the front of the airport, including for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passengers, where four lanes will be curb-less. The funding came from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congressman Cohen alone among the current Tennessee Congressional Delegation voted for.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “This Airport Terminal Program funding will enhance Americans with Disabilities Act access and allow for the expansion of the terminal building at our airport. Memphis International Airport is an economic engine for our entire region. This investment strengthens its ability to attract and serve the flying public.”

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Census results reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s diversity – Stats NZ media and information release: 2023 Census population, dwelling, and housing highlights

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Census results reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s diversity – media release – 3 October 2024 – Aotearoa New Zealand continues to become more culturally diverse, according to 2023 Census data released by Stats NZ today.

    The 2023 Census showed that people living in Aotearoa New Zealand identified with a wide range of ethnicities – and spoke over 150 languages. Additionally, while most of the population were born here, New Zealand was also home to people born in a diverse range of countries.

    “Just under 30 percent of New Zealanders were born overseas, and the census recorded well over 200 different birthplaces,” deputy government statistician and deputy chief executive insights and statistics Rachael Milicich said.

    “Pretty much every part of the world is represented here, from people born in Iceland in the north, to Argentina in the south.”

    Of the census usually resident population count, 3.5 million people were born in New Zealand and 1.4 million were born overseas.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release:

    • Census results reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s diversity
    • 2023 Census population, dwelling, and housing highlights
    • Ka whakaata te Tatauranga i te kanorau o Aotearoa
    • Home ownership increases and housing quality improves
    • 2023 Census shows 1 in 20 adults belong to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LGBTIQ+ population
    • Overview of data available from the 2023 Census

    MIL OSI –

    January 24, 2025
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