Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (June 10) hosted the Hong Kong Wealth Management and Professional Services Policy Briefing, targeting legal and professional services firms from the Mainland. The event provided deep insights into Hong Kong’s latest policy developments including family office policies and tax incentives. The session was well received, drawing participation from over 60 representatives of legal and professional firms serving high-net-worth clients. The event sparked active discussions, with participants expressing keen interest and strong confidence in the evolving role of Hong Kong’s professional services sector and the future of Hong Kong’s family office ecosystem.
Key topics covered included interpretation of Hong Kong’s latest family office policies, comparisons with regional regimes and tax incentives, case studies and a question-and-answer session. The session aimed to enhance understanding among legal and advisory firms of Hong Kong’s policy landscape, strengthen participant’s positioning as cross-border advisors to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and facilitate the development of business networks in Hong Kong.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “Hong Kong is the leading hub for asset and wealth management in Asia with over US$4 trillion in assets under management. Our city is recognised as a trusted gateway for global capital seeking access to opportunities across Asia and beyond. Our leadership is further evidenced by our standing as Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and Asia’s largest cross-border wealth management centre. The professional services sector plays a strategic and indispensable role in enabling this ecosystem to flourish. InvestHK is committed to working closely with legal, accounting, trust, and advisory professionals to promote policy understanding and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness in cross-border wealth management and succession planning.”
Legal professionals attending the event provided perspectives on Hong Kong’s family office policies and the growing opportunities arising from them. The Chair of the Family Office Committee at the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Chan Chak-ming, said, “With increasing interest from UHNWIs in Asia, Hong Kong’s forward-looking initiatives, including tax incentives and efficient market processes, solidify its position as the region’s leading destination for family offices. Together with InvestHK, we aim to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a nexus for global wealth, ensuring it remains responsive to the sophisticated needs of UHNWIs while reinforcing trust and long-term confidence.”
InvestHK will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders to support legal and advisory firms in expanding their high-end wealth services in Hong Kong, and to promote the city as a premier hub for family offices and a cross-border wealth management centre in Asia, helping Mainland and international families of UHNWIs achieve long-term goals in asset growth and succession.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the 3rd Anniversary of the Opening of AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre today (June 10):
Mr Nick Chan (Director of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre), Deputy Commissioner Mr Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), heads of AALCO disputes resolution centres, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good afternoon. It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we mark a significant milestone – the third anniversary of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre. Over the past three years, AALCO Hong Kong has not only flourished but has also become a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class destination for international dispute resolution. Today, we celebrate not just an institution, but a shared vision: a future where Hong Kong continues to maintain and strengthen our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Three years ago, AALCO’s choice to establish its newest regional arbitration centre in Hong Kong reflected AALCO members’ resounding confidence in our city’s rule of law, legal talent, and many other unique advantages as an international financial centre and legal services and disputes resolution centre under the principle of “one country, two systems”, and of course, also Hong Kong’s location, being the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and an important gateway of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Since its establishment, AALCO Hong Kong has made significant contributions in enhancing Hong Kong’s regional arbitration capabilities. By providing a neutral and efficient platform for dispute resolution, AALCO Hong Kong has facilitated the settlement of cross-border commercial disputes, reinforcing confidence in the legal systems of Asian and African economies.
AALCO Hong Kong has also organised various seminars and training programmes for capacity building of dispute resolution professionals and international collaboration by working closely with governments, arbitral institutions, and legal bodies to harmonise arbitration practices across different jurisdictions, especially in the GBA and the Belt and Road regions. For example, we are very happy to see that AALCO Hong Kong supported the Second Instalment of the 7th Belt and Road Conference hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong, which featured engaging and fruitful dialogues in promoting a peaceful dispute resolution worldwide.
I wish to extend my deepest congratulations and gratitude to AALCO, the legal community, and all stakeholders who have supported AALCO Hong Kong’s growth. This milestone is not just a proof to AALCO Hong Kong’s achievements over the past three years, but also a reflection of Hong Kong’s growing role as a leading hub for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As we look ahead, the demand for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services will grow, driven by increasing cross-border trade, Belt and Road Initiative projects, digital economy disputes, and international sports events.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the edge of arbitration, promoting ADR, and building a more interconnected legal and dispute resolution landscape for Asia, Africa, and beyond. To conclude, I wish AALCO Hong Kong many more years of success. Thank you.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong chaired the sixth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology & Industry today.
The committee’s members were briefed on major initiatives and recent developments relating to new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and shared their views on relevant measures.
Prof Sun outlined the Government has implemented policies, in accordance with the Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, to develop new and emerging industries of strategic importance, support start-ups, formulate plans for future industries and facilitate the transformation of traditional industries.
Australia and South Africa will collide in the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, starting June 11, with the defending champions aiming to retain their title and the Proteas desperate to finally shake off decades of knockout heartbreak.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, qualified with a 67.54% points percentage across 19 Tests. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, finished top with 69.44% from just 12 matches.
Interestingly, the two sides have not met in the current WTC cycle. The clash at the ‘Home of Cricket’ marks their first red-ball encounter in over two years and only their second Test series meeting since the 2018 ‘sandpapergate’ scandal.
Australia Hold Edge at Lord’s
Australia boasts a strong history at Lord’s, with 18 wins and only seven defeats in 40 Tests. The team has won three of its last five Tests at the ground, including a controversial 2023 Ashes encounter overshadowed by the Jonny Bairstow stumping.
Veteran batter Steve Smith will return to the venue where he made his debut in 2010. Smith has scored 525 runs at an average of 58.33 at Lord’s and requires 17 more to surpass Don Bradman as Australia’s highest run-scorer at the ground.
South Africa’s Path to Final Raises Questions
South Africa’s route to the final included a late surge of seven consecutive wins after an indifferent start to the cycle. The streak included series victories over West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Despite the impressive run, South Africa are yet to register a win over any of the top-four ranked sides during the current WTC period. Eight players in their 15-member squad have never played a Test at Lord’s.
Australia Face Selection Dilemmas
Australia are considering reshuffling their top order to accommodate all-rounder Cameron Green, who is returning from a back injury. Marnus Labuschagne could be promoted to open alongside Usman Khawaja, with teenager Sam Konstas likely to miss out.
Green, who will not bowl, could be replaced in the seam department by either Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland, with all-rounder Beau Webster also under consideration. Australia enter the final with three batters – Khawaja, Smith and Travis Head – among the top ten run-scorers in the WTC cycle.
South Africa’s Pace Attack Key to Upset
South Africa will rely heavily on fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who returns after a one-month suspension. Rabada has taken 49 wickets against Australia at an average of 23.08 and boasts the best average at Lord’s among participating bowlers – 13 wickets at 19.38 from two Tests.
He is likely to be supported by Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and one of Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson or Corbin Bosch. The Proteas could spring a surprise by fielding the uncapped Bosch, whose raw pace may challenge Australia’s experienced batting line-up.
Squads:
Australia Squad: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHENYANG, June 10 (Xinhua) — More than 1,200 historical documents related to the Japanese invasion of China during World War II were released by the Archives of Northeast China’s Liaoning Province on Monday, International Archives Day, providing new evidence of Japanese aggression in China more than 80 years ago.
These files are archive catalogues of the South Manchuria Railway (SMRR), which was founded in 1906 and ceased to exist in 1945. The colonial enterprise was believed to have financed Japan’s militaristic ambitions during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945.
Among the files released are compensation tables for the families of soldiers killed and injured in the September 18, 1931, incident that marked the beginning of Japan’s 14-year invasion of China. The incident occurred when Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near the city of Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. That same evening, they launched a large-scale invasion of northeast China, shelling Chinese barracks near Shenyang.
Other files relate to events such as the July 7 Incident and the Nanjing Massacre. “The documents showed that the South Manchuria Railway played a significant role in Japan’s invasion of China by collecting intelligence, supporting pro-Japanese forces, financing the war, participating in military actions, and glorifying aggression,” said Cong Longhai, an official at the Liaoning Provincial Archives.
According to him, during its work in China, the company controlled the economic life of Northeast China, plundered mineral resources and collected various intelligence data.
“These files contain evidence of the Japanese invasion of China, as well as irrefutable evidence written by the Japanese invaders themselves, which is of significant historical value,” he said.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. By releasing the historical documents, Cong Longhai hopes that they will help uncover the hidden history of Japan’s long-planned invasion of China and tell the story of the heroic deeds of the Chinese people during the war, he added. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) — China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) need to elevate their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level to bring more benefits to the two peoples and bring more certainty to the turbulent situation in the region and the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with South Korean President Li Jae-myung on Tuesday.
The Chinese leader once again congratulated his interlocutor on his election as President of the Republic of Korea, noting that China and the Republic of Korea are close neighbors.
According to him, in the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have overcome differences in ideology and social systems and actively promoted exchanges and cooperation in various fields, contributing to each other’s success and common development.
Strong, stable and ever-deepening relations between China and the ROK are in line with the trend of the times, meet the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, and contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the entire world, Xi Jinping stressed.
China and the ROK should remain committed to the original goal of establishing diplomatic relations, maintain good-neighborliness and friendship, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win results, he said.
The two sides should step up exchanges at various levels and in various fields, enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen interstate cooperation and multilateral coordination to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure the stability and smooth operation of global and regional industrial and supply chains, Xi said.
China and the ROK should deepen people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and strengthen public support to plant the seeds of friendship deep in the hearts of the two peoples, he said.
Beijing and Seoul need to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns and keep bilateral ties on the right track to ensure the healthy and stable development of China-ROK relations, Xi added. -0-
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday announced that it will discontinue daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions from June 11, 2025, in light of a growing liquidity surplus in the banking system, which currently stands at approximately ₹3 lakh crore.
In a statement, the RBI said, “Further, on a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided that the daily VRR auctions, as announced in the above press release, will be discontinued with effect from June 11, 2025, Wednesday.”
The decision comes amid tepid demand for daily VRR operations, with banks borrowing just ₹3,711 crore on June 9 and ₹3,853 crore on June 10 against a notified amount of ₹25,000 crore.
The central bank had introduced daily VRR auctions on January 16, 2025, to address temporary liquidity tightness caused by tax-related outflows and foreign exchange interventions. However, with liquidity conditions now easing, the RBI is shifting its focus to stabilising overnight money market rates, which have been trending lower due to excess funds in the system.
Despite the discontinuation of daily operations, market participants expect the RBI to continue with 14-day VRR auctions to manage short-term liquidity as needed.
The move follows the central bank’s recent decision to cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points to 3.0%, a measure expected to infuse an additional ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system.
The VRR mechanism allows banks to borrow short-term funds from the RBI against government securities as collateral, with the interest rate determined through an auction. It has been an important tool for liquidity management during periods of financial tightness.
With the current surplus, the RBI’s decision is in line with its neutral policy stance and reflects a calibrated approach to adjusting liquidity instruments based on prevailing market conditions.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with top Swiss business leaders in Bern on Monday to boost bilateral economic ties. The discussions, held under the framework of the recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), focused on expanding cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable manufacturing.
During his visit, Goyal interacted with senior leadership from some of Switzerland’s most prominent companies spanning sectors such as biotechnology, precision engineering, healthcare, defence, and emerging technologies. The Minister extended an open invitation for Swiss firms to expand their footprint in India, highlighting the vast potential of India’s rapidly growing economy, youthful talent base, and favorable investment climate.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to enabling global business, Goyal assured Swiss companies of a transparent regulatory framework, a robust intellectual property rights regime, and investor-friendly policies. He urged businesses to view India not merely as a large consumer market, but as a strategic hub for manufacturing, innovation, and global value chain integration.
Goyal chaired two sector-focused roundtable discussions with Swiss industry leaders. The first session spotlighted Biotech, Pharma, and Healthcare, while the second addressed Precision Engineering, Defence, and Emerging Technologies. Both events were hosted with support from the Indian Embassy in Switzerland and showcased India’s growing reputation as a destination for affordable innovation and scalable production.
The Minister highlighted the role of the EFTA Desk at Invest India, set up to provide facilitation support and handholding to potential Swiss investors. He emphasized India’s openness to working towards regulatory harmonization and mutual recognition agreements, further smoothing the path for Swiss-Indian partnerships.
Beyond business interactions, Goyal also met with members of the Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He praised the chapter for its efforts in promoting India’s professional excellence abroad and strengthening the India–Switzerland economic and professional networks.
Swiss business leaders expressed robust confidence in India’s economic trajectory and its potential as a global innovation powerhouse. Commending India’s growing middle class, skilled workforce, and strong R&D capabilities, companies from a range of sectors voiced their intent to deepen engagement with India. Discussions touched on potential joint ventures, manufacturing localization, and co-development of high-tech solutions across fields such as cell sciences, cancer research, fibre optics, industrial automation, space technology, and cybersecurity.
Many Swiss companies acknowledged India as a natural partner, describing the bilateral economic relationship as one of strategic alignment and long-term commitment. For them, India represents both a key market and a springboard for accessing international customers through integrated supply chains and co-created technologies.
At least five people have been killed in an attack at a school in the Austrian city of Graz and others were injured, Austrian media including tabloid Kronen Zeitung reported on Tuesday.
Citing local police, Austrian state media ORF said several people had been seriously injured, including students and teachers.
Police said an operation was underway in a street called Dreierschuetzengasse, on which there is a secondary school, but declined further comment.
Police are currently evacuating the building, ORF said.
It was not immediately clear whether the suspect was among the reported victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted rapid growth in India’s technical textiles sector, propelled by key government initiatives, including the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Responding to an article written by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, PM Modi shared on X, “India’s technical textiles sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by key initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission and the PLI scheme. These efforts are boosting manufacturing, innovation and exports, positioning India as a global leader, writes Union Minister Giriraj Singh.”
Technical textiles refers to fabrics designed and manufactured for their functional and technical properties, rather than their aesthetic appeal. They are engineered to perform specific tasks, like reinforcement, filtration, protection, and more.
To boost the technical textiles sector in the country, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched for the period 2020–21 to 2025–26, with an outlay of ₹1,480 crore. The Mission focuses on promoting the use of technical textiles across various flagship schemes and strategic sectors. NTTM funds are allocated for research, innovation and development; promotion and market expansion; export promotion; as well as education, training, and skilling.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is aimed at self-reliance. Targeting key sectors such as electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, the scheme offers financial incentives linked to clear performance metrics like increased production and incremental sales. This results-based approach not only attracts both domestic and foreign investment but also drives adoption of advanced technologies and supports the achievement of economies of scale.
Raising capital for growth, expansion, and diversification
Tokenized participation certificate issuance
Geschäftsmodell mit dreifachem Impact
Munich/Accra, 10 June, 2025 –EWIA Green Investments launched a new financing round today on the digital financing platform Conda (conda-capital.com). In order to raise additional equity capital for its growth strategy, the company is issuing tokenized participation certificates worth up to €2 million through a specially established special purpose vehicle (SPV). Since its founding in 2020, EWIA has become a major player in the commercial renewable energy segment in West Africa. Following the successful launch of solar financing and operation for commercial and industrial customers in Ghana, EWIA is now pushing ahead with expansion in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as diversification into new business areas.
“Power generation is too expensive and dirty in large parts of Africa, and blackouts are a daily occurrence,” says co-founder and managing director Ralph Schneider. ”EWIA is helping to meet Africa’s growing energy needs with clean, affordable, and reliable solar power.” In 2020, EWIA Green Investments launched in Ghana as a dedicated solar financier, helping medium-sized businesses transition from diesel generators to clean, cost-effective solar energy. By analyzing electricity demand and refinancing potential across various industries, EWIA designs tailored solar solutions that meet the specific needs of each client.Today, EWIA also installs PV systems in-house, acting as an EPC project developer responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction. A subsidiary builds solar-powered telecom towers for mobile network operators
Triple Impact Investment
“By transferring capital and know-how to sub-Saharan Africa, we help local businesses operate more successfully, become more competitive, and create jobs — all crucial factors for both the economic and social development of a continent with the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world,” says co-founder and managing director Timo Schäfer. “At the same time, we offer investors in Europe the opportunity to participate in the growth potential of this dynamic market.”
With subsidiaries currently operating in three African countries, EWIA itself already employs 76 staff — including 31 women — in highly skilled roles with long-term career prospects.
Financing growth
With the acquisition of SunErgy GmbH in April, EWIA expanded into Cameroon, where it is electrifying entire villages. SunErgy has been licensed by the Republic of Cameroon to establish solar power supplies for 92 villages with approximately 600,000 people, as well as schools, health centers, and private and public companies in the southwestern region of the country. As part of the transaction, investment and asset manager KGAL acquired a stake in EWIA. At the same time, EWIA is pressing ahead with its expansion into the Nigerian market – the continent’s largest economy. Over the next five years, EWIA aims to expand its project portfolio to over €63 million and significantly increase its footprint in West Africa.
Under the current offering, investors can subscribe to participation certificates in a special purpose vehicle that holds an interest in EWIA Green Investments GmbH for a minimum amount of €250 per share. The investment has no fixed term and is based on a company valuation of approximately €12.3 million.
With the funds from the newly launched offering, EWIA aims to solidify its market position through scalable operations, a stronger team of skilled professionals, and the continued development of the EWIAFinance.de platform
About EWIA Green Investments
EWIA provides small and medium-sized businesses in Africa with access to clean solar energy and serves as a bridge builder to investors in Europe as well as for the transfer of technology know-how. Based in Munich, Germany, with operating entities in Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria, EWIA offers private and institutional investors access to attractive impact investments in the fight against climate change and for sustainable economic growth in Africa. Private investors can also invest specifically in solar projects via ewiafinance.de.
With EWIA’s flexible full-service financing solution, companies in Africa have the opportunity to obtain solar power, financing, security and service from a single source. In the infrastructure sector, EWIA funds and constructs mobile phone communication masts and traffic monitoring systems and equips them with PV systems. www.ewiainvestments.com
Contact for queries:
EWIA Green Investments GmbH Ralph Schneider, CEO ralph.schneider@EWIAinvestments.com +49 162 1366 984
Schwarz Financial Communication Frank Schwarz schwarz@schwarzfinancial.com +49 611 58029290
Disclaimer: Not for publication in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, or any other jurisdiction outside the EU, and in particular in jurisdictions that prohibit the offering or sale of these instruments.
Risk warning: The purchase of this investment involves significant risks, including the possibility of total loss. Please inform yourself thoroughly before investing and seek professional advice. Detailed explanations can be found atConda Capital Market.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
UKHSA urges travellers to take steps to avoid infection abroad
Typhoid and paratyphoid cases reach record high while Malaria cases remain high despite small dip in cases.
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provisional data shows an increase in travel-associated enteric fever cases (typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever cases) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 702 cases in 2024, an 8% rise from 2023 (645 cases). This represents the highest number of cases recorded annually to date.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are serious preventable illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria, usually spread through contaminated food or water. In the UK, most cases of enteric fever are acquired abroad, commonly in regions with poor hygiene and sanitation. Previous surveillance has also highlighted a concerning rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan, which reduces the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, impacting the response to treatment, and increasing the risk of complications. A free typhoid vaccination is available from GP surgeries for some travellers, though no vaccine exists for paratyphoid.
Meanwhile, provisional data shows that imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK despite a slight decrease in diagnoses to 1,812 in 2024 from 2,106 in 2023. These figures significantly exceed the levels seen in recent years. Most cases were reported during peak summer travel months between July and October. Malaria is potentially fatal but almost entirely preventable when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly.
There were fewer imported dengue cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 65 cases in the first 3 months of 2025 compared to 254 cases in 2024, mostly linked to travel to Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia. Dengue cases have increased substantially globally over the past five years, with exceptionally high levels in 2023 and 2024, and the sustained transmission of dengue is an ongoing global health challenge.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said:
We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers. It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you’re visiting friends and relatives abroad or it’s somewhere you visit often. The Travel Health Pro website has information on how to keep yourself and family healthy, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip.
Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), said:
Most UK malaria cases occur in Black African people returning from travel to Africa. Community engagement of the African Diaspora in malaria prevention is crucial to reduce imported malaria in the UK. The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) is leading this charge with our upcoming ‘Africans Against Malaria’ campaign. It will directly address the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that hinder malaria prevention uptake amongst the UK African diaspora and signpost where to obtain malaria chemoprophylaxis. Our focus is on community engagement and outreach, and we will be targeting African communities in London ahead of summer travel.
The Travel Health Pro website, supported by UKHSA, has information on health risks in countries across the world. It is a one-stop-shop for information to help people plan their trip abroad.
Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant for their destination. Travellers who may be eligible for dengue vaccine should consult 3 to 4 months before travel.
In countries with insects that spread diseases like dengue, malaria or Zika virus infection, travellers can protect themselves by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net where air conditioning is not available.
It is also important for travellers to:
ensure your routine childhood vaccines are up to date
have any recommended travel related vaccines
stock up on necessary medications including malaria prevention tablets
get valid travel insurance to cover your entire trip and planned activities
Along with typhoid, hepatitis A is another gastrointestinal infection that is spread through viral infection that affects the liver. The virus spreads through contaminated food or water, and through close contact with infected individuals. A hepatitis A vaccine is available from GPs and travel health clinics and is recommended for those visiting high-risk areas.
To prevent the spread of hepatitis A, UKHSA recommends:
thorough handwashing – especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, helping children with toileting, and before preparing or eating food
regular cleaning of toilet seats and handles using standard household cleaning products
Equifax® Canada Market Pulse — Q1 2025 Quarterly Business Credit Trends and Insights Report
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After a cautiously optimistic end to 2024, Canadian businesses seem to have entered 2025 with trepidation. According to the Equifax® Canada Q1 2025 Business Credit Trends and Insights Report, delinquencies are rising for businesses across the country and credit demand is slowing, while key sectors are showing early signs of distress — especially those tied closely to consumer trends, with delinquency rates not seen since 2009.
The Canadian Small Business Health Index1, a benchmark of business credit health and business sentiment, dropped to 99.3 in Q1 2025, a 1.5 per cent decline from the previous quarter. While still slightly above its year-ago level, the dip signals a loss of momentum following gains made late last year.
Alongside rising delinquencies, Equifax data shows a noticeable slowdown in credit demand, as fewer businesses applied for new credit in Q1 2025, a decline of six per cent when compared to the same time period in 2024. Lower new originations and growing balances could signal growing caution among small business owners, many of whom could be choosing to manage existing debt rather than take on new risk, even with interest rates easing and inflation stabilizing.
“The Canadian Small Business Health Index shows that business sentiment is down three per cent in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter,” noted Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada. “The early months of 2025 are revealing the pressures the business landscape could be facing. Many businesses are caught in a squeeze from both slowing household consumption on one hand and growing business debt stress on the other.”
Credit Warning Signs Widen In Q1 2025, over 309,000 businesses — 11.3 per cent of credit active businesses — missed at least one credit payment. This marks a 14.6 per cent year-over-year increase in business delinquencies and highlights the growing financial strain across sectors.
_______________________________
1 The Canadian Small Business Health Index provides a holistic view of Canadian business conditions by combining data collected by Equifax Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada.
Accommodation & Food Services and Retail Sector Missing Payments The impact is particularly acute in Accommodation & Food Services, where missed payments jumped to 16.9 per cent, and in Retail Trade, where the rate hit 13.2 per cent. Both sectors are likely suffering from weak consumer spending, rising operating costs, and growing household debt levels. Average monthly consumer credit card spend2 per cardholder fell by 107 dollars during Q1, dropping to the lowest level since March 2022.
“This seems to be a classic ripple effect,” said Brown. “Equifax data suggests when households pull back, restaurants, retailers and local service providers feel it first — and hardest. This can then travel up the supply chain, where everyone from manufacturers to transport companies feel its effects.”
Businesses Prioritize Suppliers Over Lenders Delinquency trends suggest a shift in how businesses are managing limited cash flow. The 60+ day delinquency rate for financial trade (loans, lines of credit) rose from 3.0 per cent to 3.4 per cent, a 15.5 per cent increase year-over-year. In contrast, industrial trade delinquencies (typically money owed to suppliers) rose more modestly, from 5.5 per cent to 5.7 per cent.
“Businesses are paying suppliers, but with little to spare, they may be missing banking obligation payments. This may signal that businesses are strategically recalibrating, with many businesses prioritizing supplier relationships to keep operations moving,” added Brown.
Regional Flashpoints in PEI, Quebec, Ontario and British Colombia While delinquencies are rising nationwide, some provinces and industries are flashing red:
Ontario and British Columbia led the country in financial trade arrears, up 18.8 per cent and 19.9 per cent year-over-year, respectively.
Quebecand Prince Edward Island posted unusually sharp increases in industrial trade delinquencies, up 26.6 per cent and 15.9 per cent year-over-year, respectively, signaling localized stress in supplier-based credit relationships.
Certain sectors are showing strain
Sectors showing double-digit increases in year-over-year missed payments include Agriculture (+19.5 per cent), Transportation & Warehousing (+19.3 per cent), Real Estate (+17.0 per cent), Finance & Insurance (+16.4 per cent), and Manufacturing (+10.2 per cent).
“Businesses across the country and across a variety of industries are showing increased vulnerabilities as broader economic uncertainty continues,” noted Brown. “Businesses will continue to need resilience and careful planning to navigate this economic environment.”
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2 Average monthly consumer credit card spend comparisons have been adjusted for inflation.
Province Analysis – 60+ days Delinquency Rates (Account Level)
Province
Delinquency Rate : Financial Trades (Q1 2025)
Delinquency Rate Change: Financial Trades (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024)
Delinquency Rate: Industrial Trades (Q1 2025)
Delinquency Rate Change: Industrial Trades (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024)
Ontario
3.71%
18.85%
5.63%
4.97%
Quebec
3.49%
13.31%
4.59%
26.55%
Nova Scotia
2.47%
1.06%
6.19%
8.05%
New Brunswick
2.82%
5.17%
4.73%
-6.22%
PEI
2.37%
0.34%
4.45%
15.90%
Newfoundland
2.71%
-1.15%
4.90%
-12.19%
Eastern Region
3.58%
16.67%
5.21%
12.51%
Alberta
3.49%
8.90%
7.07%
-13.30%
Manitoba
3.10%
16.43%
4.54%
-1.60%
Saskatchewan
2.79%
-0.11%
6.47%
3.36%
British Columbia
2.94%
19.93%
6.56%
-10.66%
Western Region
3.17%
13.00%
6.50%
-9.74%
Canada
3.44%
15.50%
5.69%
3.52%
* Based on Equifax data for Q1 2025
About Equifax At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway, H.E. Cecilie Myrseth, in Oslo, Norway, on 10 June 2025. During their meeting, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and H.E. Cecilie Myrseth discussed recent global economic developments and sought concrete ways to strengthen trade and investment relations between ASEAN and Norway, including through increased cooperation on green transition, maritime economy, digitalization, and the development of the Work Plan to implement the ASEAN-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Lt. Governor Luke Signs Bill to Establish Broadband Office and Expand Digital Navigator Program
HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, today signed into law Act 201 (House Bill 934), establishing Hawaiʻi’s State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), and funding digital navigators on every major island. The landmark legislation strengthens the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring all Hawaiʻi residents have access to reliable internet and the digital skills needed to thrive.
“With the signing of House Bill 934, Hawaiʻi is taking a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age or income, can connect to and use affordable, reliable broadband internet to access education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” said Lt. Gov. Luke, who leads the State of Hawai‘i’s Connect Kākou high speed internet initiative. “This law not only lays the groundwork for much-needed services – it also helps ensure keiki through kūpuna acquire the skills and support they need to use the internet to improve their daily lives.”
House Bill 934 establishes the State Broadband Office in the Department of Accounting and General Services, giving it clear authority to coordinate broadband deployment across public and private sectors. The broadband office will lead the state’s efforts to administer grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, oversee strategic broadband investments, and ensure high-speed internet access reaches underserved communities statewide.
“Access to high-speed internet is vital for every aspect of our lives. There are residents in rural areas who are counting on us to deliver important broadband upgrades and programs,” said State Representative Greggor Ilagan (District 4 – Black Sands Beach Subdivision, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, Kalapana, Koa‘e, Leilani Estates, Nānāwale Estates, Pāhoa, Pohoiki, Seaview Estates), one of the introducers of the bill. “The State Broadband Office gives us the focus and framework to turn vision into action.”In addition to establishing the Broadband Office, the bill allocates funding for six digital navigators across the islands to support digital literacy programs in organizations like our public libraries. This follows a successful 2023 pilot program where community-based professionals, stationed at Hawaiʻi’s public libraries, assisted residents with digital skills, internet connectivity, accessing devices, and online services like telehealth and job applications.
“I’ve seen firsthand the barriers a rural island community faces when it comes to building computer skills that many take for granted,” said State Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini). “By connecting people to digital navigators we’re empowering our residents in countless ways.”
“From our pilot, we learned there is a real demand for this investment,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, state librarian of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System. “Digital navigators are trusted guides who will help ensure no one is left behind in the digital age and we are so excited to grow this program.”
The State has opened a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Hawaiʻi Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage Community Digital Navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting connectkakou.org. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (HST).
Lt. Gov. Luke also signed into law Act 202 (House Bill 1052) which ensures public information – including weather alerts, health advisories, and service notifications – is delivered in a way that reaches everyone, regardless of their print literacy or disability status.
Last week the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction brought together an amazing, devoted community of disaster risk reduction practitioners from all around the world.
Over the past four decades, since the early days of the Decade for Disaster Risk Reduction, this community has really stuck together. It’s a caring community: sensitive, solutions-oriented, increasingly inclusive.
It’s fantastic that we can come together every few years to take stock of what we’re achieving, where we are falling short, and what we could do more of.
Throughout the week they have shown us solutions from every corner of the world – from remote communities in Nepal to small island nations across the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean, to flood- or drought-prone regions across the globe.
There’s so much happening – and that is a real cause for optimism. It provides me with determination to do more.
After reflecting on all that I’ve learnt, the discussions I’ve had and listened to, and the immense collection of experience, perspectives and wisdom that were assembled, I want to highlight three things:
First: we are succeeding
Disaster mortality is down 50% decade on decade.
Over 130 countries have DRR strategies.
That’s a scale of progress we haven’t seen in any other area of development practice. We are succeeding – and that’s rare.
But success is fragile: Yes, fewer lives are lost – but the newer risks are shifting. Mortality risk from intensifying hazards like heatwaves, and low-frequency high-impact geophysical hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis continues to be a cause for concern.
We still have work to do on Target A – to reduce disaster mortality – and Target E – to put in place national and local DRR strategies.
Strategies exist; but are they backed by funding? By legislation? Are their effects felt at local level? We must ask these tough questions – to ourselves, our communities, and our governments – so that we can find and fill the gaps.
Success is not guaranteed to last. We need to consolidate our progress and remain alert. We have to do more.
Second: we need to get serious about financing
This is the next leap: we – as DRR practitioners, as governments, as the international community – still need serious resourcing for disaster risk reduction.
After 35 years, we still haven’t cracked this problem, and no country is immune. We need to ask, why?
The evidence shows the value of DRR investments, but we need to make it more robust and granular, and framed in ways that can persuade potential financiers.
In our quest for more resources, we must look at all sources: national budgets, private capital, insurance, climate finance, development aid. The investments benefit everyone, so the money must come from everywhere.
But that raises an equally important question: how do we use this money? Do we have the systems to allocate it effectively? Very few countries have national infrastructure investment plans that are informed by risk data.
Switzerland – our GP 2025 host – is a standout. The Swiss Government and private sector invest billions every year in disaster risk reduction and measuring outcomes. And the returns of this investment are clear: just last week, when the village of Blatten was obliterated by a landslide, triggered by glacial melting, nearly all the population, plus their livestock, were evacuated to safety thanks to early warnings and robust risk management.
We must continue to focus on infrastructure investment planning. This Platform brought together finance ministers and planners from several countries— but let’s go further. Next time we should bring 70 finance ministers, and ask them: “What is your infrastructure investment strategy, and how is it risk-informed?”
We must go even further, and take the discussion beyond top-level conversations, down to sector-by-sector planning, and ask, “where is the risk?”
Our 2025 Global Assessment Report can help show where the risk is; now we need to translate those findings into strategic investments, at scale. Otherwise, our development gains will be continuously eroded.
This next leap is also about mainstreaming risk-informed development — something we’ve talked about for two decades, but we still haven’t done enough. This means investing in humble infrastructure – homes, schools, hospitals – and not just in power, water, transport, and telecoms.
During the GP we had a ministerial roundtable on school safety. We know how to make schools safer: in Nepal, after the 2015 earthquake, every one of the 150 retrofitted schools in Kathmandu Valley remained usable.
And in doing all this, we must keep our promise to the Small Island Developing States, who are at the frontline of increasing climate disasters.
Third: there is inspiration all around us
My third point is about inspiration. What has been really inspiring at this Platform is the work of community groups, women’s groups, youth groups, local governments.
The innovative work is happening at local levels. We need to capture and elevate these initiatives – not just to circulate in reports, but to give legitimacy, voice, and funding so these actions can be scaled.
The future of disaster risk reduction is not just national. It’s in cities, towns, and villages.
If we don’t reduce risk at the local level, we won’t succeed. Local actors are already taking action – they are not waiting for the UN or national governments. We must scale this work.
To sum up: If we consolidate our progress – without taking it for granted; if we fast-track financing for DRR; and if we elevate local action, we will go far. In five years, we will be celebrating not just disaster risk reduction, but human flourishing.
The slogan for the 2025 Global Platform has been ‘Every day counts: act for resilience today.’ We must all take that call to heart.
When asked how the Global Platform was, I say: I’ll tell you in six months – because the discussions and pledges made this week are only as good as the follow-up.
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who put in so much hard work that contributed to the success of the 2025 Global Platform: The Government of Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva for hosting, the Member States and ministers, UN partners, my UNDRR team, and most of all, the dedicated and tireless DRR community who joined us in Geneva and remotely.
6th Pacific-France Summit Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025 Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of Jacques Chirac, in Paris in 2006. Many of the issues raised two decades ago have been raised again today. Our region faces unique threats to its security and stability. Humanitarian and environmental challenges and increasing geostrategic competition are bringing heightened complexity and risk. In this environment, it is important that we come together to share experiences and perspectives, and to find the best way forward as a region. Working alongside likeminded partners like France is important and we recognise France’s long-standing commitment to the Pacific and the contribution it makes to regional stability. This includes the unique role France plays supporting the economic development and security of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. We value working with France on humanitarian assistance and disaster response through the FRANZ mechanism, most recently used after the Vanuatu earthquake. We also welcome France joining New Zealand and Australia in supporting the Pacific Humanitarian Warehouse Programme, an important Pacific priority. It is important that partners’ engagement with our region advances our region’s priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supports Pacific institutions – including the Forum as the preeminent regional body. This is the best way to support regional stability in the Pacific. Over 60 percent of New Zealand’s development support goes toward Pacific priorities. This includes a pledge of NZ$20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). This initiative is a clear priority for Pacific leaders. We encourage France to support the PRF and our officials would be entirely happy to share our thinking. We welcome the important steps we, as a Forum, have taken this year to improve how our region engages with Forum Dialogue Partners. We hope these reforms, which will tier Partners according to their support for Pacific priorities, will be in place by the time leaders meet in Honiara, leading to even more productive exchanges with important partners such as France. As partners engage with our region, it is important that they do so in a manner that is transparent and supportive of good governance. Not all partners take this approach. Some ask Pacific partners not to publish agreements or avoid the Forum Secretariat when organising regional engagements. As we face external pushes into our region to coerce, cajole and constrain, we must stand together as a region – always remembering that we are strongest when we act collectively to confront security and strategic challenges. The Forum plays a critical role in helping us to form a cohesive approach, resolve differences, bolster regional development and security, and use our collective voice to hold bigger countries to account. We welcome France’s efforts to engage with the full Forum and Secretariat. Notwithstanding the longstanding Forum membership agreement that we engage as a complete group, not all partners have followed this model in recent meetings. We encourage all to follow France’s example. Our ability to come together in our uniquely Pacific way is one of our greatest assets. We welcome France’s engagement with the Forum Secretariat to organise this important meeting today. Thank you.
SINGAPORE, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is proud to announce its significant climb in comprehensive rankings across multiple authoritative crypto data platforms. This remarkable upward trajectory underscores HTX’s burgeoning recognition and reinforces its position as a trusted leader among users worldwide.
HTX continues to earn global user trust through its unwavering commitment to excellence in security, trading depth, user experience, and robust ecosystem development, firmly establishing itself as a pivotal force in the Web3 space.
HTX’s Global Influence Soars as It Climbs Authoritative Rankings
CoinGecko: HTX’s ranking on CoinGecko, a globally authoritative crypto data platform, has dramatically risen from 13th to 7th place. This achievement not only reflects a notable improvement in the exchange’s overall strength but also underscores its outstanding performance in global user activity, security, and transparency. As a benchmark for crypto asset security ratings, CoinGecko’s ranking further affirms HTX’s continued efforts to optimize its security systems and drive technological innovation.
Source: CoinGecko
CoinMarketCap (CMC): HTX has secured the 9th spot on CMC, jumping from 15th on the world’s most visited Web3 platform. This significant milestone strengthens HTX’s status as a top-tier exchange in the minds of global Web3 users, reflecting its rising influence, growing user trust, and expanding international presence in the crypto space.
Source: CoinMarketCap
DefiLlama: HTX maintains its 6th position on DefiLlama, a key platform for North America. This consistent ranking showcases HTX’s active presence and solid market share in the region, supported by its dedication to global regulatory compliance and its commitment to delivering a secure, transparent trading environment to users.
Source: DefiLlama
Kaiko: HTX has advanced from 10th to 8th position on Kaiko, a respected platform among North American high-end crypto users, and received an “AA” rating. Kaiko evaluates the comprehensive performance of over 100 mainstream trading platforms worldwide across six key dimensions: governance, liquidity, technology, business capabilities, security, and data quality. This accolade highlights HTX’s excellence in business and technological capabilities, as well as its strong security measures, emphasizing its competitive edge in the high-end market.
Source: Kaiko
CryptoRank: HTX proudly holds the 3rd position on CryptoRank, a popular platform in the CIS region. This ranking showcases HTX’s deep market penetration and growing brand strength, reinforcing its status as a trusted international trading platform for CIS users.
Source: CryptoRank
HTX Builds Global Trust with a User-First Approach
HTX’s consistent ascent in global rankings underscores its steadfast dedication to user asset security, innovative product development, strategic global expansion, and robust service infrastructure. Guided by its core philosophy of “Putting Users First and Ensuring the Security of User Assets,” HTX continually refines its security, enhances the trading experience, and delivers diverse, innovative products worldwide. This unwavering commitment has earned HTX widespread global recognition, solidifying its position as a leader in the crypto market.
According to official data, HTX has published its asset reserve records for 32 consecutive months, reaffirming its position as one of the most transparent platforms in the industry. Over the past three months, it has seen a remarkable increase in total asset balances. Notably, USDT holdings have surged from approximately 665 million to 1.15 billion, marking a month-over-month growth of over 30% in May. This reflects HTX’s commitment to strengthening asset reserves and enhancing user asset protection.
Moving forward, HTX will continue to prioritize user needs, driving continuous improvements in platform security, trading depth, and service quality. Our vision is clear: to establish HTX as the world’s foremost comprehensive Web3 trading platform.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
MSMEs are looking to the government for support in several key areas, including business subsidies, tax relief, business development services, improved access to public procurement, and workforce skills development. Respondents also highlighted the need for various forms of financial assistance, such as business restructuring funds, simplified loan procedures, trade finance, and supply chain finance, along with concessional lending schemes. Notably, demand for concessional loans and credit guarantees was higher among women-led MSMEs compared to those led by men.
In contrast, there was relatively low demand for government support in business digitalization and digital financial services. Following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, only a small fraction of MSMEs entered the e-commerce space. This limited interest in digital tools can be attributed to several factors: low levels of financial and business literacy, limited awareness of available digital products, poor internet connectivity, and concerns about security and fraud.
The expansion of domestic capital markets is driving significant gains in firm productivity, investment, and employment in low- and middle-income countries. Recent research shows that easing financial constraints through capital markets supports sustainable economic development and a more efficient allocation of resources.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Norway, H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre, during his Working Visit to Norway, on 10 June 2025.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed ways to further advance ASEAN-Norway ties, as ASEAN and Norway celebrate their tenth anniversary of the ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership this year.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN pays a Courtesy Call on Prime Minister of Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
The order restricts citizens from Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen
Partial travel ban on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
‘This blanket ban constitutes racial discrimination under international human rights law’ – Agnès Callamard
In response to President Trump imposing a new discriminatory travel ban, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:
“President Trump’s new travel ban is discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel. By targeting people based on their race, religion, or nationality, from countries with predominantly Black, Brown and Muslim-majority populations, this blanket ban constitutes racial discrimination under international human rights law. It also spreads hate and disinformation, reinforcing the misleading idea that certain populations are more likely to pose security risks or engage in acts of violence.
“This arbitrary travel ban also violates the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution and the US obligation to protect them under international and national refugee law. With the right to seek asylum already non-existent at US borders, it will further inflict terrible suffering on people who are fleeing war-torn regions, massive human rights violations and other dangerous situations and seeking safety in the United States.
“Through targeting and detaining immigrants for exercising their right to free speech, separating families, mass deportations and more, President Trump’s actions have already put tens of millions of people in the United States at risk. And now, this travel ban is yet another iteration of the Trump administration’s persistent trampling on the rights of immigrants and those seeking safety.
“Communities thrive when governments prioritise the safety of all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or race. Amnesty International will never stop fighting for a world in which everybody is treated with dignity, immigrants and people seeking safety are welcomed and recognised for their contributions to society, and communities are united.”
In 1967, two musical legends — Yehudi Menuhin, a British-American violin virtuoso, and Ravi Shankar, India’s sitar master — came together on the world’s stage: the United Nations General Assembly Hall.
Utilizing footage from the UN Audiovisual Library, this story showcases more than a concert — it reveals a powerful moment of cultural dialogue, mutual respect, and musical unity.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for May 2025 The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs increased from 41.2 in April 2025 in the contractionary zone to 42.1 in May 2025, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. June 2025) outlook DI on business receipts was 45.4. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts, despite below the 50-mark, rose in May 2025 as compared with previous month for many surveyed sectors, particularly for the import and export trades (from 40.2 to 41.9) and wholesale trade (from 40.0 to 41.5).
The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 42.0 in April 2025 to 44.0 in May 2025, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. June 2025) was 45.8.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that business sentiment among SMEs and their outlook in one month’s time saw some improvement in May, as the global trade tensions eased somewhat. The overall employment situation also turned slightly better.
Looking ahead, the uncertain external environment could continue to affect business sentiment. Nonetheless, the resilient local economy and sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy should provide a solid backstop. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Further information
The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to establishments with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent establishments in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special offers announced in celebration of HKSAR’s 28th anniversary For public transport, members of the public can enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes from July 1 to 3. The MTR will give away 71 000 e-single journey tickets through a lucky draw on July 1 and provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus and JoyYou Cards. Moreover, free rides on several ferry routes will be offered to the public on July 1, with vouchers for certain ferry routes to be distributed in advance.
In culture, arts and leisure, the public will be offered free admission to a number of fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on July 1. They can also enjoy free admission to all General Admission exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District on that day. Furthermore, additional free guided tours, dining, consumption and accommodation offers will be provided from mid-June to early July by the 12 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.
As for dining and consumption, several public markets under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will roll out different offers. Members of the public can also enjoy a 29 per cent discount when purchasing selected products of the Fish Marketing Organization and the Vegetable Marketing Organization via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7. The Environmental Protection Department will offer double GREEN$ Points to the public who recycle at its community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1.
Meanwhile, more than 1 000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1. The Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong will offer ticket discounts, while Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, various shopping malls and department stores will roll out shopping, dining, consumption or parking offers. In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with local businesses to offer various dining, shopping, attractions, tours and entertainment deals.
The Government thanks various sectors for actively responding to its call by launching special offers and activities to celebrate with the public the HKSAR’s 28th anniversary. Information about the offers and activities is available on the dedicated website (www.hksar28.gov.hkIssued at HKT 13:18
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Quarterly business receipts indices for service industries for first quarter of 2025 Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with the first quarter of 2024, double-digit increases were recorded in business receipts indices of the financing (except banking) (+32.5%), insurance (+23.1%), import/export trade (+19.4%) and banking (+19.0%) industries. On the other hand, decreases were recorded in business receipts indices of the real estate (-6.7%) and retail (-6.5%) industries during the same period.
Analysed by service domain, business receipts index of the computer and information technology services domain increased by 60.2% year-on-year during the same period, while that of the tourism, convention and exhibition services domain also increased by 1.1% year-on-year.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, business receipts in value terms of many major service industries recorded increases of varying magnitudes in the first quarter of 2025 when compared with the fourth quarter of 2024. In particular, double-digit increases were recorded in business receipts indices of the insurance (+32.5%), import/export trade (+20.3%) and banking (+19.9%) industries. On the other hand, business receipts index of the real estate industry decreased by 5.7% during the same period.
Analysed by service domain, comparing the first quarter of 2025 with the fourth quarter of 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis, business receipts index of the computer and information technology services domain increased by 50.3%, while that of the tourism, convention and exhibition services domain also increased by 0.7%.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that business receipts of many service industries recorded increases in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. More notable increases in business receipts were seen for the financing (except banking), insurance, import/export trade and banking industries.
Looking ahead, business of the service industries should be supported by economic growth. Continued growth of the Mainland economy and the Hong Kong Government’s various measures to boost economic momentum should be conducive to the businesses of the services industries, though some industries may be affected by the continued headwinds stemming from the uncertainties in the external environment and the changing consumption patterns of residents and visitors in the local market.
Further information
Table 1 presents the business receipts indices and their corresponding year-on-year rates of change in respect of selected service industries and service domains for the recent five quarters, while Table 2 shows the corresponding quarter-to-quarter rates of change in the business receipts indices for the recent five quarters based on the seasonally adjusted series.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Construction output for first quarter of 2025 After discounting the effect of price changes, the provisional results showed that the total GVCW performed by main contractors slightly decreased by 0.9% in real terms over the same period. GVCW in real terms is derived by deflating the corresponding nominal value with an appropriate price index to the price level in the base period of 2000.
Analysed by type of construction works, the GVCW performed at private sector sites totalled $19.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, down by 10.7% in nominal terms over a year earlier. In real terms, it decreased by 12.7%. The GVCW performed at public sector sites increased by 17.4% in nominal terms over a year earlier to $30.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025. In real terms, it increased by 13.8%.
The GVCW performed by main contractors at locations other than construction sites amounted to $20.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025, down by 3.9% in nominal terms compared with a year earlier. In real terms, it decreased by 5.7%. Construction works at locations other than construction sites included minor new construction activities and decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings; and electrical equipment installation and maintenance works at locations other than construction sites.
Analysed by major end-use group, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of residential buildings projects amounted to $20.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up by 5.0% in nominal terms over a year earlier. Over the same period, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of transport projects down by 19.4% in nominal terms to $8.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, the GVCW performed by main contractors slightly increased by 0.1% in nominal terms but decreased by 1.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.
Table 1 shows the provisional figures on the GVCW performed by main contractors in the first quarter of 2025. Tables 2 and 3 show the revised figures for the whole year of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2024 respectively.
Owing to the widespread sub-contracting practices in the construction industry, a construction establishment can be a main contractor for one contract and a sub-contractor for another contract at the same time. The GVCW performed by main contractors covers only those projects in which the construction establishment takes the role of a main contractor, but not projects in which it takes only the role of a sub-contractor. However, sub-contractors’ contribution to projects should have been included in the GVCW performed by main contractors for whom they worked.
The classification of construction establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Ombudsman probes Hospital Authority’s assistive device loan service (with photo) 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong Fax: 2882 8149 Email: cic-ha@ombudsman.hk Issued at HKT 11:00
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (June 10) announced the launch of a full investigation into the procedures and mechanisms currently employed by the Hospital Authority (HA) in providing an assistive device loan service to the public. Hospitals under the HA have long provided patients and their families or carers with a loan service of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, canes and walking frames to support patients in their daily routine and rehabilitation during recovery. While this service is undoubtedly beneficial to the public and worthy of support, available information indicates that the borrowing and returning procedures are rather cumbersome and overly stringent. For example, when a device is returned, the deposit payer must present the deposit receipt to collect the refund in person at the hospital; authorising a representative is not acceptable. Moreover, without the receipt, a refund will be denied even if the deposit payer visits the hospital in person and provides proof of the device’s proper return. Mr Chan said, “Assistive devices are essential to facilitating the early recovery and daily lives of patients with needs, and alleviating the burden on families and carers. The Office has noted that the HA’s current loan arrangements may cause varying degrees of inconvenience to patients and their families and carers. Given the significant number of borrowers and a 10/06/2025, 09:54 Ombudsman probes Hospital Authority’s assistive device loan service (with photo) https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/10/P2025061000292p.htm 1/2 deposit as high as $3,500 for each assistive device, denying refunds due to missing receipts would not only lead to conflicts, but also imposes a financial burden on patients and their families. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the HA’s current procedures and mechanisms for assistive device loan services to identify any areas for improvement. Pertinent recommendations will be made for the benefit and convenience of the public.” The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by July 10, 2025: Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre 168–200 Connaught Road
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Three property owners fined over $410,000 in total for not complying with statutory ordersIssued at HKT 11:00
Three property owners were convicted and fined over $410,000 in total by the court earlier for failing to comply with statutory orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). The first case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 50 square metres on the roof of a village house in D.D.183, Sha Tin. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the unauthorised building works (UBWs) and the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $128,300 in total, of which $108,300 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on June 4. The second case involved two unauthorised structures with a total area of about 102 square metres on the flat roof of a residential building at Tsing Chui Path, Tuen Mun. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted twice by the BD and was fined $22,760 in total upon conviction by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the BD instigated the third prosecution in 2023. The owner was convicted and fined $197,500 in total by the Court, of which $97,500 was 10/06/2025, 09:57 Three property owners fined over $410,000 in total for not complying with statutory orders https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/10/P2025061000261p.htm#:~:text=%E2%80%8BThree property owners were,a village house in D.D. 1/2 the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on June 4. The third case involved alteration works at a composite building on Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon, including removal of two fire rated doors on the eighth floor and at the yard on the ground floor respectively, and a door opening formed in the wall of the yard on the ground floor. The alteration works affected the fire resisting construction of the building and contravened the Building (Construction) Regulation. A removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $85,060 in total, of which $81,060 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on May 21. A spokesman for the BD said today (June 10), “Unauthorised building works, including unauthorised alterations affecting the fireresisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with the statutory orders issued by the BD without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with statutory orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building safety.” Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues. Ends/Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the sixth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this morning (June 10).
At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives and latest developments of new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and shared their views on the relevant measures.
Professor Sun said, “The current-term Government has proactively launched and implemented a series of policies and measures in accordance with the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint (the Blueprint) to improve the local innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, develop new and emerging industries of strategic importance, support start-ups, formulate plans for future industries, and facilitate the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries through I&T, thereby promoting the development of I&T industries and new industrialisation.”
Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.