Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI Africa: Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University

The South African government has underscored the urgent need to diversify the country’s agricultural exports in the wake of the US decision to increase tariffs on its trading partners.

The progress of South Africa’s agricultural sector has relied partly on exports, which now account for roughly half of the production in value terms. South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a new record of US$13.7 billion in 2024, up 3% from the previous year, according to data from Trade Map. South Africa also imports various agricultural products. In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural imports amounted to US$7.6 billion.

The US accounts for 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports. The biggest agricultural exports to the US are citrus, wine, grapes and nuts. These typically entered the US market duty free, and now fall under the tariff level of between 10% and 31% which Washington has levied on South Africa.

The ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement after Washington’s move:

Efforts will intensify to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Moreover, where deemed appropriate, such efforts will also involve bilateral arrangements that allow for the pursuance of our national interest.

As a medium to longer term strategy this makes sense in the context of the trade friction with the US and the overall growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector. But export diversification will take time to achieve. New markets take time to open up because negotiations with countries, especially in agricultural products, are complex. For example, it took 16 years for South Africa to reopen Thailand for apple exports.

Moreover, trade agreements typically take a minimum of five years to conclude.

This means that, in the short term, the South African government will urgently be seeking to engage with Washington to maintain critical access to the US market. In their joint statement, the two departments managing the fallout said they would be seeking “additional exemptions and favourable quota agreements”.

So what does the long-term strategy look like? And what are the building blocks that need to be put in place to secure diversified destinations for South Africa’s agricultural products in the future?

As an agricultural economist who has looked at these issues for some time, I would recommend these three areas of focus.

Firstly, South Africa trade authorities should put resources into understanding the opportunities in dynamic markets in the Gulf and Asia. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are some of the key markets in the Gulf. In Asia, China, India and Vietnam should remain priorities.

Secondly, the agricultural sector and government need to develop better ways of working together. This will help ensure business relationships are cultivated in the countries that the government is engaging, and that there’s alignment between the commercial and political interests of the country.

Thirdly, South Africa’s agricultural sector – government and organised agriculture – must get its house in order. For example, promoting livestock products won’t work unless the necessary disease controls are in place.

Opportunities

The African continent accounts for the biggest share of South African exports at 38%. The EU accounted for a 19% share in 2023. Asia and the Middle East accounted for a quarter of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the same year.

Asia and the Far East, in particular China, have already been identified as key growth areas. Even though Asia and the Middle East are strong destination points, huge pockets of opportunity remain in terms of products and countries.

The Brics grouping remains crucial in this endeavour. Here, the South African government must have a sharper focus on lowering import tariffs and phytosanitary barriers in countries such as China, India and Saudi Arabia.

China is the biggest opportunity, largely because of its population and economic size. China, the world’s second largest economy after the US, must feed 1.4 billion people. To do this, China is a huge importer, resulting in an agricultural trade deficit with the rest of the world of about US$117 billion. This suggests there’s a gap for countries with good agricultural offerings.

Vietnam and India also have sizeable populations. Importantly, South Africa remains a small participant in their agricultural markets.

The sectors worth targeting include horticulture and wine producers. Expanding exports in these sectors has been a long-running talking point. Now there’s a need for renewed energy and urgency from the government officials’ side.

The livestock industry is also geared to promote its exports.

In the short term

Agricultural stakeholders can play a constructive role in supporting the government’s efforts to engage the US. Stakeholders can assess the impact of the increased US tariff on their exports, mainly citrus, grapes, wine, and nuts, among other products, as well as the impact on jobs in their regions.

There is also scope to provide more flexibility for American products in the South African market to ease current trade tensions. For example, South Africa currently allows US exporters to sell over 70,000 tonnes of poultry products into the country without any tariff. However, US poultry producers have only used less than 60% of this quota. One reason for this is the low-quality products that have not met the South African specifications. Hence the need to seek negotiating points.

Next steps

Trade is about trade-offs and backing the correct winners.

Both organised agriculture – commodity associations – and business must work together to define new priorities for the country and how these can be pursued internationally.

Negotiating free trade agreements should be the mainstay of trade policy. South Africa has excelled in opening up new markets in the past 20 years, by concluding several free trade agreements with critical regional and international markets. These include deals with the Southern African Development Community countries as well as the region’s agreement with the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

It needs to expand this list.

But free trade agreements require hard choices over which industries a country is prepared to place on the table for possible trade-offs while building long-term competitiveness in sectors that can be major drivers for growth.

Government must engage the various agricultural sectors about their key priorities and what trade-offs they’re prepared to consider.

– Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now
– https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariff-hikes-and-south-africa-hunt-for-new-agricultural-markets-must-begin-now-253984

MIL OSI Africa –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: In Samarkand UNECE Executive Secretary calls for decisive action and financing for climate adaptation and mitigation

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Attending the recent Samarkand International Climate Forum, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean highlighted the need for strong political will, effective partnerships, and scaled up financing to avoid irreversible climate repercussions. All three traits were evident in Central Asia.

This was embodied by the host of the Forum President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, the presence of the Presidents of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and of the European Council, Antonio Costa, the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, as well as of multilateral development banks, namely the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and of UN high-level officials.

“Many of UNECE’s norms, standards and conventions provide practical tools to support Central Asian countries’ climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, to leverage financing, and to strengthen collaboration. In particular, UNECE’s cross-cutting theme for 2025-2027 – climate action and resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future – supports not only connectivity, infrastructure development, and economic growth, but ensures that they all fit hand in hand with strong, smart, and economically viable climate action,” Ms. Molcean noted.  

This goal can be achieved across a variety of sectors by harmonizing the existing work of Central Asian countries and UNECE – such as in transportation where the States participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) adopted the roadmap for digitalization of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, which can be streamlined with the UNECE decarbonization strategy for inland transport to ensure transit time and emissions are simultaneously reduced, the Executive Secretary explained.

Likewise, in the field of energy, UNECE’s latest report on Modelling a Resilient and Integrated Energy System for Central Asia demonstrates the savings and decarbonization potential of fully interconnecting the region. The most ambitious scenario provides for annual savings in electricity of up to USD 1.4 billion by 2050, which is a substantial amount for decarbonization efforts.

Finally, the UNECE-hosted Aarhus Convention empowers the public to participate in environmental decision-making and access information and justice in environmental matters. The recent accession of Uzbekistan makes all five Central Asian nations party to the treaty. It will help Uzbekistan to strengthen environmental governance, build resilience to disasters, facilitate the transition towards a green, digital and circular economy, and fulfill many other international commitments.

Furthermore, this milestone builds on other areas of Uzbekistan’s leadership in the region and beyond, such as the recent co-chairmanship of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE region (2-3 April 2025).

These issues, especially the implementation of regional and national projects, and advancing SPECA initiatives, were in the focus of the Executive Secretary’s meeting with President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, which took place on the margins of the Forum.

While in Uzbekistan the Executive Secretary also attended the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent, where she stressed UNECE’s policies and partnerships to advance social development and justice, namely inclusive and equitable economic policies, social inclusion, energy transition, and digital transformation.

Photo credit: Press-service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Valedictorian credits EIT for helping rebuild his life | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

Study at EIT gave Elijah Rogers (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whātua, and Ngāpuhi) the chance to rebuild his life.

Now, just a few years later, he’s graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and will do so as one of two EIT Hawke’s Bay valedictorians at the Napier Municipal Theatre on Friday, April 11.

“I didn’t expect to be named valedictorian,” he says. “But it’s a reflection of how far I’ve come and the people who have helped me get here.”

Elijah Rogers (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whātua, and Ngāpuhi) will graduate as Valedictorian at one of two EIT Hawke’s Bay ceremonies in April.

He now teaches level 4 te reo Māori at EIT, having first enrolled as a student there in 2022.

Originally from the north, 36-year-old Elijah moved to Hawke’s Bay to start fresh. His wife, who was living in Whanganui at the time, sold her home so they could settle in the region and begin the next chapter of their lives.

“My wife’s support made all the difference—she gave me a solid footing to land on,” he says.

Although Elijah grew up surrounded by kapa haka and a father who taught tikanga, te reo Māori was not a language he spoke fluently as a child.

“I could understand bits of it, but I didn’t know how to speak it properly. I grew up around it, but I didn’t have the reo myself.”

Later in life, during a period of reflection and transition, he made the decision to commit to learning te reo and deepening his understanding of te ao Māori.

He began by completing a six-month level 2 certificate elsewhere.

“When I was starting to get a grasp of te reo, I actually saw the benefits, not just of the language, but of how it changed how I saw the world. That’s what grounded me.”

That self-motivation eventually led him to EIT’s Te Ūranga Waka, where he enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and found the structure, support, and sense of belonging he needed to continue his journey.

Elijah says he found more than just a place to study.

“Te Ūranga Waka was a great support for me. They gave me a community away from home. It felt like I’d found a new whānau.”

He now teaches level 4 te reo Māori at EIT, having first enrolled as a student there in 2022.

Alongside teaching, Elijah is also a carver. His carvings reflect his heritage and his journey, and carving remains a grounding practice in his day-to-day life.

“That was always the goal,” he says. “To keep teaching te reo and keep carving.”

He says EIT gave him the foundation to do both—work that continues to challenge and inspire him.

“I’m just grateful,” he says. “It gave me the chance to start again. Now I get to give back.”

Tash Hau, Poutuarā Assistant Head of School, Te Ūranga Waka, congratulated Elijah on his “well-deserved” appointment to valedictorian.

“We are very proud of Elijah and his achievements. This is yet another example of what is possible when dedication, self-belief and a solid work ethic fuse together. Ko ngā ara tūmanko, ko ngā ara tūmanako e!”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai receives credentials from new Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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2025-03-28
President Lai meets British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones
On the afternoon of March 28, President Lai Ching-te met with British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. In remarks, President Lai welcomed Representative Bradley-Jones as she takes up her post in Taiwan, and thanked the United Kingdom government and parliament for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. The president indicated that Taiwan and the UK enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well, with great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. He stated that he looks forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to meet Representative Bradley-Jones here at the Presidential Office for this exchange. I understand that she has proactively called at many government agencies since taking up her post last month. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome. Taiwan and the UK are partners that share the values of freedom and democracy. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen. With the efforts of Representative Bradley-Jones and our respective governments, I look forward to the expansion of dialogue and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. This will further elevate our bilateral ties. Especially in the face of expanding authoritarianism, the UK is not only playing an important role in crafting a unified European response; it is also demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through various channels. For example, joint statements released after the Australia-UK ministerial consultations, as well as the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, underlined a high level of concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The UK government has publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation on multiple occasions. And last November, the UK House of Commons passed a motion clearly asserting that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. These actions attest to the UK’s belief in supporting democracy and peace, and have further solidified our countries’ friendship. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the UK government and parliament. Currently, the UK is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe and second largest source of investment from Europe. We enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well. There is also great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. We look forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience. We also hope the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership so that together, we can work with more like-minded partners, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. Once again, I welcome Representative Bradley-Jones to Taiwan and wish her all the best with her work. I anticipate that Taiwan-UK relations will continue to steadily advance through our joint efforts. Representative Bradley-Jones then delivered remarks, first saying in Mandarin that she is honored to meet with President Lai to discuss topics of mutual concern and jointly deepen Taiwan-UK relations, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. She went on to say that she came to Taiwan last August to study Mandarin, and began her post as British Office Taipei representative in February this year, noting that every day she learns more about and gains a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Last year, she said, she visited Tainan and Wanli, and found Tainan’s wetlands and the scenery in Wanli very impressive. She added that she has also tried many different Taiwanese foods, and is looking forward to experiencing even more of Taiwan’s local culture and customs over the next four years. Continuing her remarks in English, Representative Bradley-Jones stated that since taking up her post, she has borne witness to the strength of the relationship between Taiwan and the UK and the potential for it to continue to grow. She said that on trade and investment, there is significant complementarity between Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Both governments are also together supporting Taiwan and UK businesses through our Enhanced Trade Partnership and annual trade talks, she said. Representative Bradley-Jones went on to say that on science and technology, Taiwan and the UK can and should do more together. She noted that the UK has the third largest tech sector in the world and is valued at over US$1.1 trillion, while Taiwan is the center of the semiconductor and AI hardware world. Given our complementary strengths, especially in areas such as semiconductors, space, and communications technology, she said, the UK has stepped up its level of activity in Taiwan, including by regularly hosting a UK Pavilion at SEMICON and funding 18 joint R&D programs through our new collaborative R&D fund, and looks forward to doing more together in the future. In support of Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience, the representative said, the UK is supporting valuable exchanges, co-hosting GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshops, sharing lessons on financial sector resilience, and reaching out to mayors and community leaders across Taiwan. From financial resilience to cyber resilience, she said, the UK’s public sector and private industries have plenty to share and learn. Representative Bradley-Jones stated that on people-to-people links, parliamentarians, civil society, and academics are continuing to deepen contact, and that she is particularly excited by a new smart parliament partnership agreed upon by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aims to facilitate cross-party, cross-society, and cross-border exchanges on issues such as democratic governance, AI, inclusive policy-making, and public safety. The representative indicated that the examples she mentioned just scratch the surface of the full potential of the Taiwan-UK relationship. She said that the UK’s longstanding policy remains unchanged, and fundamentally, that is because we share a common set of values and interests. We are together focused on how to make our societies safer and more prosperous tomorrow than they are today, she said, and as like-minded democracies, innovative economies, and practical partners, the sincere and pragmatic cooperation between Taiwan and the UK is bringing material benefits to the prosperity and well-being of our people every day.

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2025-03-21
President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
On the morning of March 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. In remarks, President Lai said that Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan, and that we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Alaska will have more frequent engagement and exchanges so that our relations can continue to grow to create prosperous development for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to our guests. This is Governor Dunleavy’s first visit to Taiwan, and last night, we both attended the Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Governor Dunleavy today at the Presidential Office for further dialogue. Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan. Our sister-state relationship was established in 1988, and we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. Currently, Taiwan is Alaska’s eighth largest export market and ninth largest source of imports. This goes to show just how close our trade and economic ties are and how much potential there is for further growth. As I said in my remarks at last night’s Hsieh Nien Fan banquet, Taiwan is interested in buying Alaskan natural gas. I am sure that Governor Dunleavy’s visit will help us explore even more opportunities for cooperation and continue to deepen Taiwan-United States relations. In the face of such challenges as expanding authoritarianism, climate change, and pandemics, we look forward to strengthening collaboration between Taiwan and the US. By drawing on our strengths, we can jointly build non-red supply chains to bolster our economic resilience and drive the advancement of global technology. I want to thank the US government for reiterating the importance it attaches to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements backing Taiwan help in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. Once again, I thank Governor Dunleavy for traveling such a long way to Taiwan. We hope to see more frequent engagement and exchanges between Taiwan and Alaska so that our relations can continue to grow, and we can create prosperous development for both sides. Governor Dunleavy then delivered remarks, saying that their trip to visit friends in Taiwan has been fantastic, thanking President Lai for the invitation to meet, and thanking all the staff. Governor Dunleavy said that as the pandemic was raging, the world went from “before COVID” to “after COVID.” Before COVID, he said, the world relied on a number of systems that were in place for decades after World War II involving supply chains, alliances, sources of energy, trading partners, and friends. He went on to say that as we go beyond COVID, we are reestablishing and reevaluating who our friends are, where we are going to get our energy, and who our trading partners are going to be. The governor said that we are creating a new world for the next 50 years with the new administration in Washington, and this is an opportunity for us to reevaluate and reinvest with our friends for the next 50 years in each other, our futures, and our security. Governor Dunleavy stated that one thing is for certain: that Taiwan is a friend of the US and a friend of Alaska, and has been for many, many decades. He said that it is their hope in this trip and subsequent trips to establish an even tighter bond among their friends in Taiwan, the US, and Alaska. The governor also said that we have much in common in that we are members of the Pacific family, are democracies, and believe in freedom, free speech, and capitalism. He indicated that he has much optimism for the future, and that as we reestablish relationships throughout the world, energy is going to be the key and the basis for our economic development, our national security, and our friendship. Governor Dunleavy said that he believes this trip is going to lay the groundwork for a fantastic future between Taiwan, Alaska, and the US, and that with President Lai’s support as well as the support of the US administration, we can work together to build even better relationships.

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2025-03-20
President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan
On the evening of March 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai pointed out that the United States is now a major source of investment in Taiwan, adding that last year US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. The president also pointed out that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination, as Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of its total outbound investment last year. President Lai expressed hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. He also emphasized that one essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. The president expressed his belief that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: I’m delighted to be here tonight. I want to wish everyone and their families a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For many years now, AmCham has acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the US. It not only advocates for Taiwan to various sectors in the US, but also offers advice for the development of Taiwan’s industries. So tonight, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our friends from the American business community. The 2025 Business Climate Survey, published by AmCham this January, demonstrates the confidence foreign businesses have in the Taiwan market. We are happy to see that over 80 percent of survey respondents reported stable or increased revenue last year, and around 80 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic prospects for the coming year. Moreover, 90 percent of businesses surveyed are planning to maintain or expand their investments in Taiwan. The positive developments in Taiwan made by our American friends here tonight, their outlook for the future, and their confidence in Taiwan, are further proof of Taiwan’s ideal environment for investment. The US is now a major source of investment in Taiwan. Last year, US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. In 2023, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung and Micron launched a new facility in Taichung. Last year, Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been choosing Taiwan to expand their presence. Over the past several years, the US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination. Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of our total outbound investment last year. Four years ago, TSMC’s [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] investment in facilities in Arizona became the biggest FDI [foreign direct investment] in a greenfield project in US history. And this month, TSMC announced it would expand that investment, breaking another record and highlighting the enduring prosperity shared by Taiwan and the US. In addition to TSMC, Taiwan’s GlobalWafers has built a 12-inch silicon wafer factory in Texas, the biggest in the US. This will be followed by many other industries. These companies are confidently expanding their global presence across the Pacific and eastward into the Americas. The US is moving to reindustrialize its manufacturing industry and consolidate high-tech leadership, as it moves to become a global AI hub. In these efforts, Taiwan is an indispensable partner for the US. While the US is a leader in chip design, Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing plays an irreplaceable part in the supply chain. Adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape and the coming era of smart technology, Taiwan will continue to promote its Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, AI, military, next-gen communications, and security and surveillance. This will drive the next stage in our economic development. A great time to invest in Taiwan is now. We will continue to better connect relevant government agencies and align with international standards to foster a friendlier investment environment. And I am confident that Taiwanese and American companies can leverage their respective high-tech expertise and invest in each other, boosting growth in industrial innovation and development for both our economies. At the same time, we hope to continue deepening Taiwan-US trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of the US, up one spot from the previous year, and bilateral trade grew by 24.2 percent. Taiwan is going to expand procurement from the US of industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas. I am very happy to welcome Governor [Mike] Dunleavy of Alaska, who has specially come all the way to Taiwan. Alaska is a source of high-quality natural gas, and its relatively short distance from Taiwan facilitates transportation. So we are very interested in buying Alaskan natural gas because it can meet our needs and ensure our energy security. We hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation and removing tax barriers to bilateral investment and trade, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. One essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. So we are grateful for the joint leaders’ statement issued by [US] President [Donald] Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in which they expressed their solid support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face growing authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to uphold our values of freedom and democracy and will be a responsible actor in regional and global security. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at about 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense, further enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. And we will advance our cooperation with the US and other democracies in upholding regional stability and prosperity. We also welcome continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the defense sector. I believe that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I look forward to seeing even greater achievements from Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Thank you. After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver, American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, and Governor Dunleavy raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.

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2025-03-18
President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies. She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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2025-03-18
President Lai meets 2025 Yushan Forum participants
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for gathering here in Taiwan and discussing ways to enhance regional cooperation, demonstrating that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. The president reiterated that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan will continue to work with international partners to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, the president emphasized, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by thanking Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former prime minister of Denmark and chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, for inviting then-President Tsai Ing-wen to address the Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video over five consecutive years since 2020, and for inviting myself to give remarks via video last year. Those opportunities allowed Taiwan to share with the world our motivation for, and our work toward, safeguarding freedom and democracy. I would also like to thank Mr. Janez Janša, former prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who has visited Taiwan many times already, for actively elevating the cordial ties between Taiwan and Slovenia during his term as prime minister, helping expand friendship for Taiwan throughout Europe. Today’s guests have traveled a long way to show their strong backing for Taiwan. For this, I express my deepest gratitude. Yesterday was my first time attending the Yushan Forum as president. I saw political leaders and representatives gather here in Taiwan and discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. The event demonstrated that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. It was truly moving. As I stated at the opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. Our government will help guide Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into the international market and extend Taiwan’s economic power. I hope that during this visit, our guests will be able to explore more opportunities for cooperation in such fields as AI, smart healthcare, and advanced technologies, and join hands in contributing to the prosperity and development of our democratic allies and friends. Taiwan will continue to work with international partners, building upon the shared values of freedom and democracy, to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I hope, with the assistance of our guests here today, that we can further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Europe so that we can all take up the work of maintaining global peace and stability. Once again, I welcome our guests to Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in a few moments. I also hope you will visit Taiwan often in the future and continue to experience our vibrant democratic society and culture. Chairman Rasmussen then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure to be back here in Taipei after meeting with President Lai in 2023. He then thanked President Lai for the Taiwanese hospitality on behalf of the Yushan Forum international visitors and participants, who represent four continents and very different political parties but who are united by one thing – the commitment to democracy. Chairman Rasmussen mentioned that over the past few days, they have met with members of the government, legislature, and civil society in Taiwan. He said that he is more convinced than ever that in a very uncertain world, Taiwan continues to stand as a beacon of democracy, from which people in Europe and in the rest of the world have a lot to learn. Over the past eight years, he has been proud to step up his engagement with Taiwan, he said, as he has always subscribed to the view that freedom must advance everywhere, or else it is in decline everywhere. Chairman Rasmussen noted that they have many interests in making sure Taiwan remains free and that we must always stand up for freedom when it is under assault by a dictator. This is why Ukraine’s fight is also everyone’s fight, he explained. He then praised Taiwan for all of the support it has given to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and honored the two Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who gave their lives for freedom in Ukraine. Chairman Rasmussen remarked that Taiwan is a strong feature of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that he convenes each year. His foundation, the Alliance of Democracies, has even been sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its support of Taiwan, he said, which is something he takes as a badge of honor. He added that this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May will be no different, as they plan to focus on the new world order, urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s military, and the situation in Ukraine. But as the United States pulls back from the transatlantic alliance and Europe focuses more on its own defense, he said, Europe should not retreat from the world. He added that to ensure European security, we need more Europe in the Indo-Pacific, and that is why he has been making the argument for more political and economic cooperation with Taiwan. Chairman Rasmussen praised President Lai’s recent decision to increase Taiwan’s national defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, adding that it is important that each nation does what it can for its own defense. The chairman once again thanked President Lai for meeting with them today and for the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and liberty in Asia. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chairman of the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Pavel Fischer; Member of the National Security Advisory Board to India’s National Security Council Anshuman Tripathi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Anna Fotyga; former Minister of Health of Canada Tony Clement; and former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and current Secretary General of the Polish-based Community of Democracies Mantas Adomėnas.

Details
2025-04-06
President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions. However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods: 1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age. 4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Multiple central SOEs announce share purchase plans amid confidence in China’s capital market

Source: China State Council Information Office

Several Chinese central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have rolled out share purchase initiatives, underscoring their robust confidence in the long-term prospects of the country’s economy and capital market.

China National Petroleum Corporation on Tuesday disclosed that it will buy A-shares and H-shares over the next 12 months, with a total investment of up to 5.6 billion yuan (about 777.37 million U.S. dollars), while China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation announced a similar 12-month purchase plan worth up to 3 billion yuan targeting shares listed in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation said it had already completed over 2 billion yuan in buybacks for its listed subsidiaries and pledged to accelerate further acquisitions to strengthen sci-tech innovation synergy and safeguard shareholder interests.

Also on Tuesday, China Electronics Corporation expressed firm confidence in China’s capital market, pledging to advance high-level technological self-reliance amid long-term optimism about the country’s economic outlook.

The company, a key player in China’s cyberspace and information technology sector, said it would bolster market value management for its listed units through share purchases, increased holdings, and mergers and acquisitions.

Emphasizing its commitment to driving the green transition and pledging active share purchases, China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. said that its subsidiary Inner Mongolia MengDian HuaNeng Thermal Power Corp., Ltd. had already initiated share purchases.

China National Coal Group detailed a multi-tiered investment strategy that included respective injections of up to 80 million yuan and 50 million yuan into its subsidiaries China Energy and Shanghai Energy, while it planned to advance ongoing repurchases for Xinji Energy.

Reaffirming their patient capital approaches, central state-owned investment firms, including China Chengtong Holdings Group Ltd. and China Reform Holdings Corporation Ltd., also increased their stock holdings or disclosed plans to accelerate share purchases on Monday.

MIL OSI China News –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Open Market Operation (OMO) – Purchase of Government of India Securities held on April 08, 2025: Cut-Offs

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Security	6.54% GS 2032	8.24% GS 2033	7.73% GS 2034	7.54% GS 2036	7.23% GS 2039
Total amount notified	Aggregate amount of ₹20,000 crore (no security-wise notified amount)
Total amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore)	5,755	1,985	2,859	3,000	6,401
Cut off yield (%)	6.5117	6.5841	6.6058	6.6582	6.6375
Cut off price (₹)	100.14	110.72	107.94	106.84	105.35
Detailed results will be issued shortly.

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2025-2026/56

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Investment bank Teniz Capital ventures into fintech, stakes 49% in Tabys of Astana International Financial Centre
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Astana, Kazakhstan – Teniz Capital Brokerage Ltd, a subsidiary of Teniz Capital Investment Bank, has acquired a significant stake in fintech firm Tabys from the Astana International Exchange (AIX).

Tabys is a digital financial services provider helping individuals access markets via exchange-trade notes and simplified entry processes for investments.

The platform boasts more than 21,000 active clients, and is one of the most important fintech players in the Central Asian market.

Yerlan Soltanov will be named CEO, overseeing the company’s existing team backed by the Teniz staff and the AIFC.

Joint work will start immediately, with both entities fully integrated.

Tabys will remain based at the AIFC, with client accounts held at the Astana International Exchange Central Securities Depository (AIX CSD).

Yernar Zhanadil, Chairman of the AIFC Authority Management Board, will join the Board of Directors of Tabys Ltd.

“This merger, another milestone in the development of Teniz as a banking institution in Central Asia, lays the groundwork for Teniz’s already strong position in investment banking and brokerage across the region. We are thankful to the AIFC for the opportunity to work together, which will allow us to align our shared vision of unlocking the full potential of Kazakhstan’s financial industry,” said Saken Usser, majority shareholder of Teniz Capital.

Current Tabys CEO, CFO of the AIX, Zharas Mussabekov noted: “This partnership marks a new chapter in the development of Tabys, broadening opportunities for investors in Kazakhstan. Users will now have access to a wider range of investment instruments while staying within a familiar ecosystem. Additionally, it will strengthen the educational component, supporting the practical application of knowledge and the creation of diversified investment portfolios.”

Tabys was first developed by AIX in 2020 as a tool to help improve investment accessibility and financial literacy in Kazakhstan.

It allows customers to buy securities, participate in IPOs, invest in the golden coins issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, and features educational material about the fundamentals of investing.

With its new offerings, Tabys offerings will blow past the domestic market, giving clients access to AIX-listed stocks and bonds, as well as international markets and an expanded range of financial products.

Going forward, users will be able to continue building diversified investment portfolios, with professional market analytics and securities analysis capabilities baked into the platform.

In August 2024, Teniz Capital Investment Bank introduced Teniz Capital Brokerage as a standalone brokerage division.

The entity executed over 20 transactions in the past two years, including placements of bonds for Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, Kazakhstan quasi-sovereign companies, JSC AIFN Retam, Capitalleasing Group Ltd., Jet Group Ltd., Kisamos Shipping DMCC.

Established in 1997, Teniz Capital manages a team of 50 professionals from offices in Almaty, Astana’s AIFC, and Abu Dhabi. It is focused on cross-border transactions and is a specialist in infrastructure, energy, and technology deals.

The shareholders of the AIX are AIFC, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ, which develops the AIX trading platform. The exchange is regulated under a framework of principles based on English Law.

For further information, members of the media can contact teniz@definition.city

This press release contains statements regarding the future of the company and its innovations. Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “anticipate”, “pretend”, “power”, “plan”, “potential”, the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning. No undue reliance should be placed on these claims. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including uncertainty of the company’s commercial success, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and other risks. These statements are based on current beliefs and forecasts and refer only to the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements, regardless of whether new information, future events or any other circumstance arise.

Attachment
- Yerlan Soltanov
The MIL Network –
April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu Celebrate the 2025 MSI TCCA Esports Cup

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2025 MSI TCCA Esports Cup showcased a strong commitment to connecting with the next generation and fostering vibrant exchanges between youth culture and industry. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were delighted to attend the event, experiencing firsthand Taiwan’s cutting-edge esports technologies and the excitement of virtual competition.
Michael Wu, President of TCCA, was thrilled to welcome everyone to the inaugural MSI 2025 TCCA Esports Cup. He expressed special thanks to MSI for coming on board as the title sponsor and helping make this event a reality. This tournament marks an exciting new chapter for TCCA as it embraces the next generation and creates new bridges between youth culture and the business community.
This event is also a powerful opportunity to spotlight Taiwan’s global influence in the esports industry. With leading brands like MSI commanding a significant market share, Taiwan continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of competitive gaming.
In his remarks, DG Wu highlighted that the convergence of technology, competition, and entertainment has fostered a thriving global esports industry. Esports has not only become a professional arena where skill, strategy, and teamwork are celebrated on the global stage but also a powerful platform for creativity, innovation, and meaningful connection—reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of modern society.
Taiwan is a powerhouse in the esports industry, demonstrating remarkable strength in both competitive performance and infrastructure. DG Wu especially commended MSI for its key role in driving the continuous growth of Taiwan’s esports ecosystem and recognized it as a leading example of how Taiwanese excellence is shining on the global stage.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Business missions and exhibitions: how Moscow promotes its tourism potential abroad

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Moscow continues to develop its tourism potential. Moscow companies participate in international festivals and exhibitions, negotiations with colleagues from other countries, and promote their projects on foreign industry platforms. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

“In the last few years alone, capital delegations have visited dozens of countries, held thousands of meetings, and agreed on cooperation in various areas to attract even more travelers. Six business missions are planned for the end of this year, including to China, Qatar, and the Philippines,” noted Natalia Sergunina.

Since the beginning of 2025, Moscow companies have already visited India for the international industry exhibition Outbound Travel Mart. There they agreed to work together to increase tourist flows between the Russian capital and Mumbai.

In addition, representatives of the Moscow tourism industry took part in business negotiations in Vietnam and signed a number of agreements with their colleagues.

Trips to China and Qatar are planned until July. Their goal is to find new business partners and strengthen cooperation.

The capital attracts tourists with its convenient infrastructure, extensive cultural and excursion program, gastronomy, large-scale festivals and other exciting events.

It is planned that by 2030 Moscow will be visited by 52 million people— 35–40 percent of the total number of travelers in Russia. The city will also be able to annually receive approximately 20 million tourists who come without an overnight stay, for one day.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152308073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Philippine vessel repelled after Huangyan Dao provocation

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

A Philippine Coast Guard vessel that repeatedly harassed a China Coast Guard ship patrolling waters near Huangyan Dao has been driven away from the area.
The Philippine ship made multiple dangerous maneuvers on Sunday and Monday, crossing close to the bow of the Chinese vessel in an apparent act of provocation, according to coast guard authorities, who said the Philippine side had seriously disrupted China’s law enforcement operations.
The China Coast Guard responded promptly and professionally, the authorities added, vowing efforts to resolutely counter any infringement and provocation by Philippine vessels to safeguard China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
On Sunday morning, Chinese vessel Chuanshan was monitoring Philippine coast guard ship 4409 near Huangyan Dao in accordance with the law. Without prior warning, the Philippine vessel suddenly reversed course and crossed Chuanshan’s bow.
Ignoring a verbal warning, the Philippine vessel crossed Chuanshan’s bow twice more, coming as close as 2 meters to the Chinese ship.
In response to this provocation, Chuanshan accelerated and maneuvered to intercept the Philippine vessel’s route, forcing it to reverse and retreat.
On Monday morning, the Philippine ship was ultimately repelled from the area, after it once again harassed Chuanshan.

MIL OSI China News –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: The proof is in the process: an update on how the new merger regime will work

Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

Thresholds and process guidelines released for consultation 12 min read

March was a busy month for merger reform. With Treasury’s release of the Ministerial instrument containing the notification thresholds and the ACCC’s release of various process guidelines, we now have some long-awaited clarity on how the new merger regime will work. However, as we move closer to implementation, many key details remain under consultation.

In this Insight, we review the new notification thresholds and process guidelines, considering guidance from the Ministerial instrument as well as the following ACCC publications:

Transition Guidance (updated 4 March 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions about merger reform (updated 17 March 2025)
Merger process guidelines (released for public consultation on 27 March 2025)
Provisional guidance on criteria for long form notifications (updated 28 March 2025)

(together, ACCC Process Guidelines).

Key takeaways

On 28 March 2025, Treasury released the Exposure Draft Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions) Determination 2025 (Draft Instrument) with submissions open until 2 May 2025. The Draft Instrument provides the criteria for when a transaction will require notification—it sets out the monetary and control thresholds, the meaning of an acquisition having a ‘connection’ to Australia, notification exemptions and the proposed form of notification.
While the notification threshold values are largely as foreshadowed, there are new details about how the thresholds will apply (eg how to calculate turnover and in respect of which parties).
Key details about when the ACCC will be able to grant a waiver are not yet available. The ACCC will consider the object of the CCA, the interests of consumers, the likelihood that the acquisition would meet the notification thresholds and the likelihood that the acquisition would, or would be likely to, substantially lessen competition. The ACCC will likely grant notification waivers within 20 business days.
Pre-notification with the ACCC is encouraged at least two weeks before filing. Parties involved in acquisitions in concentrated markets, part of global transactions or that may require a remedy are encouraged to engage in early pre-notification.
There will be a short-form and long-form notification, depending on the nature of the transaction. Both forms require parties to include organisational charts, financial information and transaction information. Long-form notifications will be required for horizontal, vertical or conglomerate acquisitions. Long-form notifications also require the production of a broader range of documents, including board documents and those relating to transaction rationale, the acquisition itself, the value of the target, competitive or market conditions and relevant product or service business plans.

How will the notification thresholds work?

An acquisition will require notification where:

it meets the monetary thresholds;
it involves an acquisition of control; and
the target is ‘connected with Australia’,

unless an exemption to notification applies. Certain types of acquisitions must be notified regardless of the thresholds and, as the prohibition on transactions that substantially lessen competition will continue to apply, parties will still need to consider whether an acquisition raises competition concerns even if it is not notified.

The primary thresholds

As noted in the Draft Instrument, an acquisition in a target ‘connected with Australia’ (discussed further below), will be notifiable if it meets either of the following monetary notification thresholds:

‘acquisitions resulting in large or larger corporate groups’; or
‘acquisitions by very large corporate groups’.

ACQUISITIONS ‘RESULTING’ IN LARGE OR LARGER CORPORATE GROUPS	ACQUISITIONS ‘BY’ VERY LARGE CORPORATE GROUPS
Combined Australian turnover of merger parties is at least $200 million (Combined Acquirer/Target Turnover Test); AND Either: the target has turnover of at least $50 million OR the transaction value is at least $250 million.	Acquirer group has Australian turnover of at least $500 million (Very Large Corporate Groups Turnover Test); AND the target has turnover of at least $10 million.

Turnover will be calculated by reference to ‘GST turnover’ on the date of signing and should consider the GST turnover of any ‘connected entities‘.

There are two tests to determine whether an entity is a connected entity:

an entity is a connected entity of another entity if the second entity is an associated entity of the first entity for the purposes of s50AAA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act); and
an entity is a connected entity of another entity if the first entity ‘controls’ the second entity for the purposes of s50AA of the Act (as modified by s51ABS(2) of the Act).

In addition, it has been clarified that the $50 million / $10 million turnover aspect of the thresholds now only relates to the target (rather than to at least two of the merger parties, as foreshadowed previously).

Creeping or serial acquisitions thresholds

The thresholds for creeping or serial acquisitions are largely as foreshadowed, but there are some new details.

ACCUMULATED THRESHOLD BASED ON THE COMBINED AUSTRALIAN TURNOVER OF THE MERGER PARTIES	ACCUMULATED THRESHOLD BASED ON VERY LARGE CORPORATE GROUPS
Combined Australian turnover of the merger parties is at least $200 million (Combined Acquirer/Target Turnover Test); and the accumulated target turnover in the last three years in relation to the same or substitutable goods or services exceeds $50 million on the signing date.	the Very Large Corporate Groups Turnover Test is satisfied, ie acquirer has turnover of at least $500 million; and the accumulated target turnover in the last three years in relation to the same or substitutable goods or services exceeds $10 million on the signing date.

In essence, these thresholds require an aggregation of current turnover of the proposed target with the current turnover of ‘previous’ targets acquired over the last three years in the same industry. This includes previous targets acquired by a connected entity of the acquirer. Previous acquisitions that have been notified, where target turnover is less than $2 million or where the target is not connected with Australia, are excluded from the calculation of accumulated turnover. There is also an exemption to the serial or creeping acquisition threshold where the proposed target turnover is less than $2 million.

While the notification threshold takes into account only past acquisitions of the acquirer, the ACCC will consider previous acquisitions by both the acquirer and target as part of its substantive assessment. Both the proposed short- and long-form notifications request details about the merger parties’ relevant past acquisitions.

Acquisition of shares in ‘Chapter 6’ entities, defined in s51ABJ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) as listed companies, unlisted companies of more than 50 members or a listed registered scheme, are not required to be notified unless the acquisition results in someone’s voting power in the entity:

increasing from 20% or below to more than 20%; or
increasing further from a starting point that is above 20%.

Acquisition of shares in non-Chapter 6 entities (ie private companies, private managed investment schemes and unlisted companies with fewer than 50 members) are not required to be notified unless the acquisition results in the acquirer gaining ‘control’ of the target (and the monetary thresholds are met). ‘Control’ is defined in s50AA of the Act as having the capacity to determine the outcome of decisions about another company’s financial and operating policies.

Treasury previously alluded to a potential requirement that acquisitions of 20% or more in an unlisted or private company (which met the monetary notification thresholds) be notified, however this is not contained in the Draft Instrument.

A share or asset is connected with Australia if the share is in a body corporate that carries on business in Australia, or the asset is used in, or forms part of, a business carried on in Australia.

Treasury is considering whether the ‘connected with Australia’ test should be expanded to include shares or assets in an entity that ‘intends to carry on a business in Australia’. If it is expanded, this definition may capture transactions without a current nexus in Australia, eg where neither the acquirer nor target group has current market presence.

The merger legislation empowers the Minister to determine (for a period of five years) a class of acquisitions required to be notified. These determinations apply even if the acquisition does not meet the monetary thresholds or result in control. The Draft Instrument makes certain acquisitions of businesses and land by major supermarkets subject to notification in this way.

If a merger falls below the notification thresholds, the current ‘substantial lessening of competition’ test (under s50 of the CCA) will continue to apply. The ACCC encourages parties to notify mergers that are likely to substantially lessen competition even if they do not meet the notification thresholds.

The Draft Instrument includes exemptions to the notification thresholds, namely:

acquisitions in insolvency processes by administrators, receivers, managers or liquidators, transfers of control due to inheritance, acquisitions by trustees or nominees and routine trading in financial securities are exempt from notification.
however, any acquisitions from administrators, receivers, managers or liquidators are still subject to notification requirements.
certain classes of land acquisitions are exempt, namely:
- acquisitions made for the purposes of developing residential premises;
- certain commercial property acquisitions by businesses primarily engaged in buying, selling or leasing land, where the acquisition is for a purpose other than operating a commercial business on the land; and
- extensions or renewals of a lease for land upon which a commercial business is currently being operated.

In relation to the land acquisitions exemption, the explanatory memorandum for the Draft Instrument clarifies that the exemption does not extend to any merger where land acquisition is a key component of the broader transaction, or where the land acquired is to be used and operated for commercial reasons.

What are the key aspects of the ACCC’s process?

The ACCC envisions the pre-notification process can be used to raise any issues and discuss possible areas of focus to reduce the likelihood of extensive information requests and delay of the determination period. Parties involved in concentrated markets, global transactions or that may be required to provide a remedy are encouraged to engage in early pre-notification. As in overseas administrative regimes, we anticipate the ACCC will use this period to identify any possible areas of focus or points of concern and identify additional information that should be covered by the notification before it is formally filed.

Requests for pre-notification engagement will be made via the ACCC’s online merger portal. Once submitted, the ACCC will endeavour to contact parties within five business days.

Parties can voluntarily seek a waiver from notification. If granted, notification will not be required. This provides some certainty to parties as to whether or not they need to notify.

In assessing waiver applications, the ACCC will consider the object of the CCA (ie to enhance the welfare of Australians through the promotion of competition and fair trading and provision for consumer protection), the interests of consumers, the likelihood that the acquisition would meet the notification thresholds and the likelihood that the acquisition would, or would be likely to, substantially lessen competition.

Waiver applications will not be kept confidential and will be available on the ACCC’s Acquisition Register to allow interested third parties to make submissions. The ACCC expects to make most waiver determinations within 20 business days of receiving a waiver application.

Additionally, if the parties notify the ACCC of the merger, there is an option for fast-track review under Phase 1, whereby the ACCC can approve acquisitions after 15 business days. The ACCC expects to approve approximately 80% of mergers in 15 to 20 business days via either Phase 1 or the notification waiver process.

Acquisitions that ‘are notified’ (including voluntarily) or ‘required to be notified’ will be ‘stayed’. This means parties will contravene the CCA if the acquisition is ‘put into effect’ prior to the ACCC’s merger determination.

The Draft Process Guidelines indicate that putting an acquisition ‘into effect’ does not necessarily require the full transfer of legal ownership. For instance, putting the acquisition ‘into effect’ may include pre-completion activities such as terminating employment of key employees, closing key facilities or integrating IT systems.

A party will not put the acquisition ‘into effect’ by merely entering into conditional acquisition agreements, such as those with condition precedents, including obtaining regulatory approval, until they become binding.

FIRB will continue to notify the ACCC of any foreign transactions that may raise competition concerns, as under the current regime.

There will be short and long notification forms (with the former to be used for acquisitions unlikely to raise competition concerns). Both forms will require the provision of certain documents up front, such as transaction documents, financial reports and organisational charts.

In addition, long-form notifications will also require the disclosure of additional documents, which may include board documents and those pertaining to transaction rationale, the acquisition itself, the value of the target, competitive or market conditions and relevant product or service business plans.

The ACCC has provided provisional guidance in relation to when parties should use the long-form notification:

Horizontal acquisitions: where parties supply or potentially supply products or services in the same market, and the combined market share post-acquisition is:
- equal to or greater than 40% and the increment resulting from the acquisition is equal to or greater than 2%; or
- equal to or greater than 20% but less than 40% and the increment resulting from the acquisition is equal to or greater than 5%.
Vertical acquisitions: where a party supplies products or services in a market that is upstream or downstream from a market in which another party to the acquisition supplies products or services; and
- the party active in the upstream market has an estimated market share equal to or greater than 30% and the other party has a downstream market share of equal to or greater than 5%; or
- the party active in the downstream market has an estimated market share equal to or greater than 30% and the other party has an upstream market share of equal to or greater than 5%.
Conglomerate acquisitions: where the parties supply ‘adjacent’ products or services and one of the parties to the acquisition has an estimated market share equal to or greater than 30%.
Other circumstances: the ACCC has suggested that use of the long form may be appropriate even where the above criteria are not met, particularly where:
- the merger involved a ‘vigorous and effective competitor’.
- the merger involves the acquisition of a firm developing a significant product in a market where the parties potentially overlap.
- there is an acquisition of a firm that supplies or controls access to a significant input or asset, eg raw materials or intellectual property, or a firm with a significant user base.

Merger parties should be aware that, following ACCC approval, a transaction must not be completed until at least 14 calendar days have passed since the approval. This is to allow any interested parties to apply to the Competition Tribunal to review the ACCC’s merger determination.

Given this, the earliest parties can complete an acquisition is around 29 days after an effective notification is made (noting the ACCC cannot make a decision earlier than 15 business days). Approvals will only be valid for 12 months.

A notifying party or third party may apply to the Tribunal for a limited merits review of an ACCC merger determination. An application for review must be made within 14 calendar days after the ACCC’s reasons for determination are published on the Acquisitions Register.

The Tribunal must make its determination within 90 days after the later of the last day on which an application for review could have been made, or the day the applicant gives the Tribunal further information. The Tribunal may extend this period by 60 days once, for no reason, or by another 90 days once, if it is satisfied it will need more time to review relevant materials to the matter.

What are the transitional arrangements, and which regime should you use?

Key dates

The current informal regime will close on 31 December 2025

If your transaction is not cleared by the ACCC before 31 December 2025, the ACCC will discontinue its review and list the transaction on the public register as having ‘no decision.’ If parties do not receive ACCC informal clearance by 31 December 2025, they will need to re-notify under the new regime if the notification thresholds are satisfied, or if there is a potential competition concern per s50 of the CCA.

Informal review applications should be submitted by 30 September

ACCC guidance on transitional arrangements have indicated that any informal review applications submitted after 1 October 2025 are unlikely to be completed before the new regime takes effect.

Even then, there may be a risk that such a review is not concluded by 31 December 2025 when the informal regime ceases to operate, and parties may have to file again under the new regime.

Acquisitions approved between 1 July and 31 December 2025

Acquisitions approved under the informal regime between 1 July and 31 December 2025 will be exempt from filing under the new regime, provided completion occurs within 12 months. Otherwise, parties will need to lodge a new application under the mandatory regime if notification thresholds are satisfied. In such circumstances, the ACCC will rely upon information received under the informal regime to consider an application under the new regime more quickly.

Informal reviews cleared before 1 July 2025

Parties whose informal review applications are approved prior to 1 July 2025 must re-apply to the ACCC for an exemption letter from the new regime between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2025 with updated market shares and information. The ACCC recommends that such a request be made between 1 July and 1 October 2025.

Filing voluntarily under the new regime from 1 July 2025 is encouraged

Due to the uncertainty that surrounds the volume of applications the ACCC will receive prior to the closure of the informal merger clearance regime, the ACCC is encouraging parties to voluntarily notify under the new regime from 1 July 2025.

Depending on when parties are contemplating an ACCC filing or engaging with the ACCC, the following chart may assist with decisions about which regime to use during the transitional period.

Which regime to use

Next steps

Treasury’s consultation on the Draft Instrument is open until 2 May 2025.

The ACCC’s public consultation on the Draft Process Guidelines is open until 17 April 2025. If you would like to discuss the Draft Guidelines, the impact they may have on your business and the steps you can take to prepare for the new merger regime, please get in touch with us.

We are preparing for the future of mergers in Australia. You can read our previous Insight for a detailed overview of the legal framework and key elements of the new merger regime, or download our practical summary here.

For more information on the ACCC’s Draft Analytical Guidelines, please see our Insight.

MIL OSI News –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Enhanced strategy to counter tariffs

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today outlined a seven-pronged strategy that aims to meet any challenges in the face of the US’ move to impose a cumulative 54% tariff on products from Hong Kong.

Meeting the media ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee expressed his concerns over the magnitude of the US tariff measures.

“Last week the US announced the imposition of so-called reciprocal tariff on trading partners around the world, including an additional 34% tariff on Hong Kong products.

“Together with the 20% tariff announced earlier, the total tariff imposed on Hong Kong products is up to 54%.

“The US no longer adheres to free trade, arbitrarily undermining the internationally established rules of world trade.

“Its ruthless behaviour damages global and multilateral trade. The reckless imposition of tariff affects many countries and regions around the world with huge tax rate increases covering a wide range of goods, disrupting the world’s economic and trade order.”

In response, the Chief Executive said that the Government will strengthen its strategy in seven areas.

“First, we shall fully seize the opportunities in our country, China’s development, and actively integrate into the national development.”

He also emphasised that Hong Kong will take full advantage of the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement to attract more foreign companies to set up operations in the city to capitalise on the benefits of “one country, two systems”.

“Second, we shall strengthen international exchanges and deepen regional ties and co-operation. We shall sign more free trade agreements with countries and economies.”

To this end, Mr Lee pointed out that the Government is currently negotiating investment agreements with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, and will continue to push for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

“Third, Hong Kong will accelerate industrial transformation by developing a high value-added, innovation-driven economic model. We will expedite the establishment of a high value-added supply chain service hub and promote the growth of a headquarters economy.

“Fourth, we will intensify efforts to develop technological innovation, attract top-tier talent and further strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness.

“Fifth, we will vigorously advance international financial co-operation to attract investments and capital.

“Sixth, we will seize the world’s major trend of geographical diversification, proactively attracting foreign companies and capitals to establish in Hong Kong because Hong Kong can provide security and stability to investors and enterprises under ‘one country, two systems’.

“Seventh, we will continue to provide various support to help Hong Kong enterprises to cope with the impact of tariff and external challenges.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Connect to Participate in Trial Experiment of Facial Recognition to Enable Walk-through Ticket Gates at East Japan Railway Company Shinkansen Station

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic Connect to Participate in Trial Experiment of Facial Recognition to Enable Walk-through Ticket Gates at East Japan Railway Company Shinkansen Station

Panasonic Connect’s facial recognition technology has been developed through more than 40 years of experience in camera image processing and deep learning technology to learn facial features, and has received the world’s highest rating* in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facial recognition benchmark test (NIST FRVT 1:1). The system is not easily affected by facial orientation, changes over time, glasses, masks, etc., and can be used comfortably. So far, Panasonic Connect has deployed systems that apply facial recognition technology in such applications as rigorous and smooth identification at airports, ticketless entry at amusement parks, cashless payment at stores, and IC cardless entry/exit at offices, and have performed unique facial recognitions more than 300,000 times a day (according to our own research). The company will continue to contribute to the safe, secure, and efficient operation of various authentication sites by combining the world’s most advanced facial recognition technology with user experience (UX) design, which it has achieved through a series of verification experiments with client companies and other organizations.
About Panasonic Connect’s facial recognition solution (Japanese site)https://connect.panasonic.com/jp-ja/products-services/facial-recognition/top
* On November 6, 2022, it was published that Panasonic Connect ranked number 1 in the NIST FRVT 1:1 Report using “Mugshot” Front Facial data including racial and ageing which False acceptance rate (FAR) of 1/100,000. Also, On March 26, 2024 Panasonic Connect ranked number 1 in the NIST FRVT 1:N in the 2 category using “Mugshot” Front Facial data including ageing, 1.6 million registered users, and “Border” with face data from various angle of the face and deterioration in image quality. 1.6 million registered users.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Energy Enters into Off-site Corporate PPA for Geothermal Power Generation

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic Energy Enters into Off-site Corporate PPA for Geothermal Power Generation

Osaka, Japan – April 8, 2025 Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. (“Panasonic Energy”) (https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/), a Panasonic Group Company, commenced the use of renewable energy power from geothermal power generation on April 1, 2025, having concluded an off-site corporate PPA1 with Kyuden Mirai Energy Co. Through retail electricity supplier Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd. Panasonic Energy expects to receive approximately 50 GWh of electricity per year, which will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 22,000 tons per year.
Since its establishment in 2022, Panasonic Energy has actively promoted its decarbonization efforts in line with its mission of “Achieving a society in which the pursuit of happiness and a sustainable environment are harmonized free of conflict.” Accordingly, by September 2024, all nine of its sites in Japan achieved zero-CO2 factories2 through efforts such as the use of non-fossil fuel energy certificates. At the same time, Panasonic Energy has also been striving to improve its Corporate Renewable Energy Self-sufficiency Rate,3 and in addition to solar power generation (including on-site PPAs) at its sites, it has introduced off-site corporate PPAs for solar power and onshore wind power. By introducing geothermal power generation, which allows for stable power generation unaffected by weather conditions, Panasonic Energy will be able to increase its renewable energy self-sufficiency rate for its electricity consumption in Japan from the current approximately 15% to approximately 30%,4 and the total CO2 emission reduction effect will be approximately 50,000 tons per year. This is equivalent to the annual CO2 absorption of approximately 56 square kilometers of forest. 5
Panasonic Energy has set the target of a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint6 by fiscal 20317 compared to fiscal 2022 and is promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout its entire supply chain. In particular, it aims to achieve zero CO2 emissions at all of its global factories by fiscal 2029 and will continue to accelerate decarbonization, including by expanding the introduction of renewable energy, in order to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

1: Off-site corporate PPAA contract method in which a power generation company (or a developer, investor, or the like) who owns renewable energy sources and a power purchaser (e.g., consumer) enter into a purchase and sale contract for renewable energy power at a pre-agreed price and period, and renewable energy power generated by the renewable energy source installed off-site, not in the demand area, is supplied to the power purchaser via the general power grid. (Source: Ministry of the Environment/Mizuho Research & Technologies, About Off-site Corporate PPA)
2: Zero-CO2 factoryFactories that have achieved virtually zero CO2 emissions by conserving energy, introducing renewable energy, and using carbon credits, etc.
3: Corporate Renewable Energy Self-sufficiency RateAn indicator showing the proportion of renewable energy supplied from a company’s own dedicated power generation facilities. This rate does not take certificate-only procurement into account.
4: Basis of calculationCalculations based on actual electricity consumption at all of the company’s sites in Japan in 2024.
5: Basis of calculationWell-maintained 36 to 40-year-old artificial cedar forests. (Data source: Forestry Agency of Japan’s website)
6: Carbon footprintThe amount of greenhouse gas emissions in terms of CO2 equivalent throughout the entire life cycle, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling.
7: Fiscal XXXXThe fiscal year ending in that specific year. For example, fiscal 2031 refers to the fiscal year ending in March 2031.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, is visiting Dhaka to strengthen and expand the long-standing economic and trade partnership between the UK and Bangladesh.
While in Dhaka, she will be meeting key officials from the Interim Government of Bangladesh, political parties and business leaders. She will also participate in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She will be joined by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia.

On her first visit to Bangladesh as UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Winterton will meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh; Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs; Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser, Ministry of Commerce; and Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser, Ministry of Education. Her meetings will focus on how the two countries will deepen their trade and investment relationship and deliver mutually beneficial growth and job creation. With Harjinder Kang, she will also meet with key stakeholders from the business community and will deliver a keynote speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit on 9 April 2025, to underscore the UK government’s growth mission.

Baroness Winterton’s discussions with key stakeholders will focus on the UK’s work with the Interim Government on vital economic reforms, the opportunities arising from the commitment to duty free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029 and identifying opportunities to strengthen trade and investment in sectors such as education, aviation, defence and renewable energy.

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said:

The UK is laser-focused on building an economic partnership with Bangladesh that will boost two-way trade and investment between our countries.

From being the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments to being one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, the UK already has strong foundations to build on and I look forward to solidifying it even further through this visit.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said:

I am delighted to welcome UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE in her first visit to the country in her new role.

The UK is a major economic and trading partner of Bangladesh, and this visit reiterates the UK’s commitment to boosting two-way trade and investment and supporting Bangladesh’s work on vital economic reforms.

The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh and this visit aims to deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, aviation, defence and renewable energy. The visit will also explore opportunities to increase the presence of UK education institutions. These projects signify major investment opportunities and reflect the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh.

Further information

the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh

Harjinder Kang is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. He was appointed in May 2023

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Published 8 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics aside, new research shows there are good financial reasons to back working from home
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dorina Pojani, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Queensland

Fizkes/Shutterstock

In the pre-industrial era, people often lived and worked in the same building. This removed the need to travel to work.

The separation of home and work occurred much later, during the Industrial Revolution. Factories and offices were grouped in designated areas and residential zoning was invented.

Even then, people typically spent about 60 to 90 minutes travelling each day, no matter how technology or urban layouts changed. This is known as Marchetti’s constant.

The rise of the internet in the 1990s – and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic – sparked a rethink of commuting. As we head towards the polls in Australia’s largest federal election, working from home has become a hot-button issue.

Labor and the Coalition have been polarised for and against working from home, citing research and even anecdotes backing their positions.

That was until this week. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton swung from insisting all public servants would have to return to the office five days a week under the Coalition to saying current arrangements would remain unchanged.

But beyond political squabbles, what does the latest research – including our own on workers in Brisbane – show?

Impacts of working from home

Working from home impacts multiple areas including transport, housing, business and health. A systematic literature review on working from home – covering international studies between 2000 and 2022 – shows it:
- reduces traffic congestion and saves commuting time. However, it financially strains public transport operators due to lower demand.
- boosts regional growth as workers relocate in search of larger homes with home-office space. But this raises regional housing demand and prices.
- helps employers cut costs and increase productivity and job satisfaction rates. It can, however, limit promotion opportunities for remote workers.
- cuts traffic pollution and improves work-life balance. But it may cause social isolation, overwork, strained family relationships and musculoskeletal problems if ergonomic furniture isn’t used.
These are short-term effects, which may eventually disappear as society adjusts. The long-term effects are harder to predict because government and workplace policies change, as do economic conditions.

While working from home reduces the need for daily commuting, people may reallocate this saved time to off-peak trips for shopping or recreation.

As households move from urban cores, urban sprawl increases, resulting in less frequent but longer trips. This may lead to increased overall travel, offsetting environmental benefits. Marchetti’s constant may no longer hold.

The redistribution of activity zones may create new economic dynamics. Suburbs and regional centres may gain from more local spending, while areas with fewer shops may rely more on online shopping. Traditional CBDs could decline, needing new uses for office spaces.

New research on Brisbane workers

Our new research – to be published in a forthcoming book in Elsevier’s series “Advances in Transport Policy and Planning” – assesses the short-term costs and benefits of working from home for individuals, the private and the public sectors in Brisbane.

Here, a big shift to working from home occurred during the pandemic. We’ve used secondary and proxy data from 2020-2021 when working from home peaked. During that time, Brisbane was in and out of lockdowns.

We’ve created an accounting tool that lists the costs and benefits of working from home. The net impact is calculated by subtracting total costs from total benefits, allowing us to measure tangible and, when possible, intangible effects.

We found individuals and the private sector gained the most, while the public sector has felt the greatest losses. Employees have enjoyed more benefits from working from home than expected, while employers have cut spending in CBDs and seen increased revenues in suburbs.

In Brisbane the total annual working from home (for individuals, the private and public sector) costs amounted to A$557.5 million, while the total benefits reached $4.1 billion. These benefits outweigh costs by a factor of seven.

However, this is a preliminary look, rather than a comprehensive account. It is important to remember the cost-benefit balance may evolve over time, depending on technological advances, corporate culture and generational preferences.

Should Australia continue to support working from home?

Based on our findings and assuming other state capitals perform like Brisbane, we recommend keeping work from home arrangements. But what about public sector losses?

While public transport revenues have been lower due to working from home, it doesn’t seem to be a major issue for South East Queensland. Here, 50 cent fares were introduced before the last state election and have since become permanent.

However, the budgets of public transport operators in other states might be different. In those cases, more proactive measures might be needed. This might involve shifting from peak-hour services to frequent all-day routes and adjusting fares for vulnerable customers.

Some agencies might offer demand-responsive services, like ride-sharing. If all public transport becomes financially unsustainable, community-based cooperatives could step in.

These shifts in transport patterns may prompt land-use changes. For instance, businesses relying on daily commuters, like restaurants and shops in city centres, may move to the suburbs or pivot to delivery, take-out or meal-prep kits.

In any case, not all jobs can be done remotely. Certain sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, justice and hospitality will continue to require employees to be physically present.

Dorina Pojani has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre.

Neil G Sipe has received funding from the Australian Research Foundation.

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

– ref. Politics aside, new research shows there are good financial reasons to back working from home – https://theconversation.com/politics-aside-new-research-shows-there-are-good-financial-reasons-to-back-working-from-home-253629
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – Ramgarhia Co-operative Bank Limited, New Delhi – Extension of Period

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India issued Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to Ramgarhia Co-operative Bank Limited, New Delhi vide Directive No. DEL.DOS.EXG_SSM.No.S515/12-10-013/2022-2023 dated July 07, 2022 for a period of 06 months up to close of business on January 08, 2023, which was last extended vide Directive No. DOR.MON.D-88/12.28.115/2024-25 dated January 06, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India is satisfied that in the public interest, it is necessary to further extend the period of operation of the Directive beyond close of business on April 08, 2025.

2. Accordingly, the Reserve Bank of India, in the exercise of powers vested in it under sub-section (1) of Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, hereby extends the Directive for a further period of 03 months from close of business on April 08, 2025 to close of business on July 08, 2025, subject to review.

3. The aforesaid extension by the Reserve Bank of India should not per-se be construed to imply that the Reserve Bank of India is satisfied with the financial position of the bank.

4. Other terms and conditions of the Directive under reference, shall remain unchanged.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/54

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Digital Health Services, Modernize Health Care System

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Digital Health Services, Modernize Health Care System

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve digital health services by allowing patients to easily search for and book health care appointments online while protecting personal health information. The Health Accelerating Consumers’ Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling (ACCESS) Act would increase patients’ access to modernized health care, safeguard patients’ personal health information, and ensure certainty for patients seeking digital health services.

“Every American deserves easy access to physical and mental health care,” said Senator Padilla. “As provider wait times increase, integrating digital health programs into our health care system is essential to efficiently administering care. We cannot let scheduling obstacles prevent Americans in crisis from receiving care when they need it most.”

“It’s enough to struggle with an illness. Patients should have easy access to the care they need,” said Dr. Cassidy. “There are plenty of tools to provide affordable, quality care. As a doctor, I’m focused on using them.”

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for digital health services and other innovative practices. Under current law, however, there is no distinction between illegal referral practices and scheduling services that reduce the barriers associated with accessing necessary and appropriate care.

The Health ACCESS Act would remove the regulatory ambiguity, allowing digital health and appointment booking platforms to work together to better serve patients. Doing so would improve access to care via user-friendly services, expand provider choice and scheduling availability, and enhance the overall health care experience and ecosystem.

The Health ACCESS Act is supported by Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Brownsville Community Health Center (FQHC), California Children’s Hospital Association, California Hospital Association, Circle Medical, Chronic Care Policy Alliance, Corewell Health, Digital Health New York (DHNY), GoHealth Urgent Care, Grow Therapy, HANYS (Health Assoc of NYS), Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), Housing Works Community Healthcare (FQHC), Illinois Hospital Association, Indiana University Health, Intermountain Health, LabFinder, Main Line Health, Manhattan Cardiology, Medical Offices of Manhattan, Memorial Hermann Health System, Octave, SohoMD, Spring Branch Community Health Center (FQHC), Stanford Children’s Hospital, and The Dermatology Specialists.

Senator Padilla has long been a leader in the fight to make health care more equitable in the United States. Last week, Senator Padilla joined Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in introducing bipartisan legislation that would increase access to specialty care for rural and underserved Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients. Last year, Padilla, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024 to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. Additionally, Padilla and Booker introduced the Equal Health Care for All Act, bicameral legislation that would make equal access to medical care a protected civil right to help address the racial inequities and structural failures in America’s health care system.

Full text of the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rural voter registration opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A voter registration campaign for Rural Representative Elections opened today, with the Home Affairs Department calling on those eligible to sign up by June 16.

The department reminded constituents that there are three types of rural representatives – Indigenous Inhabitant Representatives, Resident Representatives and Kaifong Representatives.

Indigenous Inhabitant Representatives are returned by indigenous inhabitants of an indigenous village or composite indigenous village, their spouses, and surviving spouses.

Resident Representatives are returned by both indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants of villages.

Kaifong Representatives are returned by Cheung Chau and Peng Chau residents.

Voter registration for the Indigenous Inhabitant Representative Election is open to indigenous inhabitants, their spouses, and surviving spouses, provided they are aged 18 or above and hold recognised identity documents.

Registrations for the Resident Representative and Kaifong Representative elections are open to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above who have lived in a village or market town for three years immediately preceding the registration application date.

Registered electors who wish to update their registered particulars should also submit their applications by June 16.

Click here for the voter registration form. Call 2152 1521 for enquiries.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: We’re hardwired to laugh – this is why watching comedians try to be the ‘Last One Laughing’ is so funny

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fergus Edwards, Lecturer in English, University of Tasmania

Amazon MGM Studios

Last One Laughing is a battle royale for stand-ups. Ten comedians, one room, surrounded by cameras. Laugh once and they’re warned. Laugh again, and they’re out. Last comic left wins.

It is an international TV phenomenon, in 29 countries from Australia to Iran.

The latest season is from the United Kingdom, hosted by Jimmy Carr and featuring comedians like Bob Mortimer, Sara Pascoe and Joe Lycett.

But why do we, whatever our linguistic or cultural background, love watching comedians trying desperately hard not to laugh at each other?

It works because it’s funny – but it’s not about comedy. It’s about laughter. Philosophers and psychologists have spent hundreds of years thinking about what makes us laugh.

Here’s what they’ve had to say about laughter – and what they, perhaps, would have to say about Last One Laughing.

What makes us laugh?

Comedy takes time, but laughter can take less than a moment. Last One Laughing shows us the three major theories of humour that try to explain moments of spontaneous laughter.

The oldest is “superiority theory”. English philosopher Thomas Hobbes explained in is 1651 book Leviathan we “maketh those Grimaces called LAUGHTER” when we realise we’re better off than someone else. We “suddenly applaud” ourselves when we recognise our superiority.

In the new Last One Laughing series, Richard Ayoade nearly catches out two players when, asked what his childhood hobbies were, he replies: “I don’t know. I cried a lot?”

Irish philosopher Francis Hutcheson disagreed with Hobbes and suggested an alternative: “incongruity theory”.

In Reflections Upon Laughter (1750) he maintains we laugh in surprise at “bringing resemblances from subjects of a quite different kind from the subject to which they are compared”.

This happens when we meet one word with two meanings, like in every Christmas cracker joke, or Rob Beckett asking “What did one plate say to the other plate?” and answering “Dinner’s on me”.

In Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious (1905), Austrian founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud suggests our subconscious works to stop us from consciously understanding something that might be socially unacceptable. If we allow ourselves to acknowledge what we think we’re seeing, the energy we had been using to repress ourselves is then “discharged by laughter”.

Last One Laughing has many, mostly unprintable, moments that illustrate Freud’s relief theory of humour. No-one is at ease when Bob Mortimer’s magic act features a napkin rising into the air at groin height.

The art of not laughing

In Anatomy of the Gag (1963), the Czech playwright – and politician – Václav Havel suggests a gag has two phases. We see something and think we know what it is. Then, we see the same thing again – but we recognise it as something different. But the two interpretations can’t both be true! So we know we’ve made a mistake.

We laugh because of a “surprising quality” that “stems not from the revelation of the unknown, but from the unexpected look at the known”. We laugh because now we know we’re properly seeing the world as it is.

Comedians laugh at their own jokes because they experience this fresh look at the world before they’ve put it into words. This explains why Mortimer laughs at his own teeth, and Lou Sanders is laughing before she reaches her own punchline. Or, indeed, her own set-up.

But Last One Laughing doubles our laughs. We watch the actual joke, we get it, we laugh. And then we see comedians desperately trying not to laugh – but we know that they get the joke too! And so we get an unexpected second look at the joke.

Comedians not laughing when it’s expected is, in itself, a second gag. Our doubled laugh lets us express our understanding of this rather odd thing that’s happening. We’re reassuring ourselves, and anyone with us, that we know what’s going on.

Understanding the world

Douglas Robinson’s work in linguistics and Antonio Damasio’s work in neuropsychology suggests our brain and our body learn to respond to the world before our mind has kicked in. We’re physically laughing before we’ve mentally processed what’s funny. We see this response in babies, and it stays with us throughout our lives.

The feedback that tells us that we’ve understood the world correctly comes from other human beings. So it’s unsurprising we are 30 times more likely to laugh in company. It’s unsurprising that laughter is infectious. And it should be unsurprising that the winning moment of Last One Laughing comes from a game we play with newborns: “peek-a-boo”.

Last One Laughing helps us understand why we laugh at our own jokes, why we can’t always explain what’s funny, and why gags don’t need words. We’re watching professional comedians get the joke (as we do!) without laughing (as we expect?) but we know that it’s all OK. And, however briefly, we glimpse the world anew.

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

– ref. We’re hardwired to laugh – this is why watching comedians try to be the ‘Last One Laughing’ is so funny – https://theconversation.com/were-hardwired-to-laugh-this-is-why-watching-comedians-try-to-be-the-last-one-laughing-is-so-funny-253935

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s $1 billion for mental health is good news for young people in particular – but leaves some gaps
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

mooremedia/Shutterstock

The Labor government has announced it would invest A$1 billion in mental health if re-elected to provide more Australians – particularly young people – with “free, public mental health care”.

The package includes:
- $225 million to either build or upgrade 31 Medicare mental health centres
- more than $200 million to build or upgrade 58 headspace services for young people
- $500 million to establish 20 youth specialist centres for young people with complex needs
- $90 million to support more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
This is good news – but there are some important things that are left out.

A focus on youth

Some 75% of severe mental health problems develop before a person turns 25. We know intervening early improves clinical outcomes as well as prospects for completing education and maintaining employment in the future.

So this focus on youth mental health is really welcome and needed. If we can execute it properly, it represents an investment not just in young people and their families, but will also see longer-term benefits for communities and the economy.

Australia’s continued investment in a network of youth mental health services, headspace, is unique and positive. That said, multiple reviews have found there are often issues finding enough staff to provide appropriate care for the young people accessing these services.

It’s crucial to ensure existing and new headspace centres have properly trained staff to deliver the required services. The new training places are welcome in this regard but will of course will take time to come on stream.

The youth specialist centres would be new, and could fill an important gap.

At present, we have federally funded Medicare services for mental health, such as GPs and psychologists. At the other end of the spectrum there are state-funded hospital inpatient and outpatient services for people with more severe problems.

What has been missing is much in the middle, in the way of community mental health services. The new specialist centres for young people with complex needs may go some way to filling this gap, but we need more detail about how they’ll operate.

The importance of holistic care

This funding package has focused on new provisions for clinical and medical mental health care. While this is important, it neglects psychosocial care.

Psychosocial services help keep people in stable housing, in employment, at school and enjoying some quality of life. This is what really matters to most people.

The psychosocial workforce can be found in some of the non-government and charitable organisations providing mental health and community services. It includes people with a range of qualifications, with staff such as social workers, peer workers and others, who can help young people stay connected across these social determinants of health, while they receive treatment from clinical staff for their mental illness.

Of those needing help for their mental health, a large proportion of young people face multiple concerns, including drugs and alcohol, sexual health or other issues such as unstable housing. So rather than simply seeing one clinician, someone with an eating disorder, for example, may need a team including a psychologist, a GP, a social worker, a dietitian, a nurse and others.

It’s unclear whether the youth specialist centres would bring together multidisciplinary teams such as this, but it’s important they do, including professionals who can provide psychosocial care.

A young person with a mental illness may also need help with everyday issues.
ultramansk/Shutterstock

Psychosocial support services have traditionally been very poorly funded in Australia. One option could be to set up new Medicare mental health centres to be managed by community sector organisations already using team-based service delivery models.

Ultimately, while having more services is great, we need to think imaginatively and flexibly about who has the skills to best respond to young people’s needs. A heavy reliance on clinical and medical care, without psychosocial care, is a bit like trying to fight with one arm behind our back.

A national analysis found that in 2022–23, 335,800 people aged 12–64 with severe mental illness would benefit from 21.9 million hours of psychosocial support services. A further 311,500 people with moderate mental illness would benefit from 3.3 million hours.

Other questions we need answered

Different groups face different levels of need and different barriers to accessing mental health care. So if we’re establishing new centres, we need to understand clearly things such as where the highest levels of psychological distress are, and what services will need to look like in areas where a high proportion of young people speak English as a second language.

What’s more, young women are more likely to seek mental health care than young men. We need to ask what’s making accessing services less appealing to young men and address these issues.

In a nutshell, we need to develop models of care tailored to local circumstances. This should involve working with local communities, rather than looking to impose centralised, one-size-fits-all solutions.

We also need to know how well new services will be linked to existing services, such as hospitals, GPs, and non-government organisations providing psychosocial care. If we don’t invest properly in coordination, these changes could risk perpetuating the fragmentation which often hampers our current mental health system.

Finally, we need a new level of accountability so we can tell whether what we’re doing is helping or not. We need regularly reported outcomes – such as hospital admissions among young people with mental illness – so we can understand system quality and performance, address any issues, and build our collective confidence that we’re meeting the needs of Australia’s young people.

Without this, we risk well-intentioned investments failing to deliver better support.

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

– ref. Labor’s $1 billion for mental health is good news for young people in particular – but leaves some gaps – https://theconversation.com/labors-1-billion-for-mental-health-is-good-news-for-young-people-in-particular-but-leaves-some-gaps-254054
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 08, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Tenor	1-day
Notified Amount (in ₹ crore)	50,000
Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore)	23,515
Amount allotted (in ₹ crore)	23,515
Cut off Rate (%)	6.26
Weighted Average Rate (%)	6.27
Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%)	NA

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2025-2026/53

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Group provides monetary and in-kind donations to support earthquake victims in Myanmar

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic Group provides monetary and in-kind donations to support earthquake victims in Myanmar

Osaka, Japan, April 8, 2025 － The Panasonic Group would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by it.
The Panasonic Group has decided to donate a total of approximately 12 million yen (approximately US$80,000) to Japan Platform, a specified nonprofit corporation, and the Myanmar Red Cross Society to aid the relief efforts for the victims.
Additionally, the Panasonic Group has provided emergency support to Myanmar, which continues to suffer from severe power outages, by supplying essential items such as approximately 900 LED lights and lanterns, as well as about 5,800 dry batteries produced by Panasonic Group companies.
The above donations and contributions are provided by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Co., Ltd., Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Panasonic Singapore, and Panasonic Energy Thailand Co., Ltd.
The Panasonic Group sincerely prays for the swift recovery of the affected areas.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charges laid in relation to three Bay of Plenty fatal crashes

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Sergeant Shane Tailby

Bay of Plenty Police have laid charges in relation to three fatal crashes in the region over the summer period.

A 47-year-old woman is due to appear In the Opotiki District Court on 10 April, facing charges relating to a crash on State Highway 2, Waiotahe on 23 November 2024.

She has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs causing death, and driving under the influence of drugs causing injury.

A 20-year-old man is due to appear in the Whakatane District Court on 6 May in relation to a crash on White Pine Bush Road, Whakatane, on 4 October 2024.

He faces one charge of careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing death, and one charge of careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing injury.

The third person charged is a 70-year-old female, who will appear in the Whakatāne District Court on 20 May in relation to a crash on State Highway 30, Coastlands on 23 January 2025.

She faces a charge of careless driving causing death.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: If Australia switched to EVs, we’d be more reliant on China’s car factories – but wean ourselves off foreign oil

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology

Prapat Aowsakorn/Shutterstock

Australia has huge reserves of coal and gas – but very little oil. Before the 20th century, this didn’t matter – trains ran on local coal. But as cars and trucks have come to dominate, Australia has become more and more reliant on imported oil.

Imports now account for around 80% of total refined fuel consumption, the highest level on record.

If the flow of oil stopped due to war or economic instability, Australia would have about 54 days worth in storage before we ran out. That would be a huge problem.

But as more drivers switch from petrol and diesel to electric cars, this equation will change. We can already see this in China, where a rapid uptake of electric vehicles has seen oil demand begin to fall.

On one level, ending Australia’s dependence on foreign oil makes sense at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty. But on the other, going electric would lead to more reliance on China, now the world’s largest manufacturer of EVs.

Reducing reliance on oil makes clear sense for climate and national security reasons. But going electric has to be done carefully, to ensure Australia isn’t reliant on just one country.

If the oil tankers stopped, Australia would have just one month of fuel.
Ryan Fletcher/Shutterstock

Importing oil makes us vulnerable

In recent years, almost all of Australia’s refineries have closed. The government spent billions keeping the Geelong and Brisbane refineries open, as well as other fuel security measures, such as boosting domestic fuel reserves and building more storage.

The last two refineries rely on imported crude oil, as Australian oil from the North-West Shelf largely isn’t suitable for local refining.

As a result, Australia is more reliant than ever on importing fuels from large refineries in Asia such as South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. In 2023, around 45,000 megalitres of fuel were imported from these nations.

Almost three-quarters (74%) of these liquid fuels are used in transport, across road, rail, shipping and air transport. But road transport is the big one – our cars, trucks and other road vehicles use more than half (54%) of all liquid fuels.

This reliance presents clear energy security risks. If war, geopolitical tension, economic turmoil or price volatility slows or stops the flow of oil, Australia’s cities and towns would grind to a halt.

In January, Australia had 30 days worth of petrol. Our stores of all types of oil are a bit higher, at 54 days worth. But that’s still well short of the 90 days the International Energy Agency (IEA) requires of member nations.

Electricity made locally

Shifting to electric vehicles promises cleaner air and far lower ongoing costs for drivers, as electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel and maintenance is far less.

But there’s another factor – the energy source. Australia’s electricity is all produced and consumed inside its borders, using local resources (sun, wind, water, coal and gas).

In this respect, electric vehicles offer much greater energy security. A war in the Middle East or a trade war over tariffs would not bring Australia to a halt. This is one reason why China has so aggressively gone electric – to end its soaring dependence on foreign oil.

Mainstreaming EVs in Australia will mean accelerating production of renewable electricity further so we can power not just homes and industry but charge cars, trucks and buses, too.

Doing this would boost our energy security, break our dependency on imported oil and drive down emissions.

EV manufacturing is expanding rapidly with more models, lower purchase prices, improved battery charging times and increasing consumer adoption.

Globally, over 17 million EVs (battery and plug-in hybrids) were sold in 2024, including 91,000 battery and 23,000 plug-in hybrids in Australia.

IEA data shows electric vehicles are already reducing oil demand globally, as are electric bikes and mopeds.

Ending our dependence on oil will be slow. Australia Institute research estimates 8% of imported fuels could be replaced by local electricity once EVs make up 25% of the passenger car fleet. At 100% EVs, we would reduce oil demand by 33%.

The other two-thirds of demand is largely from trucks, planes and ships. Electric trucks are coming, but the sector isn’t as mature as electric cars. It’s a similar story for planes and cargo ships.

All electricity in Australia is produced locally. For transport, that’s a boon to energy security.
Marian Weyo

Energy security and EVs

Australia doesn’t manufacture EVs at scale. As a result, we import EVs from the top manufacturing nations. China is far and away the leader, building 80% of Australia’s new EVs.

Australia is a major producer of critical minerals essential to the manufacture of EVs, as well as other green technologies such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. But China dominates much of the global supply chain for refining these minerals and manufacturing batteries.

There’s a risk in relying largely on one country for EVs, especially given the present geopolitical instability.

Australia’s EVs are imported from the top EV nation China and other suppliers.
Rangsarit Chaiyakun/Shutterstock

Balancing security and sustainability

EVs unquestionably offer large benefits for Australia’s energy security by steadily reducing our reliance on imports from volatile global oil markets.

But this has to be balanced with other security concerns, such as a heightened reliance on China, as well as the privacy and security risks linked to data collection from digitally connected EVs.

A balanced approach would see authorities emphasise energy independence through renewables and strong support for vehicle electrification through legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Under this approach, policymakers would work to diversify supply chains, strengthen cybersecurity and encourage local manufacturing of EV components.

This approach would reduce new security risks while unlocking the environmental and economic benefits of widespread EV adoption.

Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

– ref. If Australia switched to EVs, we’d be more reliant on China’s car factories – but wean ourselves off foreign oil – https://theconversation.com/if-australia-switched-to-evs-wed-be-more-reliant-on-chinas-car-factories-but-wean-ourselves-off-foreign-oil-252388

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Singh, Research Fellow, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia

Centre for Ageing Better/Unsplash

Many of us turn to Sudoku, Wordle or brain-training apps to sharpen our minds. But research is increasingly showing one of the best ways to boost memory, focus and brain health is exercise.

Our new research reviewed data from more than 250,000 participants across 2,700 studies. We found exercise helps boost brain function – whether it’s walking, cycling, yoga, dancing, or even playing active video games such as Pokémon GO.

Moving your body improves how we think, make decisions, remember things and stay focused – no matter your age.

What the science says

Our review adds to a growing body of research that shows regular physical activity improves three key areas of brain function:
- cognition, which is your overall ability to think clearly, learn and make decisions
- memory, especially short-term memory and the ability to remember personal experiences
- executive function, which includes focus, planning, problem-solving and managing emotions.
We conducted an umbrella review, which means we looked at the results of more than 130 high-quality research reviews that had already combined findings from many exercise studies. These studies usually involved people starting a new, structured exercise program, not just tracking the exercise they were already doing.

To assess the effects on cognition, memory and executive function, the original studies used a range of brain function tests. These included things like remembering word lists, solving puzzles, or quickly switching between tasks – simple activities designed to reliably measure how well the brain is working.

The improvements were small to moderate. On average, exercise led to a noticeable boost in cognition, with slightly smaller but still meaningful gains in memory and executive function.

The benefits showed up across all age groups, though children and teens saw major gains in memory.

People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed greater improvements in executive function after physical activity than other population groups.

The brain started responding fairly quickly – many people experienced improvements after just 12 weeks of starting regular exercise.

Generally, the greatest benefits were seen in those doing at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week, aiming for a total of about 150 minutes per week.

Many people notice the difference after 12 weeks.
Isaac Takeu/Unsplash

What’s happening in the brain?

Activities such as walking or cycling can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

In one study, older adults who did aerobic exercise for a year grew their hippocampus by 2%, effectively reversing one to two years of age-related brain shrinkage.

More intense workouts, such as running or high-intensity interval training, can further boost neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. This helps you learn more quickly, think more clearly and stay mentally sharp with age.

Another reason to get moving

The world’s population is ageing. By 2030, one in six of people will be aged over 60. With that comes a rising risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

At the same time, many adults aren’t moving enough. One in three adults aren’t meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.

Adults should aim for at least 150 of moderate exercise – such as brisk walking – each week, or at least 75 minutes of more vigorous activity, like running.

It’s also important to incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises, such as lifting weights, into workouts at least twice a week.

Adults need 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, or 150 minutes of moderate exercise – plus two sessions of strength training.
Centre for Ageing Better/Unsplash

Everyday movement counts

You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights to benefit. Our study showed lower-intensity activities such as yoga, tai chi and “exergames” (active video games) can be just as effective – sometimes even more so.

These activities engage both the brain and body. Tai chi, for instance, requires focus, coordination and memorising sequences.

Exergames often include real-time decision-making and rapid response to cues. This trains attention and memory.

Importantly, these forms of movement are inclusive. They can be done at home, outdoors, or with friends, making them a great option for people of all fitness levels or those with limited mobility.

Although you may already be doing a lot through daily life – like walking instead of driving or carrying shopping bags home – it’s still important to find time for structured exercise, such as lifting weights at the gym or doing a regular yoga class, to get the full benefits for your brain and body.

Real-life applications

If you’re a grandparent, consider playing Wii Sports virtual tennis or bowling with your grandchild. If you’re a teenager with signs of ADHD, try a dance class, and see if it impacts your concentration in class. If you’re a busy parent, you might be more clear-headed if you can squeeze a 20-minute yoga video session between meetings.

In each of these cases, you’re not just being active, you’re giving your brain a valuable tune-up. And unlike most brain-training apps or supplements, exercise delivers far reaching benefits, including improved sleep and mental health.

Workplaces and schools are starting to take note. Short movement breaks are being introduced during the workday to improve employee focus.

Schools that incorporate physical activity into the classroom are seeing improvements in students’ attention and academic performance.

Exercise is one of the most powerful and accessible tools we have for supporting brain health. Best of all, it’s free, widely available and it’s never too late to start.

Ashleigh E. Smith receives grant funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund and is a Henry Brodaty mid-career fellow awarded from Dementia Australia Research Foundation.

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

– ref. Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory – https://theconversation.com/heres-a-simple-science-backed-way-to-sharpen-your-thinking-and-improve-your-memory-253751
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Samoa

Source:

Samoa has declared a State of Emergency due to an energy crisis. The country is experiencing regular power outages and electricity rationing, impacting some essential services. Check with accommodation providers and local contacts about impacted services. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).

MIL OSI News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police target illegal 3D printing operation
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

– Police shut down illegal 3D printed firearm operation
– Five warrants across Auckland; five arrested on serious charges
– Significant seizure of firearms, 3D printed parts and 3D printers
– Police targeting criminal distribution of firearms on multiple fronts
– Prevalence of 3D printed firearms in community still low

Police are sending a strong message to criminal groups, shutting down an Auckland syndicate attempting to illegally manufacture 3D printed firearms.

Five search warrants were executed across central and west Auckland yesterday, resulting in five arrests and a significant haul of firearms parts.

Police even came across two 3D printers in operation at one address.

On Monday, Auckland City’s Gang Disruption Unit executed search warrants in Mt Eden, Lynfield, Te Atatū South and Onehunga.

“We have recovered a significant amount of illegally manufactured firearm parts and firearms under Operation Bismark,” Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong, of Auckland City CIB says.

“Police have put a stop to this syndicate’s operation and our enquiries into their exploits continues.”

Four 3D printers have been recovered in the terminations.

“Two of these printers were still in operation when our staff entered the addresses yesterday,” Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.

Amongst other items seized include dozens of firearms parts and two assembled firearms.

Those include: 23 pistol lower receivers, 12 pistol slides, four rifle uppers and four rifle lowers.

Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says there were also dozens of failed prints of parts found at these addresses.

Ammunition was also seized.

“This is a significant seizure and I have no doubt it has disrupted a source of lethal weaponry for criminal groups.

“It is likely we have prevented a significant amount of harm from being inflicted on the community as a result.”

Police continue to target the source of firearms getting into the hands of criminal groups.

“This is work being carried out on multiple fronts, which includes our Firearms Investigation Teams and the work of the Firearms Safety Authority.

“The prevalence of 3D printed firearms is still relatively low, but Police are continuing to stay ahead of the issue.”

Four men, aged 35, 40, 41 and 54, and a 29-year-old woman have appeared in the Auckland District Court.

Each have been jointly charged with participating in an organised criminal group and conspiring to manufacture firearms using illegal parts produced by a 3D printer.

Other charges include a raft of methamphetamine and firearms offences.

Operation Bismark continues, and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out, Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
- Important notes for editors:
– In 2024, 3D printed firearms only accounted for 0.6% of all firearms seized (42 out of 6,531).
– The prevalence of 3D firearms seized is still relatively low
– While seizure numbers indicate that manufacture of 3D firearms may be slowly increasing, seizures of 3D firearms are still less common than standard rifles and shotguns (‘A’ category firearms).

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waking up from a greenwashed corporate welfare nightmare

Source: ACT Party

ACT is celebrating the Government’s decision to wind down New Zealand Green Investment Finance.

“NZGIF has poured nearly $400 million down the drain with next to nothing to show for it. It’s the kind of greenwashed corporate welfare ACT has railed against for years,” says ACT Finance spokesperson Todd Stephenson.

In 2018 when Labour and the Greens set up the Green Investment Finance Fund, David Seymour warned:

“This kind of policy inevitably leads to government waste and corruption. The Fund will be picking technologies that can’t attract capital in an open market. It will pick them precisely because they fit the Government’s own particular political preferences.”

“If these green investment schemes made economic sense, private investors would have jumped in without taxpayers help,” says Stephenson. “Instead, we had Wellington picking winners. The failure of this approach was epitomised by the collapse of the NZGIF-backed SolarZero, which left taxpayers $115 million in the hole and left livelihoods in the lurch for the venture’s employees.

“Shutting it down is a win for economic sense. The market can sort out green innovation while politicians focus on removing barriers to growth and innovation. That’s what ACT is doing in government.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 8, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays expected following crash, Dome Valley

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are in attendance at a four vehicle crash in Dome Valley.

The crash, reported to Police at 3.45pm, happened on State Highway 1 and is causing congestion.

Early indications suggest one person has suffered injuries and will be transported to hospital.

Both southbound and northbound traffic will be impacted and motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 8, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

Opportunities

In the short term

Next steps

Thresholds and process guidelines released for consultation 12 min read

Key dates

The current informal regime will close on 31 December 2025

Informal review applications should be submitted by 30 September

Acquisitions approved between 1 July and 31 December 2025

Informal reviews cleared before 1 July 2025

Filing voluntarily under the new regime from 1 July 2025 is encouraged

Which regime to use

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership

Further information

Share this page

Updates to this page

Impacts of working from home

New research on Brisbane workers

Should Australia continue to support working from home?

Padilla, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Digital Health Services, Modernize Health Care System

What makes us laugh?

The art of not laughing

Understanding the world

A focus on youth

The importance of holistic care

Other questions we need answered

Importing oil makes us vulnerable

Electricity made locally

Energy security and EVs

Balancing security and sustainability

What the science says

What’s happening in the brain?

Another reason to get moving

Everyday movement counts

Real-life applications