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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Shareholders Approve Key Resolutions and Reaffirm Support for Preferred Creditor Status

    Source: APO

    At the 32nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), held as part of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria, from 25 to 28 June 2025, shareholders approved a series of key resolutions aimed at strengthening the Bank’s strategic direction, financial resilience, and governance.

    Among the most significant outcomes was the appointment of Dr. George Elombi as the fourth President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Professor Benedict Oramah, who will step down later this year after nearly a decade of transformative leadership.

    Shareholders also approved the expansion of the Bank’s Concessional Finance Window, increasing its capital allocation from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion, and raising the direct shareholder contribution from USD 200 million to USD 700 million. This substantial expansion reflects the growing demand for accessible development finance across Africa and the Caribbean, and strengthens Afreximbank’s capacity to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

    In addition, shareholders reaffirmed the commitment of the Bank’s Member States to Afreximbank’s Preferred Creditor Status (PCS), as codified in the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, to which all Member States are signatories. This reaffirmation underscores continued support for the Afreximbank’s role as a trusted African Multilateral Financial Institution.

    In what marked his final Shareholders’ Meeting, Professor Oramah welcomed the outcomes and expressed appreciation for the vision and leadership shown:

    “It has been a great honour to serve as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank for the past decade. I commend our shareholders for the bold and strategic decisions taken, particularly the unwavering reaffirmation of their commitment to respect their obligations under the Afreximbank Establishment Agreement, through which the Bank enjoys Preferred Creditor Status across its member states. We also welcome their decision to increase the size of the Africa Trade Transformation Fund (ATTF), the Concessional Finance initiative launched at the 30th Annual Meetings of the Bank, from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion. These decisions would collectively shape the future of this great institution and advance Africa’s prosperity.

    “I am confident that the Bank is well placed to continue making a profound impact under the capable leadership of my able successor, Dr. George Elombi, and I extend my very best wishes to him.”

    The shareholders also elected Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy as Chairman of the General Meeting for the period 2025/2026 and passed other statutory resolutions including adoption of the Bank’s audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 and appointment of auditors.

    The shareholders in addition confirmed the re-election of Dr. Denny Hamachila Kalyalya (Zambia), Dr. John Panonesta Mangudya (Zimbabwe) and Mr. Victor Jérôme Nembelessini-Silué (Côte d’Ivoire) to the Bank’s Board of Directors. Independent Directors Mr. Anil Dua (United Kingdom) and Mr. Ronald Sibongiseni Ntuli (South Africa) were also re-elected.  Newly elected Directors include Mrs. Leila Mokaddem (Tunisia), as a nominee of the African Development Bank.

    The shareholders noted the challenges and negative reports disputing African Multilateral Financial Institutions and undermining the commitments that African states have made in the treaties establishing these institutions, including Afreximbank.

    In a statement unanimously endorsed and adopted by the General Meeting, Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the General Meeting, affirmed the shareholders’ unwavering confidence in the Bank’s financial resilience and mandate to drive Africa’s trade-led growth.

    Mr. Edun stated: “The shareholders affirm their respect for the 1993 treaty establishing Afreximbank, signed and ratified by African states, noting that it enshrined binding sovereign commitments and underpinned the preferred creditor status (PCS) of the Bank, shielding its loans from sovereign debt restructurings.

    “Additionally,  shareholders reaffirm the commitment of the Bank’s Member States to the Preferred Creditor Status (PCS) enshrined in the Bank’s Establishment Agreement to which all Member States are signatories and call for collective responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AMFIs).

    “This meeting confirms shareholders’ full commitment to supporting the Bank’s mission, and call upon all stakeholders to engage constructively, reflecting the Bank’s robust legal protections and credit fundamentals.”

    This collective statement by Afreximbank’s shareholders sends a strong signal to partners, rating agencies, and the broader financial community: the Bank remains a trusted and protected institution anchored by solid legal foundations and an unwavering mandate to drive Africa’s economic transformation through trade.

    Nearly 6,000 delegates attended the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, making it the Bank’s most highly attended Annual Meeting in its 32-year history. Attendees included 22 current and former African and Caribbean Heads of State or their representatives, as well as policymakers, academics, business leaders and high-profile dignitaries. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: EU prepares single list of retaliatory tariffs, but seeks deal with US – European Commission

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BRUSSELS, July 23 (Xinhua) — The European Union is stepping up talks with the United States to resolve an ongoing trade dispute while developing a range of possible countermeasures in case the talks fail, European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill told Xinhua in an e-mailed statement on Wednesday.

    “The EU’s main focus is on achieving a result in the negotiations with the United States. Intensive contacts at the technical and political levels continue,” he said.

    As O. Gill pointed out, while diplomacy remains a priority for the EU, the ground is also being prepared for alternative outcomes, including additional countermeasures. As part of this preparation, he said, the EU plans to combine two existing lists of countermeasures into a single, streamlined package.

    “In order to improve the clarity, simplicity and effectiveness of our countermeasures, we will combine Lists 1 and 2 into one list and submit it to Member States for approval,” the official spokesperson explained.

    The statement said the combined document would include the already approved tariffs on €21 billion ($24.6 billion) of American goods and the previously proposed additional tariff list covering €72 billion of American exports. However, the combined measures would not come into force until August 7.

    Later on Wednesday, EU Commissioner for Trade Policy and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič is expected to hold talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik ahead of the Commission’s briefing at the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Sees Further Progress on Oil and Gas Emissions Reduction

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 23, 2025

    Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from Saskatchewan’s upstream oil and gas sector saw a fifth-straight year of reductions in 2024, according to the Ministry of Energy and Resources’ Oil and Gas Emissions Management Regulations (OGEMR) Annual Report. The report’s 2024 data shows provincial emissions from venting and flaring at upstream oil facilities fell by 71 per cent compared to 2015 levels, and by 13 per cent compared to 2023 levels.

    “Our made-in-Saskatchewan approach to lowering GHG emissions is working, and these numbers show it,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “Investment and innovation in the oil and gas sector has led to the significant reduction in the emissions we have seen since OGEMR was introduced in 2019. The Ministry of Energy and Resources will continue to take a regulatory approach that facilitates growth and ensures responsible resource development.” 

    The OGEMR annual report found that emissions from reported venting and flaring at upstream oil facilities have been reduced by 7.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) since 2015. That is equivalent to taking 1.7 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year. 

    Multiple activities contributed to the 2024 reductions, but there were two primary drivers: oil companies installing combustion equipment at wells and facilities to burn off gas that would otherwise have been vented; and companies using vented gas on site as fuel for a beneficial industry-related purpose.

    The OGEMR annual report monitors progress in implementing OGEMR with the intent to reduce GHG emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 per cent by 2025 compared to 2015 levels.

    The 2024 OGEMR Annual Report shows Saskatchewan has surpassed the 40 to 45 per cent goal and is on track to far exceed this target in 2025. This achievement underscores the province’s regulatory leadership and industry innovation in lowering GHG emissions.

    For more information about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Oil and Gas Emissions Management Regulations and to view a full copy of the report, please visit saskatchewan.ca.

    To view the Oil and Gas Emissions Management Regulations Annual Report, visit: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/126693/formats/148784/download.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Col. Robert LeJeune promoted to colonel in Wyoming National Guard Ceremony

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    By Joseph Coslett

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – With a deep sense of pride in the air, friends, family, and fellow Guardsmen gathered inside the Wyoming Military Department auditorium on July 21, 2025, to witness Lt. Col. Robert LeJeune take the next step in his distinguished career, promotion to the rank of colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

    As the crowd settled into their seats, the soft hum of anticipation filled the room. The official party entered to a standing audience, and the National Anthem played with solemn reverence. A heartfelt invocation was delivered, calling attention to the weight of leadership and the legacy of service that accompanies a new rank.

    Maj. Eric Jacobs served as master of ceremonies, setting a warm tone. He introduced the official party: Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, The Adjutant General of Wyoming, and Brig. Gen. Edward Lewis, Land Component Commander, both of whom have worked alongside LeJeune throughout his career.

    A spontaneous round of applause broke out when LeJeune’s name was called. His family, wife and daughter, in keeping with military tradition, flowers were presented to both, recognizing the essential role of family in a service member’s success.

    Porter then took the front of the stage with Lejeune standing beside him, reflecting on LeJeune’s career with admiration. Colonel LeJeune’s promotion is not just about what he’s done, Porter said. It’s about the trust we place in his ability to lead, develop others, and continue serving with honor. Promotions like this reaffirm the strength of our force.

    With the audience again rising to their feet, the promotion order was read aloud, invoking the trust and confidence of the Secretaries of the Army. In a joyful moment, his wife and daughter pinned the black eagle rank insignia to LeJeune’s uniform—an emotional reminder of the sacrifices and support behind every milestone.

    The crowd took their seats once more as LeJeune raised his right hand and repeated the Oath of Office, reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the mission of the Army National Guard.

    When it was his turn to speak, LeJeune delivered humble, sincere remarks, thanking his mentors, peers, subordinates, and especially his family.

    The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Army Song, voices joining in a proud chorus, followed by warm congratulations and handshakes in the foyer outside the auditorium.

    This ceremony wasn’t just about a promotion; it is a reminder of what it means to serve and stand together as a Guard family.

    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Environmental crime threatening peace and security, finds new INTERPOL-UN Environment report

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    8 December 2016

    Washington DC, USA – More than 80 per cent of countries consider environmental crime a national priority, with the majority saying new and more sophisticated criminal activities increasingly threaten peace and security.

    INTERPOL and UN Environment surveyed close to 70 countries for their new joint report, ‘Environment, Peace and Security – A Convergence of Threats’, released today at the Law, Justice and Development Week 2016 hosted by the World Bank in Washington DC.

    The report focuses on the links between global environmental crime, valued at USD 91 – 258 billion annually, and other criminal activities, including organized crime and terrorism.

    More than 60 per cent of surveyed countries stated they were witnessing new environmental crimes or modus operandi, indicating growing sophistication and adaptation by transnational organized crime groups.

    In addition, 84 per cent reported a convergence with other serious crimes, such as corruption (42 per cent), counterfeiting (39 per cent), drug trafficking (36 per cent), cybercrime (23 per cent) and financial crime (17 per cent).

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said: “Environmental crime is transnational in scope and insidious in nature. It robs governments of much-needed revenues, people of their livelihoods, and communities of peace and security. The international community needs to support a comprehensive approach by following rhetoric with action, policy with implementation and law with enforcement.”

    The report found that some non-state armed groups, terrorist groups and criminal networks fund their activities by exploiting natural resources in conflict areas, posing a serious threat to peace and security. It is estimated that at least 40 per cent of internal conflicts have a link to natural resources.

    “The time has come to meet the threat of environmental crime with a coordinated response from member states, international organizations and the United Nations. Such a response must address the need for improved information sharing, enhanced protection of civilians, better law enforcement and a deeper understanding of the drivers of conflicts,” said Erik Solheim, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of UN Environment.

    With environmental crime sometimes viewed as an alternative to poverty for low-income populations, their needs are exploited by criminal groups which rely on them for activities, such as illegal poaching, logging, fishing or mining.

    The report recommends, among others: a multidisciplinary approach to tackling environmental crime; greater information exchange across sectors; increased focus on the implementation of environmental policy; and stronger financial support including through Official Development Assistance.

    The report’s publication follows the resolution adopted at the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in November which calls for enhanced cooperation between the UN and INTERPOL against transnational crime and terrorism.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU-China Summit

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On 24 July 2025, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa, hold a press conference from the EU-China Summit in Beijing, China.

    Follow live events and access media content here:
    https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/

    Stay updated — follow us on X: https://x.com/EC_AVService

    Follow us on:
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    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBZ6uBXNMMc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Hagerty Reintroduce Legislation to Punish Foreign Governments that Violate American Trade Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    Tuberville continues fighting for Alabama-based Vulcan Materials

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in reintroducing the Defending American Property Abroad Act to address the continued aggression from the Mexican government toward Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company in flagrant violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The senators’ legislation would impose retaliatory prohibitions to deter and punish any nation in the Western Hemisphere that unlawfully seizes American assets, such as the Mexican government’s ongoing attempts to seize Vulcan’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.           

    “For years, the Mexican Government has shown undue aggression toward American businesses, primarily Alabama’s Vulcan Materials,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The continued attempts to exploit Vulcan’s operation in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a disgrace to our longstanding trade agreement with Mexico. The Trump Administration has hit the ground running to prioritize and empower American companies — I look forward to seeing this bill get across the finish line to ensure American companies are fully protected.”

    “I strongly condemn the Mexican government’s threats against Vulcan Materials Company, and I am pleased to see this bipartisan and bicameral rebuke from the United States Senate,” said Sen. Hagerty. “Under the leadership of Mexico’s previous president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and now the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican government is committing a blatant theft against a major American company and, by extension, the United States itself. No nation should be allowed to bully an American firm without consequences. Our legislation will counter any attempt by the Mexican government to profit from illegal moves to expropriate, nationalize, or otherwise seize U.S. assets.”

    Sens. Tuberville and Hagerty were joined by U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in cosponsoring the legislation. U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (R-TW-11) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    BACKGROUND:

    This legislation would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prohibit vessels from entering a U.S. port if they previously used a port, land, or infrastructure that had been illegally seized from a U.S. entity by a foreign nation in the Western Hemisphere. It also empowers the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate and respond to foreign governments that deny U.S. companies fair and equal treatment or that have expropriated, nationalized, or seized U.S. assets.

    In May 2022, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan’s operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract, and since then, the Mexican Government, under AMLO’s direction, has waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and, at times, sending military and law enforcement officers toits facility in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Last year, AMLO announced that he is pushing to designate the port and mine a “Protected Natural Area.”

    The Alabama delegation has been united in advocating for Vulcan in its ongoing dispute with Mexico. Last year, Sens. Tuberville, Britt, Hagerty, and Kaine sent a letter to Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, urging her to take action regarding the Mexican government’s mistreatment of Vulcan Materials Company.

    In 2023, the Alabama delegation met with Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S. Moctezuma to advocate for Vulcan. In 2022, Sen. Tuberville sent a letter with former Senator Richard Shelby and eight other U.S. senators calling on the Biden-Harris administration to discourage Mexican aggression against American companies with investments or operations in Mexico.

    Sen. Tuberville also spoke in support of Vulcan on the Senate floor earlier this year.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Guatemala strengthen cooperation to combat smuggling

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Guatemala strengthen cooperation to combat smuggling

    The British Embassy held a meeting with the Superintendent of the Guatemalan Tax Administration (SAT) to explore opportunities for collaboration on key issues such as combating smuggling, trade facilitation, and technological innovation in tax collection.

    During the meeting between the British Ambassador, Juliana Correa, and Superintendent Werner Ovalle, priority topics for both nations were discussed, including strengthening institutional capacities to combat smuggling, a problem that affects both tax collection and British companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and alcoholic beverages. 

    The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to the values of transparency, innovation, and legality, highlighting its experience in using technologies such as open banking to facilitate tax compliance. The SAT was presented with the possibility of collaborating with British companies to explore digital solutions that improve tax collection efficiency.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Moolenaar Support Investigation of Foreign Control of Critical Mineral

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Dingell, Moolenaar Support Investigation of Foreign Control of Critical Mineral

    Washington, July 22, 2025

    Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) released a bipartisan statement in support of the Department of Commerce’s decision to investigate whether imports of polysilicon—a key material used in solar panels and microchips—pose a national security risk.

    “We commend the Administration for launching a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks posed by imports of polysilicon and its derivatives. This is a crucial first step to protect American jobs, innovation, and our industrial base. For years, U.S. polysilicon producers have faced unfair competition from subsidized Chinese firms linked to forced labor. These practices have led to layoffs and threaten the survival of our remaining capacity. This investigation makes clear that the United States won’t allow our critical industries to be hollowed out by foreign manipulation. China’s dominance in the solar-grade polysilicon market is a direct threat to our ability to manufacture essential technologies—including solar panels and microchips. We will continue working across the aisle to ensure this leads to real, enforceable trade remedies.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo) 
    Mosquito control
     
         The representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation this year thus far. The gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus from April to June 2025 (1.2 per cent in April, 8.6 per cent in May and 9.5 per cent in June) were lower than those in the same period in 2024 (4.2 per cent in April, 15.7 per cent in May and 14 per cent in June) and remained at a relatively low level. With the rainy season approaching, the FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will continue to conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support. The rainfall from April to June in 2025 was lower than the previous year, and with the effort of the Government and relevant stakeholders, the gravidtrap indices in some monitored areas reaching alert levels (zero in April, six in May and two in June) dropped compared with the same period in 2024 (one in April, 10 in May and four in June).
     
    In spite of that, the rainfall in June 2025 reached 237.3 millimeters, which was higher than in April (57.1 millimeters) and May (81.6 millimeters). As the hot and rainy weather approaches, combined with the increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the upcoming summer holiday, the overall risk of mosquito borne diseases may rise significantly. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices and strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures based on the recommendations discussed at the meeting, including constantly updating the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation, to ensure that mosquito prevention and control work is prompt and effective.
     
         It is worth noting that in addition to dengue fever, Aedes albopictus can also transmit chikungunya fever (CF). CF is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Recently, a considerable number of CF infection cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries. As Hong Kong people frequently travel to and from different places, if a citizen is infected with CF abroad and is bitten by mosquitoes in Hong Kong during the infectious period, and subsequently the mosquitoes bite other people, local transmission may occur. In view of this, although there have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020, the industry and the public must remain vigilant and intensify mosquito prevention and control efforts to avoid the risk of local cases during the summer.
     
         Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province.  At the meeting, the CHP briefed the PCSC about the latest global situation and international response measures regarding CF, as reported by the World Health Organization. 
     
    The CHP has reminded the public to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner. The CHP has set up a dedicated webpage on CF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html 
         In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures. The Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
     
         Following Typhoon Wipha, the accumulation of stagnant water may have created mosquito breeding places, increasing the risk of mosquito infestation. Relevant departments and stakeholders will promptly launch a new round of actions to thoroughly eliminate mosquito breeding places, supplemented by fogging operations (i.e. ultra-low volume spraying) to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Subsequently, the departments will continue to take proactive anti-mosquito measures, including clearing potential breeding grounds at least once a week during the rainy season and timely co-ordination of fogging operations until the season ends, in a collective effort to safeguard public health.
     
    Rodent control
     
         Starting from 2024, the FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with AI technology to conduct the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) and establish a RAR in each district. The FEHD uses AI to analyse thermal images captured by cameras to detect and understand rodent pathways and activity ranges. This helps assess rodent infestation objectively and effectively to allocate resources precisely for targeted rodent control measures. The RAR in the second half of 2024 was 94 per cent (for every 100 images, 94 of them did not detect rodents), and the number of survey locations with RAR lower than 80 per cent has decreased by 10 as compared to the first half of 2024. From 2025, the FEHD’s RAS has been extended to public housing estates and parks managed by the Housing Authority and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Relevant departments will have more data to enhance precision in rodent control work and make the survey more representative.
     
         Making reference to the results of the RAS, the FEHD continues to strengthen rodent control and implement a series of targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including overnight anti-rodent operations and the application of new anti-rodent technologies and tools, which have gradually shown positive results. From January to June, 2025, the FEHD collected a total of approximately 57 200 live rodents, marking an increase of 92 per cent and 54 per cent as compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
     
         In the meeting, the FEHD briefed participants on how to make effective use of the RAR data to address rodent blackspots, and properly allocate resources to step up rodent prevention and control work so as to achieve a precise and effective rodent control strategy, for reference by relevant departments.
     
         The effectiveness of prevention and control of rodents relies on the co-operation of stakeholders from various sectors. On December 31, 2024, the FEHD launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Charter, targeting residential premises to raise residents’ awareness of environmental hygiene and foster good habits to create a rodent-free environment. Residential premises that sign the Charter will be provided with free anti-rodent technical support from the FEHD, including invitations to attend pest control seminars organised by the department. As of June 15, 2025, 640 residential premises have signed the Charter, covering over 580 000 households. Two premises, with over 40 households, that signed the Charter have participated in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management. Other participants joining the Pilot Scheme will be gradually invited to sign the Charter when they are ready.
     
         The FEHD has actively provided technical support to residential premises that signed the Charter and organised 48 publicity and education activities over the past six months, including rodent control seminars, exhibitions and site visits, to encourage community participation in daily anti-rodent efforts. A total of approximately 2 150 people took part. Among these, two large-scale rodent control seminars held by the FEHD in March and June, 2025 were very well-received, attracting over 400 anti-rodent liaison ambassadors.
     
         All departments agreed to continue to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in premises under their respective management, to strengthen internal monitoring and assessment of the outcome of rodent control work, and to actively encourage relevant sectors and stakeholders to co-operate with the Government’s work, eliminating rodents’ fundamental survival conditions of food, harbourage and passages from their respective areas.
     
         The second-stage environmental hygiene-related legislative amendments was passed by the Legislative Council on May 8, 2025 and will come into effect on August 17, to more effectively tackle rodent infestation and other environmental hygiene issues. The FEHD can now serve a “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” to persons responsible for management of the building (e.g. property management companies) when appropriate, for their follow-up action to eliminate vermin infestation in common parts of a building. Under the legislative amendments, the maximum penalty for non-compliance with “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” will be raised from a fine at level 2 ($5,000) and a daily fine of $100 to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and a daily fine of $450, so as to enhance deterrent effect.
     
    The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from three policy bureaux and 20 government departments and organisations.
    Issued at HKT 22:32

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo) 
    Mosquito control
     
         The representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation this year thus far. The gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus from April to June 2025 (1.2 per cent in April, 8.6 per cent in May and 9.5 per cent in June) were lower than those in the same period in 2024 (4.2 per cent in April, 15.7 per cent in May and 14 per cent in June) and remained at a relatively low level. With the rainy season approaching, the FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will continue to conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support. The rainfall from April to June in 2025 was lower than the previous year, and with the effort of the Government and relevant stakeholders, the gravidtrap indices in some monitored areas reaching alert levels (zero in April, six in May and two in June) dropped compared with the same period in 2024 (one in April, 10 in May and four in June).
     
    In spite of that, the rainfall in June 2025 reached 237.3 millimeters, which was higher than in April (57.1 millimeters) and May (81.6 millimeters). As the hot and rainy weather approaches, combined with the increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the upcoming summer holiday, the overall risk of mosquito borne diseases may rise significantly. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices and strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures based on the recommendations discussed at the meeting, including constantly updating the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation, to ensure that mosquito prevention and control work is prompt and effective.
     
         It is worth noting that in addition to dengue fever, Aedes albopictus can also transmit chikungunya fever (CF). CF is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Recently, a considerable number of CF infection cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries. As Hong Kong people frequently travel to and from different places, if a citizen is infected with CF abroad and is bitten by mosquitoes in Hong Kong during the infectious period, and subsequently the mosquitoes bite other people, local transmission may occur. In view of this, although there have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020, the industry and the public must remain vigilant and intensify mosquito prevention and control efforts to avoid the risk of local cases during the summer.
     
         Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province.  At the meeting, the CHP briefed the PCSC about the latest global situation and international response measures regarding CF, as reported by the World Health Organization. 
     
    The CHP has reminded the public to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner. The CHP has set up a dedicated webpage on CF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html 
         In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures. The Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
     
         Following Typhoon Wipha, the accumulation of stagnant water may have created mosquito breeding places, increasing the risk of mosquito infestation. Relevant departments and stakeholders will promptly launch a new round of actions to thoroughly eliminate mosquito breeding places, supplemented by fogging operations (i.e. ultra-low volume spraying) to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Subsequently, the departments will continue to take proactive anti-mosquito measures, including clearing potential breeding grounds at least once a week during the rainy season and timely co-ordination of fogging operations until the season ends, in a collective effort to safeguard public health.
     
    Rodent control
     
         Starting from 2024, the FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with AI technology to conduct the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) and establish a RAR in each district. The FEHD uses AI to analyse thermal images captured by cameras to detect and understand rodent pathways and activity ranges. This helps assess rodent infestation objectively and effectively to allocate resources precisely for targeted rodent control measures. The RAR in the second half of 2024 was 94 per cent (for every 100 images, 94 of them did not detect rodents), and the number of survey locations with RAR lower than 80 per cent has decreased by 10 as compared to the first half of 2024. From 2025, the FEHD’s RAS has been extended to public housing estates and parks managed by the Housing Authority and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Relevant departments will have more data to enhance precision in rodent control work and make the survey more representative.
     
         Making reference to the results of the RAS, the FEHD continues to strengthen rodent control and implement a series of targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including overnight anti-rodent operations and the application of new anti-rodent technologies and tools, which have gradually shown positive results. From January to June, 2025, the FEHD collected a total of approximately 57 200 live rodents, marking an increase of 92 per cent and 54 per cent as compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
     
         In the meeting, the FEHD briefed participants on how to make effective use of the RAR data to address rodent blackspots, and properly allocate resources to step up rodent prevention and control work so as to achieve a precise and effective rodent control strategy, for reference by relevant departments.
     
         The effectiveness of prevention and control of rodents relies on the co-operation of stakeholders from various sectors. On December 31, 2024, the FEHD launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Charter, targeting residential premises to raise residents’ awareness of environmental hygiene and foster good habits to create a rodent-free environment. Residential premises that sign the Charter will be provided with free anti-rodent technical support from the FEHD, including invitations to attend pest control seminars organised by the department. As of June 15, 2025, 640 residential premises have signed the Charter, covering over 580 000 households. Two premises, with over 40 households, that signed the Charter have participated in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management. Other participants joining the Pilot Scheme will be gradually invited to sign the Charter when they are ready.
     
         The FEHD has actively provided technical support to residential premises that signed the Charter and organised 48 publicity and education activities over the past six months, including rodent control seminars, exhibitions and site visits, to encourage community participation in daily anti-rodent efforts. A total of approximately 2 150 people took part. Among these, two large-scale rodent control seminars held by the FEHD in March and June, 2025 were very well-received, attracting over 400 anti-rodent liaison ambassadors.
     
         All departments agreed to continue to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in premises under their respective management, to strengthen internal monitoring and assessment of the outcome of rodent control work, and to actively encourage relevant sectors and stakeholders to co-operate with the Government’s work, eliminating rodents’ fundamental survival conditions of food, harbourage and passages from their respective areas.
     
         The second-stage environmental hygiene-related legislative amendments was passed by the Legislative Council on May 8, 2025 and will come into effect on August 17, to more effectively tackle rodent infestation and other environmental hygiene issues. The FEHD can now serve a “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” to persons responsible for management of the building (e.g. property management companies) when appropriate, for their follow-up action to eliminate vermin infestation in common parts of a building. Under the legislative amendments, the maximum penalty for non-compliance with “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” will be raised from a fine at level 2 ($5,000) and a daily fine of $100 to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and a daily fine of $450, so as to enhance deterrent effect.
     
    The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from three policy bureaux and 20 government departments and organisations.
    Issued at HKT 22:32

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: API Bank a.d. Beograd Prepares Updated Corporate Governance Documents in Line with New Banking Law

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    API Bank a.d Beograd Logo

    BELGRADE, Serbia, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — API Bank a.d. Beograd announces that the General Meeting of Shareholders, chaired by Mr. Andrey Shlyakhovoy, has adopted updated editions of the Bank’s Statute and Incorporation Act. The revisions are intended to align with forthcoming amendments to the Law on Banks of the Republic of Serbia, which take effect on October 1, 2025.

    The updated documents reflect API Bank’s continued commitment to maintaining strong corporate governance and compliance practices. By proactively adjusting its foundational documents ahead of the legal changes, the Bank aims to ensure a smooth transition and full adherence to regulatory expectations.

    While specific provisions of the updated documents will come into effect following regulatory confirmation, the Bank’s leadership has worked to ensure that the revisions are consistent with both the spirit and letter of the upcoming legal framework.

    Final implementation of the revised Statute and Incorporation Act is subject to approval by The Regulator.

    About API Bank a.d. Beograd

    The Bank has been present in the Serbian market since 2008 and was established as greenfield investment in the banking sector of Serbia. With a change in ownership structure since 2018, the Serbian company AZRS INVEST d.o.o. became the 100% owner of the Bank. Focused on providing quality products and services, the Bank’s business network includes two branches in Belgrade and one branch in Novi Sad. The name of the Bank – API (Application Programming Interface) reflects a vision of the future that will bring technological progress and integration of practical solutions in everyday business. The Bank is focused on modernization and is committed to applying quality and innovative solutions using the latest financial technologies, digitalization, and expanding e-services that play a vital role for further development.

    Media Contact:
    API Bank a.d. Beograd
    Office of Corporate Affairs
    office@apibank.rs
    www.apibank.rs

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ffbc1a5-38e1-4f6c-ab6a-3bd1b093541f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Freename Secures $6.5 Million Series A to Accelerate the Future of Domain Names and Digital Identity in the New Internet Era

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, Switzerland, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Freename, a leading domain registrar bridging DNS and Blockchain technologies, today announced the closing of a $6.5 million Series A funding round. The new capital will drive product innovation, expand Freename’s global footprint,  further unify Web2 and Web3 digital identity ecosystems and enable not just traditional IP addresses but also wallet addresses in a regulated manner. 

    The round was led by Entrée Capital with participation from Polymorphic Capital, as well as continued support from seed investors Sparkle Ventures, Blockchain Founders Fund, and Golden Record Ventures. Notable new angel investors joined the round, including Mike Lobanov (Co-Founder of Target Global), Rashwan family office, and Aaron Schnarch (former CEO of Coinbase Custody).

    With almost six billion people on the internet, and up to 20% using it for Web3 or decentralized purposes, there needs to be a bridge between the old and new online worlds. The number of Web3 wallets has already surpassed the total number of registered domain names, and the rapid adoption of blockchain is expected to expand this further over the next decade. Freename is building the technology and infrastructure that fixes issues associated with closing this gap, including mending IP and wallet addresses, resolving collisions and blockchain metadata issues. 

    Freename is redefining the domain space by merging traditional DNS infrastructure with Web3 capabilities, enabling wallets to natively interact with websites, services, and digital identities. As decentralized systems become more prominent, Freename offers a new paradigm for domains, where names are not only readable but also programmable, functional, and secure across blockchains.

    “In Web2, domains are static; they point to servers. In Web3, they become dynamic, pointing to wallets, smart contracts, and on-chain reputations. That shift unlocks an entirely new layer of digital identity.” said Davide Vicini, CEO and Co-Founder of Freename. “Freename is building the foundation for a unified Internet, where owning a domain means owning your online identity across both traditional and decentralized infrastructures.”

    Freename empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to create and monetize custom Top-Level Domains (TLDs), opening new revenue streams through second-level domain sales. Its proprietary DNS technology ensures compatibility across major blockchain networks including Polygon, Solana, Base, and BNB Chain, while remaining accessible from standard browsers like Chrome and Safari.

    Key innovations include a collision management system that resolves identical domain names across all major blockchains and Web3 registrars, and a proprietary resolution protocol licensed to traditional DNS providers ensuring seamless interoperability between Web2 and Web3 naming systems.

    “Freename is redefining how digital identities are managed and monetized in the Web3 era and in future,” said Avi Eyal, Managing Partner at Entrée Capital. “Freename’s multi-chain approach and strong regulatory posture makes the company true category leaders. We’re proud to support their next phase of growth. Coupled with their support for existing traditional domains and new products to be released soon, we believe they are the next generation of domain name providers.”

    “Freename was born from the belief that the next era of the Internet demands a unified, interoperable identity layer,” added Mattia Martone, COO and Co-Founder of Freename. “We’re not just creating a new asset class, we’re empowering everyone to participate in building a decentralized Internet where domains act as secure, multi-chain digital passports. This funding accelerates our mission to scale that vision globally.”

    In just three years, Freename has rapidly established itself as a leader in the domain space focusing on a $141 billion Total Addressable Market. It has launched the world’s first on-chain DNS capable of being read by traditional browsers like Safari and Chrome, a major step toward mainstream Web3 adoption, and became the first Web3 domain registrar to obtain an ICANN Registrar License, unlocking the ability to sell traditional domains.

    About Freename

    Freename AG is a Swiss-based ICANN-accredited technology company developing the most innovative domain registrar. By bridging DNS and blockchain, Freename is redefining how digital identities are created, managed, and monetized and how the Internet can embrace wallets worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.freename.com

    Media Contact: mattia@freename.com
    Website: www.freename.com
    Twitter (X): @freenamecom

    Mattia Martone
    COO and Co-Founder
    Freename

    mattia@freename.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Discontinuation of one-month treasury bill

    Source: Bank of Canada

    As announced in the 2025-26 Debt Management Strategy, the Government of Canada will be discontinuing the one-month treasury bill. This is in line with the policy intent to introduce it on a temporary basis as previously outlined in the federal 2024 Budget and a market notice. The last one-month treasury bill auction will occur on 29 July 2025.

    The one-month bill program was launched in May 2024 to support an orderly transition away from Bankers’ Acceptances (BAs) that are no longer being issued after the cessation of the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate’s (CDOR) publication in June 2024.

    Given the greater availability and attractiveness of private sector alternatives for replacing BAs, the one-month treasury bill has fulfilled its objective of providing a partial substitute for BAs during a transition period and is no longer needed for maintaining well-functioning of the Canadian money market. This is evident from the mild auction demand and comments received from market participants during the Debt Management Strategy Consultations in Fall 2024.

    Operationally, there will be no changes to the Terms and Conditions and to the timing for the three, six, and twelve-month treasury bill auctions; however, starting on 12 August 2025 all treasury bill sectors’ Call for Tenders and Pre-Call for Tenders will occur at 10:40 am on their relevant days (currently at 1:00 pm).

    For further information, please contact:

    Director
    Financial Markets Department
    Bank of Canada
    343‑573‑4846

    Director
    Funds Management Division
    Department of Finance Canada
    343‑549‑3651

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CFEC Releases Results of April 2025 Foreign Exchange Volume Survey

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Canadian Foreign Exchange Committee (CFEC) released today the results of its April 2025 semi-annual survey of foreign exchange volumes in Canada. The purpose of the survey is to provide information on the size and structure of the foreign exchange and foreign exchange derivatives markets in Canada. Volumes are broken down by product, currency, counterparty, maturity and execution method. The eight banks with the largest foreign exchange sales activity in Canada participate.

    The summary highlights of the April 2025 survey include the following:

    • The monthly turnover in April of traditional foreign exchange products (defined as spot transactions, outright forwards and foreign exchange swaps) totaled about US$4.4 trillion. On an average daily basis, total turnover decreased by 1.7 per cent to US$201.0 billion from October 2024.
    • Spot transactions increased by 23.9 per cent to US$32.1 billion on an average daily basis from October 2024. Outright forwards increased by 11.2 per cent to US$24.2 billion and foreign exchange swaps decreased by 7.8 per cent to US$144.7 billion over the same period.
    • The monthly turnover of foreign exchange derivatives (currency swaps and options) totaled US$608 billion in April. On an average daily basis, derivatives turnover increased by 42.4 per cent to US$27.6 billion from October 2024.
    • Currency swaps turnover increased 49.6 per cent to US$21.4 billion and currency options turnover increased by 22.2 per cent to US$6.2 billion on an average daily basis from October 2024.
    • Compared with the survey from one year ago, the average daily turnover of traditional foreign exchange products increased by 12.7 per cent, and foreign exchange derivatives increased by 34.6 per cent.

    The detailed results of the survey are presented in the summary tables attached. 

    Notes

    CFEC is an industry group composed of senior representatives from financial institutions actively involved in the foreign exchange market in Canada and the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar market globally. Formed in 1989, its objective is to provide a forum for the regular discussion of issues and developments pertinent to the foreign exchange market, including the review of market practices and procedures. The Bank of Canada chairs CFEC and provides secretariat services to the Committee.

    The Bank of Canada also co-ordinates the CFEC survey on behalf of the market participants. The eight banks that participate in the survey are:

    • Bank of America Canada
    • Bank of Nova Scotia
    • BMO Capital Markets
    • CIBC World Markets
    • National Bank of Canada
    • RBC Capital Markets
    • State Street Canada
    • TD Securities

    Globally, the (London) Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee, the (New York) Foreign Exchange Committee, the Singapore Foreign Exchange Market Committee, the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market Committee, the Australian Foreign Exchange Committee and Hong Kong’s Treasury Markets Association conduct similar surveys. Their results are also released today (see links below).

    https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/markets/london-foreign-exchange-joint-standing-committee
    http://www.newyorkfed.org/fxc/volumesurvey/
    https://www.sfemc.org/statistics.html
    http://www.fxcomtky.com/index_e.html
    http://www.tma.org.hk/en_newsevents.aspx
    https://www.afxc.rba.gov.au/statistics/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Bank of Canada releases the second quarter issues of the Business Outlook Survey and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations

    Source: Bank of Canada

    OTTAWA – On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Bank of Canada will release the second quarter issues of the Business Outlook Survey and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations. 

    Time

    10:30 (Eastern Time)

    Lock-Up

    At 09:00 (ET), journalists are invited to review copies of the Business Outlook Survey and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations, under embargo, at the Bank’s head office in Ottawa. Please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Wellington), and bring photo ID. 

    For security reasons, journalists wishing to attend must confirm their presence by contacting Media Relations before noon (ET) on Friday, July 18, 2025. Those who have not registered will not be admitted to the lock-up. 

    At 10:30 (ET), the lock-up ends and the embargo will be lifted.

    Media Briefing Session

    There will be no briefing session for this event.

    Distribution

    The Business Outlook Survey and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations will be available at 10:30 (ET) on the Bank’s website. 

    Media Availability

    There will be no media availability for this event.

    Webcast

    There will be no webcast for this event.

    Note

    For more information, please contact Media Relations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS AMERICA’S AI ACTION PLAN

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    WASHINGTON, DC – The White House today released “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan”, in accordance with President Trump’s January executive order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI. Winning the AI race will usher in a new golden age of human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security for the American people.
    The Plan identifies over 90 Federal policy actions across three pillars – Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Leading in International Diplomacy and Security – that the Trump Administration will take in the coming weeks and months.
    Key policies in the AI Action Plan include:
    Exporting American AI: The Commerce and State Departments will partner with industry to deliver secure, full-stack AI export packages – including hardware, models, software, applications, and standards – to America’s friends and allies around the world.
    Promoting Rapid Buildout of Data Centers: Expediting and modernizing permits for data centers and semiconductor fabs, as well as creating new national initiatives to increase high-demand occupations like electricians and HVAC technicians.
    Enabling Innovation and Adoption: Removing onerous Federal regulations that hinder AI development and deployment, and seek private sector input on rules to remove.
    Upholding Free Speech in Frontier Models: Updating Federal procurement guidelines to ensure that the government only contracts with frontier large language model developers who ensure that their systems are objective and free from top-down ideological bias.
    “America’s AI Action Plan charts a decisive course to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence. President Trump has prioritized AI as a cornerstone of American innovation, powering a new age of American leadership in science, technology, and global influence. This plan galvanizes Federal efforts to turbocharge our innovation capacity, build cutting-edge infrastructure, and lead globally, ensuring that American workers and families thrive in the AI era. We are moving with urgency to make this vision a reality,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios.
    “Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform the global economy and alter the balance of power in the world. To remain the leading economic and military power, the United States must win the AI race. Recognizing this, President Trump directed us to produce this Action Plan. To win the AI race, the U.S. must lead in innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships. At the same time, we must center American workers and avoid Orwellian uses of AI. This Action Plan provides a roadmap for doing that,” said AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks.
    “Winning the AI Race is non-negotiable. America must continue to be the dominant force in artificial intelligence to promote prosperity and protect our economic and national security. President Trump recognized this at the beginning of his administration and took decisive action by commissioning this AI Action Plan. These clear-cut policy goals set expectations for the Federal Government to ensure America sets the technological gold standard worldwide, and that the world continues to run on American technology,” said Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.
    Learn more at ai.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ETH and BTC Earning Made Easier: ETHRANSACTION Launches Newbie-Friendly Crypto Access Guide for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kansas City, Missouri, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ETHRANSACTION is a leading platform in the cryptocurrency space. In this industry, generating new digital assets and confirming transactions are core functions. The two most popular currencies involved in such operations are usually Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). ETHRANSACTION operates as a mobile-first crypto earning platform founded in 2017. Today, the company announced the launch of its BTC and ETH earning system optimized for 2025, giving new users direct access to simplified crypto participation without hardware or setup costs. The update makes ETHRANSACTION one of the few mobile platforms that enables real-time BTC and ETH income generation through AI optimization and renewable energy.

    ETHRANSACTION’s Approach to Ethereum (ETH) Rewards:
    Ethereum’s early reliance on the Proof of Work (PoW) protocol demanded high-performance computing to solve complex problems and validate transactions. After shifting to Proof of Stake (PoS), Ethereum’s energy consumption dropped significantly, allowing participants to earn rewards by simply staking ETH.
    Despite this transition, some platforms, including ETHRANSACTION, continue to offer ETH-based earning potential by utilizing off-chain infrastructure and data center solutions that replicate the original operational environment.

    ETHRANSACTION’s Approach to Bitcoin (BTC) Rewards:
    Bitcoin still uses the Proof of Work (PoW) protocol, which typically requires powerful, energy-intensive hardware. While earning BTC remains profitable, individual efforts often face challenges due to equipment and electricity costs.
    Many users are turning to platforms like ETHRANSACTION, which let users access computing resources remotely, removing the need for personal hardware or ongoing maintenance.

    What is ETHRANSACTION?
    Launched in 2017, ETHRANSACTION is a mobile-based platform that enables users to earn from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Ripple, and USDT, all from a smartphone. No costly setup is necessary. Just sign up, activate a contract with a free trial bonus, and begin earning rewards. ETHRANSACTION blends AI technology with solar-powered infrastructure to make crypto participation accessible to everyone.

    Key Features of the ETHRANSACTION 2025 Platform

    • No upfront investment – New users receive a $19 sign-up bonus.
    • Mobile-optimized experience – All features are accessible directly through the app.
    • Multi-currency support – Earn rewards in BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, and USDT all in one place.
    • AI-driven performance optimization – The system intelligently allocates resources to the most rewarding opportunities.
    • Eco-friendly infrastructure – All facilities are powered by renewable energy sources.
    • Flexible earning contracts – Choose between 2 to 60-day plans, with daily payouts and reinvestment options.

    Why ETHRANSACTION is a Practical Alternative to Traditional Crypto Earning Methods
    Traditional approaches often require:

    • High electricity usage
    • Expensive, specialized hardware
    •  Advanced technical skills

    ETHRANSACTION removes these barriers through:

    • Fully automated, app-based earning
    • Sustainable operations powered by green energy
    • Daily returns without technical involvement

    Plus, you can test the platform through a free trial before continuing. ETHRANSACTION opens the door to digital asset income for everyone — from newcomers to seasoned investors seeking passive returns.

    GET STARTED WITH ETHRANSACTION
    First:

    1. Register at ethransaction.vip or download the ETHRANSACTION app.
    2. Instantly receive your $19 bonus.
    3. Select a reward plan.
    4. Start earning daily rewards from BTC, ETH, and more.
      No experience or equipment required.

    Wrapping Up
    Earning from crypto is no longer costly or complicated. With platforms like ETHRANSACTION, anyone can:

    • Start generating returns from Bitcoin and Ethereum
    • Begin immediately with a $19 bonus
    • Receive daily rewards straight to their phone

    Whether you’re commuting, working, or just exploring crypto, ETHRANSACTION makes earning passive income easier than ever.
    Ready? Sign up for ETHRANSACTION today and claim your free bonus!

    About ETHRANSACTION
    Founded in 2017, ETHRANSACTION operates one of the world’s largest mobile-based crypto earning platforms. By merging AI-driven optimization with ESG-compliant energy practices, ETHRANSACTION simplifies the way users interact with digital assets in a mobile-friendly format accessible worldwide.

    Website: https://ethransaction.vip
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: info@ethransaction.vip

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    – Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders
    – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-has-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Songbo Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge

    Language technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) hold significant potential for public health. From outbreak detection systems that scan global news in real time, to chatbots providing mental health support and conversational diagnostic tools improving access to primary care, these innovations are helping address health challenges.

    At the heart of these developments is natural language processing, an interdisciplinary field within AI research. It enables computers to interpret, understand and generate human language, bridging the gap between humans and machines. Natural language processing can process and analyse enormous volumes of health data, far more than humans could ever handle manually. This is especially valuable in regions with a stretched healthcare workforce or limited public health surveillance infrastructure, because it enables faster, data-driven responses to public health needs.

    Recently, our interdisciplinary team, combining expertise from computer science, human geography and health sciences, conducted a review of studies on how language AI is being used for public health in African countries. Almost a decade’s worth of academic research was analysed, to understand how this powerful technology is being applied to pressing human needs.

    Out of 54 research publications, we found that evidence of real-world effects of the technology was still rare. Only 4% of these studies (two out of 54) showed measurable improvements in public health, such as boosting people’s mood or increasing vaccine intentions.

    Most projects stop at technology development and publication. Very few advance to real-world use or impact. Opportunities to improve health and well-being across the continent could be missed as a result.

    Current limitations

    In recent years, AI language technologies for public health have increased rapidly. This wave of technology development really took off as the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to public health. Health chatbots and sentiment analysis tools were developed in Africa and beyond.

    Research on language AI for public health in Africa. Supplied

    Health chatbots “talk” to people and provide reliable health information in a friendly, conversational way. Sentiment analysis tools scan social media posts to understand what people are feeling and talking about. Together they can identify misinformation or changes in public opinion and then provide accurate information.

    Of course, new technologies come with imperfections. We found that most technologies for public health in Africa exist in just a few languages whose dominance can be traced to colonial times, namely English and French.

    The consequences are clear: key health messages fail to reach many communities, leaving millions unable to access or act on essential information.

    We also found that few projects have gone beyond the laboratory development stage. Our study found only one system in operation that had a measurable public health effect.

    A successful model

    This standout example comes from a team at the Center for Global Development and the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics. Their chatbot, deployed on Facebook Messenger, was designed for people in Kenya and Nigeria who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. It was only available in English.

    More than 22,000 social media users used this app, sharing vaccine-related questions and concerns. The chatbot provided tailored, evidence-based responses to topics ranging from vaccine effectiveness and safety to misinformation. Its effect was notable. The intervention boosted users’ intention and willingness to get vaccinated by 4%-5%. The strongest effects were seen among those most hesitant to begin with.

    Behind this success was the researchers’ commitment to understanding the local context. Before launching the chatbot, in-depth discussions were held with focus groups and social media users in Kenya and Nigeria. The aim was to learn about the specific worries and cultural factors shaping attitudes toward vaccination.

    The chatbot was designed to address these concerns. This user-centred, locally adapted approach enabled the chatbot’s messages to address real barriers. As this example demonstrates, language technologies for public health are most effective when responding to the concerns and needs of the intended users.

    From lab to life

    These technologies take time and money to be put into practice. The COVID-19 pandemic jump-started development but public health language AI technologies are very new. It could be that a future survey would find a very different situation.

    At the same time, advances in large language models such as GPT-4 are rapidly lowering the technical barriers to developing language technologies. These models can often be adapted to new applications with far less data and effort than previous methods. Recent advances could enable small teams of researchers or even individual developers to build tools tailored to the specific needs of their own communities. The path from lab to real-world effects may become much shorter and easier.

    Investors, accelerators and state support could help make this transition from lab to life happen.

    Technology developers can also contribute by rooting their work in community-driven, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Social science and public health research knowledge and skills can inform the design and development of new technologies.

    To maximise the potential of language technologies for public health, the following needs to happen:

    • involving communities and health workers in natural language processing design

    • expanding provision in indigenous African languages

    • integrating language technologies into existing health systems.

    Future research and development must move beyond technical prototypes and laboratory tests to rigorous real-world evaluations that measure health outcomes.

    The other co-authors behind this research are: Abigail Oppong, Ebele Mogo, Charlotte Collins, and Giulia Occhini.

    – AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters
    – https://theconversation.com/ai-chatbots-can-boost-public-health-in-africa-why-language-inclusion-matters-260861

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Songbo Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge

    Language technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) hold significant potential for public health. From outbreak detection systems that scan global news in real time, to chatbots providing mental health support and conversational diagnostic tools improving access to primary care, these innovations are helping address health challenges.

    At the heart of these developments is natural language processing, an interdisciplinary field within AI research. It enables computers to interpret, understand and generate human language, bridging the gap between humans and machines. Natural language processing can process and analyse enormous volumes of health data, far more than humans could ever handle manually. This is especially valuable in regions with a stretched healthcare workforce or limited public health surveillance infrastructure, because it enables faster, data-driven responses to public health needs.

    Recently, our interdisciplinary team, combining expertise from computer science, human geography and health sciences, conducted a review of studies on how language AI is being used for public health in African countries. Almost a decade’s worth of academic research was analysed, to understand how this powerful technology is being applied to pressing human needs.

    Out of 54 research publications, we found that evidence of real-world effects of the technology was still rare. Only 4% of these studies (two out of 54) showed measurable improvements in public health, such as boosting people’s mood or increasing vaccine intentions.

    Most projects stop at technology development and publication. Very few advance to real-world use or impact. Opportunities to improve health and well-being across the continent could be missed as a result.

    Current limitations

    In recent years, AI language technologies for public health have increased rapidly. This wave of technology development really took off as the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to public health. Health chatbots and sentiment analysis tools were developed in Africa and beyond.

    Health chatbots “talk” to people and provide reliable health information in a friendly, conversational way. Sentiment analysis tools scan social media posts to understand what people are feeling and talking about. Together they can identify misinformation or changes in public opinion and then provide accurate information.

    Of course, new technologies come with imperfections. We found that most technologies for public health in Africa exist in just a few languages whose dominance can be traced to colonial times, namely English and French.

    The consequences are clear: key health messages fail to reach many communities, leaving millions unable to access or act on essential information.

    We also found that few projects have gone beyond the laboratory development stage. Our study found only one system in operation that had a measurable public health effect.

    A successful model

    This standout example comes from a team at the Center for Global Development and the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics. Their chatbot, deployed on Facebook Messenger, was designed for people in Kenya and Nigeria who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. It was only available in English.

    More than 22,000 social media users used this app, sharing vaccine-related questions and concerns. The chatbot provided tailored, evidence-based responses to topics ranging from vaccine effectiveness and safety to misinformation. Its effect was notable. The intervention boosted users’ intention and willingness to get vaccinated by 4%-5%. The strongest effects were seen among those most hesitant to begin with.

    Behind this success was the researchers’ commitment to understanding the local context. Before launching the chatbot, in-depth discussions were held with focus groups and social media users in Kenya and Nigeria. The aim was to learn about the specific worries and cultural factors shaping attitudes toward vaccination.

    The chatbot was designed to address these concerns. This user-centred, locally adapted approach enabled the chatbot’s messages to address real barriers. As this example demonstrates, language technologies for public health are most effective when responding to the concerns and needs of the intended users.

    From lab to life

    These technologies take time and money to be put into practice. The COVID-19 pandemic jump-started development but public health language AI technologies are very new. It could be that a future survey would find a very different situation.

    At the same time, advances in large language models such as GPT-4 are rapidly lowering the technical barriers to developing language technologies. These models can often be adapted to new applications with far less data and effort than previous methods. Recent advances could enable small teams of researchers or even individual developers to build tools tailored to the specific needs of their own communities. The path from lab to real-world effects may become much shorter and easier.

    Investors, accelerators and state support could help make this transition from lab to life happen.

    Technology developers can also contribute by rooting their work in community-driven, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Social science and public health research knowledge and skills can inform the design and development of new technologies.

    To maximise the potential of language technologies for public health, the following needs to happen:

    • involving communities and health workers in natural language processing design

    • expanding provision in indigenous African languages

    • integrating language technologies into existing health systems.

    Future research and development must move beyond technical prototypes and laboratory tests to rigorous real-world evaluations that measure health outcomes.

    The other co-authors behind this research are: Abigail Oppong, Ebele Mogo, Charlotte Collins, and Giulia Occhini.

    Songbo Hu currently receives funding from the Cambridge Trust.

    Anna Barford currently receives funding from UKRI and the Mastercard Foundation. She has previously received funding from the the British Aacdemy, ESRC, Leverhulme Trust, CPEST, the University of Cambridge, Unilever (via a philanthropic donation to the University) and the Asian Development Bank. Anna is the Co-Director of the Business Fights Poverty Institute and a consultant to the International Labour Organization.

    Anna Korhonen receives funding from UKRI, and has previously received funding from MRC, EPSRC, NERC, Royal Society, ERC, and philantrophic donations to the University of Cambridge.

    – ref. AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters – https://theconversation.com/ai-chatbots-can-boost-public-health-in-africa-why-language-inclusion-matters-260861

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    Rory Horner receives funding from the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship. He is also a Research Associate at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

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

    – ref. Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-has-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edition 40: News from the Adjudicator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Edition 40: News from the Adjudicator

    Read the latest newsletter from the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA).

    I am pleased to be updating you about recent news from the GCA, including the commencement of a statutory investigation, the publication of the 2025 survey results and the launch of registration for my 2025 annual conference.

    Amazon investigation

    On 20 June 2025, I launched a targeted investigation into whether Amazon has delayed payments to suppliers, in breach of Paragraph 5 of the Groceries Code. I decided to launch the investigation based on the range of evidence I had seen from multiple sources.

    Delays in payment can significantly harm suppliers, potentially exposing suppliers to excessive risk and unexpected costs and affecting suppliers’ ability to invest and innovate.

    The investigation will cover the extent to which paragraph 5 of the Code may have been breached; any impact of Amazon’s conduct on suppliers; and the root causes of any issues.

    The call for evidence closes on 8 August 2025, so there’s still plenty of time for direct suppliers and other stakeholders to confidentially respond and provide information about your experiences with Amazon. Thank you to those who have already provided evidence.

    For further information, including on how to respond and the confidentiality that applies to all responses, please view the Notice of Investigation.

    Survey results

    I also published my 2025 survey results last month.

    The survey is an important tool for understanding perceptions of Code compliance across the 14 large designated retailers and tackling the most prevalent issues. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey at the beginning of the year.

    I am pleased that the results show improved Code compliance across the sector. The number of suppliers suffering Code issues fell from 33% in 2024 to 30% in 2025. The average perceived Code compliance across the retailers rose from 91% to 93% with improvements at the five retailers with the perceived lowest Code compliance in 2024. For the first time at least 90% of suppliers perceived that 13 retailers were Code compliant all or most of the time.  

    There was also a fall in the number of suppliers experiencing several issues. Some of the standout improvements include:

    • delays in payments (11% of suppliers from 14% in 2024)
    • inadequate processes and procedures to enable invoice discrepancies to be promptly resolved (17% of suppliers from 21% in 2024)
    • undisputed invoices not paid according to agreed terms (9% of suppliers from 12% in 2024).

    You can find further detail in the information pack published on the GCA website.

    I have recently begun my regular round of meetings with each of the Code Compliance Officers. I have asked each of them to explain at the meetings how they will respond to their individual survey results. I will hold the large retailers to account to ensure that they deliver changes that resolve issues and improve Code compliance.

    YouGov carried out the survey and is now conducting a series of deep dive interviews with suppliers to provide further detail about their experiences. YouGov will present their findings at my conference, details below.

    Conference

    Registration is now open for the GCA Annual Conference 2025 which will take place on Tuesday 30 September.

    The conference will bring together the 14 large retailers, suppliers and industry experts to reflect on changes to the groceries sector, ongoing challenges, support available for suppliers and future priorities. To register, please visit the GCA website.

    I look forward to meeting many of you and hearing your views and questions in September.

    Annual Report and Accounts

    I published my Annual Report and Accounts on Friday 18 July. The report covers the GCA’s work during 2024/25 to ensure that the designated retailers treat their suppliers fairly and lawfully.

    Find out more on the GCA website.

    Statutory review

    The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a consultation as part of its fourth statutory review of the GCA. DBT seeks evidence, including about how the GCA has performed its statutory obligations from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025.

    The consultation closes on 5 August 2025. Find out more and respond to the consultation.

    Further information 

    Getting in touch 

    If you would like to get in touch with me and the GCA team confidentially, please email enquiries@groceriescode.gov.uk or report issues anonymously 24/7 via telltheGCA.co.uk.

    Mark White

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

    Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that 27 counties across the state will receive more than $204 million in funding for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes, and improve resiliency after future storms.

    “When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes.”   

    “At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”

    Notable projects include:

    • The Town of Bryson City (Swain County) will receive $9.2 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for wastewater treatment plant improvements.
    • The Town of Waynesville (Haywood County) will receive $8.2 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for improvements to the Little Champion Gravity Sewer and Pump Station.
    • The City of Graham (Alamance County) will receive $3.4 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant improvements.
    • The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County) will receive $20.5 million from IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for the P.O. Hoffer / Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) facility.
    • The Town of River Bend (Craven County) will receive $6.3 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for Phase II drinking water improvements.
    • The Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority will receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for GAC filters for PFAS removal.
    • The City of Lenoir (Caldwell County) will receive $5.6 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Lower Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Basin Improvements. Lenoir will also receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line funding for its Lead Service Line Inventory Phase 3 project.
    • The City of Lexington (Davidson County) will receive $13.7 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Solids Handling Improvements project.
    • The City of Henderson (Vance County) will receive $10.7 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Sandy Creek Pump Station and Force Main project.
    • The Town of Warrenton (Warren County) will receive $10 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for its Phase IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.
    • The City of Sanford (Lee County) will receive $7.3 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for its Dry Creek Basin Sewer Rehabilitation project and $1 million each for its Sanford/TriRiver Water/Chatham County and Sanford/TriRiver Water/Siler City Lead Service Line Inventory projects.
    • The Pfeiffer-North Stanly Water Association (Stanly County) will receive $4.9 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for its N. Main Street and Old 52 waterline replacement project.
    • Carolina Water Service, Inc. will receive a total of $5.5 million for six projects involving PFAS-related, lead service line identification or water line-related funding in Cumberland, Gaston, Moore and Pender counties.

    A list of all projects selected for funding is available on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) website.

    NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 eligible applications, which requested a total of $1.57 billion. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards during its July 16 meeting. The Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects. 

    Funding this round came from the State Revolving Funds, including IIJA funds. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans that may be partially forgiven for drinking water and wastewater projects. State Revolving Funds are funded by federal capitalization grants and revolving loan repayments. This round included IIJA Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) funds and IIJA Lead Service Line Replacement funds. 

    The Division of Water Infrastructure’s Fall 2025 funding round begins July 29. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025. Funding for the Fall 2025 round will come from multiple existing programs, including evaluating options to address PFAS contamination, identifying and replacing lead service lines, and Viable Utility Reserve grants. The Viable Utility Reserve provides grants to local government units that are designated as Distressed for planning and construction projects that will support the long-term viability of the utility. 

    In addition, the Division will accept applications on a rolling basis for the new federal supplemental appropriations from the 2025 American Relief Act to build resilience to infrastructure for Hurricane Helene-impacted communities. Helene State Revolving Fund supplemental funds for western North Carolina towns that have experienced Helene damage will continue to be available through year-round applications starting at the end of July until 2026.  

    The Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct in-person funding application training for the Fall 2025 funding round at six locations: Clyde, Hickory, Boone, Fayetteville, Winterville, and Research Triangle Park/Durham. A virtual option via Webex will also be available, and a recording of the training will be posted on the Division’s training web page.

    Learn more about the Division of Water Infrastructure’s funding programs here. 

    Jul 23, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Importers Agree to Pay $6.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Unpaid Customs Duties

    Source: US State of California

    Manchester, New Hampshire, based Global Plastics LLC (Global Plastics) and Melville, New York, based Marco Polo International LLC (Marco Polo), both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, have agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve their civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that MGI International and its subsidiaries took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties.

    In 2024, MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed to CBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire that, beginning in May 2019, Global Plastics and Marco Polo failed to declare the correct country of origin and value on certain entries of plastic resin products manufactured in the PRC and, as a result, failed to pay the proper duties owed to CBP.   

    “The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when importers fail to pay customs duties owed, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures.”

    “Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. “This resolution demonstrates that when companies self-disclose misconduct, cooperate fully with the government’s investigation, and take meaningful corrective action, they can receive credit for those admissions. We will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to avoid paying what they owe to the federal government, while also recognizing responsible corporate behavior.”

    “When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I am proud that CBP was able to work with the Department of Justice to help ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses.”

    MGI cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things: making a timely voluntary self-disclosure of the potential violations; performing a thorough and independent internal investigation;  preserving, collecting, and disclosing facts not known to the government but relevant to its investigation; conducting an analysis of potential damages that was shared with the government; and implementing appropriate remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and making improvements to compliance procedures. As a result, MGI, Global Plastics, and Marco Polo received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act settlements.

    This resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Raphael Katz of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Importers Agree to Pay $6.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Unpaid Customs Duties

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Manchester, New Hampshire, based Global Plastics LLC (Global Plastics) and Melville, New York, based Marco Polo International LLC (Marco Polo), both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, have agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve their civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that MGI International and its subsidiaries took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties.

    In 2024, MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed to CBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire that, beginning in May 2019, Global Plastics and Marco Polo failed to declare the correct country of origin and value on certain entries of plastic resin products manufactured in the PRC and, as a result, failed to pay the proper duties owed to CBP.   

    “The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when importers fail to pay customs duties owed, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures.”

    “Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. “This resolution demonstrates that when companies self-disclose misconduct, cooperate fully with the government’s investigation, and take meaningful corrective action, they can receive credit for those admissions. We will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to avoid paying what they owe to the federal government, while also recognizing responsible corporate behavior.”

    “When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I am proud that CBP was able to work with the Department of Justice to help ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses.”

    MGI cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things: making a timely voluntary self-disclosure of the potential violations; performing a thorough and independent internal investigation;  preserving, collecting, and disclosing facts not known to the government but relevant to its investigation; conducting an analysis of potential damages that was shared with the government; and implementing appropriate remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and making improvements to compliance procedures. As a result, MGI, Global Plastics, and Marco Polo received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act settlements.

    This resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Raphael Katz of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Descope Achieves FedRAMP High Authorization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ALTOS, Calif., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descope, the drag & drop external IAM platform, today announced that it has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) High Authorization. This marks a significant step in the company’s mission to provide frictionless, secure authentication and identity management for US government agencies and all other organizations requiring FedRAMP High authorized software.

    Descope is now listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace, making it accessible to federal agencies, contractors, system integrators, and other organizations requiring FedRAMP High authorized software as a fully vetted, secure, and compliant IAM solution. Descope achieved FedRAMP High Authorization through the Palantir FedStart program, which provides companies access to Palantir’s proven secure software development infrastructure, cloud expertise, and deep government accreditation experience.

    The Descope no-code / low-code external IAM platform helps organizations easily create, modify, and manage identity journeys for their users, business customers, partners, and AI agents using visual workflows. Hundreds of organizations like GoFundMe, Databricks, GoodRx, and Navan use Descope to enhance customer experience, help prevent account takeover, and get a 360-degree view of their customer and machine identities.

    As federal agencies look to modernize identity management for citizens and partners as well as align with cybersecurity initiatives mandating phishing-resistant MFA, Descope delivers a flexible no-code / low-code solution to easily create and modify user journeys including login, signup, MFA, SSO, and fine-grained access control. The Descope Agentic Identity Hub also provides a suite of developer tools to add authentication and scope-based access control for AI agents, APIs, and MCP servers.

    “Descope was founded to help organizations easily provide frictionless and secure authentication experiences to their end users and other external stakeholders,” said Slavik Markovich, Co-Founder and CEO of Descope. “We are delighted to achieve FedRAMP High Authorization and look forward to helping government agencies deliver seamless and omnichannel G2C user experiences, meet MFA regulatory mandates, and securely adopt agentic AI with identity guardrails.”

    About Descope

    Descope is a drag & drop platform to help organizations manage all their external identities. Our no-code / low-code external IAM solution helps organizations create, modify, and secure authentication and authorization journeys for end users, business customers, partner applications, and APIs / AI agents. Hundreds of businesses use Descope to improve customer experience, prevent account takeover, and get a 360-degree view of their customer and machine identities.

    Media Contact

    Erica Anderson
    Offleash for Descope
    descope@offleashpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Get $50 Welcome Bonus, 100x Leverage & No KYC on BexBack – Crypto Futures Trading Simplified

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin trades near $120,000 and the crypto market enters a new bull market, holding spot positions may struggle to deliver short-term profits. With the market showing strong upward momentum, investors looking to maximize their returns can turn to BexBack Exchange for a powerful solution. BexBack offers 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, providing traders the tools to seize profitable opportunities. Plus, with no KYC requirements, BexBack ensures a seamless and efficient trading experience.

    Advantages of 100x Leverage Crypto Futures

    1. Amplified Profits: Control large positions with a small amount of capital, capturing more profits from market fluctuations.
    2. Low Capital Requirement: Participate in high-value trades with minimal investment, lowering the entry barrier.
    3. Increased Market Opportunities: Profit quickly from price fluctuations, especially in volatile markets.
    4. High Capital Efficiency: Leverage enables better use of your capital, expanding your investment potential.
    5. Profit from Both Up and Down Markets: Adapt to any market conditions, with opportunities to profit whether the market goes up or down.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on futures contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform also operates offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Like many top-tier exchanges, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, with zero deposit fees and 24/7 multilingual customer support, delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly trading experience.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users , you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a16aa38f-cdae-425e-996c-2648e82d5ef0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ad5a331-aa57-4f0b-ab21-b87061191568

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12f8df3a-75b9-480f-affd-fd9829799b27

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84422ec5-b03f-4214-bcd7-94d2ec100652

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Get $50 Welcome Bonus, 100x Leverage & No KYC on BexBack – Crypto Futures Trading Simplified

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin trades near $120,000 and the crypto market enters a new bull market, holding spot positions may struggle to deliver short-term profits. With the market showing strong upward momentum, investors looking to maximize their returns can turn to BexBack Exchange for a powerful solution. BexBack offers 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, providing traders the tools to seize profitable opportunities. Plus, with no KYC requirements, BexBack ensures a seamless and efficient trading experience.

    Advantages of 100x Leverage Crypto Futures

    1. Amplified Profits: Control large positions with a small amount of capital, capturing more profits from market fluctuations.
    2. Low Capital Requirement: Participate in high-value trades with minimal investment, lowering the entry barrier.
    3. Increased Market Opportunities: Profit quickly from price fluctuations, especially in volatile markets.
    4. High Capital Efficiency: Leverage enables better use of your capital, expanding your investment potential.
    5. Profit from Both Up and Down Markets: Adapt to any market conditions, with opportunities to profit whether the market goes up or down.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on futures contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform also operates offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Like many top-tier exchanges, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, with zero deposit fees and 24/7 multilingual customer support, delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly trading experience.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users , you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a16aa38f-cdae-425e-996c-2648e82d5ef0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ad5a331-aa57-4f0b-ab21-b87061191568

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12f8df3a-75b9-480f-affd-fd9829799b27

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84422ec5-b03f-4214-bcd7-94d2ec100652

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BTCC Exchange Honored with Triple Recognitions from FXEmpire in Comprehensive 2025 Industry Analysis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCC, the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchange, is proud to announce that it has received three distinguished awards from FXEmpire following their comprehensive evaluation of over 50 centralized crypto exchanges in 2025.

    BTCC has been honored with the “Lowest Fee Crypto Exchange,” “Best Fiat-to-Crypto Trading Platform,” and “Best Crypto Exchange in the USA” awards, cementing its position as an industry leader.

    The “Lowest Fee Crypto Exchange” and “Best Fiat-to-Crypto Trading Platform” recognitions underscore the platform’s commitment to providing users worldwide with low fiat deposit fees across major currencies, including USD, CAD, EUR, and many others. Backed by multi-region licences, BTCC supports high transaction limits that ensure smooth and compliant fiat onboarding for traders globally.

    The “Best Crypto Exchange in the USA” award recognizes BTCC’s FinCEN licence in the U.S. and its commitment to transparency, as demonstrated by monthly Proof of Reserves reports that consistently maintain reserve ratios above 100%.

    “We’re truly honored and excited to receive these awards from FXEmpire,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC. “These recognitions validate our commitment to providing traders with the most efficient, secure, and cost-effective cryptocurrency trading services, and reinforce our mission to uplift the industry’s standard for quality trading.”

    With 14 years of proven security and reliability since 2011, BTCC continues to strengthen its position in the global cryptocurrency market. As an industry pioneer, BTCC remains committed to delivering reliable and accessible trading services to users worldwide.

    Learn more about the rewards on BTCC’s website.

    About FXEmpire

    Established in 2011, FXEmpire is a globally recognized financial news platform. It offers up-to-date market news, detailed analysis, real-time quotes and charts, and expert reviews of brokers and crypto exchanges.

    About BTCC Exchange

    Founded in 2011, BTCC is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange with the vision to make crypto trading reliable and accessible to everyone. With a strong presence in over 100 countries and regions and a user base of over 9.1 million, BTCC continues to deliver innovation, security, and an unmatched user experience in the cryptocurrency world.

    Official website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US

    X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

    Contact: press@btcc.com

    The MIL Network –