Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australians in Film and Screen Australia Announce 2025 Participants in Talent Gateway and Global Producers Program

    Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

    03 04 2025 – Media release

    Top (L-R): Global Producers Exchange recipients Ramu Productions (Devina McPherson, Jodie Bell) and Unless Pictures (Meg O’Connell).Bottom (L-R): Talent Gateway recipients Jean Tong, Timothy Lee and Kacie Anning. 
    Australians in Film (AiF) and Screen Australia are pleased to announce the 2025 participants in the internationally recognized Talent Gateway (TG) and Global Producers Exchange (GPE).
    These highly coveted programs are designed to elevate Australian screen creatives, enhancing their professional skills and expanding their global reach.
    Running online since 2021, Talent Gateway supports Australian writer/directors who have demonstrated recent success, providing them with the tools, industry access, and relationships necessary to succeed on the global stage.
    Global Producers Exchange aims to strengthen Australian producers’ international capabilities by facilitating global collaborations and offering key insights to develop Australian stories with a global outlook.
    Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of Australians in Film, said, “Screen Australia’s strategic investment in expanding the international reach of Australian talent and businesses is essential for the continued success of Australian screen stories. These stories not only captivate international audiences but also generate significant economic growth, cementing Australia’s reputation internationally as a breeding ground for exciting new talent. We look forward to working with the outstanding 2025 participants.”
    Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said, “We’re thrilled to support the 2025 Talent Gateway and Global Producers Exchange participants, whose talents highlight the strength of Australia’s screen industry. These programs offer invaluable opportunities to expand their international reach and create new pathways for collaboration. As global demand for Australian stories continues to grow, initiatives like these ensure our talent remains at the forefront of the international screen community, driving both creative innovation and economic growth.”
    Supporting Partners for these programs include Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screenwest and VicScreen. Industry Partners are Australian Directors’ Guild, Australian Writers’ Guild, Screen Producers Australia, Screen Canberra, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory,  Screenworks and South Australian Film Corporation.
    Talent Gateway 2025 Participants:

    Clare Sladden (QLD): Clare is a Meanjin/Brisbane-based writer passionate about female-driven narratives. Her recent television credits include Good Cop/Bad Cop (Jungle Entertainment and Future Shack for Stan, Roku and The CW), NCIS: Sydney (Endemol Shine AU for Paramount+), and Sunny Nights (Jungle Entertainment & Echo Lake Entertainment for Stan, premiering in 2025). In the audio space, Clare wrote on the Wentworth spin-off podcast (Fremantle Media for Audible) and wrote and directed the narrative podcast Winding Road, starring Dacre Montgomery and Yael Stone. Clare has also received Screen Australia development funding for her debut feature, Sophie Next Door.
    Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes (NSW): This writing/directing duo from Sydney is known for their breakout work on Sissy, which was selected for SXSW and Sydney Film Festival, winning multiple audience awards globally. Their debut feature, For Now, garnered international festival nominations for Best Film. Recently, they received Premium Development Funding from Screen Australia for their next project, Cooch, and were named Inside Film’s Rising Stars. Their work continues to captivate global audiences with fresh and innovative storytelling.
    Jean Tong (VIC): Jean is a multi-talented writer and director for stage and screen. Their television credits include episodes of Heartbreak High (Netflix), Safe Home (SBS), and Erotic Stories (SBS). Jean’s stage work includes critically acclaimed plays like Hungry Ghosts (Melbourne Theatre Company) and Romeo is Not the Only Fruit (Malthouse Theatre). They were also the inaugural Melbourne Theatre Company Playwriting Fellow in 2023. Jean is currently directing the world premiere of Benjamin Law’s adaptation of Dying: A Memoir for Melbourne Theatre Company.
    Kacie Anning (NSW): Kacie is the creator, writer, director, and executive producer of Class of ’07 (Amazon Prime). She has directed and written for several high-profile series, including The Other Guy (Stan), Diary of a Future President (Disney+), Upload (Prime Video), and Hardball (ABC Me). She has won two Australian Directors’ Guild Awards. Her work as set-up director and EP on Madam (Channel 9), starring Rachel Griffiths, won Best Comedy Series at the Berlin Series Festival and Monte Carlo Television Festival.
    Thomas Wilson White (NSW): Thomas is an award-winning writer and director, best known for his work on the International Emmy Award-winning Heartbreak High (Netflix). His debut feature The Greenhouse (2021) won the Australian Directors Guild Award for Best Direction in a Feature Film under $1M. Thomas is currently developing a slate of original TV shows and a second feature film while adapting a best-selling novel for Warner Brothers.
    Timothy Lee (NSW): Timothy is the co-creator and writer of the Australian neo-Western Territory (Netflix), which topped the charts in 11 countries and reached #2 globally on Netflix. He also wrote on Mystery Road (ABC) and Mystery Road: Origin, earning AACTA nominations for Best Screenplay in Television. His writing credits include Bump (Stan/Netflix), Doctor Doctor (Nine), and The Unlisted (Netflix).

    Global Producers Exchange 2025 Participants:

    Carver Films – Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish (VIC): Carver Films is led by award-winning producers Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish. Their 2023 feature Run Rabbit Run, starring Sarah Snook and directed by Daina Reid, premiered at Sundance and became the top-streamed English-language film on Netflix in Australia and the USA. Their previous credits include Relic (2020), Sunshine (2018), and Snowtown (2011), which debuted at Cannes Critics Week. Carver is currently in postproduction on Saccharine with director Natalie Erika James.
    Future Pictures – Matt Govoni and Adam White (VIC): Founded by Matt Govoni and Adam White, Future Pictures is known for producing world-class content. Their recent projects include Late Night with the Devil (2023), which premiered at SXSW and won Best Screenplay at Sitges, and Lone Wolf (2021), which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. Future Pictures continues to break box office records and achieve critical success in the global marketplace.
    Martin Brown Films – Martin Brown and John Collee (NSW): Martin Brown Films is a Sydney-based screen production company founded by Martin Brown and John Collee. Martin Produced Moulin Rouge and Co-produced Romeo+Juliet. John recently adapted the TV series Boy Swallows Universe, which was Netflix’s most successful Australian-made show to date. Martin and John are recognized individually for their expertise in content development and international co-productions. Their company has a number of exciting projects in development.
    Ramu Productions – Jodie Bell and Devina McPherson (WA): Based in Broome, Western Australia, Ramu Productions specializes in First Nations storytelling. CEO Jodie Bell, a Butchella and Jagera woman, has produced numerous award-winning short films and documentaries, including Putuparri and the Rainmakers. Devina McPherson, a Widi Yamatji and Noongar woman, is an experienced development and associate producer. Together, they focus on creating authentic First Nations content with a strong cultural lens.
    Thirdborn – Nicole O’Donohue (NSW): Thirdborn, founded by filmmakers Shaun Grant, Justin Kurzel and Nicole O’Donohue, is committed to developing bold films and premium television series. Their debut series, Exposure (2024), was nominated for seven AACTA Awards. With a focus on distinctive storytelling, Thirdborn partners with extraordinary cast, crew, and producers with a shared creative ambition and passion for original storytelling to deliver impactful narratives for global audiences. 
    Unless Pictures – Meg O’Connell (NSW): International Emmy-winning producer Meg O’Connell founded Unless Pictures, a creative production company known for innovative storytelling. Meg’s credits include the AACTA-winning Robbie Hood (SBS/NITV), the Rose d’Or-winning Content (ABC), and the international hit Bluey (ABC/BBC/Disney+). Her most recent project is the feature film Windcatcher (Stan/ACTF).

    AiF Media Enquiries:
    Jane Lunn 
    [email protected]  | +61 402 248 811 
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering tsunami, landslides, and liquefaction.

    Thousands of lives were lost, and critical transport infrastructure were damaged.

    In June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the $297.75 million Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

    Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Internasional Trade, the project aims to rebuild key public works and transport infrastructure.

    Sumarno, Head Department of Transportation Central Sulawesi Province
    After the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, the economic impact has been severe. 
    Ports, airports, and other infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, causing significant disruptions to economic activity.Following the recovery efforts, economic factors have picked up, encouraging people to engage in various activities around the port and Palu City.

    The project rehabilitated and reconstructed three ports and an airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender responsive and inclusive features.

    Donggala Port, which serves both passengers and cargo, projected to become a key logistics and passenger hub in Indonesia’s eastern region.

    Wani Port is a multipurpose port that supports agriculture, livestock transport, and government ships.

    Meanwhile, Pantoloan Port is an important gateway for the economy in Donggala and Central Sulawesi, handling various types of cargo and passenger ships.

    Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport, the largest in Central Sulawesi, is the main gateway to Palu and its surrounding areas.

    Yandi Hermawan, Branch Manager PT Dharma Lautan Utama Palu Branch 
    Compared to the old terminal, our passengers are very enthusiastic about the new Donggala Port terminal. The facilities are quite comprehensive, including air-conditioned rooms and seating area. Our passengers have also shown greater comfort at the Donggala passenger terminal.

    Alexander Allokendek, Head Palu Bay Port Authority 
    When it was built, we set a standard that accessibility for disabilities is crucial. In Donggala Port, we have tracking systems and accessible toilets, as well as proper signage. We also assist passengers all the way to the ship and back.

    Rudi Richardo, Airport Head Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport 
    Regarding gender aspects, such as nursery areas and others, these remain a focus in the rehabilitation and reconstruction project. For the disability aspect, this has already been implemented at the airport, enabling persons with disabilities to carry out their activities independently.

    Elias Katapi, Traveler with Disability
    As a person with visual impairments, there are now tactile blocks that allow us to navigate independently.

    Irmansyah, Traveler with Disability
    Before the renovation, there was no access at all for wheelchair users inside the toilet; the door was too narrow, so it was impossible to use a wheelchair. Now, it is more accessible, allowing wheelchair users to move freely from the entrance to the inside.

    With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the local government, the project became fully operational in 2024.

    Former President Joko Widodo inaugurated several of them that same year.

    The project’s implementation follows ADB safeguards to ensure compliance with social and environmental impact standards.

    Idrus, Shop Owner Donggala Port
    When there was a plan for port construction, we were invited by the local government for relocation, and we also had several meetings with AECOM, so the relocation process went smoothly.

    Twenty-nine affected shop owners in the port area were relocated to the nearby temporary sites to continue their businesses.

    The affected shop owners will move to the permanent relocation site in front of the constructed Donggala Port in early 2025.

    For airport rehabilitation, tenants relocated to temporary sites have been returned to the terminal to continue their business.

    Cici, Shop Manager Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
    Currently, everyone who was relocated has returned to their respective cafeterias upstairs. Because the air is cool inside, the place gets a lot of customers. During the relocation process,the cafeteria sellers were also given consultations by the airport authorities to ensure everything went smoothly.

    Both temporary sites in Donggala Port and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport were completed with associated facilities: electricity, water, and disposal.

    The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation infrastructure symbolize recovery.

    It highlights the power of collaboration and commitment.

    Together, we are not just recovering; we are building stronger, more inclusive features.

    We are building back better. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    doublelee/Shutterstock

    The proportion of motorbikes on Australia’s roads has remained steady over the last decade, about 4.5% of all registered vehicles. But motorcyclists are over-represented in road deaths.

    In 2015, they made up 17% of total road fatalities. In 2024, this has crept up to 21%.

    Meanwhile, other road users have either maintained a steady proportion of road fatalities or – in the case of car passengers – declined since 2015.

    So, less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike. But one in five people killed in a road crash rides one. What’s going on – and can they be made safer?

    Why are motorcyclists more vulnerable?

    On a motorbike, people lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries, including to the head, chest and – most commonly – legs and feet.

    Road conditions can also make a significant difference to motorcyclists. With only two points of contact with the road, motorbikes have less stability than four-wheeled vehicles.

    Even minor defects – such as potholes, uneven road surfaces or gravel – can reduce traction, cause skidding or lead to a loss of control, particularly when cornering.

    For example, a 2022 study of 188 motorcycle crash sites in Victoria showed sharper curves were linked to a higher risk of crashing. A study of over 1,400 motorcycle crashes in Tasmania from 2013-16 found road surface defects were a contributing factor to 15% of all crashes, and 24% of single-vehicle crashes.

    Age and experience also play a role

    In a car, a driver’s greater experience level is linked to greater safety. Evidence shows this may be particularly important for motorcycle riders as they manoeuvre and balance their vehicle and respond to road conditions.

    The Tasmanian study also showed young riders aged between 16 and 25 were disproportionately at risk. They accounted for just 11% of registered motorcycles but 42% of motorcycle crashes.

    Their crash rate was more than three times that of riders aged 26–39 – and six times higher than riders over 40. They made up more than half of all incidents on curves.

    Alarmingly, nearly a third of riders who died on South Australian roads between 2016 and 2020 were unlicensed.

    People on motorbikes lack the structural protection of an enclosed vechicle.
    Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock

    Can motorbikes be made safer?

    Modern cars have passive safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, to reduce injuries. Technology – including collision avoidance systems and advanced braking – has also reduced fatality rates for drivers and passengers.

    In contrast, motorbikes rely almost entirely on a rider’s skill, protective gear and the road conditions.

    In recent years, motorcycle manufacturers have been introducing “advanced rider assistance systems”. These adapt similar features used in cars, such as adaptive cruise control (which adjusts speed and distance from vehicles ahead) and forward collision warnings.

    However, these systems are still relatively new, and whether they can reduce crashes and fatalities is yet to be robustly studied.

    Many motorcyclists are also hesitant to adopt these kinds of technologies due to concerns they may lose control or become over-reliant on them. Cost is also a factor, as rider assistance systems are still mostly limited to premium motorcycles.

    Safety is everyone’s responsibility

    Currently, motorbike riders continue to rely on infrastructure quality, rider training and skills, risk awareness, and protective gear as their primary safety measures.

    Stronger regulation and enforcement of licensing, in conjunction with post-licence training, have been shown to help reduce motorcycle fatalities.

    This includes implementing a graduated licensing system, which imposes restrictions on novice riders and gradually lifts them as they gain experience and maturity.

    Post-licence rider training courses on defensive riding strategies (such as lane positioning, scanning and buffering) could be complements to basic licensing processes.

    And let’s not forget: safety is not solely in the hands of motorbike riders.

    An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases.

    Educating drivers of other vehicles matters just as much as motorcyclists themselves. Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility.

    Sharing the road responsibly means drivers should:

    • regularly check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes or turning

    • maintain a safe following distance, understanding that riders may need to swerve to avoid hazards like oil, gravel or potholes

    • allow the same space when overtaking a motorcycle as they would a car

    • stay alert for lane filtering — where riders legally travel between lanes of slow or stationary traffic at low speeds.

    Recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone.

    Milad Haghani 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. In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer – https://theconversation.com/in-australia-1-in-5-road-deaths-is-a-motorcyclist-we-can-make-them-safer-250652

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ response to TAIC i-Catcher report

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The capsizing of the i-Catcher in September 2022 was a devastating incident resulting in loss of five peoples’ lives.
    “We want to extend our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says.
    “We recognise the work of TAIC in providing a comprehensive report and set of actions relating to a number of agencies and bodies.
    “As regards to the TAIC recommendations relating to Maritime NZ, we have either already actioned these, have actions in progress, or have partially accepted recommendations, but may be delivering these in ways that achieve the outcome, but through different means,” Ms Hewlett says.
    Where the actions relate to how we work with New Zealand Police or other coordinating authorities in the search and rescue sector. Maritime NZ supports the recommendations.
    These recommendations align with the work our Rescue Coordination Centre has already been doing with its partners, particularly with New Zealand Police in strengthening the way in which we work in relation to collaborating on search and rescue operations. We will also work with the NZSAR Council to support the consideration of whether all aviation taskings should be conducted by our Rescue Coordination Centre.
    “Maritime NZ wants to again offer its condolences to everyone impacted by this incident.
    “We fully understand days like this, two-and-a-half years after the incident occurred will be tough for the survivors, as well as friends and family members of the victims,” Ms Hewlett says.
    For information about which agency undertakes SAR in New Zealand please head to –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Hundreds of Kāinga Ora jobs proposed to go in latest Govt attack on public housing – PSA

    Source: PSA

     A net 673 roles proposed to be axed across successful public housing provider
     Cuts mean a third of workforce gone in a year
    The latest restructuring of Kāinga Ora proposes deep cuts to the jobs of those working with other agencies to place people on waiting lists into houses, and in call centres where staff help tenants resolve issues.
    Plans announced to staff today would see a net 673 roles gone, including 195 roles that are currently vacant.
    “These proposals would result in the mass dismissal of experts who support tenants in public housing,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is an attack on tenants, their families, an attack those who need homes to live in and will be resisted.
    “With other cuts made last year, all up, a third of the workforce would be axed because of the Government’s ideological refusal to invest in Kāinga Ora despite a record number of houses being built by the agency.
    “The Government has been deliberately catastrophising about Kāinga Ora’s finances to suit its privatisation agenda. It is simply setting up a far smaller Kāinga Ora to fail.
    “This proposal is yet another broken promise by the Government that cuts will not hit frontline services as it runs down an agency that has successfully housed so many New Zealand families.
    “The proposal includes gutting the team which works across the country with the Ministry of Social Development to place people in social housing. They find the right houses in the right location for families on waiting lists, including taking people to home viewings – these are critical customer facing roles and Kāinga Ora will still have 78,000 dwellings to manage.
    “Workloads will increase and service will slow – how does that help with waiting lists still growing?”
    Kāinga Ora is also proposing to cut 12 staff or 10% of the team which deals directly with calls from tenants and the public at its three call centres. All up 66 net roles at call centres are proposed to go, a third of the workforce.
    “This will impact the service tenants expect when they have problems.”
    Other roles proposed to go include stakeholder relationship managers who work with communities, health and safety experts, building inspectors, accountants, lawyers and business analysts.
    “The Government has made a choice to cut taxes for landlords and turn its back on a successful organisation like Kāinga Ora which has a proud legacy of putting New Zealanders who need a helping hand into warm dry homes.
    “These deep and brutal cuts will mean Kāinga Ora will be a shadow of its former self – making it much harder for a future government wanting to return to the role of the state taking the lead in providing social housing. It’s appalling.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – The next upturn is slowly building – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand rose by +0.5% in March, after a +0.4% lift in February, and a flat result for January. The latest figures confirm that the market is now into its next phase of growth, on the back of lower interest rates and improved affordability after the previous value falls.

    March’s rise on the CoreLogic hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) was the strongest since January last year. Property values are now sitting at $812,195, the highest since June 2024 ($818,649). However, values are still down by 16.3% compared to the previous January 2022 peak.

    Around the main centres, Ōtepoti Dunedin (-0.1%) and Tauranga (0.0%) were still a bit more subdued in March, but Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington saw a +0.3% rise, with Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland up by +0.6%, Ōtautahi Christchurch +0.8%, and Kirikiriroa Hamilton at +0.9%.
     
    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that March’s result simply builds on the previous month’s rise, signalling the next phase in NZ’s property market has begun.

    “The falls in mortgage rates since around July or August last year were always going to take a little bit of time to flow through to house prices, given the weak economic environment and subdued household confidence,” he said.

    “The abundance of listings has been an extra limiting factor for property values, while some households on higher fixed interest rates from a year or two ago have also had to be patient before seeing their debt repayments drop.”

    “But the lags have now worked their way through the system and, with signs becoming clearer that the economy has started to turn a corner, confidence is returning to the property market.”

    “That said, a fresh boom in house prices seems unlikely, given additional restraints that are now in place, such as caps on debt-to-income ratios for mortgage lending.”

    “Undoubtedly, this cautious outlook will be welcomed by aspiring buyers who may have been concerned about property values rising beyond their reach again, provided that they can navigate the new credit rules in the first place.”

    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

    March was a stronger month across the board in Tāmaki Makaurau, with Rodney seeing a +0.3% rise in values, Franklin at +0.5%, and then right up to +0.8% in Papakura, and +0.9% in North Shore.

    Clearer signs of growth are also evident across a broader three-month horizon, with Auckland City, Papakura, and Franklin all up by 1.6% or more so far in 2025.

    Mr Davidson said, “Clearly, Auckland is still a challenging market for some would-be buyers, with affordability pressures lingering. But we’ve been detecting a change in sentiment on the ground across Auckland for a few months now, and this is flowing through to the hard data.”

    Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

    The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area also strengthened in March, albeit there was a relatively minor -0.2% drop in values in Upper Hutt.

    Elsewhere, Lower Hutt and Wellington City rose by +0.3% apiece, with Porirua up by +0.6%, and Kapiti Coast recording a robust increase of +1.4%.

    Some areas are still slightly lower than they were three months ago, but Lower Hutt (+0.6%) and Kapiti Coast (+2.4%) have increased over the year to date.

    “Wellington’s property market has underperformed over the past few years, with the previous boom meaning that some excesses needed to be worked off, and the public sector cutbacks then weighing on values too. But conditions are now turning around in the property market, with some buyers probably finding ‘value’ again.”

    Regional results

    March was also a tale of emerging upturn across nearly all of the key provincial markets, with only Nelson recording a modest -0.1% fall in values. New Plymouth and Invercargill were flat, while Napier, Palmerston North, and Queenstown only saw mild increases of +0.1%.

    But Whangarei and Rotorua were up by +0.5%, and Whanganui topped the charts for these areas with an increase of +0.8% in March. Each of the key regional areas is also higher than December last year, except for Nelson (-0.6%).

    “In the current environment where listings are higher than normal in many parts of the country and some sectors of the economy are yet to rebound, a bit of variability across the provinces is to be expected. But lower interest rates are a significant support, so the outlook for a modest recovery in values this year is likely to be replicated across regional markets too,” added Mr Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump’s Bold Trade Action Draws Praise

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Donald J. Trump made clear to the world that the days of economic surrender are over. After being sold out by career politicians for generations, President Trump is enacting fair trade policies that will restore our workforce, rebuild our economy, and finally put America First.

    The move drew immediate praise:

    Coalition for a Prosperous America Chairman Zach Mottl: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today’s action will deliver lasting benefits to the U.S. economy and working-class Americans, cementing President Trump’s legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association SVP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad.”

    Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip K. Bell: “President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry, and his America First Trade Policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United States. The recently reinvigorated 232 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. President Trump’s initial 232 steel tariffs and the historic tax cuts led to investments of nearly $20 billion by steel manufacturers in the United States. Since the revised tariffs took effect, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana, demonstrating that the tariffs are working to bring more steel investments and production to the United States. The domestic steel market is stronger when other nations are forced to compete on a level playing field. On a level playing field, American workers can outcompete anyone. We look forward to continuing working with President Trump and his administration to ensure a level playing field for Americans and a robust domestic steel industry that strengthens our national, economic and energy security.”

    Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Today’s trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and America’s workers. These hardworking men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out-compete anyone in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction.”

    National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long: “President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges.”

    Bienvenido Empresarios: “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic Americans and strengthening our nation’s future, Bienvenido supports policies that build a more resilient American economy, safeguard our communities, and reassert U.S. leadership on the global stage. President Trump’s emphasis on using economic leverage — including tariffs — reflects a broader strategy to counter China, confront the deadly fentanyl crisis, and bring critical industries back home. Now is a time for tough, decisive action when national security and American livelihoods are at stake. Our hope is that these measures lead to stronger enforcement, fairer trade, and long-term prosperity for all Americans.”

    America First Policy Institute: “Tariffs worked then—and they’ll work again. Under President Trump, tariffs brought back jobs, lowered inflation, and strengthened national security. It’s not just economic policy—it’s America First in action.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that FREE trade ONLY works when it’s FAIR!”

    Gov. Jeff Landry: “Pro Jobs. Pro Business. Pro America.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “President Trump is acting boldly to put America first. America needs fair and free trade. We can’t allow other countries to keep abusing our workers and job creators. It’s time we had a level playing field. I applaud President Trump’s 100% commitment to Made in America.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “The decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. … Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “The president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “President Donald Trump is fighting for long-term solutions to put America’s farmers and ranchers first.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “It’s liberation day in America! Today, @POTUS sent a message to the world that the era of America being taken advantage of is over.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “President Trump is going to charge foreign countries roughly half of what they *already* charge us to do business. Literally who can argue with this?”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. @POTUS is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of by other countries are OVER! Pres. Trump is making it clear that he will ALWAYS put American jobs, manufacturing and our economy first. As Americans, let’s stand with him and support one another by buying products MADE IN AMERICA.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “President Trump is bringing America back. We won’t be ripped off by other countries anymore. We’re bringing back manufacturing, unleashing energy production, and paving the way for prosperity.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, other countries have ripped us off with bad trade deals – resulting in American jobs and manufacturing moving overseas. But change is coming. The Golden Age of America’s economy is here. Happy Liberation Day.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s workers and innovators first with reciprocal tariffs that level the playing field and make trade FAIR.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “For too long, foreign countries have taken advantage of us at the expense of American workers. President @realDonaldTrump says NO MORE.”

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “Tariffs work! @POTUS has proven tariffs are an effective tool in achieving economic and strategic objectives. The President’s long-term strategy will pay off.”

    Rep. Elise Stefanik: “I strongly support President Trump’s America First economic policies to strengthen American manufacturing and create millions of American jobs. For too long, Americans have suffered under unfair trade practices putting America Last. We will not allow other countries to take advantage of us and we must put America and the American worker first.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “America shouldn’t reward countries that discriminate against American workers and manufacturers. On Liberation Day, President Trump is correcting this and demanding fair treatment for American producers.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “The days of the United States being taken advantage of are OVER. Republicans are putting American workers FIRST.”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “For too long, our leaders have allowed other nations to rip us off through numerous unfair trade practices resulting in suppressed wages, lost opportunities, and unrealized economic growth. Just as he did in his first term, President Trump is fighting to ensure an even playing field for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers so we can unleash American prosperity and Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “Trump’s tariffs aren’t starting a trade war—they’re ending one. For decades, other countries ripped off American workers with unfair tariffs and barriers. Now, we’re finally fighting back.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “Past administrations have allowed the United States to be ripped off by allies and adversaries alike. President Trump said “NO MORE!” The Art of the Deal.”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “For too long, unfair trade practices devastated America’s manufacturing base and stole millions of blue-collar jobs. It’s time to level the playing field and bring those jobs back. @POTUS is fighting for American workers.”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “America-First means putting the American people first. We will no longer be taken advantage of as a nation and people.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “For far too long, the U.S. has been ripped off by countries across the globe with unfair trade practices. Now, we’re finally leveling the playing field. THANK YOU, President Trump, for putting American workers and manufacturing FIRST.”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This is fair. Whether it’s our military or economy, other countries have taken advantage of the U.S. for far too long. That time is over.”

    Rep. Chuck Edwards: “Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them. @POTUS has used tariffs to produce successful trade deals for us in his first term, and I support his plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America. The quicker other countries agree to fairer trade deals, the quicker the tariffs can end.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin:“For years the US handcuffed itself and played nice while other countries imposed massive tariffs and took advantage of us. We’re done putting America last. @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ending trade imbalances and prioritizing American workers and manufacturing again!”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “HAPPY LIBERATION DAY. Thanks to @POTUS, America is DONE being taken advantage of. A new era has begun.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “For decades, Washington allowed Texans to be ripped off by foreign countries. Those days are now over. @POTUS is committed to making America wealthy again!”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “If you want to do business in America, you need to play by our rules. For too long, American businesses, big and small, have been ripped off by bad trade deals and unfair competition. President Trump is putting a stop to it. He’s standing up for our workers, our companies, and our consumers.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “The America First Republican party is the party of the working class, the forgotten men and women. On this Liberation Day, we further our commitment to them, that we will reshore our manufacturing, restore fair trade, and rebuild the greatest economy in the world.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan:“If you want access to the most powerful economy in the world, treat us fairly. If not, don’t expect a free ride. That’s real leadership and @POTUS is delivering it!”

    Rep. Andy Harris: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will put the American worker first and bring fairness back to international trade. America is being respected again.”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump is bringing back the American Dream. Our taxpayers have been ripped off by foreign countries for far too long, but those days are over. President Trump is right to impose these reciprocal tariffs.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “@POTUS’ trade agenda puts American industry and America first. I support the President’s action to protect our domestic producers.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Today, President Trump empowered the American middle class.  His policies on tariffs will bring automotive manufacturing back to America.”

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Since President Trump has been elected, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign & domestic companies have announced Made in USA manufacturing, countries have reduced tariffs or changed foreign policies. President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “My district was hit hard over the years by unfair trade deals. Finally, we have a President who wants to put the American worker FIRST.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “America will no longer be taken advantage of! This is how you put America First.”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends. President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board. I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing back MADE IN AMERICA!”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs make it clear that our country will not be ripped off anymore. We are bringing back American manufacturing and putting America First.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Happy LIBERATION Day … ✅Protect the American worker ✅Strengthen manufacturing ✅Reduce unfair trade practices … Our economy will be competitive again!!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “He’s resetting the negotiating table. He’s resetting the deck here to say, ‘You know what? For too long, you’ve taken advantage of our free market and you’ve literally leached jobs away from the American people … Let’s have a serious conversation and let’s do something that’s fair and mutually beneficial for both sides.’”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “I fully support President Trump’s critical efforts to right this generational wrong, bring manufacturing jobs home, and rejuvenate American working families. Made in America is back.”

    Rep. John Rutherford: “Tariffs help bring American jobs back home, incentivize buying American, AND put pressure on Canada and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants from their countries into ours. Even the Biden Admin kept or increased tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first presidency. Under Trump, inflation stayed around 2% and our GDP grew to 3%. Smart tariffs are a long-term investment in the American economy that are worth the short-term cost.”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “What many fail to realize: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a long-overdue response to years of unfair trade policies against America. For decades, America has been ripped off by other countries who have repeatedly slapped tariffs on our goods, blocked our products, and flooded our markets with theirs. The numbers don’t lie–the rest of the world has profited at the expense of American workers and businesses. President Trump is finally putting America First by taking bold, necessary actions that past leaders wouldn’t take.”

    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “If Australia doesn’t want our beef – WE DON’T WANT THEIRS! Thank you @POTUS for opening the door of fair treatment for America’s Cattlemen”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of by foreign countries. The American worker comes FIRST.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump’s tariffs are a necessary move to protect American workers and rebuild our economy. We are finally breaking free from decades of unfair trade deals that gutted our industries. These tariffs will bring jobs back to our districts, strengthen manufacturing, and ensure our children inherit a country that is not just a consumer, but a producer. Thank you, @POTUS.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “For far too long, the United States has been taken advantage of by our foreign trade partners. The American people re-elected President Trump to bring back truly fair trade with other countries. Reciprocal tariffs are a first step to have a level playing field for American products and to start bringing back manufacturing to our country!”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is delivering on his mandate to restore America’s economic strength. For too long, unfair trade deals have hollowed out our factories and shipped American jobs overseas. By standing up to bad actors like China and Venezuela and enforcing fair trade, President Trump is defending American industries and putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “President Trump has made it clear with these reciprocal tariffs that we will no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us. His goal is simple: to bring jobs and manufacturing back to our country and open up foreign markets to American products. If companies want to avoid these tariffs, they will do business in the United States. I applaud the President for taking a stand against years of unfair trade practices and making sure we put American workers and consumers first. It’s time our foreign trading partners finally live up to their end of the bargain.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “For too long, America Last policies have put the U.S. auto industry at a disadvantage. As a car dealer and small business owner, I support @POTUS’ Executive Order to increase competition, boost revenue, and bring back American jobs.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “Today, President Trump is taking urgent action to protect the national security and economy of the United States. The current lack of trade reciprocity, demonstrated by our chronic trade deficit, has weakened our economic and national security. After only 72 days in office, President Trump has prioritized swift action to bring reciprocity to our trade relations and reduce the trade deficit by leveling the playing field for American workers and manufacturers, reshoring American jobs, expanding our domestic manufacturing base, and ensuring our defense-industrial base is not dependent on foreign adversaries—all leading to stronger economic and national security.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “Today, the world starts taking us seriously. Our workforce will finally be treated fairly.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “President Trump signed the Declaration of Economic Independence for the American people. For decades, the trade status quo has allowed countries to leverage tariffs and unfair trade practices to get ahead at the expense of hardworking Americans. The President’s historic actions will level the playing field for American workers and usher in a new age of economic strength.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “FARMERS COME FIRST — @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ensuring American farmers and ranchers can compete globally again!”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Thank you, @POTUS! ‘Made in America’ is not just a tagline — it’s an economic and national security priority.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “For too long, America has been targeted by unfair trade practices that made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers. This has gravely impacted our national security. President Trump’s strong action will help make America safe again. @DHS, primarily through @CBP, is ready to collect these new tariffs and put an end to unfair trade practices. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for putting America FIRST.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Promises made, promises kept”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is a businessman; he’s a negotiator. The result of that has been and will continue to be improvements for the American people. We are in the midst of a negotiation, and he is fighting every day to make the cost-of-living conditions better for Americans.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “At the White House this afternoon, we celebrated Liberation Day — setting our economy on the path of future prosperity for our children. Business owners, workers, and taxpayers have been waiting for strong economic leadership. @POTUS’ actions today prove we are done being taken advantage of in international trade.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “President Trump’s Liberation Day reciprocity plan is commonsense. If you tariff us, we’ll tariff you. This will strengthen our economy and make America wealthy again!”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “Today is the day we will liberate ourselves from unfair trade practices and outdated ways of thinking. Tariffs are an important tool in the President’s toolbox to stop foreign countries from ripping us off, protect America’s workers, and restore U.S. manufacturing. I stand with @POTUS as he finally levels the playing field. Happy Liberation Day!”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “For four years, Americans couldn’t afford groceries, let alone a house. This Liberation Day, @POTUS is bringing manufacturing and jobs back. President Trump is making the American Dream achievable again!”

    Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin: “Massive announcement by @POTUS today restoring U.S. dominance, cementing his America First vision, and Powering the Great American Comeback.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Small businesses will no longer be crushed by foreign governments and unfair trade deals. Instead, we will put American industry, workers, and strength FIRST. Thank you @POTUS for bringing back Made in America!”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security. Thank you President Trump for putting America first.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Floor Speech Condemning Trump Administration’s Unjust Removal of Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez from Military Website

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about the Trump Administration’s shameful removal of Edinburg hometown hero, U.S. Marine Sergeant Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez, from the Naval History website.  

    Watch the full video on Congressman Gonzalez’s YouTube page.  

    Transcript below:  

    Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our south Texas war hero, Sergeant Alfredo “Freddie” Gonzalez, a hero who will never be forgotten. 

    Sergeant Gonzalez was killed in action February 4, 1968, and history is clear he was a marine sergeant in charge of a third platoon command near Hue City, Vietnam. His company came under heavy fire for days.  

    Sergeant Gonzalez maneuvered his men and retired fire and personally carried wounded warriors out of harm’s way. He didn’t ask what ethnicity these men were, or religion, or what region of the country they came from. 

    They were all Americans, fighting one of the most atrocious and unpopular wars in our history.  

    Freddie was awarded the medal of honor. Not because he asked for a special privilege or recognition, or job, Freddie was dead.  

    He was recognized by his men for his bravery, for going beyond his call of duty to save other American lives while losing his own.  

    This administration’s appalling efforts to erase history under the disguise of eliminating DEI Has seen no boundaries.  

    Prompting indiscriminate removals of Latinos and women and other minorities from our nation’s archives.  

    Removing the Tuskegee air men who proudly defended our country in Europe during World War II.  

    Removing our Navajo code talk yours who helped us defeat Japan.  

    Removing our most recent and honorable general Colin Powell for god’s sake, for god’s sake, have you no shame? Have you no decency?  

    This is not about eliminating DEI, this is straight up old-fashioned racism against some of the most deserving Americans in our history.  

    And I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle who have worn our uniform and some who have fought for our freedom to stand with me. 

    To stand on the right side of history with the American people and oppose these un-American, unpatriotic policies coming from this administration from folks who never had the gall to serve themselves.  

    Let’s grow a spine in this house and preserve the American values that actually made us great. And I yield back. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Shameful Removal of Hometown Hero Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez from Naval History Website

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    EDINBURG, TEXAS –  On Friday March 28, 2025, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following the shameful removal of Marine Corps Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez, a venerated Edinburg Vietnam Veteran, from the Naval History online database due to the Trump Administration’s purge of thousands of records of women and minorities from government websites.  

    “Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez served his country in Vietnam, tragically lost his life at the age of 21 while protecting his platoon, received the Presidential Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice, and has an active duty U.S. Navy missile destroyer named after him in his honor — yet, all that the Trump Administration will see him as is a name that deserves to be erased simply because he is Hispanic. This is a grave disrespect to Sgt. Gonzalez’s memory and a punch to the gut for South Texas and all of our servicemembers. Has the President no shame?” 

     

    Declaración del Congresista Gonzalez sobre la Vergonzosa Eliminación de un Héroe Local, Sargento Freddy Gonzalez, del Sitio Web de la Historia Naval

    EDINBURG, TEXAS – Viernes, Marzo 28, 2025, el Congresista Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) publico una declaración tras la vergonzosa eliminación del Sargento del Cuerpo de la Marina de Estados Unidos o “U.S. Marine Corps” Freddy Gonzalez, un respetado veterano de la guerra de Vietnam y originario de Edinburg, de la base de datos de la Historia Naval. Esto es debido a la eliminación de miles de registros de mujeres y minorías de los sitios web gubernamentales por parte de la Administración del presidente Trump.
     
    “El Sargento Freddy Gonzalez sirvió a su país en la guerra de Vietnam, perdió la vida trágicamente a los 21 años mientras protegía a su pelotón. El Sgt. Gonzalez recibió la Medalla Presidencial de Honor por su valentía y sacrificio y tiene un destructor de misiles de la Marina de los EE. UU. en servicio activo nombrado en su honor. Sin embargo, la Administración del presidente Trump solo lo ve como un nombre que merece ser borrado simplemente por ser hispano. Esto es una grave falta de respeto a la memoria del Sargento Gonzalez y un golpe para el sur de Texas y todos nuestros militares. ¿Acaso el presidente no tiene vergüenza? 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: African fashion brands debut at Shanghai Fashion Week

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South African designer Jessica Jane (R) and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founders of South African fashion brand Molebatsi, display their collections at the trade exhibition MODE during Shanghai Fashion Week in east China’s Shanghai, March 25, 2025. [PhotoXinhua]

    At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China’s burgeoning “debut economy.”

    Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques.

    Themed “Innovascape,” the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions.

    Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE.

    “This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China,” said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market.

    “Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world,” Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

    She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics.

    Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a “test drive.”

    A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi.

    South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China’s Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing.

    During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. “China’s long history and traditional culture fascinated me,” she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China.

    “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China,” said Wandile Molebatsi. “There’s a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it’s very exciting.”

    Aristide Loua, from Cote d’Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. “I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback,” Loua said.

    “As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world’s most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market — not as a niche, but as a mainstream force,” said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai.

    Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places.

    “My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion,” Raphael Deray said.

    “As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance,” said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee.

    Recently, the “debut economy” has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies.

    Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the “debut economy” is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption.

    Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city.

    “We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tandem duo sparks suspicion, leads to arrests

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two Toyota Aquas travelling in tandem through Green Bay sparked an air of suspicion for Police during the early hours of this morning.

    Just before 3am, Police conducting routine patrols observed the two vehicles travelling at high speed and in tandem along Godley Road.

    Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says officers didn’t signal for the vehicles to stop and instead called in the Police Eagle helicopter for assistance from above.

    “Eagle has quickly located one of the vehicles in Glen Eden and tracked it until it was abandoned on Holdens Road.

    “Both the driver and passenger have then been observed retrieving a number of items from the backseat.”

    Inspector Robertson says as Police arrived on scene, the driver and passenger have thrown bottles of alcohol at the at the Police car before fleeing on foot.

    “Thankfully no one was hurt, however the patrol car was damaged.

    “Officers have then taken both alleged offenders into custody a short time later.

    “Police are investigating this event in connection with a burglary at a Blockhouse Bay business prior to the cars coming to our attention.

    “Police won’t tolerate this kind of reckless behaviour, which has the potential to cause harm to our staff and the wider public.”

    An 18-year-old will appear in Auckland District Court on 10 April charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and intentional damage.

    A 14-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Media advisory – death in Northland, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Today’s stand-up in relation to the death of a man in Northland, Wellington, has been postponed.

    Police are awaiting the completion of the post-mortem and will share more details when they are available to us.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Strengthening Alliances: Philippine and U.S. Armies Conduct Artillery Live-Fire Training During Salaknib 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    LUAR, Philippines — Philippine Army Soldiers from C Battery 9th Field Artillery Battalion and U.S. Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, conducted artillery live-fire training during Salaknib 25 in Luar, Philippines, April 1, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology, The University of Melbourne

    Ildiko Laskay/Shutterstock

    The original tall poppies bloomed in the garden of Tarquin the Proud, last king of Rome. To communicate that his enemies should be defeated by killing their leaders, he is said to have decapitated the tallest flowers with a stick.

    Two and a half thousand years later, “tall poppies” are those among us who rise above the horde through the excellence of their achievements or the boldness of their ambition.

    Sometimes tall poppies are celebrated, as an array of tall poppy awards attests. Other times they are scorned for their arrogance and envied for their success. Too big for their boots or britches, they must be cut down to size.

    Aversion to tall poppies is said to be particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand, where the idea of a “tall poppy syndrome” was invented in the 1980s. A tendency to drag down those who set themselves above others, the syndrome supposedly reflects values of equality, humility and the storied “fair go”.

    But what are the effects of the tall poppy syndrome? What does it tell us about Antipodean cultures? And are we uniquely averse to those who stand out from the crowd?

    Rome’s final king, the tyrannical Tarquin the Proud, scythes through the tallest poppies in Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s ‘Tarquinius Superbus’.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Effects of the tall poppy syndrome

    Effects of the tall poppy syndrome on work performance and leadership have been studied extensively.

    In a New Zealand study of prominent entrepreneurs, nearly all reported encountering the syndrome. “If you do achieve something and stick your head up a bit further,” one said, “people will try to chop you down to size.”

    Dealing with negative responses to success drove some entrepreneurs to adopt specific coping strategies, like staying under the radar and taking pains not to flaunt their success.

    Tall poppy syndrome doesn’t merely bruise enterprising egos, it can also adversely affect business decisions. The NZ study found public attacks can discourage entrepreneurs from starting or growing a business and from persevering after setbacks.

    Athletes also report being targets. Some attacks simply reflect anonymous online spite, but tall poppy attitudes also drive aggressive behaviour. One Australian study found that high performing student athletes were often victims of bullying.

    Cultural underpinnings

    Harvesting tall poppies may be common in Australia and New Zealand, but there is little evidence that it is unique to us.

    In Japan, the saying “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down” captures the idea that people should not be conspicuously different.

    Aksel Sandemose formulated ten rules to discourage anyone from feeling special.
    Oslo Museum, CC BY-SA

    The Law of Jante expresses a similar sentiment in Scandinavian countries. Despite being fictitious, invented by Danish-Norwegian novelist Aksel Sandemose, its ten rules dictate that “you’re not to think you are anything special” and “you’re not to imagine yourself better than we are”, among other humbling commandments.

    These examples are subtly different from each other: the Japanese version presents being different as undesirable; the Nordic version identifies being better or special as undesirable traits.

    In the more collectivist Japanese context, avoiding displays of individuality helps to preserve social harmony and avoid conflict. In the more individualist Scandinavian context, the key concern is maintaining social equality. The Law of Jante levels out a society where individuality is highly valued but expressions of personal superiority are not.

    These variations show that aversion to tall poppies can express two distinct values in different cultural settings: conformity via collectivism, and equality via egalitarianism.

    Values researchers think of egalitarianism in terms of a cultural dimension called “power distance”. Cultures high on this dimension value social hierarchy and accept inequalities. Low cultures prefer more equal social arrangements.

    Australia tends to score relatively low on power distance, with Scandinavian countries and New Zealand lower still, as well as scoring high on individualism. In this “horizontal” form of individualism, people are meant to strive to be distinct without desiring special status. It is therefore no surprise to find the tall poppy syndrome in these countries.

    Values in the United States also tend to be highly individualistic, but higher in power distance than in Oceania, a combination known as “vertical individualism”. Vertical individualists also value being distinct from others, but are more comfortable with inequality and with raising themselves above others.

    American culture leaves more room for tall poppies to reap rewards for their success.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    As this contrast suggests, Americans favour rewarding tall poppies more strongly than Australians. This aligns with the ethos of the “American Dream”, a cultural narrative that champions ambition and status-seeking, and the full-throated celebration of personal success.

    The future of the tall poppy syndrome

    In our age of self-promotion, with social media sites devoted to not-so-humble bragging, have we become immune to the tall poppy syndrome? Are we becoming more comfortable about standing out, or does egalitarianism remain a powerful obstacle?

    Research finds no increase in levels of narcissism in Australia, in contrast to some evidence of rising levels in the US. By implication, Australians are not becoming more willing to elevate themselves above others. Whether their attitudes to people who do so has changed remains to be seen.

    More importantly, we should ask if, in times of high and rising inequality, less egalitarianism is something to hope for. No one wants successful athletes to be lashed by public envy – but if the tall poppy syndrome reflects a commitment to social equality, perhaps a complete cure would be worse than the disease.

    A culture that attacks its tall poppies risks discouraging ambition and innovation, but one that overlooks inequality may lose sight of the collective good. Ultimately, the challenge lies in finding a balance between celebrating individual excellence and maintaining the egalitarian spirit that fosters fairness.

    Nick Haslam receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Milad Haghani 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. Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease? – https://theconversation.com/australia-and-new-zealand-are-plagued-by-tall-poppy-syndrome-but-would-a-cure-be-worse-than-the-disease-245355

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring tourism boosts consumption across China

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

    Spring is in the air when flowers bloom, tea leaves unfurl, travelers flock to gardens, orchards, and rolling hills to embrace the season’s warmth. From scenic strolls to hands-on harvests, the joy of spring spills into markets and villages, fueling tourism, cultural experiences, and rural revitalization.

    The pulse of a flourishing economy in spring is captured through the laughter of visitors, the rustle of blooming flowers, the influx of vehicles with out-of-town plates, and the hustle and bustle of vendors.

    Visitors take photos in Zhaoxing Dong Village of Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025.  [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy blooming cole flowers by a sightseeing train in Jiangling scenic spot of Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China’s Jiangxi Province, March 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists picks tea leaves at a scenic spot in Wuyi County of Jinhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors experience traditional Chinese makeup during a spring-themed fair in Yuyuan Garden Mall in east China’s Shanghai, March 20, 2025. Combining the spring floral scenery, traditional parades, performances and trendy markets, the fair offers visitors an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy leisure time at a coffee manor in Pu’er, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy meals amid blossoming flowers in Quchi Township of Wushan County, southwest China’s Chongqing, March 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists select cultural and creative products at a market amid blossoming peach blossom in Hongqiao District of Tianjin, north China, March 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows tourists enjoying cole flowers at Qianduo scenic spot in Xinghua, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. In recent years, Chating Town has actively promoted the industrialization of rapeseed cultivation by planting over 10,000 mu (about 666.67 hectares) of rapeseed. Meanwhile, the town has organized various cultural and tourism activities featuring rapeseed flowers, with an aim of integrating local agriculture and culture into tourism for rural revitalization. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Actors perform an eagle dance, a national intangible cultural heritage, in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 22, 2025. Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan in Xinjiang boasts various intangible cultural heritages. Around Spring Equinox, the fourth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar which falls on March 20 this year, the county has integrated its landscape resources with its traditional ethnic culture to hold intangible cultural heritage performances and cultural and sports activities, as a way to attract visitors and promote its tourism in spring. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 21, 2025 shows a section of Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway in Qionghai, south China’s Hainan Province. Empowered by Boao Forum for Asia, Qionghai has built an exquisite array of rural clusters and embarked on a road to rural revitalization driven by tourism. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit Shaxi Town in Jianchuan County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 17, 2025. Shaxi, a remote township in Jianchuan County, was once an important trading hub for tea, herbs, silk and salt on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade route dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The ancient temples, old alleys and caravansaries of the ancient town are reminders of past glories and attract tourists from around the world. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take a boat on the Ronghu Lake in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape, is one of China’s most iconic destinations. Nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with limestone peaks and serene rivers that attract visitors from around the world. Its unique topography and vibrant culture make it a cornerstone of Chinese tourism. Guilin’s scenic wonders, including the famous Lijiang River and Elephant Trunk Hill, highlight the city’s cultural significance and status as a must-visit location for nature lovers and travelers alike. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fourth person to appear in court after aggravated robbery, Invercargill

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have arrested and charged a fourth young person following an aggravated robbery in Invercargill.

    On Monday 24 March, Police were alerted to four people entering a store on North Road at around 3.30am.

    The group targeted cigarettes and tobacco before fleeing the area in a vehicle.

    After an extensive investigation, a fourth young person was taken into custody.

    Invercargill Police works hard to identify and locate those responsible for committing offences in our community and we would like to thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted our investigation.

    The young person appeared in Invercargill Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery and is due to reappear in mid-April.

    The three other youth previously charged are due to reappear in the coming days.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philippine and U.S. Armies Strengthen Interoperability Through Bilateral Training with Unmanned Aircraft Systems

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 5th and 7th Infantry Division and U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division engaged in a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) focusing on Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) and Medium-Range Reconnaissance (MRR) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 26, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Alkaline ionized water increases green tea polyphenols by up to 2.8 times

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Alkaline ionized water increases green tea polyphenols by up to 2.8 times

    Osaka, Japan, April 3, 2025 – Panasonic Corporation today announced that its Living Appliances and Solutions Company (Panasonic) has confirmed that green tea made with alkaline ionized water contains up to 2.8 times more polyphenols than green tea made with natural drinking water. This was achieved through joint research with Panasonic Appliances (China) Co., Ltd., Panasonic R&D Center Suzhou Co., Ltd., and Bei Wang, a professor at the School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University.
    In recent years, the number of people regularly drinking water has been increasing due to heightened health awareness, leading to a growing demand for safe and healthy water. The government is also considering strengthening the legal regulations related to water quality and reviewing the standards for water quality. Furthermore, many people use water purifiers to filter water before drinking it.
    Under such circumstances, as part of the personal care business, Panasonic recognized the potential of green tea,*1, *2 which is frequently consumed and offers various health benefits from its polyphenol content. Panasonic conducted joint research with Professor Bei Wang, a food science specialist in China, the world’s largest producer of green tea. A verification using alkaline ionized water with different pH values showed that the amount of polyphenols contained in green tea is greater when using alkaline ionized water than natural drinking water, and the higher the alkalinity, the higher the polyphenol content. It is hoped that this will enable tea to contain abundant polyphenols derived from green tea when brewed with alkaline ionized water. Please note that these are the results of the verification test described later and do not guarantee the effects in the actual usage environment or when drinking.
    With the aim of contributing to society by providing safe and secure drinking water, Panasonic will continue improving water purification and conditioning technology while pursuing its potential.

    Comments from Professor Bei Wang*3

    Tea polyphenols are essential components that determine the color, aroma, taste, and efficacy of tea leaves. They are also among the most important functional components of green tea, which has numerous health benefits, such as oxidation resistance, blood lipid adjustment, virus resistance, antibacterial effects, tumor resistance, and neuroprotection. The results of an omnibus experiment conducted at a laboratory in Beijing Technology and Business University revealed that green tea made with alkaline ionized water (pH values 8.14, 8.79, and 9.19) produced by Panasonic’s alkaline water ionizer contains more tea polyphenols than green tea made with unprocessed natural drinking water. This discovery not only provides valuable experiences to tea lovers, but it has also successfully harmonized modern science and technology with traditional food culture.

    Profile

    Bei Wang: Professor, Doctor Supervisor, and Assistant Dean of School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University. Professor Wang has extensively conducted big data research on food flavor and sensory omics and has been involved in more than 40 projects related to the food flavor and nutrition science, some of which were supported both by National Natural Science Foundation of China, . She has also published more than 100 high-level SCI research papers and obtained nearly 20 invention patents in China, as well as two USA patents and three software copy right. In addition, she has won first prize at the Shanghai Science and Technology progress Awards, first prize of China Business Federation Science and Technology Progress Award, and First Prize of the State Administration for Market Regulation Research Achievement Award for Market Regulation of China.

    ■What is alkaline ionized water?

    Figure 3 Generation of alkaline ionized water using electrolysis technology

    Alkaline ionized water is generated by electrolyzing filtered, purified water in an electrolytic cell. The cathode (negatively charged electrode) attracts hydroxide ions and hydrogen, generating alkaline ionized water, while the anode (positively charged electrode) attracts hydrogen ions and oxygen, generating mildly acidic water (Figure 3).

    Notes:
    *1 Reference: Saori Nakagawa, Takahiro Hoshi, Atsushi Kubo, and Susumu Yamato, “Determination of Tea Polyphenols in Bottled Japanese Tea Drinks and Differences in Polyphenol Content in Tea Leaves from Different Variety,” BUNSEKI KAGAKU, vol. 62, No. 1, pp. 51-55, 2013
    *2 Reference: Hirofumi Tachibana, “Molecular Nutritional Study on the Bioregulatory Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols,” Journal of Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science, vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 205-210, 2019
    *3 Panasonic asked Professor Wang for comments and edited them for publication.

    Media Contact:

    Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic CorporationPublic Relations, Corporate Policy Department, Corporate Planning CenterEmail: las-pr@gg.jp.panasonic.com

    About Panasonic Corporation
    Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,494.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about/

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build Back Better: Central Sulawei’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering tsunami, landslides, and liquefaction.

    Thousands of lives were lost, and critical transport infrastructure were damaged.

    In June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the $297.75 million Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

    Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Internasional Trade, the project aims to rebuild key public works and transport infrastructure.

    Sumarno, Head Department of Transportation Central Sulawesi Province
    After the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, the economic impact has been severe. 
    Ports, airports, and other infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, causing significant disruptions to economic activity.Following the recovery efforts, economic factors have picked up, encouraging people to engage in various activities around the port and Palu City.

    The project rehabilitated and reconstructed three ports and an airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender responsive and inclusive features.

    Donggala Port, which serves both passengers and cargo, projected to become a key logistics and passenger hub in Indonesia’s eastern region.

    Wani Port is a multipurpose port that supports agriculture, livestock transport, and government ships.

    Meanwhile, Pantoloan Port is an important gateway for the economy in Donggala and Central Sulawesi, handling various types of cargo and passenger ships.

    Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport, the largest in Central Sulawesi, is the main gateway to Palu and its surrounding areas.

    Yandi Hermawan, Branch Manager PT Dharma Lautan Utama Palu Branch 
    Compared to the old terminal, our passengers are very enthusiastic about the new Donggala Port terminal. The facilities are quite comprehensive, including air-conditioned rooms and seating area. Our passengers have also shown greater comfort at the Donggala passenger terminal.

    Alexander Allokendek, Head Palu Bay Port Authority 
    When it was built, we set a standard that accessibility for disabilities is crucial. In Donggala Port, we have tracking systems and accessible toilets, as well as proper signage. We also assist passengers all the way to the ship and back.

    Rudi Richardo, Airport Head Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport 
    Regarding gender aspects, such as nursery areas and others, these remain a focus in the rehabilitation and reconstruction project. For the disability aspect, this has already been implemented at the airport, enabling persons with disabilities to carry out their activities independently.

    Elias Katapi, Traveler with Disability
    As a person with visual impairments, there are now tactile blocks that allow us to navigate independently.

    Irmansyah, Traveler with Disability
    Before the renovation, there was no access at all for wheelchair users inside the toilet; the door was too narrow, so it was impossible to use a wheelchair. Now, it is more accessible, allowing wheelchair users to move freely from the entrance to the inside.

    With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the local government, the project became fully operational in 2024.

    Former President Joko Widodo inaugurated several of them that same year.

    The project’s implementation follows ADB safeguards to ensure compliance with social and environmental impact standards.

    Idrus, Shop Owner Donggala Port
    When there was a plan for port construction, we were invited by the local government for relocation, and we also had several meetings with AECOM, so the relocation process went smoothly.

    Twenty-nine affected shop owners in the port area were relocated to the nearby temporary sites to continue their businesses.

    The affected shop owners will move to the permanent relocation site in front of the constructed Donggala Port in early 2025.

    For airport rehabilitation, tenants relocated to temporary sites have been returned to the terminal to continue their business.

    Cici, Shop Manager Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
    Currently, everyone who was relocated has returned to their respective cafeterias upstairs. Because the air is cool inside, the place gets a lot of customers. During the relocation process,the cafeteria sellers were also given consultations by the airport authorities to ensure everything went smoothly.

    Both temporary sites in Donggala Port and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport were completed with associated facilities: electricity, water, and disposal.

    The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation infrastructure symbolize recovery.

    It highlights the power of collaboration and commitment.

    Together, we are not just recovering; we are building stronger, more inclusive features.

    We are building back better. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Major Trump Tariff Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.02.25

    Cantwell Statement on Major Trump Tariff Announcement

    Auto tariffs could increase car prices by up to $15,000 – the Port of Vancouver, WA is the largest importer of Subarus in the U.S.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald Trump announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries. The baseline tariff will go into effect April 5 and additional reciprocal tariffs will go into effect April 9. Also included in today’s announcement, Trump reiterated his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles starting at 12AM on April 3. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement:

    “As a representative of one of the most trade dependent economies in America, I disagree with President Trump’s tariffs. His announcement today will hurt sectors we care about: agriculture, manufacturing, and tech,” Sen. Cantwell said. “And ultimately, consumers will pay the price. It’s time for Congress to take action to counter the president’s trade war.”

    Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to take effect April 9 include:

    • China – 34% 
    • EU – 20%  
    • Vietnam – 46% 
    • Taiwan – 32% 
    • Thailand –36% 
    • Indonesia – 32% 
    • Switzerland – 31% 
    • India – 26% 
    • South Korea – 25% 
    • Japan – 24% 
    • Malaysia – 24% 
    • Israel – 17%  
    • Cambodia – 49%

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. 

    Today’s announcement is in addition to previous tariffs President Trump announced over the past few weeks, including on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China.  More information about how those tariffs will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE.  

    Those tariffs will also have significant impacts nationwide:

    • A 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    • Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $15,000.
    • According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.

    The tariffs could also impact West Coast ports that import automobiles, such as the Port of Vancouver, WA, which is the largest gateway for Subaru imports in the country. In 2023, 98,000 Subarus came through the Port of Vancouver.

    Last month, Sen. Cantwell joined the Washington Council of International Trade for a Q&A session on the whiplash caused by the administration’s chaotic tariff policies – and how they particularly harm the Pacific Northwest, which is among the most trade-dependent regions in the country. Sen. Cantwell said that the current administration’s approach to trade focuses on punitive tariffs, even with America’s largest trading partners and closest allies, as opposed to innovation and alliance-building. That ethos is fundamentally at odds with how the Pacific Northwest has historically built its trade-oriented economy.

    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Tokyo stocks end mixed amid uncertainty over US reciprocal tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tokyo stocks closed mixed on Wednesday amid a cautious mood before the U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs.

    Japan’s benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 101.39 points, or 0.28 percent, from Tuesday at 35,725.87.

    The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 11.44 points, or 0.43 percent, lower at 2,650.29.

    On the stock market, heavyweight semiconductor-related issues supported the benchmark Nikkei following rises by their U.S. counterparts on the Nasdaq index.

    Investors remained cautious over an additional 25 percent tariff set to be imposed as planned on Thursday on all cars made outside the United States, analysts said. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signs executive order on ‘reciprocal tariffs’ amid widespread opposition

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Amid widespread opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” imposing a 10-percent “minimum baseline tariff” and higher rates on certain trading partners.

    All imports would be subject to 10 percent additional tariffs, except as otherwise provided, the executive order said. This will take effect on April 5.

    Trump will impose an “individualized reciprocal higher tariff” on the countries and regions with which the United States “has the largest trade deficits,” according to a White House document. This will take effect on April 9.

    In his speech at the White House Rose Garden, Trump presented a chart on “reciprocal tariffs.” The chart shows that different countries and regions face different tariff rates.

    For example, China will face a 34-percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, Vietnam 46 percent, Japan 24 percent, India 26 percent, South Korea 25 percent, Thailand 36 percent, Switzerland 31 percent, Indonesia 32 percent, Malaysia 24 percent, and Cambodia 49 percent.

    Some goods will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff, including steel and aluminum, as well autos and auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber, the White House noted.

    Despite Trump’s claim that higher tariffs will help bring in revenue for the government and revitalize U.S. manufacturing, economists have warned that such measures will push up prices for U.S. consumers and businesses, disrupt global trade, and hurt global economy. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: African fashion brands debut at Shanghai Fashion Week, eyeing Chinese market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South African designer Jessica Jane (R) and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founders of South African fashion brand Molebatsi, display their collections at the trade exhibition MODE during Shanghai Fashion Week in east China’s Shanghai, March 25, 2025. [PhotoXinhua]

    At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China’s burgeoning “debut economy.”

    Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques.

    Themed “Innovascape,” the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions.

    Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE.

    “This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China,” said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market.

    “Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world,” Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

    She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics.

    Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a “test drive.”

    A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi.

    South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China’s Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing.

    During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. “China’s long history and traditional culture fascinated me,” she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China.

    “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China,” said Wandile Molebatsi. “There’s a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it’s very exciting.”

    Aristide Loua, from Cote d’Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. “I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback,” Loua said.

    “As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world’s most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market — not as a niche, but as a mainstream force,” said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai.

    Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places.

    “My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion,” Raphael Deray said.

    “As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance,” said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee.

    Recently, the “debut economy” has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies.

    Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the “debut economy” is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption.

    Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city.

    “We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash causing delays – State Highway 2 Kaitoke

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    Drivers travelling between Upper Hutt and Wairarapa need to be prepared for delays as emergency services and contractors attend a crash scene near Kaitoke.

    The southbound lane of State Highway 2 is closed near Waterworks Road following a two-vehicle crash reported around 12:30 this afternoon.

    Stop/Go traffic management is currently in place at the crash site, and drivers can expect delays until the scene is cleared.

    The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating, meaning traffic management is likely to remain in place until its work is complete.

    Drivers must follow all instructions of emergency services and contractors on site and take extra care when travelling through the crash site.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Thousands of submissions excluded from Treaty Principles Bill report

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Thousands of New Zealanders’ submissions are missing from the official parliamentary record because the National-dominated Justice Select Committee has rushed work on the Treaty Principles Bill.

    The committee finished more than a month ahead of the 14 May deadline set by Parliament with the report expected to be presented and available tomorrow.

    “Labour sought an extension of time so that all submitters could be heard and their submissions put on the permanent record. Instead, the Justice Select Committee has rammed it through with outrageous haste,” Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said.

    “This is an appalling lack of process on a hugely consequential bill.

    “David Seymour told Cabinet that there would be six months of consultation before the select committee, and a Cabinet Minute confirmed that it would be considered until the week of 16 May.

    “Now, with Government members rushing to report the bill back early, the process is exposed for what it really is—a sham.

    “This shows utter contempt for the many New Zealanders who took the time to submit and whose views are now missing from the record.

    “Many of these submitters will have found making a submission challenging. This Bill seeks to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and many of us did not want to have this debate at all. Now the committee is telling them all that effort, that time and emotion, wasn’t worth their time.  

    “The New Zealand public were forced to have their say on this Bill, now the Government is not doing them the justice of including what thousands of them said,” Duncan Webb said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Global: New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    We now have a clearer picture of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the United States itself.

    The US administration claims these tariffs on imports will reduce the US trade deficit and address what it views as unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. Trump said this would

    forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed.

    The “reciprocal” tariffs are designed to impose charges on other countries equivalent to half the costs they supposedly inflict on US exporters through tariffs, currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers levied on US goods.

    Each nation received a tariff number that will apply to most goods. Notable sectors exempt include steel, aluminium and motor vehicles, which are already subject to new tariffs.

    The minimum baseline tariff for each country is 10%. But many countries received higher numbers, including Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), China (34%), Indonesia (32%), Taiwan (32%) and Switzerland (31%).

    The tariff number for China is in addition to an existing 20% tariff, so the total tariff applied to Chinese imports is 54%. Countries assigned 10% tariffs include Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    Canada and Mexico are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, for now, but goods from those nations are subject to a 25% tariff under a separate executive order.

    Although some countries do charge higher tariffs on US goods than the US imposes on their exports, and the “Liberation Day” tariffs are allegedly only half the full reciprocal rate, the calculations behind them are open to challenge.

    For example, non-tariff measures are notoriously difficult to estimate and “subject to much uncertainty”, according to one recent study.

    GDP impacts with retaliation

    Other countries are now likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on US imports. Canada (the largest destination for US exports), the EU and China have all said they will respond in kind.

    To estimate the impacts of this tit-for-tat trade standoff, I use a global model of the production, trade and consumption of goods and services. Similar simulation tools – known as “computable general equilibrium models” – are widely used by governments, academics and consultancies to evaluate policy changes.

    The first model simulates a scenario in which the US imposes reciprocal and other new tariffs, and other countries respond with equivalent tariffs on US goods. Estimated changes in GDP due to US reciprocal tariffs and retaliatory tariffs by other nations are shown in the table below.



    The tariffs decrease US GDP by US$438.4 billion (1.45%). Divided among the nation’s 126 million households, GDP per household decreases by $3,487 per year. That is larger than the corresponding decreases in any other country. (All figures are in US dollars.)

    Proportional GDP decreases are largest in Mexico (2.24%) and Canada (1.65%) as these nations ship more than 75% of their exports to the US. Mexican households are worse off by $1,192 per year and Canadian households by $2,467.

    Other nations that experience relatively large decreases in GDP include Vietnam (0.99%) and Switzerland (0.32%).

    Some nations gain from the trade war. Typically, these face relatively low US tariffs (and consequently also impose relatively low tariffs on US goods). New Zealand (0.29%) and Brazil (0.28%) experience the largest increases in GDP. New Zealand households are better off by $397 per year.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world (all nations except the US) decreases by $62 billion.

    At the global level, GDP decreases by $500 billion (0.43%). This result confirms the well-known rule that trade wars shrink the global economy.

    GDP impacts without retaliation

    In the second scenario, the modelling depicts what happens if other nations do not react to the US tariffs. The changes in the GDP of selected countries are presented in the table below.



    Countries that face relatively high US tariffs and ship a large proportion of their exports to the US experience the largest proportional decreases in GDP. These include Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, South Korea and China.

    Countries that face relatively low new tariffs gain, with the UK experiencing the largest GDP increase.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by $149 billion (0.49%) because the tariffs increase production costs and consumer prices in the US.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world decreases by $155 billion, more than twice the corresponding decrease when there was retaliation. This indicates that the rest of the world can reduce losses by retaliating. At the same time, retaliation leads to a worse outcome for the US.

    Previous tariff announcements by the Trump administration dropped sand into the cogs of international trade. The reciprocal tariffs throw a spanner into the works. Ultimately, the US may face the largest damages.

    Niven Winchester has previously received funding from the Productivity Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to estimate the impacts of potential trade policies. He is affiliated with Motu Economic & Public Policy Research.

    ref. New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest – https://theconversation.com/new-modelling-reveals-full-impact-of-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-with-the-us-hit-hardest-253320

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly joins President Trump at White House for “Make America Wealthy Again” event

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, joined President Donald J. Trump and other lawmakers at the White House where the President unveiled new tariffs and economic policies to level the playing field and make American businesses more competitive on the global stage.

    The event, titled “Make America Wealthy Again,” was held in the Rose Garden to commemorate what President Trump has designated as “Liberation Day.”

    “President Trump has made it clear: the America First agenda is focused on creating American jobs and strengthening national security. This is critically important to ensure not only free trade with other nations, but fair trade in this global economy,” said Rep. Kelly.

    On Tuesday, Rep. Kelly, a co-chair of the House Automotive Caucus, joined NewsNation to discuss the importance of auto tariffs, the President’s goal to make more automobiles in the United States, and to rejuvenate the American auto industry.

    BACKGROUND

    The success of tariffs

    • A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    • A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission — which analyzed the effects of President Trump’s Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports — found the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the affected goods, and had very minor effects on downstream prices.
    • According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and had only a fleeting effect on overall prices.
        — Economic Policy Institute: “Following implementation of Sec. 232 measures in 2018—and prior to the global downturn in 2020—U.S. steel output, employment, capital investment, and financial performance all improved. In particular, U.S. steel producers announced plans to invest more than $15.7 billion in new or upgraded steel facilities, creating at least 3,200 direct new jobs, many of which are now poised to come online.”

    Prior to President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, Israel and Vietnam are among the countries that have dropped their tariffs on the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police statement on TAIC report

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson:

    Police accept the findings of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Maritime Inquiry MO-2022-206 into the charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher capsize in Goose Bay, 10 September 2022.  

    This was a terrible incident for the community and our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and friends, and the community.

    Police is continuing work with Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on the findings of the report. 

    In addition to supporting a large number of events led by RCCNZ, Police manages more than 2,000 land and marine search and rescue (SAR) incidents each year.

    RCCNZ and Police continue to collaborate on opportunities to enhance operational SAR responses, and continue with regular practice SAR exercises. Our on-call practices and tasking processes have been streamlined and continue to be improved. 

    The joint Maritime Rescue Plan for Tasman has now been prepared and is in the final stages of being signed off. Standard operating procedures have also been updated to include that Police’s National Dive Squad must be contacted for advice and availability in life-threatening water rescue events.

    This investigation by TAIC has been important for all of us to learn from. We are putting recommendations in place and looking at where we can support partner agencies across all the recommendations.

    You can read the report at: https://www.taic.org.nz/inquiry/mo-2022-206

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-Evening Report: New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    We now have a clearer picture of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the United States itself.

    The US administration claims these tariffs on imports will reduce the US trade deficit and address what it views as unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. Trump said this would

    forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed.

    The “reciprocal” tariffs are designed to impose charges on other countries equivalent to half the costs they supposedly inflict on US exporters through tariffs, currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers levied on US goods.

    Each nation received a tariff number that will apply to most goods. Notable sectors exempt include steel, aluminium and motor vehicles, which are already subject to new tariffs.

    The minimum baseline tariff for each country is 10%. But many countries received higher numbers, including Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), China (34%), Indonesia (32%), Taiwan (32%) and Switzerland (31%).

    The tariff number for China is in addition to an existing 20% tariff, so the total tariff applied to Chinese imports is 54%. Countries assigned 10% tariffs include Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    Canada and Mexico are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, for now, but goods from those nations are subject to a 25% tariff under a separate executive order.

    Although some countries do charge higher tariffs on US goods than the US imposes on their exports, and the “Liberation Day” tariffs are allegedly only half the full reciprocal rate, the calculations behind them are open to challenge.

    For example, non-tariff measures are notoriously difficult to estimate and “subject to much uncertainty”, according to one recent study.

    GDP impacts with retaliation

    Other countries are now likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on US imports. Canada (the largest destination for US exports), the EU and China have all said they will respond in kind.

    To estimate the impacts of this tit-for-tat trade standoff, I use a global model of the production, trade and consumption of goods and services. Similar simulation tools – known as “computable general equilibrium models” – are widely used by governments, academics and consultancies to evaluate policy changes.

    The first model simulates a scenario in which the US imposes reciprocal and other new tariffs, and other countries respond with equivalent tariffs on US goods. Estimated changes in GDP due to US reciprocal tariffs and retaliatory tariffs by other nations are shown in the table below.



    The tariffs decrease US GDP by US$438.4 billion (1.45%). Divided among the nation’s 126 million households, GDP per household decreases by $3,487 per year. That is larger than the corresponding decreases in any other country. (All figures are in US dollars.)

    Proportional GDP decreases are largest in Mexico (2.24%) and Canada (1.65%) as these nations ship more than 75% of their exports to the US. Mexican households are worse off by $1,192 per year and Canadian households by $2,467.

    Other nations that experience relatively large decreases in GDP include Vietnam (0.99%) and Switzerland (0.32%).

    Some nations gain from the trade war. Typically, these face relatively low US tariffs (and consequently also impose relatively low tariffs on US goods). New Zealand (0.29%) and Brazil (0.28%) experience the largest increases in GDP. New Zealand households are better off by $397 per year.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world (all nations except the US) decreases by $62 billion.

    At the global level, GDP decreases by $500 billion (0.43%). This result confirms the well-known rule that trade wars shrink the global economy.

    GDP impacts without retaliation

    In the second scenario, the modelling depicts what happens if other nations do not react to the US tariffs. The changes in the GDP of selected countries are presented in the table below.



    Countries that face relatively high US tariffs and ship a large proportion of their exports to the US experience the largest proportional decreases in GDP. These include Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, South Korea and China.

    Countries that face relatively low new tariffs gain, with the UK experiencing the largest GDP increase.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by $149 billion (0.49%) because the tariffs increase production costs and consumer prices in the US.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world decreases by $155 billion, more than twice the corresponding decrease when there was retaliation. This indicates that the rest of the world can reduce losses by retaliating. At the same time, retaliation leads to a worse outcome for the US.

    Previous tariff announcements by the Trump administration dropped sand into the cogs of international trade. The reciprocal tariffs throw a spanner into the works. Ultimately, the US may face the largest damages.

    Niven Winchester has previously received funding from the Productivity Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to estimate the impacts of potential trade policies. He is affiliated with Motu Economic & Public Policy Research.

    ref. New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest – https://theconversation.com/new-modelling-reveals-full-impact-of-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-with-the-us-hit-hardest-253320

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian first technology delivering better care at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 03/04/2025

    A new state-of-the-art system is speeding up the delivery of samples from the Emergency Department to ACT Pathology, allowing clinicians to receive results faster and start patient treatment earlier.

    The first of its kind in Australia, the Tempus600 is an automated sample tube delivery system connecting the Emergency Department to ACT Pathology on the Canberra Hospital campus.

    Team members in the Emergency Department place a patient sample contained in a test tube in a ‘hole in the wall’, and the sample is delivered directly to laboratory analysers, with no human intervention.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new sample delivery system eliminates manual processes to prepare, pack and unpack samples, reduces the possibility of error, and frees up time to focus on other important tasks.

    “Most clinical sample delivery systems require multiple steps to prepare and send a sample, which can create a bottleneck at certain points in the process of sending a sample to the laboratory,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The new Tempus system is one touch technology – put the clinical sample in the Tempus machine, and the system does the rest. Samples take approximately 40 seconds to travel from the Emergency Department to the lab in Pathology, which is a big time-saver when processing around 100,000 clinical samples each year.”

    “This new technology means samples can be analysed sooner, which leads to faster patient diagnosis, earlier treatment, and a shorter stay in hospital. The system is also directly linked into the Digital Health Record, maintaining accuracy and assurance of the right test results for the right patients.

    “In addition to speeding up the delivery of clinical samples, the Tempus system also provides greater consistency in how long it takes for results to be available. When treating a seriously ill patient in Emergency, these factors can make all the difference to their health outcomes.”

    Quotes attributable to Greg Brylski, Executive Director of Pathology and Allied Health, Canberra Health Services:

    “The implementation of the Tempus Pathology system at Canberra Health Services offers a significant advancement in delivering patient centred care. The Tempus streamlines pathology workflows allowing faster access to patient results, without compromising patient care.

    “This Australian first innovation brings pathology services closer to the patient, facilitating quicker diagnoses while efficiently reducing administrative burdens on the healthcare system, when our healthcare professionals are required to focus on patient care.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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