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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK boosts Somalia security with additional £7.5 Million to ATMIS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The United Kingdom announces a further funding to support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to bolster Somalia’s security.

    The United Kingdom has provided a further £7.5 million to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This latest round of funding builds on earlier contributions and increases the total amount of financial support from the United Kingdom to both ATMIS and AMISOM since 2021 to £77 million. ATMIS plays a vital role in Somalia’s security, protecting key areas including population centres, supply routes and infrastructure. It continues to support the Somali National Army in joint operations, facilitating humanitarian aid, and safeguarding political processes including elections. 

    UK funds have enabled ATMIS to improve Somalia’s security by combatting al-Shabaab and reducing the group’s influence. ATMIS troops also provide protection for Somali civilians as they work to ensure a more stable and secure Somalia to the benefit of its people and the region. The new funding will fund military stipends for troops from the five troop-contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda), and will help ATMIS to complete its mandate of a phased handover of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces. The activities of ATMIS are crucial to Somalia’s journey towards security and stability, but these require consistent international support.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

    The UK is a close and longstanding partner of Somalia and a leading donor to ATMIS. By supporting ATMIS, we are not only investing in Somalia’s security today but also in its stability and prosperity tomorrow. I encourage traditional and non-traditional partners to financially support the successor mission to ATMIS to ensure a secure and stable future for all Somalis and the region.

    Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, welcomed UK support, noting:

    This funding is critical in supporting the efforts of ATMIS and Somali security forces. We appreciate the UK’s continued partnership in rebuilding a safer and secure Somalia. The continued support of our partners will remain vital as we work towards a sustainable security environment in our country.

    The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution and emphasised the importance of continued international support:

    I wish to sincerely thank the British Embassy for its continued support to the AU and for this generous and timely £7.5 million contribution to ATMIS. We urge other partners to follow the UK’s example and invest in Somalia’s security to ensure lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.

    This latest contribution reinforces the UK’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security and stability for a safer and more prosperous future, while also ensuring regional stability.

    Note to Editors

    • UN Security Council Resolution (2748) adopted on 16 August 2024 authorises African Union Member States to continue to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel – inclusive of 1,040 police personnel, to ATMIS until 31 December 2024.

    • You can follow UK activity in Somalia on X and Facebook and at British Embassy Mogadishu.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eagleby company and director fined, handed suspended jail term, in one of Queensland’s worst cases of asbestos offences

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 16 Oct 2024

    Open larger image

    Illegally dumped waste on Eagleby property

    The Beenleigh Magistrates Court has handed down a scathing sentence for one of Queensland’s worst-ever illegal asbestos waste matters, following an extensive investigation by Queensland’s environmental regulator.

    Asbestos Demolition Specialists has been fined $400,000, and the company’s director has copped a $100,000 fine and a suspended jail term after pleading guilty to a number of offences relating to the illegal operation of a waste facility in Eagleby.

    The asbestos removal and demolition company pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 including:

    • two offences for carrying out an environmentally relevant activity without an environmental authority,
    • five offences for wilfully contravening an environmental protection order (EPO),
    • one offence for wilfully and unlawfully depositing a prescribed water contaminant, and
    • one offence for wilfully and unlawfully causing material harm.

    In addition to the $400,000 fine, the company has been ordered to pay a monetary benefit order of $75,544, representing the licence fees for the activity. The company and its director were issued with a rehabilitation order to restore the impacted land.

    The company’s director, Mr Anthony Palmer, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure his company complied with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act. He was fined $100,000 and sentenced to nine months imprisonment wholly suspended for three years.

    The Court recorded convictions against both defendants and ordered they pay $12,645 each in legal and investigation costs.

    During sentencing, the Court found the offending activities were deliberate and extensive, and noted it was one of Queensland’s largest criminal asbestos waste matters.

    Queensland’s environmental regulator, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI), began investigating the site in 2020 after officers conducted a series of site inspections and observed large amounts of illegally disposed construction waste, including asbestos.

    Due to the site’s location on the banks of the Albert River and other nearby water bodies, and its proximity to residential properties, the site was not licenced to receive any waste including asbestos-contaminated waste.

    In June 2020, DESI issued the company with a Direction Notice which required it to immediately stop receiving and disposing of waste at the site, and to remove any onsite waste. In July 2021, DESI issued the company with a penalty infringement notice for failing to comply with the Direction Notice, and an EPO.

    Mr Palmer and the company repeatedly failed to comply with the department’s statutory notices, and during follow up site inspections throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022, environmental officers continued to observe old and new waste on site including asbestos.

    Quotes attributable to Brad Wirth, Executive Director, Industry Development and South East Compliance, DESI

    “As the environmental regulator, it is our role to implement and enforce legislation that protects the environment and safeguards our communities.

    “It is vital that operators and individuals comply with the laws and regulations to ensure their activities do not harm our precious environment, and we will take strong action against those who fail to meet these expectations.

    “The repeated and serious nature of these offences, and the lack of action from the company and Mr Palmer is extremely disappointing.

    “The outcome from the Court reflects the seriousness of these offences.

    “The handling, management and disposal of asbestos waste is strictly regulated by the department to protect the health and safety of our communities, and the environment.

    “The Albert River is home to a diverse ecosystem and provides crucial habitat to number of flora and fauna species. Its conservation is essential to the area’s biodiversity, and it is simply unacceptable that Mr Palmer and his company put its health at risk.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Assistant Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste

    Turkey has ramped up its partnership with Somalia in recent months. It is helping Somalia defend its waters, and has signed a deal to explore for oil and gas off the east African nation’s coast.

    There have also been reports of advanced discussions to have Turkey set up a missile and rocket testing site in Somalia.

    These agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic and economic aspirations in the broader Horn of Africa region.

    Over the past four years, there has been a steady increase in Turkish partnerships and agreements for the export of defence-related products to the region. This has included the use of Turkish drones in conflict zones, such as Libya and Ethiopia.

    I have studied Turkey’s historical and current involvement in Somalia to understand what’s driving Ankara’s policy in the Horn of Africa. In my view, Turkey’s involvement is driven by multiple factors. These include international status-seeking, regional balance and strategic concerns.

    The opening of a training facility in Mogadishu has increased Turkey’s strategic depth in the Horn of Africa, projecting the country towards both sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. And the use of Turkish drones in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict has shown Turkish defence arrangements have become a factor in local dynamics.

    Somalia’s appeal

    Turkey’s interest in Somalia dates back to 2010-2011. At the time, Somalia was grappling with the devastating effects of 20 years of civil war, failed international interventions and the emergence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terror group. In addition, the country was devastated by a famine that claimed more than 250,000 lives.

    Somalia presented Turkey with several opportunities to establish a footprint in a region of high geostrategic value, and to enhance its image in Africa and globally.

    First, there was a lack of interest in the country from major international players. Apart from anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Aden and the US focus on the war on terror, international players watched Somalia with a certain detachment.

    Turkey saw an opportunity to benefit from taking a leading role in an international crisis scenario.

    Read more: Al-Shabaab is just a symptom of Somalia’s tragedy – the causes are still in place

    Second, the world’s attention focused on the Arab world. The region was facing a wave of pro-democracy protests dubbed the Arab Spring. Somalia and the suffering of the Somali people were quickly forgotten by the international community.

    Turkish policymakers saw the country’s isolation as an opportunity to gain international popularity and visibility on the continent.

    Turkey took a multifaceted approach in Somalia. This encompassed humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives and economic investment. Turkey also supported state-building efforts and the reconstruction of Somalia’s security apparatus.

    Internal dynamics

    The financial and political resources that Turkey has invested in Somalia are driven by regional and domestic political considerations.

    Regionally, 2016 to 2021 was a period of tension between Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Somalia and the competition for influence in its politics became one of the main areas of confrontation.

    Domestically, Turkey has been able to portray its involvement in a way that’s boosted the ruling party’s standing. In addition, engagement in the Horn of Africa meets the demands of various business groups. This includes construction and defence companies that are close to the ruling political elite.

    Intervention in Somalia plays an important role in the narrative of Turkish political elites associated with Turkey’s ruling party, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party).

    The party is a conservative but non-confessional party with Islamist roots. A significant proportion of the party’s supporters consider voluntary charity (sadaqa) to be the duty of a good Muslim. As a result, Turkey’s foreign and domestic interests converged with the government’s policy to support crisis-stricken Muslim communities. This includes those in Somalia. Here, Turkey has framed its involvement as a political and humanitarian success story. The Turkish public views it as such.

    Read more: Turkey’s foray into Somalia is a huge success, but there are risks

    Turkey has been able to bolster its security and defence ties at a rapid pace. The country’s Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (Defence Industry Agency of Turkey) reports directly to the president. Established as a state body in 1985, the agency gained prominence in 2017 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had it placed under the direct authority of the presidency.

    This has made concluding defence agreements – a key factor of Ankara’s foreign policy – much faster.

    Turkey has also used the opportunity to increase its involvement in the energy sector. Ankara has long aspired to play a pivotal role as a major energy hub in the wider region. It has considered establishing exploration operations off the coast of Somalia. Like all emerging powers, Turkey has a thirst for energy. This explains its July 2024 oil and gas exploration deal with Somalia.

    Turning point

    Ankara’s February 2024 defence agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey-Somalia cooperation.

    The agreement deepens defence ties between the two countries. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to train and equip the Somali navy. It will also help patrol Somalia’s extensive 3,333-kilometre coastline. Turkey’s focus is on maritime activities. This is a strategic choice largely influenced by the unstable conditions in Somalia, where exerting control over territory is difficult.

    Read more: Red Sea politics: why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters

    The deal is a response to changes in the regional landscape and the ongoing reconfiguration of power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

    This has included:

    Somalia’s decision to pursue diplomatic ties and defence agreements with Turkey needs to be understood against this backdrop.

    – Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy
    – https://theconversation.com/somalia-and-turkey-are-becoming-firm-allies-whats-behind-this-strategy-240578

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation Oct 16, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation
    Oct 16, 2024

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] At GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, during the summit themed “Leading Infrastructure to Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence”, Huawei released the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The white paper aims to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the electric power industry.
    At the summit, Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, Honorary Chairman of IEEE UAE Section, and Marcio Szechtman, Ex-CIGRE Technical Council Chair, introduced the industry standards, development trends, and digital transformation progress of power distribution facilities.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of the Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivered a keynote speech where he discussed how the changing structure of the power system has shifted the focus of power companies. With the rapid development of new energy, power companies are facing challenges such as difficulty in managing multiple access points and monitoring the power supply, as well as issues with interaction and consumption. The key to addressing these challenges lies in the distribution network. Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) aims to help power companies build intelligent distribution network by reducing line loss, improving power supply reliability, and enhancing management of distributed photovoltaic and charging pile groups.
    In addition, security and reliability have always been a top priority for the power system. To address issues such as rapid expansion of equipment scale, exponential growth in power technology complexity, and equipment exceeding its service life in the power generation and transformation fields, Huawei has proposed Intelligent Power Station Solution and Intelligent Substation Solution to support power companies in transitioning from passive to active operation and moving towards predictive maintenance. At the same time, power companies are looking to improve OPEX efficiency through digital means, particularly by reducing communication costs through target network communication, reducing system construction costs through digital architecture reconstruction, and reducing labor costs through talent transformation.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivering a keynote speech

    Li Shenglei, Technical Director of the R&D Center of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Information and Communication Company, spoke of the latest practices of the IDS in State Grid Shaanxi. He said, “The latest version of high-speed power line communications (HPLC) is extremely helpful to us. The ability to identify the topology is crucial for measuring line loss and responding to emergencies. The HPLC and RF test outcomes are sufficient for most service scenarios.”
    Huawei and partners jointly releasing the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power

    The load side presents the biggest challenge for the future power system, and improving backbone communication network is crucial in addressing this challenge. Huawei has partnered with global power partners to release the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The release ceremony was attended by Sabu Mathew, CEO of 3W Networks, Sam Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of Himark, Nick Liu, Vice President of Enterprise Optical Domain, Huawei, and Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions for Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei.
    Nick Liu said in his speech, “The fgOTN in the OTN architecture offers several benefits, including providing transmission channels of high reliability, low latency, and high efficiency for small-granularity services like electric power. It can also easily increase network bandwidth for future digital and intelligent development, making it an excellent solution for upgrading SDH networks and constructing digital and intelligent grid networks.”
    In the future, Huawei will continue to work with customers and partners to pave the way for intelligent electric power through scenario-driven and joint innovation.
    For more details about the white paper, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/material/optical/8e117dd97abf4236b4f0e7b0063282ec

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] At GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, during the summit themed “Leading Infrastructure to Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence”, Huawei released the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The white paper aims to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the electric power industry.
    At the summit, Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, Honorary Chairman of IEEE UAE Section, and Marcio Szechtman, Ex-CIGRE Technical Council Chair, introduced the industry standards, development trends, and digital transformation progress of power distribution facilities.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of the Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivered a keynote speech where he discussed how the changing structure of the power system has shifted the focus of power companies. With the rapid development of new energy, power companies are facing challenges such as difficulty in managing multiple access points and monitoring the power supply, as well as issues with interaction and consumption. The key to addressing these challenges lies in the distribution network. Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) aims to help power companies build intelligent distribution network by reducing line loss, improving power supply reliability, and enhancing management of distributed photovoltaic and charging pile groups.
    In addition, security and reliability have always been a top priority for the power system. To address issues such as rapid expansion of equipment scale, exponential growth in power technology complexity, and equipment exceeding its service life in the power generation and transformation fields, Huawei has proposed Intelligent Power Station Solution and Intelligent Substation Solution to support power companies in transitioning from passive to active operation and moving towards predictive maintenance. At the same time, power companies are looking to improve OPEX efficiency through digital means, particularly by reducing communication costs through target network communication, reducing system construction costs through digital architecture reconstruction, and reducing labor costs through talent transformation.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivering a keynote speech

    Li Shenglei, Technical Director of the R&D Center of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Information and Communication Company, spoke of the latest practices of the IDS in State Grid Shaanxi. He said, “The latest version of high-speed power line communications (HPLC) is extremely helpful to us. The ability to identify the topology is crucial for measuring line loss and responding to emergencies. The HPLC and RF test outcomes are sufficient for most service scenarios.”
    Huawei and partners jointly releasing the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power

    The load side presents the biggest challenge for the future power system, and improving backbone communication network is crucial in addressing this challenge. Huawei has partnered with global power partners to release the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The release ceremony was attended by Sabu Mathew, CEO of 3W Networks, Sam Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of Himark, Nick Liu, Vice President of Enterprise Optical Domain, Huawei, and Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions for Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei.
    Nick Liu said in his speech, “The fgOTN in the OTN architecture offers several benefits, including providing transmission channels of high reliability, low latency, and high efficiency for small-granularity services like electric power. It can also easily increase network bandwidth for future digital and intelligent development, making it an excellent solution for upgrading SDH networks and constructing digital and intelligent grid networks.”
    In the future, Huawei will continue to work with customers and partners to pave the way for intelligent electric power through scenario-driven and joint innovation.
    For more details about the white paper, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/material/optical/8e117dd97abf4236b4f0e7b0063282ec

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for August 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The August data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024
    • there has been an annual price rise of 2.8% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £293,000

    England

    In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 1.6% since July 2024. The annual price rise of 2.3% takes the average property value to £310,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.7%
    • The South West saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 4.6%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price Aug 2024 Annual change % since Aug 2023 Monthly change % since July  2024
    East Midlands £250,000 2.1 1.4
    East of England £344,000 1.4 1
    London £531,000 1.4 2.2
    North East £166,000 1.7 1.5
    North West £225,000 4.6 2.4
    South East £385,000 1.6 1.4
    South West £321,000 0.8 -0.3
    West Midlands £255,000 2.6 1.1
    Yorkshire and the Humber £219,000 4.4 2.7

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales June 2024
    East Midlands 12
    East of England 0
    London 8
    North East 18
    North West 6
    South East 8
    South West 6
    West Midlands 7
    Yorkshire and the Humber 7
    England 72

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug  2023 Difference %
    Detached £466,000 £463,000 0.8
    Semi-detached £299,000 £290,000 3.3
    Terraced £258,000 £251,000 2.5
    Flat/maisonette £257,000 £251,000 2.4
    All £310,000 £303,000 2.3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £290,000 1.7 1.5
    Mortgage £320,000 2.6 1.6
    First-time buyer £260,000 3.1 2.1
    Former owner occupier £350,000 1.5 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £443,000 25.9 -1.2
    Existing resold property £300,000 1.1 0.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.2% since July 2024. An annual price fall of 1.4% takes the average property value to £531,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £1,036,000 £1,058,000 -2.1
    Semi-detached £687,000 £677,000 1.5
    Terraced £580,000 £573,000 1.1
    Flat/maisonette £443,000 £434,000 2
    All £531,000 £524,000 1.4

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £545,000 0.6 3.2
    Mortgage £526,000 1.7 1.9
    First-time buyer £461,000 2.3 2.8
    Former owner occupier £604,000 0 1.1

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £618,000 23 0.2
    Existing resold property £525,000 0 1.1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 2.6% since Jul 2024. An annual price increase of 3.5% takes the average property value to £223,000

    There were 9 repossession sales for Wales in Jun 2024.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £328,000 £323,000 1.7
    Semi-detached £217,000 £208,000 4.1
    Terraced £177,000 £170,000 4.2
    Flat/maisonette £147,000 £140,000 4.7
    All £223,000 £215,000 3.5

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £216,000 3.1 3.1
    Mortgage £227,000 3.8 2.4
    First-time buyer £194,000 4.4 2.8
    Former owner occupier £256,000 2.6 2.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £336,000 25.7 -0.9
    Existing resold property £211,000 0.9 0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the year to Aug 2024, up from the revised estimate of 1.8% in the 12 months to July 2024. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.5% between July 2024 and Aug 2024, up 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (July and Aug 2023).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in Aug 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 90,000. This is 5.4% higher than a year ago (Aug 2023). Between July 2024 and Aug 2024, UK transactions decreased by 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire & The Humber where prices increased by 2.7% in the year to Aug 2024. The highest annual growth was in the The North West, where prices increased by 4.6% in the year to Aug 2024.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the September 2024 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 Novemeber 2024. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit http://www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Five Strategic Steps to Unlock Armenia’s Data Center Potential for Economic Growth

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Armenia’s data center industry offers significant opportunities for economic growth, with strategic reforms in regulation, financing, and technological innovation playing crucial roles. Addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering public-private partnerships will help position Armenia as a regional digital hub.

    Armenia is poised for a digital transformation with the development of its data center industry. This sector holds promise for the country’s digital economy. 

    Key opportunities such as regulatory considerations, financing strategies, and the need for technological advancements must be embraced to leverage this industry for economic growth and digital innovation.

    Armenia’s strategic location, coupled with its growing tech-savvy population and vibrant ICT ecosystem, make it a candidate for becoming a regional data hub. However, the current infrastructure and regulatory environment need improvements to attract international investments and foster local innovation. Addressing these issues is important for Armenia to unlock its potential.

    The development of Armenia’s data center industry presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth.

    To overcome these challenges, five steps can be taken:

    Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to facilitate easier entry and operation for data center companies. Simplifying the process for obtaining necessary permits and licenses, as well as creating a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework, can create a more business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investors.

    Financial Incentives: Providing financial support and incentives to attract investments in the data center sector. This could involve infrastructure support and sustainability incentives to companies that invest in building and operating data centers in Armenia. Additionally, exploring the establishment of public-private partnerships to share the financial risks and rewards of developing this critical infrastructure is essential. 

    Technological Upgrades: Investing in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. This includes adopting energy-efficient cooling systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing cutting-edge data management and security solutions. Staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that Armenia’s data centers are competitive and reliable on a global scale.

    Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can drive innovation and growth in Armenia’s data center industry. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors, Armenia can accelerate development and build a more resilient digital economy. Successful examples of such partnerships can be seen in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and India.

    Capacity Building: Developing a skilled workforce to support the data center industry through training and education programs. Offering specialized courses and certifications in data center management, cybersecurity, and related fields ensures that Armenia has the talent needed to sustain and grow its data center industry over the long term.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for the region. 

    Successful implementation of these recommendations could position Armenia as a digital hub in Central Asia, attracting international investments and fostering regional cooperation. The ongoing efforts to address these challenges are already showing promising results, with several key players expressing interest in the Armenian market.

    Moreover, the growth of the data center industry in Armenia could have a positive ripple effect on other sectors of the economy. For example, the increased demand for high-speed internet and reliable power supply could spur investments in telecommunications and energy infrastructure. 

    Additionally, the development of data centers could create new opportunities for local MSMEs (such as construction companies, equipment suppliers, and service providers) which are important contributors to economic welfare. 

    Armenia has the potential to become a center for data-driven innovation and research. By attracting leading technology companies and research institutions, Armenia can foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens. This could include initiatives such as smart city projects, digital health solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

    Armenia has a lot of untapped captive renewables that can be harnessed to power these data centers sustainably. By leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, Armenia can ensure that the growth of its tech sector is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact but also positions Armenia as a leader in green technology and sustainable development. 

    While there are many positive aspects to consider, it is also important to address the potential environmental impact of data centers and the importance of sustainable practices in their development. 

    Data centers are known for their high energy consumption and carbon footprint, so it is crucial to adopt green technologies and practices to minimize their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, and adopting sustainable building practices.

    Additionally, the role of cybersecurity in ensuring the safety and reliability of data centers is another critical area that needs attention. As data centers store and process vast amounts of sensitive information, they are prime targets for cyberattacks. 

    Therefore, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches, hacking, and other cyber threats. This includes investing in advanced security technologies, conducting regular security audits, and providing cybersecurity training for employees.

    Continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial for Armenia’s data center industry. To stay competitive, data centers must adopt the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability.

    If Armenia successfully addresses these challenges, it could unlock significant economic benefits and position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future of Armenia’s digital landscape depends on the actions taken today, making it imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and drive the necessary changes.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth. By addressing the key challenges and implementing the recommended solutions, Armenia can create a thriving data center industry that benefits not only the local economy but also the broader region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Creating opportunities for Canadian industry through an enabling Canada–European Space Agency partnership

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Longueuil, Quebec, October 16, 2024 — Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydRON-DS mission.

    Consisting of a ring of 10 satellites around Earth, HydRON-DS will use laser communications to provide high-performance Internet in space at unprecedented speeds for government and commercial users. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to Canada’s long-standing and fruitful partnership with ESA, that allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the privileged position of being the only non-European cooperating state of ESA.

    President Campbell also highlighted other concrete outcomes of this agreement for Canadian companies, such as:

    • Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
    • C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will design and build a calibration transponder for the Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world’s forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
    • Québec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will provide the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”

    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”

    – Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA

    “ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”

    – Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General

    Quick facts

    • The Cooperation Agreement between Canada and ESA was first signed in 1979, most recently renewed in 2019.

    • Europe is the second-largest trading partner for Canada’s space sector after the U.S. ESA is among the largest space agencies in the world and undertakes a wide range of space missions and activities that the Canadian space sector is well positioned to engage in.

    • Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement.

    • From October 14 to 18, the CSA is attending the 75th edition of the IAC organized in Milan, Italy. The IAC is the largest space-related conference worldwide offering the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.

    Contacts

    Canadian Space Agency
    Media Relations Office
    Telephone: 450-926-4370
    Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
    Website: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca
    Follow us on social media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Acquires KinaTrax, Inc. to Expand Its Sports Data Business into Player Performance

    Source: Sony

    October 16, 2024

    Marking a new expansion into the biomechanics and player performance space

    Sony Corporation
    Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Tokyo, Japan / Basingstoke, United Kingdom – Oct. 16, 2024 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Sony welcomed KinaTrax, Inc. (“KinaTrax”), a leader in research-grade markerless motion capture technology for sports that collects in-game biomechanical performance data on athletes, into Sony’s sports businesses through a recent acquisition.

    Joining forces with Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited (“Hawk-Eye”), a Sony group company that forms an integral part of Sony’s sports businesses, KinaTrax will bring its trusted biomechanical and analytical expertise, as well as its markerless motion capture technology to Sony’s portfolio and is expected to further create synergy to maximize the use of sports data for athletes, teams, leagues and fans alike.

    Hawk-Eye, Beyond Sports and Pulselive form the core foundation of Sony’s sports businesses, with a shared commitment to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world around sports data technologies. Welcoming KinaTrax bolsters Sony’s capability to serve important use cases for sports data, such as analysis and biomechanics for coaching, scouting and athletes’ performance.

    Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive and Beyond Sports stated: “By welcoming KinaTrax into the family, we are excited to further expand our offering, under our mission of unlocking the power and emotion of sport through data. We are incredibly privileged to partner with an overwhelming majority of the top global sports leagues, and this acquisition allows us to broaden our proposition through new biomechanical insights in the critical and growing field of player performance.”

    Steven Cadavid, President of KinaTrax also said: “We’re excited to become part of Sony and its sports businesses, and to bring our know-how to complement the powerful tech Hawk-Eye, Pulselive, and Beyond Sports have developed and are delivering today. The future of sports is in deeper data tracking and the creation of smarter insights through innovative technology. With Sony, by enhancing KinaTrax’s expertise in capturing and delivering biomechanical performance data, we aim to contribute to provide sports leagues, teams and players with the best insights to improve performance and pursue success.”

    KinaTrax, Inc.

    KinaTrax provides professional and collegiate teams with game-changing insights focusing on teams’ most valuable asset: their athletes. The company delivers research-grade markerless motion capture technology that allows teams to collect in-game biomechanical performance data. The camera systems are currently deployed in over 75 stadiums and labs across MLB, MiLB, and NCAA organizations, and are expanding into other sports leagues.

    The comprehensive sets of tools for data capture and analysis are operationalized for daily use by players, GMs, coaches, trainers, medical staff, and researchers, providing value that goes beyond traditional scouting, training, and rostering.

    About Sony Corporation

    Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
    For more information, visit: Sony Corporation – Home

    • *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

    About Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Hawk-Eye has been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. The world’s biggest sporting events trust Hawk-Eye to make the right call when it matters most.

    Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies make sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed. Hawk-Eye’s innovations are constantly changing the face of sports officiating, production, content management, and fan engagement in every sport.

    Hawk-Eye forms a key part of Sony’s sports businesses with a shared mission to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Assistant Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste

    Turkey has ramped up its partnership with Somalia in recent months. It is helping Somalia defend its waters, and has signed a deal to explore for oil and gas off the east African nation’s coast.

    There have also been reports of advanced discussions to have Turkey set up a missile and rocket testing site in Somalia.

    These agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic and economic aspirations in the broader Horn of Africa region.

    Over the past four years, there has been a steady increase in Turkish partnerships and agreements for the export of defence-related products to the region. This has included the use of Turkish drones in conflict zones, such as Libya and Ethiopia.

    I have studied Turkey’s historical and current involvement in Somalia to understand what’s driving Ankara’s policy in the Horn of Africa. In my view, Turkey’s involvement is driven by multiple factors. These include international status-seeking, regional balance and strategic concerns.

    The opening of a training facility in Mogadishu has increased Turkey’s strategic depth in the Horn of Africa, projecting the country towards both sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. And the use of Turkish drones in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict has shown Turkish defence arrangements have become a factor in local dynamics.

    Somalia’s appeal

    Turkey’s interest in Somalia dates back to 2010-2011. At the time, Somalia was grappling with the devastating effects of 20 years of civil war, failed international interventions and the emergence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terror group. In addition, the country was devastated by a famine that claimed more than 250,000 lives.

    Somalia presented Turkey with several opportunities to establish a footprint in a region of high geostrategic value, and to enhance its image in Africa and globally.

    First, there was a lack of interest in the country from major international players. Apart from anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Aden and the US focus on the war on terror, international players watched Somalia with a certain detachment.

    Turkey saw an opportunity to benefit from taking a leading role in an international crisis scenario.



    Read more:
    Al-Shabaab is just a symptom of Somalia’s tragedy – the causes are still in place

    Second, the world’s attention focused on the Arab world. The region was facing a wave of pro-democracy protests dubbed the Arab Spring. Somalia and the suffering of the Somali people were quickly forgotten by the international community.

    Turkish policymakers saw the country’s isolation as an opportunity to gain international popularity and visibility on the continent.

    Turkey took a multifaceted approach in Somalia. This encompassed humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives and economic investment. Turkey also supported state-building efforts and the reconstruction of Somalia’s security apparatus.

    Internal dynamics

    The financial and political resources that Turkey has invested in Somalia are driven by regional and domestic political considerations.

    Regionally, 2016 to 2021 was a period of tension between Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Somalia and the competition for influence in its politics became one of the main areas of confrontation.

    Domestically, Turkey has been able to portray its involvement in a way that’s boosted the ruling party’s standing. In addition, engagement in the Horn of Africa meets the demands of various business groups. This includes construction and defence companies that are close to the ruling political elite.

    Intervention in Somalia plays an important role in the narrative of Turkish political elites associated with Turkey’s ruling party, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party).

    The party is a conservative but non-confessional party with Islamist roots. A significant proportion of the party’s supporters consider voluntary charity (sadaqa) to be the duty of a good Muslim. As a result, Turkey’s foreign and domestic interests converged with the government’s policy to support crisis-stricken Muslim communities. This includes those in Somalia. Here, Turkey has framed its involvement as a political and humanitarian success story. The Turkish public views it as such.



    Read more:
    Turkey’s foray into Somalia is a huge success, but there are risks

    Turkey has been able to bolster its security and defence ties at a rapid pace. The country’s Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (Defence Industry Agency of Turkey) reports directly to the president. Established as a state body in 1985, the agency gained prominence in 2017 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had it placed under the direct authority of the presidency.

    This has made concluding defence agreements – a key factor of Ankara’s foreign policy – much faster.

    Turkey has also used the opportunity to increase its involvement in the energy sector. Ankara has long aspired to play a pivotal role as a major energy hub in the wider region. It has considered establishing exploration operations off the coast of Somalia. Like all emerging powers, Turkey has a thirst for energy. This explains its July 2024 oil and gas exploration deal with Somalia.

    Turning point

    Ankara’s February 2024 defence agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey-Somalia cooperation.

    The agreement deepens defence ties between the two countries. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to train and equip the Somali navy. It will also help patrol Somalia’s extensive 3,333-kilometre coastline. Turkey’s focus is on maritime activities. This is a strategic choice largely influenced by the unstable conditions in Somalia, where exerting control over territory is difficult.



    Read more:
    Red Sea politics: why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters

    The deal is a response to changes in the regional landscape and the ongoing reconfiguration of power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

    This has included:

    Somalia’s decision to pursue diplomatic ties and defence agreements with Turkey needs to be understood against this backdrop.

    Federico Donelli is a Senior Research Associate at the Istituto di Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI) in Milan and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Orion Policy Institute (OPI) in Washington D.C.

    – ref. Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy – https://theconversation.com/somalia-and-turkey-are-becoming-firm-allies-whats-behind-this-strategy-240578

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives offer £20,000 reward in relation to 2004 murder of Camille Gordon in Soho

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for brutally stabbing a student to death at the club she worked at in Soho.

    Camille Gordon, 23, who was training to be a nursery assistant, was brutally murdered on the doorstep of her workplace on 1 March 2004.

    Despite extensive enquiries by the Met over the past 20 years, her killer has not yet been brought to justice.

    Today (Wednesday, 16 October), detectives appeared on the BBC’s Crimewatch Live with a re-newed appeal to catch Camille’s murderer.

    Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team, who is leading the investigation, said:     “It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

    “A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.”

    Camille was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in 2001 to study as a nursery assistant in Birmingham. She moved to London in August 2003 to find better career prospects and at the time of her death she was living in South Norwood.

    She started working part-time as a hostess at the Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street, Soho, to help fund her training.

    The club offered female company for a short period of time, but no sexual activity took place.

    At about 18:30hrs on 1 March 2004, Camille was working on the door of the club when a man approached her.

    He entered the club, paying an admission fee of £5, and went to a private area with Camille.

    After a short while, another member of staff presented the male customer with a bill for £375. He was unable to pay the full amount, so he paid £80 and was escorted to the exit by the other member of staff.

    The customer left the venue and walked along Archer Street towards the junction with Rupert Street. He returned to the venue shortly after, but upon seeing a different member of staff he raised both hands in a submissive manner and went off towards Rupert Street.

    At about 19:10hrs Camille returned to the door of the club when a man was seen to enter the doorway before very quickly leaving, walking at pace along Archer Street towards Great Windmill Street.

    Camille screamed and staggered down the stairs into the club where she told colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she died from her injuries about an hour later.

    A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

    Detectives are keen to speak to the unknown customer in relation to Camille’s murder

    We have today released enhanced CCTV footage and images of this unknown customer, whom officers believe to be responsible for Camille’s murder, entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He is described as black, aged 20-25 and 5’5″-5’8″. He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

    Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2024, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a CID officer about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before CID got there and he never returned.

    Detectives are urging this man to get in touch so he can share the information he has. He is described as white, about 35 years old, about 5’8″, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Policy Address: Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 16) announced his third Policy Address entitled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, setting out a range of initiatives to create new impetus for economic development, improve people’s livelihood and enhance their quality of life.         Mr Lee said, “In this Policy Address, I will continue to follow through the ‘four proposals’ put forward by President Xi Jinping in his important speech delivered on July 1, 2022. I will also outline our vision and objectives for reforms and changes, as well as the related key measures and key performance indicators.     “Reform is a continuous process. Over the past two years, my team and I have focused on economic growth and on improving people’s livelihood through development, with the well-being of the people of Hong Kong close to our hearts. This Policy Address will deepen our reforms and explore new growth areas.”Consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre      Hong Kong has established strengths as an international centre for finance, shipping and trade, which are closely intertwined and can be developed in a synergistic and complementary manner.     On the financial front, the Policy Address sets out the strategic development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre on all fronts. It strives to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub, enhance the asset and securities markets, and develop Hong Kong into an international gold trading market through measures such as building world-class gold storage facilities and strengthening the trading mechanism and regulatory framework. This will in turn drive demand for related services such as collateral and loan businesses, opening up new growth areas of the financial sector.     On the shipping side, the existing Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board will be reconstituted into the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board. Additional funding will be provided to enhance its research capabilities, strengthen its Mainland and overseas promotional work and step up manpower training, encouraging more Mainland and overseas maritime service enterprises to establish presence in Hong Kong, promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s maritime industry. The Government will advance the development of Hong Kong into a green maritime centre, while at the same time exploring the introduction of tax concessions and facilitate international commodity exchanges to set up accredited warehouses in Hong Kong, so as to establish a commodity trading ecosystem, especially for the storage and delivery of non-ferrous metal products, further promoting the development of Hong Kong’s maritime and trading services.     In respect of the trade sector, the Government will establish a high-value-added supply chain service centre. Through measures such as enriching a high value-added supply chain services mechanism and enhancing export credit services, as well as making good use of the new opportunities brought about by the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services, the Government will seek to attract Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up their headquarters or corporate divisions in Hong Kong. The Government will continue to vigorously expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks, with particular emphasis on strengthening Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with and marketing efforts in emerging markets, so as to enable Hong Kong to exert a greater role in the country’s opening up to the world. Moreover, the Government will reduce the import duty on liquor, fostering trading of liquor and boosting development of high value-added industries.Develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions     The core element of new quality productive forces is to achieve high quality economic development through technological empowerment. The Government is striving to expedite Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. On top of the additional investment put in over the past two years, a $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up to guide more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology and artificial intelligence. The Government will also launch the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme to attract professional start-up service providers to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong, fostering the robust growth of start-ups.     The Policy Address also proposed the establishment of the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy. Starting with projects on low-altitude applications, the working group will designate specific venues for such purposes, draw up regulations and design the institutional set-up,  study and map out plans to develop the required infrastructure and networks, and promote interface with the Mainland, pushing forward development of the low-altitude economy.    At the same time, the Government is committed to promoting new energy development, such as green maritime fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen energy. The Government will also expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices, establish the Real-World Study and Application Centre, and join hands with Shenzhen to establish the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform to enhance Hong Kong’s clinical trial capability and accelerate registration of new drugs, developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.Build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talents     To boost synergy and effectiveness of policies, the Policy Address introduced the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents to co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talents. In addition to reforming various aspects of the talent admission regime to build a quality talent pool for long-term development, the Government will endeavour to create the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to attract overseas students, launch a pilot scheme to support the market to flexibly increase the supply of self-financed and private student hostels, and map out the development plan of the Northern Metropolis University Town. These measures aim to expedite the development of Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education, bringing in more global high-calibre talents.Promote integrated development of culture, sports and tourism and foster economic diversification     Promoting integrated development of culture, sports and tourism is the objective of this term of Government in setting up the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Government will reinforce the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District to take a leading role in establishing an industry chain for the arts and culture and creative industries of Hong Kong. The Government will also strive to develop the Kai Tak Sports Park into a sports and mega event landmark, building an international sports mega event hub. The Government will publish the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, putting emphasis on promoting areas including culture, sports, ecology and mega events, with a view to revitalising Hong Kong’s tourism industry. A Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots will be set up to strengthen cross-departmental co-ordination, and to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity and with strong appeal in various districts.     Hong Kong is facing economic restructuring. To assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to cope with the prevailing challenges, the Government will put in place a range of support initiatives. Key measures include: relaunching the principal moratorium to offer SMEs flexibility in managing cash flows; injecting $1 billion into the BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales) to facilitate upgrading of enterprises; expanding the scope of the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to cover the industries of tourism and personal services; and launching the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions 2.0. In addition, a Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy will be set up to implement measures in five areas, namely consumption, industry, quality assurance, financial and security arrangements, and productivity, meeting the growing needs of the elderly and help the industry to seize business opportunities.Take forward the Northern Metropolis as growth engine and deepen GBA collaboration     To take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis, it was announced in the Policy Address to explore the establishment of a pilot industrial park in the Northern Metropolis by granting it to a company established and led by the Government. The company will, in accordance with the Government’s industrial policies, be responsible for formulating the park’s development and operation strategies. To expedite the development, the Government will adopt, on a pilot basis, a large-scale land-disposal approach, for collective development by successful bidders. In addition, the Steering Committee on the Hong Kong Shenzhen I&T Park in the Loop, chaired by the Chief Executive, will formulate the overall strategy, planning and layout for the development of the Hong Kong Park. The Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone will be published later this year. Improve people’s livelihood in pursuit of happiness     This year, the Policy Address outlined a number of new measures on different livelihood areas, including land creation and housing construction and healthcare, making Hong Kong a better place to live and enjoy life.     On housing, a system on the renting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings will be devised, through legislation, to tackle the long-standing problem of SDUs at its roots in an orderly manner. The Government will also enhance the housing ladder to allow more people to realise their aspiration for home ownership.     Regarding healthcare, as noted in the Policy Address, the Government will deepen the reform of the healthcare system, strengthen public and primary healthcare services and promote the development of primary healthcare on all fronts, and boost healthy fertility. The Government also supports the plan, by local universities, to establish a third medical school. The Government will set aside sites in Ngau Tam Mei to build a new campus and an integrated medical teaching and research hospital.     To improve people’s livelihood, the Government will continue to take forward and enhance various measures for targeted poverty alleviation and focusing on different needs of the underprivileged. Meanwhile, the Government will regularise the funding provision for Care Teams and increase funding in the next term of service to strengthen support for their work. The Policy Address also proposed to reform the roles of the Employees Retraining Board to devise skills-based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce, and lift the restriction on educational attainment of trainees.     Mr Lee concluded, “This Policy Address deepens the reforms that I have introduced since I became Chief Executive. It presents enhanced measures to boost the economy and improve people’s livelihood. It seeks to address the prevailing needs of our people, while mapping our vision and long-term goals for building a brighter future for Hong Kong. I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to go from strength to strength and attain new heights. Through our united efforts to reform and innovate, our economy will go even stronger and our people will lead a better life, making Hong Kong a shining city.”     A Supplement offering more backgrounds and details of various policy measures has been compiled with this year’s Policy Address. For related information and key initiatives of the Policy Address, please visit http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transport infrastructure promoted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee highlighted today that the Government is actively following through on the Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint for Hong Kong, under which Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line are to commence construction this year and next year for tentative completion in 2030 and 2034 respectively.

    Delivering his 2024 Policy Address, Mr Lee pointed out that cross-boundary railway projects are pressing ahead at full speed, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) and the NOL Spur Line, to enhance linkage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

    Devoted to taking forward the three smart and green mass transit systems, and for compressing the time required for construction, the Government invited suppliers and operators to submit expressions of interest for the East Kowloon and Kai Tak projects this August. Expressions of interest for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen projects will be invited later this year.

    Through innovative implementation mode and construction methods, the Government aims to complete the Kai Tak project three years ahead of the original target completion date.

    To promote a green and low-carbon lifestyle, the Government will expand the community recycling network by increasing public collection points from about 500 at present to 800.

    I · PARK 1, the first waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste, is expected to begin operation next year. The construction of I · PARK 2 will also be taken forward, working towards the goal of zero landfills.

    The Government will continue to assess public views on, and participation in, waste reduction, and report to the Legislative Council by mid-2025.

    With a view to expanding the city’s waste-to-resources capacities, the Government will establish a common legislative framework for the producer responsibility schemes applicable to different products, facilitating the future inclusion of such products as plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons progressively.

    In relation to green industry, the Environment & Ecology Bureau is assisting two local companies in setting up production lines to upcycle local waste materials into high-value products – core materials for electricity-free cooling products and acoustic metamaterial products.

    The Government will inject $100 million for a new round of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme to expedite green transformation, renovation and the upgrading of local factories and Hong Kong-owned factories in the Guangdong Province, bringing Hong Kong closer to its carbon-neutrality targets.

    The Chief Executive also outlined his plan to expand the charging network for electric vehicles.

    Through the electric vehicle (EV) charging at Home Subsidy Scheme and the gross floor area concession arrangement, about 200,000 EV-charging parking spaces are expected to be available by mid-2027. The Government will earmark $300 million for a new scheme, providing subsidies to the private sector for installing quick-charging facilities. The target is to have a total of 3,000 quick chargers installed by 2030.

    Mr Lee added that two vacant petrol-filling station sites were granted for conversion into quick-charging stations earlier this year. Expressions of interest from the industry will be invited next year to repurpose existing petrol-filling station sites as charging stations, with topside development for other purposes under the single site, multiple use model.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ESAs respond to the European Commission’s rejection of the technical standards on registers of information under the Digital Operational Resilience Act and call for swift adoption

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – the ESAs) today issued an Opinion on the European Commission’s (EC) rejection of the draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on the registers of information under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The ESAs raise concerns over the impacts and practicalities of the proposed EC changes to the draft ITS on the registers of information in relation to financial entities’ contractual arrangements with ICT third-party service providers.   

    The draft ITS proposed by the ESAs were rejected by the EC on the grounds that it is necessary to allow financial entities the choice of identifying their ICT third-party service providers registered in the EU either by using the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) or by using the European Unique Identifier (EUID). 

    In the ESAs view, the EC’s proposal of adding an additional identifier, allowing EU-based companies to use the EUID, will cause unnecessary complexity and could have negative impacts on the implementation of DORA by financial entities, competent authorities and the ESAs. 

    The ESAs note that, although the EUID is available free of charge to EU-registered companies, its introduction in the registers of information would entail unforeseen implementation and maintenance efforts for the financial entities. In particular, it would limit the access to and  the possibility for verification of the information by the financial entities and competent authorities. This would lead to a potential increase in the overall reporting burden for financial entities in the context of DORA. In addition, the coexistence of two identifiers could bring additional complexity that would negatively impact the quality of data used, and risk delays in the designation of critical ICT third-party service providers (CTPPs) by the ESAs.

    If the EC decides to proceed with the introduction of the EUID, despite the above concerns, additional changes to the draft ITS will be necessary. The Opinion indicates how the draft ITS should be adapted further to cater for the use of the EUID. Without these changes, the ITS could not be practically applied for a proper identification of the ICT third-party service providers, which would negatively impact the designation of CTPPs. The ESAs also note that in the case of co-existence of both LEI and EUID, the financial entities should be given the preference for using LEI, especially where both identifiers are available to them, and for the case of groups, it is important to ensure homogeneity in the registered identification codes for all ICT third-party service providers.

    The ESAs call for the final decision on the use of identifiers and the swift adoption of the draft ITS by the EC. This is particularly relevant for the ESAs, who will be designating CTPPs in 2025. Finally, leveraging on the experience of the dry run exercise, the ESAs call financial entities to increase their implementation efforts in order to be ready to submit their registers of information to the competent authorities in the first half of 2025.

    Background and legal basis

    Article 28(9) of DORA (Regulation (EU) 2022/2554) mandates the ESAs to develop draft ITS to establish the standard templates for the register of information referred to in Article 28(3) of DORA. The draft ITS was developed and submitted by the ESAs to the EU Commission on 17 January 2024.

    The registers of information maintained by the financial entities serve as an important input for the ESAs’ work on the designation of CTPPs that will be subject to the oversight by the ESAs.

    On 3 September 2024, the European Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure set out in the fourth subparagraph of Article 15(1) of the ESAs Regulations, notified the ESAs of the rejection of the ITS on the basis of the envisaged mandatory use of the LEI to identify ICT third-party service providers under Article 3(5) and (6) of the draft ITS.

    Pursuant to Article 15(4) of the ESAs Regulation, the ESAs prepared this Opinion on the proposed amendments to the draft ITS by the EU Commission. In addition, the ESAs also suggested some other changes to the draft ITS based on the experience and feedback received from the industry during  the ‘dry run’ exercise the ESAs carried out during 2024 to support the industry in the preparation for submission of the registers of information and to test the reporting process. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business Tendency Survey results published16 October 2024 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024. Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    16 October 2024

    ​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024.

    Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation of their business compared to three months earlier and their expectations for the next three months.​

    Please note that the Business Tendency Survey was discontinued in September 2024; please see the statement from the Chief Statistician for further details. The statistical publication calendar​ has been updated to remove previously planned release dates after October 2024. 

    We would like to thank all respondents for their valuable participation over the years.

    Business activity indicator

    • The headline all-sector business activity indicator was moderately positive, at +10 percentage points (pp); this means the proportion of businesses that reported an increase was 10 pp higher than those that reported a decrease.
      • the business activity indicator was strongly positive for the finance sector (+28 pp) and neutral for the non-finance sector (+2 pp)

    Current indicators

    • One of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one indicator was moderately negative (profitability), and two indicators were moderately positive (product prices and business activity), while the other four current indicators were neutral.
      • for the finance sector, there were five positive current indicators: two strongly positive and three moderately positive, whilst there was one strongly negative indicator (input costs) and two were neutral
      • for the non-finance sector, one of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one was strongly negative (profitability), and one was moderately negative (business optimism); in contrast, one indicator was strongly positive (product prices) and the other four were neutral
    • The overall picture was essentially the same as last quarter; the only notable changes being a moderate increase in the employment indicator and a moderate decrease in the product prices indicator.

    Outlook for next quarter – the three months to December 2024

    • The outlook for future business activity was moderately positive (+19 pp). 
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+46 pp) and neutral for non finance (+7 pp)
    • The overall future employment outlook was moderately positive (+10 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+40 pp) and neutral for non finance (-3 pp)
    • The overall future input costs outlook was extremely negative (-51 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly negative for finance (-35 pp) and extremely negative for non finance (-58 pp)
    • The overall future product prices outlook was strongly positive (+30 pp).
      • the indicator was moderately positive for finance (+20 pp) and strongly positive for non finance (+35 pp) 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Metropolis project to be expedited

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee says the Government will expedite the implementation of economic and housing-related projects in the Northern Metropolis while maintaining a prudent fiscal position, highlighting that some 60,000 housing units will be completed in the next five years.

    Unveiling his third Policy Address today, Mr Lee said the Government is taking an innovative approach to advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis. This involves exploring the establishment of a pilot industrial park by means of granting some of the logistics sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (NDA) to a company established and led by the Government.

    The company will, in accordance with the Government’s industrial policies, be responsible for formulating the park’s development and operational strategies, and will decide whether to accept strategic investment. Details will be announced in the first quarter of next year.

    Separately, the Government will also consider flexible disposal of land to meet the development needs of individual industries, with a view to driving industrial development.

    Moreover, the Government will adopt, on a pilot basis, a large-scale land disposal approach, under which sizable land parcels with commercial value and earmarked for the provision of community facilities will be selected and granted to successful bidders for collective development. 

    This approach is aimed at speeding up development of the land parcels, enabling a more co-ordinated approach to their design. Three land parcels, each of 10 to 20 hectares, have been identified as pilot sites.

    Entering maturity

    Noting that the Northern Metropolis project will gradually enter its maturity phase, Mr Lee said that in the next five years some 60,000 housing units there, involving about 10 new public rental housing estates, will be completed and ready for intake. 

    In the same period, the first batch of land at the San Tin Technopole will be offered to the market, and the new Huanggang Port building, providing co-location of immigration and customs clearance, will be completed.

    In the subsequent five‑year period, the number of new housing units will increase by about 150,000, with over 10 million sq m of gross floor area becoming available for economic uses. The first joint-user government building, in Kwu Tung North, will also be put to use, and the expanded North District Hospital will be ready for service.

    As for transport infrastructure, construction of the Northern Link Main Line is scheduled for completion in 2034, and the Northern Metropolis Highway (San Tin Section) is set to open in 2036.

    Mr Lee said that apart from enhancing the quality of life of Hong Kong people, these developments will significantly boost the city’s economic growth and bolster its technology industries, while providing a living environment that will help to attract talents and encourage them to settle in Hong Kong for good.

    The way forward

    The Government will seek funding for the first stage of the San Tin Technopole’s infrastructure and begin construction works this year. The target is to deliver about 20 hectares of new innovation and technology (I&T) sites in phases, beginning in 2026-27, for the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation’s development and operation. 

    In addition, the second phase of the Yuen Long South NDA will begin in mid-2025. The preliminary development proposal for Ngau Tam Mei will be announced imminently, with land being reserved for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town, a third medical school and an integrated teaching hospital. 

    This will be followed by the announcement of preliminary development proposals for the New Territories North New Town and the Ma Tso Lung area before the end of this year.

    The rezoning process for Sandy Ridge in the North District will begin this year, with its I&T sites being expanded to 10 hectares.

    I&T zone

    Mr Lee said the “Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone” will be published later this year.

    It will set out innovative policies to facilitate the flow of personnel, materials, capital and data between the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park in the zone, making the co-operation zone a crucial source of new quality productive forces for the country.

    In addition, the Government is boosting both the speed and quantity of the Hong Kong Park project, which will be developed in two phases from west to east.

    The first-phase development’s gross floor area will be doubled to 1 million sq m. Construction of the first three buildings will be completed in phases, from the end of this year.

    The first batch of tenants, from the life and health technology, AI, data science and other pillar industries, will begin to move in next year. The remaining five buildings will be completed in the coming five years.

    The Government is also exploring with the Mainland authorities the trial implementation of innovative facilitation measures.

    These include facilitating cross-boundary travel of designated personnel from the two parks, enabling the cross-boundary movement of materials by using low altitude, unmanned aerial vehicles, and facilitating cross-boundary fund transfers by Mainland enterprises settling in the Hong Kong Park.

    Bay area strengths

    Turning to Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, Mr Lee said he has established the Steering Group on Integration into National Development to lead the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of the community to be more proactive in promoting the integrated development of Hong Kong and the Mainland, particularly the Mainland cities of the GBA.

    The Chief Executive said the Government will continue to promote GBA development by building a higher level of connectivity, facilitating policy innovations and breakthroughs, pursuing wider harmonisation of rules and mechanisms, and expediting the co-ordinated development of I&T and related industries.

    The Government will work with the Dongguan Municipal Government, among others, to jointly develop a permanent Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Dongguan Logistics Park.

    It will also seek to combine the strengths of the HKIA and Zhuhai Airport by enhancing the Fly Via Zhuhai Hong Kong direct passenger service and promoting the development of the international air-cargo business in collaboration with the Zhuhai Municipality.

    On recognition of professional qualifications, Mr Lee said that following the establishment, in collaboration with Guangdong, of an evaluation mechanism in relation to post titles for the first batch of Hong Kong engineering professionals, the Government will do the same for other construction professions on a gradual basis. 

    The Government is also collaborating with Guangdong and Macau to create GBA Standards on the skill levels of skilled workers in the construction sector, and will adopt the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement. Under this arrangement, those who pass examinations adopting the GBA Standards can concurrently obtain vocational skill certificates issued by the three places.

    To accelerate development of the pharmaceutical industry, the Government will work to enable the cross-boundary use of data, samples, drugs and medical devices through the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform and the Real World Study & Application Centre in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $1.6 billion

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $1.6 billion
    Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $1.6 billion
    ****************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs mounted an operation codenamed “Spark II” yesterday and today (October 15 and 16). Five local men, aged between 34 and 71, were arrested for conspiracy or aiding to “deal with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO). They included a former compliance officer and a company secretary of a money changer, a bank staff member and former company directors. The total amount involved was about $1.6 billion.         In October last year, Customs mounted an operation codenamed “Spark” and cracked down on a money changer suspected of money laundering in which the compliance officer laundered about $600 million from unknown sources by setting up a shell company. After an in-depth follow-up investigation, it was further found that the compliance officer manipulated two other shell companies and opened a total of 23 accounts at a number of local banks to deal with over 4 000 suspicious transactions since 2020. Meanwhile, the investigation also found that a bank staff member was suspected of assisting the relevant arrested persons to evade the bank’s monitoring of customers’ transactions.          During the operation, a number of mobile phones were seized and the five persons who were suspected of assisting in dealing with the suspected crime proceeds in the accounts were arrested.          The investigation is ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.          Customs reminds members of the public that they risk committing the crime of money laundering if they use bank accounts to assist in dealing with money from unknown sources, regardless of whether a monetary reward is involved.          Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.          Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2024Issued at HKT 17:12

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ‘Distance is not a problem’: HSE develops cooperation with think tanks of BRICS countries

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    At the end of September Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) HSE held a meeting with representatives of analytical centers from Brazil, India, and Egypt. The participants considered the possibilities of cooperation, including conducting joint surveys and comparative studies, and discussed the formation of common databases and joint publications on foresight and scientific and technical policy. A decision was also made to prepare a draft multilateral agreement on the establishment of the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

    Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and Director of the ISSEK, welcomed the participants and presented an overview of HSE research activities in areas of possible cooperation, focusing in particular on those conducted by the team of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

    ISSEK comprises 19 research centres and two international laboratories, with over 240 employees, making it the largest research unit of the Higher School of Economics. The key areas of the institute’s activities are statistical measurements and forecasting of development directions in science, technology, innovation, education, the digital economy and creative industries. ISSEK scientists analyse scientific, technical and innovation policies implemented in Russia and around the world, and study the factors of sustainable economic growth, social welfare and competitiveness.

    ISSEK is implementing a number of large-scale research projects. The Doing Science in Russia study analyzes the current state of Russian science and its development prospects. The Russian Cluster Observatory, which studies the innovative and creative development of cities and regions, publishes two ratings: the Innovative Development Rating of Russian Regions and the HSE Global Cities Innovation Index. In the third, recently published edition, the authors examine more than 1,000 agglomerations with the largest number of high technologies and creative leaders from 144 countries. Hundreds of ISSEK research projects use the results of the unique iFORA big data mining system developed by its team.

    Leonid Gokhberg outlined potential areas of cooperation between ISSEK and foreign partners in the framework of joint research, publications and courses in such areas as foresight, the use of big data, scientific and technical policy, the business climate in the field of science and technology, the digital economy, the creative economy, and innovative urban development.

    The Director of the ISSEK also proposed the creation of a BRICS Foresight Research Association, which would promote cooperation in the field of futures research.

    Fernando Rizzo, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE, Brazil), introduced the audience to the history and activities of the organization. CGEE was founded in 2001 and has 115 employees. The center supports decision-making processes on topics related to science, technology and innovation. CGEE experts evaluate and monitor public policies, identify promising technologies and competencies, conduct foresight studies, and provide strategic consulting services for decision-making. CGEE includes several research observatories: Information Services for Science, Technology and Innovation; Space Technology Observatory; Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory; Innovation Observatory for Sustainable Cities; Bioeconomy Observatory; Digital Transformation Observatory.

    In 2024, CGEE organized the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation, a major event that attracted a total of 30,000 participants from 27 Brazilian states. The conference presented the Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence (BPAI) 2024-2028.

    Dr. Mohamed Ramadan Rezk, Director of the Egyptian Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (ESTIO, Egypt), began his presentation with the surprising idea that foresight existed as far back as Ancient Egypt, where the future, i.e. life after death, was depicted on bas-reliefs. In its modern sense, foresight research began in Egypt in 1975, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations conducted a study on the demographic impact of potential development strategies from 1975 to 1985. ESTIO was established in February 2014 as a subordinate organization of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) to develop science, technology and innovation indicators, conduct foresight studies and raise awareness of foresight in Egypt. Later, in 2021, the North African Applied Systems Analysis Center (NAASAC) was established as a collaboration between ASRT, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria and the National Planning Institute of Egypt. Its activities include developing an online educational program on applied research; organizing joint applied research on issues relevant to decision makers in Egypt, North Africa and the Arab States; and providing advisory services to governments and businesses. ASRT conducts foresight research in areas such as energy, water, the impact of COVID-19 on society, and climate change.

    Dr. Gautam Goswami, Principal Scientist, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC, India), shared the strengths of his organization. TIFAC is a technology think tank under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It brings together eminent experts from government agencies, research institutes, universities and industry. TIFAC focuses on areas such as assessing the country’s technology needs and forecasting promising areas of technology development. Since 1996, TIFAC has been publishing a series of reports called “The Future of Technology” (the first and second editions set the forecast horizon for 2020 and 2035; the report “The Future of Technology – 2047” is currently being prepared). The council’s experts also prepare other short- and long-term foresight reports, as well as the Technology Market Research Report, which tracks new technologies, collects patent information, and maintains databases of technologies and experts. TIFAC also provides foresight training to industry professionals, government officials, and academics.

    Iwao Ohashi from Japan, Advisor for Japan and Asia Pacific Countries to the Association of Industrial Parks of Russia, shared his opinion on the prospects for Russia’s technological development under sanctions. He believes that Russia should develop cooperation in technology and innovation with the BRICS countries. Joint foresight studies are also very important, and Iwao Ohashi believes that the creation of the BRICS Foresight Research Association would be a very promising idea. Mr. Ohashi noted that in the near future, China will most likely become a global leader in innovation. At the same time, he emphasized that “we need to make a strategic bet on the creation of Russian innovation centers within the country and in its regions, as well as invite foreign experts to Russia.”

    Following the presentations, ISSEK scientists exchanged ideas for cooperation with foreign participants. Dirk Meissner, Head ofLaboratory of Innovation Economy and academic director of the master’s program “Governance in the field of science, technology and innovation“, mentioned cooperation with colleagues from the University of Campinas in Brazil. “Geographical distance is no longer a problem,” said Dirk Meissner, emphasizing the importance of communication and education online.

    Liliana Proskuryakova, Head of DepartmentLaboratory for Science and Technology Research, noted the issues of health care, energy and water resources as cross-cutting themes in the participants’ speeches. A comprehensive analysis of these basic needs of humanity can determine the priorities of cooperation, in addition, this agenda is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant for our countries. Mikhail Gershman, Director Center for Scientific, Technical, Innovation and Information Policy, head of the project “Making Science in Russia”, invited colleagues to join forces in the framework of comparative cross-country studies of the working conditions of scientists and state scientific and technical policy. Ekaterina Streltsova, director Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation, proposed establishing cooperation to conduct joint research on technological development, including using patent analysis tools.

    Evgeny Kutsenko, Director of the Russian Cluster Observatory, spoke about the project’s scientific plans, including cluster development, unicorn companies and creative industries. The possibilities of strengthening joint projects based on the results of big data analysis were demonstrated by showing the system developed at ISSEKiFORA, expert of the Center for Strategic Analytics and Big Data of the ISSEK Maria Antasheva.

    “I am pleased to meet you. CGEE started collaborating with HSE many years ago. And when Alexander Sokolov suggested intensifying scientific ties, most of the CGEE staff, who already had experience interacting with the Higher School of Economics, knowing the high level of its research, readily supported this idea,” said Fernando Rizzo, Director of CGEE. “At our center, we work in various areas, including sustainable cities, bioeconomy, energy, airspace, agriculture and education. Among the potential areas of our international cooperation, I see training and education in AI and data science, the use of generative AI for research and innovation, joint data infrastructure and the use of predictive modeling in big data analysis.”

    The meeting participants agreed to strengthen international ties and implement projects in areas of mutual interest, including within the framework of the planned multilateral agreement to create the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/expertise/975578115.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Joseph Síkela – International Partnerships – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Josef Síkela (Mayors and Independents Party, STAN) affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP), has served as the Czech minister for industry and trade since December 2021. In this position, his focus has been on reducing his country’s reliance on Russian gas, developing the use of renewable energy sources and securing stakes in German and Dutch liquefied natural gas (LNG). Síkela has served in various banks, notably as the head of the Slovak Savings Bank and as board member of the Austrian Erste Group Bank. Born in 1967 in Rokycany, Czechia, Síkela studied foreign trade economics at the Prague University of Economics and Business.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Wopke Hoekstra – Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Wopke Hoekstra has served as the Commissioner for Climate Action since October 2023. In this role, he represented the European Union at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2023. Starting in early 2024, Hoekstra, along with the Executive Vice-President in charge of the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, has been communicating on behalf of the Commission regarding its 2040 climate target and managing climate risks. He has also been representing the Commission in clean transition dialogues with industry. From 2011 to 2017, Hoekstra was a Member of the Dutch Senate representing Christian Democratic Appeal (the CDA), affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament. In October 2017, he became the minister of finance, a position he held until 2022, also becoming the leader of the CDA in 2020. From January 2022 he served concurrently as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. Prior to taking on the role of Commissioner, he stepped down from both of those positions in July 2023. Born in 1975, Hoekstra studied law at Leiden University, from which he graduated in 2001. In 2005, he obtained an INSEAD MBA degree. Early in his career Hoekstra held commercial posts at Shell. In 2006, he joined global consulting company McKinsey, becoming a partner in 2013. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Marta Kos – Enlargement – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching (2021-present), and a senior advisor at the Brussels consulting firm Kreab. From 2017 to 2021, she was Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). As president of the Slovenian women’s association ONA VE (‘she knows’), Kos works to raise the profile of female experts. Kos has been engaged in Slovenia’s political life as a vice-president of the social-liberal Freedom Movement party. Among the positions she held while employed by the government were director of the Public Relations and Media Office, and government spokesperson. Between 2003 and 2013, Kos headed Gustav Käser Training International Slovenia, specialising in leadership and sales training. Until 2003, Kos was vice-president for international relations at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kos earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989 and, in 2001, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Ljubljana.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Kaja Kallas – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Kaja Kallas served as the prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, she was awarded the Walther Rathenau Prize in recognition of outstanding lifetime achievement in foreign policy. Having joined the Estonian Reform Party in 2011, Kallas has been its leader since April 2018. From 2011 to 2014, she was a member of the Estonian Parliament (12th Riigikogu) and served as chair of its Economic Affairs Committee (2011). She was also a member of the 14th Riigikogu (2019 to 2021). As a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2018, Kallas belonged to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE, now Renew Europe) political group. During this term, Kallas was Vice-Chair of Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. Kallas was born in 1977 in Tallinn. She graduated from the University of Tartu in 1999 with a degree in law and pursued postgraduate studies at the Estonian Business School in 2007. Before entering politics, Kallas worked as an attorney at law. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Stop Venezuelan Oil Exports Until Maduro Leaves Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression (REVOCAR) Act. The bill is the House of Representatives companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

    After the presidential election held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, Nicolás Maduro and his regime have unleashed a torrent of repression and violence towards supporters of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the leader of the opposition and winner of the election, respectively. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration renewed U.S. oil company Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela just 33 days after the stolen election, undermining the United States’ ability to adequately pressure Maduro to concede his defeat and leave power.

    The REVOCAR Act will rescind these licenses and ensure American and European companies can no longer finance Maduro’s repression and hasten the democratic transition process the Venezuelan people voted for.

    “It’s long past time to cut off the flow of money that the Maduro Dictatorship uses to oppress their people,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “We are sending a loud and clear message that if Maduro stays, there will be no oil money for the Venezuelan regime.”

    At a recent hearing, Chairwoman Salazar condemned several oil companies in the United States and Europe for continuing to conduct business with PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company and financial lifeline for the Maduro regime, even after the results of the July 28 presidential election. Salazar noted that companies like Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom are profiting off the continued repression of the Venezuelan opposition by operating with PDVSA.

    The REVOCAR Act ends Maduro’s financial lifeline by prohibiting American citizens and companies from engaging with PDVSA by eliminating General Licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These licenses are necessary to do business with the Maduro regime. The prohibitions would extend for three years or until the President certifies that a peaceful, democratic transfer of power to Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia has taken place.

    “Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

    “Despite the sweeping and clear opposition victory in the recent Venezuelan presidential election, the Maduro regime refused to release results, announced that it had won instead, and arbitrarily arrested thousands of opposition supporters,” said Senator Durbin. “We must put an end to the outright theft of the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming choice for a better future. I’m pleased that Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar are introducing the House bill to terminate all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent election are respected. The Maduro regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement. Under our bill, that will end, and so will Maduro’s financial strength.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT: Congresswoman Ramirez Discusses Democracy, Human Rights, Migration with Grassroots, Indigenous Communities in Honduras

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after returning from a six-day delegation to Honduras with other Congressional offices to meet with and learn from grassroots and Indigenous communities, and civil society.

    “I recently returned from a trip to Honduras, where I had the privilege to listen to and learn with grassroots and indigenous groups about the root causes of migration. I want to express my gratitude for the time, wisdom, and generosity of local leaders and communities. We who care about human rights, land defense, environmental protection, and democracy-building in the United States have much to learn from the organizers and movement leaders across Honduras.

    While we may be thousands of miles apart, the fights for justice across Latin America – struggles that drive migration to the U.S. southern border – share common roots with the movements and organizing in Illinois’ Third Congressional District. Whether it is the struggle to ensure community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and politics, or build solidarity economies and cooperatives, we cannot deny that our efforts, stability, and success are interconnected.

    It is also impossible to visit with the Garifuna, the Lenca, the Campesinos, the land defenders, and those who mourn assassinated leaders and disappeared loved ones and not face the US’ complicity in creating conditions that drive the migration of hondureños. For too long, American interests have treated Honduras and other Central American countries as our “back patio” and our free market playgrounds. For decades, US companies that participate in human rights violations and the destruction of the cultural, political, and environmental inheritance of the Honduran people have acted with impunity. US dollars, influence, and leadership have been used to privatize, displace, extract, intimidate, and silence those who would dare to defend their ancestral land rights, their collective economic models, and their precious natural resources.

    Congresswoman Ramirez visits  Berta Cáceres Flores’ resting place in Honduras. 

    I sat both with Juan López’s compañeras and with the leaders who rose up after the assassination of Berta Cáceres Flores. Justice must be realized for environmentalists Juan and Berta. Protection must be implemented for all those who continue to experience grave threats as they fight for their democracy and human rights. Land restoration must be delivered for the Garifuna, Campesino collectives, and Lenca people.

    Is there more that must be demanded and delivered by Honduras’ own government? Absolutely. As a US Congressperson, I am concerned that the United States’ own policies and practices reflect a commitment to the dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination of the Honduran people.

    As a founder of the Global Migration Caucus and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security committee, it is clear to me that to address the global crisis of migration, we must protect the sources of life for people across the globe – the land, the water, the air, the forests. We must use our influence and resources to ensure that everyone has not only the right to migrate, but the right to remain, free of persecution, violence, economic deprivation, and corruption.

    I am working every day to deliver policies in Illinois’ Third Congressional District that encourage community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and our politics, and build solidarity economies and cooperatives. I want nothing less for the people of Honduras.”

    For photos of the delegation,CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Best of House Calls: Supporting Parent Mental Health

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
    Why are parents today feeling so overwhelmed?
    How can parents let go of trying to be the perfect parent?
    Given the resonance of the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parent mental health & well-being, this episode digs into the House Calls archives. As the father of two young kids, parenting is a common theme the Surgeon General explores with guests. We revisit moments with guests including Dr. Lisa Damour and Dr. Aliza Pressman, as they share their expertise—walking through great practical advice about navigating disagreements with children, warning about the impacts of technology, and examining how parents and children share their nervous systems—while also sharing moving personal parenting moments.
    (02:47) How are parents feeling these days?
    (03:35) Why are parents so often feeling overwhelmed?
    (07:00) How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
    (09:28) How should parents think about their role in their kids’ mental health?
    (12:43) How can men support each other to be more connected fathers?
    (18:42) Why should we embrace being an imperfect parent?
    (20:58) Why is it helpful to think through goals for parenting?
    (22:24) A brief exercise to help us stay focused on what’s most important to us when we’re parenting our children.
    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQdZDB5dmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Tokio Marine HCC Appoints David Perez to Launch US Excess Casualty Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC), based in Houston, Texas, has today announced the expansion of its specialty product offering with its entry into the Excess Casualty market. David Perez has been appointed as President, Excess Casualty, to lead the launch and build out the new offering. David takes up his new role with immediate effect and will report to Susan Rivera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TMHCC.

    TMHCC’s entry into this space is timely and will provide insureds vital new capacity as limit retrenchment continues amid challenging loss cost trends. David’s unique understanding of the casualty industry, combined with TMHCC’s underwriting best practices honed over its 50-year history, creates a powerful foundation for profitable growth and market leadership.

    David brings nearly four decades of experience to the new division. He joins from Liberty Mutual where he served as Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Risk Solutions. He has also held senior underwriting positions, across the US and Bermuda, including at Torus Insurance Limited, American International Group, and Starr Excess Liability Insurance Company Ltd.

    Susan Rivera, CEO of TMHCC, said, “TMHCC’s entry into the Excess Casualty market at this pivotal juncture once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the needs of insureds and aligning capacity where it is required most. While entering a new market can bring its own set of challenges, TMHCC is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity the firming of the excess casualty market presents. David brings with him a wealth of experience and will undoubtedly strengthen our deep technical expertise as TMHCC cements its position in the market. It also highlights our commitment to employing the best in the business as we prioritize the development and growth of products that will enable policyholders to enhance their resilience.”

    David Perez, President of Excess Casualty, added, “TMHCC has an exceptional reputation in the specialty insurance sector, and I am excited to launch its presence into the Excess Casualty market. There is a clear opportunity for TMHCC’s unique blend of underwriting acumen, analytics and disciplined limits and cycle management. I am looking forward to working with Susan and the team to build the new offering.”

    About Tokio Marine HCC
    Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $73 billion as of June 30, 2024. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC’s major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings, ‘A++’ (Superior) from AM Best, and ‘AA-’ (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings; its major international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit http://www.tokiomarinehcc.com.

    Contact:
    MHP Group
    tmhcc@mhpgroup.com
    +44 (0)7586 050 758

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TopLine Financial Credit Union Opens New Maple Grove – Arbor Lakes Branch on October 21, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, is opening a new full-service Maple Grove – Arbor Lakes branch on October 21, 2024 located at 11121 Fountains Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

    The new Maple Grove – Arbor Lakes branch will provide personal service as well as self-service convenience with a new innovative 24/7 Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) that provides members with remote assistance service, combining the convenience of ATMs with the personalized experience of a branch visit. Financial product and service offerings include: savings and checking accounts, auto loans, home loans, personal loans, student loans, mortgage services, investment services, small business and commercial services, insurance agency, remote access, as well as financial education and counseling from TopLine Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors.

    “We are thrilled to open our doors in our new Maple Grove location and extend our reach in surrounding communities to provide affordable financial services to more consumers,” says Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine Financial Credit Union. “Our new Maple Grove – Arbor Lakes branch represents our commitment to providing personalized financial solutions that help individuals and families achieve their financial dreams of home ownership, sending children to college, saving for retirement, protecting their assets or opening their own small business. We look forward to growing together and building lasting relationships with the members of this vibrant community.”

    TopLine will be holding a Grand Opening Celebration at the new location during the week of November 4 – 9. The community is invited to visit the branch in-person for exclusive specials, tasty treats, and a “We’ll Pay Your Phone Bill for a Month up to $150” raffle as a way to recognize the Bell System telephone workers who started the credit union 89 years ago. To learn more visit https://www.toplinecu.com/atms-locations/new-branch.

    TopLine will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Celebration in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber at the new location, 11121 Fountains Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369, on Wednesday, November 13th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.

    TopLine’s current Maple Grove branch at 9353 Jefferson Hwy will permanently close on Saturday, October 19th at 12pm and become TopLine’s corporate office with only drive-up ATM access after the new Arbor Lakes location opens.

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at http://www.TopLinecu.com or http://www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit http://www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ddad3e3-5b3c-4c15-9742-25e84e03fa84

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 15, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Key Messages

    Activity is decelerating. Despite an expansionary fiscal stance, growth is slowing to around 1½ percent this year, due to binding capacity constraints and tight monetary policy. Continuing monetary restraint and slowing activity are expected to lower inflation to Banxico’s 3-percent target by 2025. The current account deficit is expected to widen slightly in 2024 as investment- and consumption-related imports outpace exports. Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while inflation risks remain on the upside. Weaker-than-expected growth in the U.S., an increase in global risk aversion, and unforeseen effects from recent institutional reforms could weigh on output. On the other hand, better-than-expected import demand from the U.S. or the ongoing reshaping of global value chains could boost activity and inward investment.

    A medium-term fiscal strategy is needed to reduce deficits and debt, raise tax revenues, and create fiscal space for investments in human and physical capital. This would require putting in place a comprehensive tax reform early in the new administration, durably reducing the fiscal deficit while carefully prioritizing public spending, and reducing inequities in the pension system. Addressing the imbalances between the federal budget and Pemex, and enhancing corporate governance of the latter, are also important priorities.

    The ongoing reshaping of global value chains offers the incoming administration an important opportunity to deepen the already-strong economic links with the U.S. Taking advantage of these prospects, however, requires a wide-ranging set of supply-side reforms to complement the well-established, very strong institutional framework for macroeconomic policies. Regulatory reforms, better-targeted public investment that further relieves infrastructure bottlenecks, broader access to financial services, and a more predictable supply of energy and water would all support private sector-led growth. Other priority measures include governance reforms that address corruption and tackle organized crime.

    Recent judicial reforms create important uncertainties about the effectiveness of contract enforcement and the predictability of the rule of law. The replacement of judges at various levels of the judiciary in the coming year creates a new source of uncertainty that may impinge upon private investment decisions. It is critical that this reform be implemented in a clear and predictable way that ensures the independence and professionalism of the judiciary and strengthens the rule of law. Staff’s current baseline does not incorporate potential headwinds from these uncertainties.

    Fiscal Policy

    The authorities are committed to achieving their 2024 fiscal target. The overall deficit for the year is currently projected to be 5.9 percent of GDP, a fiscal impulse of around 2 percent of GDP that is expected to bring gross public sector debt close to 58 percent of GDP by end-2024. Increased spending on large infrastructure projects, wages, pensions, and social spending are all adding to fiscal support for the economy. There is, however, a risk that additional support for Pemex and/or greater-than-expected spending on infrastructure projects could lead to a modest fiscal overrun by end-year.

    Mexico needs to put in place a credible medium-term fiscal consolidation underpinned by well-identified policy measures. The incoming authorities’ plan to initiate an important fiscal consolidation in 2025 that should lower the deficit to below 3 percent of GDP over the medium term, underscoring Mexico’s commitment to fiscal prudence. This will require the identification and implementation of additional fiscal measures, preferably including an overarching tax reform. In particular, the 2025 budget should focus on reducing tax expenditures and reassessing both tax rates and thresholds, particularly for the personal income tax. Further expenditure rationalization, including tax exceptions, and improved tax administration would contribute to this needed adjustment and help bolster market confidence.

    A review of policies regarding support for Pemex, and the energy sector more generally, would enhance the credibility of the government’s fiscal plans. Federal government support for Pemex in the form of various tax reliefs, investments, and transfers have cost 1 percent of GDP in 2024. Further support should be conditioned on Pemex developing a viable business strategy and improving its corporate governance. This could include focusing Pemex activities on profitable fields, selling non-core assets, developing a new strategy for unprofitable refinery operations, and incentivizing public-private partnerships (including via equity participation). The strategy should also examine the implications for, and linkages with, the federal electricity company.

    More is needed to address structural inequities in the pension system. Public pension spending has increased by 0.6 percent of GDP over the past three years and will continue to rise over the medium term. While the recent reform to raise the replacement rate,aimed to equalize treatment across workers, inequities remain between and within cohorts. A broader review is therefore needed of the benefit structure and the minimum contribution requirement.

    Further deepening of financial intermediation would make growth more inclusive. The recent development of fintech products and digital payments have expanded access to financial products. In addition, financial regulations that lower loan-loss provisioning for female borrowers have increased women’s access to credit. These efforts could be complemented by expanding the adoption of digital payment systems and eliminating institutional barriers to entry for new products and entities that are deemed to be financially sound.

    The IMF staff team would like to thank the Mexican authorities and other counterparts for their support, hospitality, and constructive discussions.

     

    Table 1. Mexico: Selected Economic, Financial, and Social Indicators

    I. Social and Demographic Indicators

    GDP per capita (U.S. dollars, 2023)

       13,643.3

    Poverty headcount ratio (% of population, 2023) 1/

         37.0

    Population (millions, 2023)

            131.1

    Income share of highest 20 perc. / lowest 20 perc. (2022)

           8.4

    Life expectancy at birth (years, 2024)

               75.5

    Adult literacy rate (2020)

         95.2

    Infant mortality rate (per thousand, 2023)

    13.6

    Gross primary education enrollment rate (2022) 2/

       102.0

    II. Economic Indicators

    Proj.

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    (Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    National accounts (in real terms)

    GDP

    -8.4

    6.0

    3.7

    3.2

    1.5

    1.3

    Consumption

    -8.6

    7.1

    4.5

    4.6

    1.0

    0.9

    Private

    -9.8

    8.4

    4.9

    5.0

    1.0

    0.9

    Public

    -0.7

    -0.5

    1.7

    2.1

    1.2

    1.1

    Investment

    -18.3

    11.4

    7.4

    17.8

    4.0

    3.8

    Fixed

    -17.2

    10.5

    7.5

    18.0

    5.0

    3.0

    Private

    -18.6

    12.6

    7.7

    17.6

    5.3

    3.2

    Public

    -5.7

    -3.5

    5.8

    20.9

    3.8

    1.2

    Inventories 3/

    -0.3

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    -0.2

    0.2

    Exports of goods and services

    -7.0

    7.1

    8.9

    -7.4

    -0.6

    3.3

    Imports of goods and services

    -12.0

    15.7

    7.6

    5.0

    1.1

    2.3

    GDP per capita

    -9.1

    5.4

    2.9

    2.3

    0.6

    0.5

    External sector

    External current account balance (in percent of GDP)

    2.4

    -0.3

    -1.2

    -0.3

    -0.7

    -0.9

    Exports of goods, f.o.b.  4/

    -9.4

    18.6

    16.7

    2.6

    1.4

    3.6

    Imports of goods, f.o.b. 4/

    -15.9

    32.0

    19.6

    -1.0

    3.0

    4.6

    Net capital inflows (in percent of GDP) 5/

    0.8

    -1.0

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -1.9

    -1.4

    Terms of trade (goods, improvement +)

    0.8

    -1.0

    -3.1

    16.9

    -1.7

    -0.3

    Gross international reserves (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    199.1

    207.7

    201.1

    214.4

    235.0

    244.8

    Exchange rates

    Real effective exchange rate (avg, appreciation +) 6/

    -7.7

    5.9

    5.3

    16.4

    …

    …

    Nominal exchange rate (MXN/USD) (eop, appreciation +)

    -5.9

    -3.2

    5.7

    12.8

    …

    …

    Inflation, Employment and Population

    Consumer prices (end-of-period)

    3.2

    7.4

    7.8

    4.7

    4.5

    3.2

    Core consumer prices (end-of-period)

    3.8

    5.9

    8.3

    5.1

    4.0

    3.1

    Formal sector employment, IMSS-insured workers (average) 

    -2.5

    1.9

    4.3

    3.6

    …

    …

    National unemployment rate (annual average)

    4.4

    4.1

    3.3

    2.8

    3.0

    3.3

    Unit labor costs: manufacturing (real terms, average) 

    10.4

    4.4

    11.8

    -1.3

    …

    …

    Total population 7/

    0.8

    0.6

    0.8

    0.9

    0.9

    0.8

    Working-age population 7/

    1.1

    1.0

    1.1

    1.2

    1.1

    1.0

    Money and credit

    Financial system credit to non-financial private sector 8/

    0.9

    4.2

    10.9

    8.7

    8.0

    7.5

    Broad money

    13.4

    9.5

    7.3

    11.0

    7.8

    7.3

    Public sector finances (in percent of GDP) 9/

    General government revenue

    23.5

    22.9

    24.3

    24.4

    24.2

    23.8

    General government expenditure

    27.8

    26.6

    28.6

    28.7

    30.1

    27.3

    Overall fiscal balance 10/

    -4.3

    -3.7

    -4.3

    -4.3

    -5.9

    -3.5

    Structural primary balance  11/

    0.6

    1.2

    0.9

    1.1

    -1.1

    0.9

    Fiscal impulse 12/

    0.5

    -0.5

    0.2

    -0.2

    2.2

    -2.0

    Gross public sector debt

    58.5

    56.7

    54.1

    53.0

    57.6

    57.9

    Memorandum items

    Nominal GDP (billions of pesos)

    24,087

    26,690

    29,473

    31,772

    34,313

    36,766

    Output gap (in percent of potential GDP)

    -2.8

    -2.0

    0.0

    1.2

    0.6

    -0.1

    Sources: World Bank Development Indicators, CONEVAL, National Institute of Statistics and Geography, National Council of Population, Bank of Mexico, Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit, and Fund staff estimates.

    1/ CONEVAL uses a multi-dimensional approach to measure poverty based on a “social deprivation index,” which takes into account the level of income; education; access to health services; to social security; to food; and quality, size, and access to basic services in the dwelling.

    2/ Percent of population enrolled in primary school regardless of age as a share of the population of official primary education age.

    3/ Contribution to growth. Excludes statistical discrepancy.

    4/ Excludes goods procured in ports by carriers.

    5/ Excludes reserve assets

    6/ Based on IMF staff calculations.

    7/ Based on CONAPO population projections.

    8/ Includes domestic credit by banks, nonbank intermediaries, and social housing funds.

    9/ Data exclude state and local governments and include state-owned enterprises and public development banks.

    10/ The 2020 PSBR is adjusted for some statistical discrepancies between above-the-line and below-the-line numbers.

    11/ Adjusting revenues for the economic and oil-price cycles and excluding one-off items, in percent of potential GDP.

    12/ Negative of the change in the structural primary fiscal balance.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/15/cs-mexico-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2024-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar on VP Kamala Harris’s Visit to Michigan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar on VP Kamala Harris’s Visit to Michigan

    Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be in Michigan today. Her visit comes after a new Quinnipiac poll shows 57% of Michigan residents oppose the Biden-Harris polices that push Michigan residents to own electric vehicles. 

    “Vice President Harris says she wouldn’t do anything differently than the past four years, and that means she would continue the Biden-Harris policies that push Americans toward buying cars they don’t want and allow foreign adversaries to receive billions in taxpayer funding. Those policies are wrong, and they are out of touch. American companies should never have to compete with foreign adversaries receiving taxpayer funding,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. 

    Last year, Moolenaar introduced the NO GOTION Act to block green energy production tax credits from the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” from going to companies and subsidiaries affiliated with foreign adversaries including China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

    MIL OSI USA News –