NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches first environmental inspections under new regulations

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

    BEIJING, May 26 — China has initiated the fourth phase of the third round of central environmental protection inspections, the first since a new set of regulations on ecological and environmental protection inspections came into force.

    The inspections, approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, will cover five provincial-level regions and three centrally-administered state-owned companies, said the central leading group for the inspection work of ecological and environmental protection on Monday.

    Inspection teams will be dispatched to Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Shaanxi, and Ningxia. The teams will conduct both regional inspections and coordinated inspections of the Yellow River Basin.

    They will also inspect China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., China Datang Corporation Ltd., and State Power Investment Corporation Limited.

    The inspections will last about one month. During the period, each team will establish dedicated telephone hotlines and postal mailboxes for the public to submit reports and complaints regarding any environmental protection issues related to the inspected entities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Moody’s affirming ratings offers positive reflection of Chinese economic prospects: ministry

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

    Moody’s affirming ratings offers positive reflection of Chinese economic prospects: ministry

    BEIJING, May 26 — Moody’s decision to affirm China’s A1 ratings on Monday is a positive reflection of the improving prospects for the country’s economy, the Chinese Ministry of Finance said.

    Since the fourth quarter of last year, the Chinese government has implemented a series of macroeconomic policies, economic indicators have improved, market expectations and confidence have stabilized, and the medium and long-term sustainability of debt has improved, the ministry said.

    The global economy is facing multiple risks and challenges, including insufficient momentum, escalating geopolitical conflicts, and a volatile international economic and trade order, leading to increased uncertainty in regard to economic performance, it noted.

    Against this backdrop, China’s economy has secured a strong start, with high-quality development trending positively. Production and consumption demand are steadily rising, and the stability and coordination of economic operations are improving, demonstrating strong resilience and vibrant dynamism, it said.

    Moving forward, a series of incremental and existing policies will work in concert to provide solid support for high-quality economic development, the ministry said.

    Regardless of changes in the external environment, China will remain confident and focused, concentrating on managing its own affairs well, it noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fishing company to offer watchkeeping training following enforceable undertaking

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    An enforceable undertaking between Maritime NZ and a North Island fishing company is helping to fund a range tools to help improve safety knowledge in the commercial fishing sector, and assist in training of rescue organisations.

    Following the grounding of the Bilyara, on Ohinau Island off the Coromandel in April 2020 Maritime NZ started an investigation into the incident.

    The investigation found the grounding put the lives of the crew and the environment at risk.

    It was established that the Penwarden Holdings owned vessel grounded due to the crew failing to properly keepwatch. 

    “We know watchkeeping issues contribute to a significant number of incidents for commercial operators,” General Manager Investigation, Pete Dwen says.

    An enforceable undertaking is an agreement between Maritime NZ and a duty holder (vessel owner or operator) made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

    It is entered into voluntarily by the duty holder following a breach (including an alleged breach) of HSWA and, once in place, is legally binding.

    It is generally used as an alternative to prosecution. It must include appropriate amends to victims and commitments that would promote health and safety at that work place, the wider industry and the community.

    The near $190,000 undertaking will see Penwarden Holdings develop training modules for personnel in the industry. These resources will be used by both the company and the wider sector. The training is expected to be available in about 12 – 18 months’ time. The modules will be advertised via industry publications.

    Pete Dwen says the enforceable undertaking was agreed to as it proposed a range of benefits for a variety of different groups.

    “The nature of the proposals demonstrate benefits to the workplace, community and industry. In particular the resources to be developed in respect of watchkeeping, aligns with Maritime New Zealand’s strategic focus,” he says.

    As well as the development of the modules, Penwarden Holdings will supply a vessel for training exercises to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and donate $35,000 to the response charity.

    “Response agencies such as ARHT play a significant role in helping those in need, and we know being able to undertaking a training exercise on a vessel such as those operated by Penwarden Holdings will be hugely valuable,” Pete Dwen says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port of Auckland Limited sentenced over fatal 2020 incident

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Sentencing of major port company a reminder of the risks on New Zealand’s ports.

    Today, Port of Auckland Limited (POAL) was sentenced after pleading guilty to two charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The charges were filed by Maritime NZ after stevedore Pala’amo Kalati was killed by a falling container on 30 August 2020.

    Following the death of Mr Kalati, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken by Maritime NZ. Everyone involved and the staff at Maritime NZ wish to extend their condolences to Mr Kalati’s family and to his co-worker who was in the vicinity with him at the time of the incident.

    Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says his death was a manifestation of the risk caused and contributed to by POAL’s failures around stevedore safety.

    “Those failures were long standing and systemic, putting many stevedores at risk for an extended period of time,” Ms Hewlett says.

    Changes were also made to processes around the time of the incident due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This lessened the oversight while undertaking work such as what was occurring when the incident happened.

    Prior to the incident occurring, Mr Kalati and a colleague were working on board as lashers discharging containers from the MV Constantinos P. A crane was operating adjacent to the two men. It was lifting pairs of containers off the vessel when a third container was accidentally lifted as well. The third container detached and fell, killing Mr Kalati.

    “While nothing can bring Mr Kalati back to his family or change the impact on his co-worker, who was also present. This tragic incident as well as two other fatal incidents in April 2022, highlighted the need to review and make changes to health and safety on New Zealand ports.

    “It is good to see POAL take responsibility for its actions and pleading guilty.

    “Over the last 20 months, Maritime NZ alongside our partners in the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group has undertaken a significant programme of work to reduce harm on New Zealand’s ports.

    “Since the Leadership Group was set-up POAL has and continues to be a key contributor in the work to bring down instances of harm on New Zealand ports.

    “We want there to be a culture in the sector that reflects the need to take a safety-first approach to operations.

    “Port workers need to be safe at work,” Kirstie Hewlett says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytech is a participant of the international exhibition “Metalworking – 2025”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Today, the exhibition “Metalloobrabotka – 2025” opened in Moscow, in which the Polytechnic University is taking part. This is a traditional industry event, which for 40 years has regularly brought together the best specialists and largest companies from Russia, the CIS countries, the Middle and Far East and other regions of the world. The exhibition has been held in Moscow since 1984 and is recognized as the largest project in Russia and the CIS in the field of machine tool building. This year, over 1,200 companies are presenting advanced solutions for industry on an area of 50,000 sq. m. The number of participants is about 50,000 people.

    “I am glad to welcome all participants of the International Exhibition “Metalloobrabotka – 2025″, one of the largest and most authoritative professional platforms in the field of machine tool building in Russia and the CIS countries. For all exhibitors, partners of the exhibition and guests of Expocentre, this is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the most relevant industrial trends and advanced production technologies,” said SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy. – At the end of 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation completed work on the formation of eight national projects of technological leadership, and the most important of them is dedicated to the industrial sector: the national project on means of production and automation, the main subjects of which are machine tool building in metalworking, technological equipment, additive technologies. These are the topics that are the focus of both the business program discussions and the key exhibits of the exhibition, in which Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a traditional participant with many years of experience in developing and implementing high-tech technologies in various industries and acting as an executor of the main federal programs for technological development, is a traditional participant. I invite all colleagues to a dialogue on the thematic tracks of the exhibition and to further productive cooperation.”

    The main topics of the 25th anniversary exhibition are innovations in machine tool building, automated production lines, modern tools and materials. The focus is also on digital solutions: software for production management, robotic systems, artificial intelligence technologies. The business program of the exhibition will be focused on applied tasks of industry and issues of strategic development.

    “It is a great honor for us to be part of this forum, where traditions and innovations of the industry meet. Our institute has been a flagship in the field of mechanical engineering and materials science for many years. We actively develop metalworking technologies, introducing modern solutions in turning, milling and casting processes. Our developments are successfully used at enterprises of the aerospace, automotive and energy industries, ensuring high precision and reliability of products, – noted the director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU Anatoly Popovich. – We pay special attention to additive technologies, which open up new horizons for industry. Together with industrial partners, we create unique methods of 3D printing of metal components, reducing production times and reducing resource costs. It is important that we not only improve technologies, but also train personnel capable of working at the intersection of disciplines. Our students and researchers are actively involved in projects that combine classical metalworking and digital innovations. I am confident that the exhibition will become a platform for fruitful dialogue, and the synergy of experience and new ideas will help us move the industry forward together.”

    SPbPU will demonstrate not just scientific developments, but technological solutions ready for implementation. This year, our university will present a wide range of advanced developments in key areas of modern production – from 3D metal printing to robotic welding and the creation of intelligent materials.

    Additive manufacturing

    Polytechnic University takes metal 3D printing to a new level: from developing heat-resistant nickel powders to laser synthesis of critically loaded components. The university has more than ten domestic SLP printers with a multi-laser system, which allows creating complex parts for gas turbines and aviation. Thus, the VPLS “Mercury” installation developed by SPbPU jointly with ZAO “Biograd” allows printing gas turbine components from heat-resistant nickel alloys at a heating temperature of up to 1300 degrees Celsius. A powerful laser (1000 W) and precise control of the material structure provide high performance. This is no longer a prototype – it is a response to import substitution in aerospace and energy. In addition, multi-material synthesis, plasma and flame spraying technologies have been implemented. They print not only with alloys – SPbPU has piezoceramics, carbide ceramics, and high-entropy composites in its arsenal. All this is in the interests of import independence and accelerated implementation in real production.

    The Polytechnic University is also equipped with stationary and mobile technological complexes for direct laser deposition, laser cladding, laser and hybrid laser-arc welding of thick metals, and laser welding of thin metals (up to 100 microns).

    Electric Arc Growing (WAAM)

    SPbPU offers a full cycle of WAAM implementation — from design to integration into production processes. The technology of layer-by-layer wire surfacing using an electric arc is used to create large-sized and complex-shaped products from titanium, steel, aluminum and other metals. Robotic complexes are adapted to the tasks of specific customers, providing up to 6 kg/h of printing and full automation. The robotic complex (RC) for additive electric arc growing is a robotic cell that has everything necessary for electric arc growing. In addition, the Polytechnic University supplies the systems with its own software that allows monitoring the status of the manipulator and peripheral equipment, as well as generating control programs for the implementation of the electric arc growing technology. Unique examples: gas turbine engine impellers and wheel rims, which have passed strength tests and demonstrated competitiveness compared to cast products.

    Design and manufacture of laser technological complexes

    Polytechnic University develops turnkey laser systems — from foil welding to repair and manufacturing of components for power and mining equipment. The arsenal includes robotic laser cladding systems, mobile units, robotic systems with 5-kW lasers, direct laser deposition with powders and wire, as well as hybrid systems with an inert atmosphere. Using a robotic laser welding system for thin metals (up to 100 microns), serial welding of fuel elements of a hydrogen energy source for Russia’s first passenger ship, Ecobalt, was implemented.

    The university developed a technology for surfacing a porous coating with a thickness of 600 microns with an open porosity of 60-80% and the ability to control these parameters. The cups successfully passed preliminary clinical tests for integration and toxicity of the surfacing layer with bone material.

    Repair of power equipment components was carried out: nozzle and working blades Man Turbo, SGT-700, TV 3-117, VP2500, VPT-50-2, Man Turbo, MARS100, Taurus 60, Man Turbo, MS5002E, TV 3-117, NK-12ST, DR59L, GPA GTK-10I, MS3142J.

    As part of cooperation with the company JSC UK KER-Holding, the Polytechnicians created and delivered a technological complex for direct laser growth.

    Together with TsNIITMASH, a demonstration separation module of a power plant was created using direct laser growth. The result is a reduction in the number of welding operations, an increase in anti-corrosion properties and reliability in extreme Arctic conditions. The university is conducting projects with Rosatom, Gazprom and other industrial giants, offering customers not just equipment, but fully adapted technological solutions.

    Friction stir welding (FSW)

    SPbPU is one of the few in the country that uses STP and TSTP on a large scale: both in spot and seam configurations. This is a solid-phase welding technology that does not involve melting, but has high strength, minimal deformations, and the ability to weld even dissimilar materials — aluminum with copper, composites with metals. The university produces seams up to 8 meters long, develops its own equipment, and trains customer personnel. The use of STP is relevant for aviation, shipbuilding, energy, and military equipment — wherever precision and durability are important.

    We invite you to the Polytechnic stand 1A25, where you can see and evaluate the latest technologies and innovations from SPbPU in the field of metalworking.

    Exhibition address: Moscow, Krasnopresnenskaya embankment 14, Expocentre Central Exhibition Complex

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multiple watchkeeping related failures identified in 2020 vessel grounding

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The dangers of watchkeeping failures are being yet again highlighted following the 2020 grounding of a commercial vessel.

    Watchkeeping is a crucial job for crews on vessels. Anyone tasked to keep-watch has to look out for risks and potential hazards, to ensure the vessel does not ground or hit other boats or other objects in the water.

    All vessels are legally required to keep watch at all times.

    The skipper of the Sidina, Ralph James and the head of the fishing company’s operational planning, Nino D’Esposito were last week sentenced in the Napier District Court, for their parts in the grounding of the vessel along the coast of Chatham Island’s in December 2020.

    It grounded after the skipper fell asleep, he was then woken by the impact of it grounding.

    Maritime NZ’s John Drury says ensuring watchkeeping is adequately managed and staffed is a significant priority for Maritime NZ.

    “Every year we see several incidents relating to vessels failing to properly keep-watch. These can result in collisions and groundings.

    “The skipper needs to ensure proper watch is kept at all times, and that the vessel is operated within the rules, including having the correct number of personnel working while at sea.  

    “Depending on the collision or grounding, these incidents have the potential to put those on the vessel, in the water or other boats at risk of serious injuries or death.

    “There is also the potential for a vessel to cause environmental issues through a grounding or collision.

     “A boat could spill oil or other potentially hazardous substances into the water,” John Drury says.

    A key role on any commercial operation and in turn its management, is to ensure there are appropriate resources and procedures to manage fatigue, make sure the crewing levels are correct and appropriate for the journey being undertaken. Management also need to understand their operating procedures.

    “As the person with oversight of the work, Mr D’Esposito did not correctly manage the personnel resourcing for the vessel, did not ensure there was oversight and management of the risks of fatigue, and as a result left the crew vulnerable to an incident such as what occurred.

    “Ensuring the correct people with the right skills and qualifications are on-board vessels is hugely important when undertaking commercial operations such as what the Sidina was doing when it grounded.

     “It is disappointing these obligations were not given the focus they required,” John Drury says.

    After the vessel grounded, it had to be towed back to Napier to be repaired.

    Editor’s Note:

    Ralph James was sentenced under S65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and fined $4,125.  

    Nino D’Esposito was sentenced under S48 charge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, for a breach of duty as an officer (at the time he was working as a consultant, leading the company’s operational planning). He was fined $11,900.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: AI Meets XRPL: Nimanode’s $NMA Presale Gains Momentum as AI Agents Set to Transform Web3 Automation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nimanode, the trailblazing AI-powered platform built on the XRP Ledger, has officially launched its $NMA token presale, which started on May 22, 2025 and will remain live for a 30-day window.

    As XRP continues to gain momentum, boosted by renewed institutional inflows and its recent recognition as a cornerstone asset in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve — projects like Nimanode are emerging at the forefront of XRPL’s next evolution, combining zero-code AI automation with real on-chain utility.

    JOIN $NMA PRESALE

    Nimanode is positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized technology. While much of the Web3 space remains focused on static smart contracts, Nimanode introduces something radically different: autonomous AI agents that users can build, deploy, and monetize — with zero coding required.

    What’s so Special about Nimanode?

    They boast of a suite of AI agents that can be deployed all from a no-code interface

    Web3 Customer Support Agents – Deployment AI agents 24/7 Web3-based customer support

    DeFi Autopilot Agent – AI Agents that not only trade but research, analyse and present optimal APY for its users

    Risk Assessment Agent – Designed to safeguard users by analyzing every dApp or token address a user interacts with.

    Why Whale’s are Scooping $NMA

    With a deliberately limited supply of just 200 million tokens, $NMA’s tokenomics are designed to reward early adopters and its ecosystem participants. Positioned at the core of Nimanode’s decentralized infrastructure, the token offers holders access to staking rewards, governance participation, and revenue-sharing opportunities.

    Holding the $NMA Token unlocks the full potential of the ecosystem, including:

    Agent Deployment – Reduced fees for launching agents when holding a minimum $NMA balance

    Agent Marketplace – Use $NMA to access premium agents or receive exclusive discounts

    Staking Benefits – Stake $NMA to earn passive income through the platform’s reward pool

    Governance Access – Participate in protocol decisions and vote on proposals that shape Nimanode’s future

    Buy $NMA Token

    How To Join The Nimanode Presale

    Here’s how you can participate:

    1. Buy XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit
    2. Send them to an XRP Compatible Wallet (Xaman recommended) to hold your purchased XRP.
    3. Go to Nimanode’s presale page, copy the deposit address, and send your XRP to it.
    4. Receive your tokens via airdrop 24 hours after the presale concludes.

    Act Now, Don’t Miss Out

    The market is heating up. BTC is hitting new highs. But the smartest investors aren’t just riding waves, they’re positioning for what powers the next one.

    AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, and Nimanode gives you the keys to deploy it.

    Get your $NMA while it’s still early.

    WEBSITE | TWITTER | TELEGRAM | WHITEPAPER

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2837a177-584e-4fbb-a555-a2b391b80284

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Chance AI releases new model with visual reasoning, multi-language support, and voice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chance AI, the multi-agent visual AI for explorers, artists, and creatives, today announces its most substantial model upgrade to date. Available starting today on iOS and coming soon to Android, Chance AI’s latest release introduces real-time visual reasoning, support for 17 languages, and voice playback—making Chance’s unique visual AI proposition more intuitive, helpful, and accessible.

    Chance AI now describes its reasoning in real time

    Simply take a photo, and Chance AI will instantly provide a wealth of history, context, and related information. Uncover the story behind historic landmarks or art pieces, identify unique plants or objects, or learn more about books, games, movies, and more. Chance AI is currently a free download with no ads or shopping links.

    New Real-Time Visual Reasoning

    The latest update brings real-time visual reasoning to Chance AI, allowing the model not just to identify what it sees—but to explain how it discovers and interprets new information through step-by-step visual logic, like a thoughtful human observer. Whether it’s analyzing art, decoding design, or understanding the natural world, Chance now provides rich, conversational insight into visual intelligence.

    “This is a huge leap forward for Chance AI,” said founder Xi Zeng, co-founder and former Product Director at OnePlus. “Unlike other models, Chance AI is built specifically for deep visual reasoning and explains what it sees in a powerful new way—connecting your curiosity with real, human-centered insights. We believe that knowledge should meet you at the speed of sight, not hide behind search boxes or opaque algorithms. It’s about making exploration transparent, inclusive, and fun.”

    With this release, Chance AI becomes the first true visual reasoning model, offering an unprecedented level of transparency and outperforming competitors in accuracy and contextual depth. 

    Building a Global Community

    With its latest update, Chance AI now supports 17 languages, opening the door for even more users to explore and connect with the world around them. In addition to English, newly added languages include:

    • Spanish / Español
    • French / Français
    • German / Deutsch
    • Italian / Italiano
    • Portuguese / Português
    • Simplified Chinese / 简体中文
    • Traditional Chinese / 繁體中文
    • Japanese / 日本語
    • Dutch / Nederlands
    • Polish / Polski
    • Swedish / Svenska
    • Danish / Dansk
    • Norwegian Bokmål / Norsk Bokmål
    • Finnish / Suomi
    • Czech / Čeština
    • Greek / Ελληνικά

    Press Play on Exploration

    The update also introduces audio output, so users can choose to read or listen to Chance AI’s responses. 

    “It’s so exciting to see people around the world discovering Chance AI and using it to explore their surroundings in entirely new ways,” said Bradon Harwood, co-founder of Chance AI and former senior marketing leader at OnePlus. “This new model is really about breaking down barriers—so even more people can experience the joy of exploration in their own native language, by text or voice.”

    Voice features are now available in English, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. More languages are planned for future releases.

    Availability

    Chance AI is available now for free download on the Apple App Store. An Android version is currently in closed beta and will be available soon on Google Play. Users can visit Chance AI’s website to join the company’s beta program and try the Android version today.

    Chance AI is now available in 17 global languages

    About Chance AI

    Founded by former OnePlus team members with a passion for design, technology, and exploration, Chance AI is the most advanced visual AI ever developed—driven by a mission to enrich lives through discovery. With just a quick snap, it unlocks a world of conversational context and hidden narratives, transforming the way people engage with their surroundings. 

    Press inquiries

    Chance AI
    https://chance.vision
    Bradon Harwood
    bradon@chance.vision

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Adriana D Kugler: Assessing maximum employment

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Thank you, Francine, and thank you to the Central Bank of Iceland for the invitation to speak to you today.

    My subject is the Federal Reserve’s mandate of maximum employment. In the Fed’s monetary policymaking, maximum employment and stable prices are linked in the mandate assigned to the Federal Reserve by U.S. law, which we refer to as the dual mandate. Icelanders, I know, are a seafaring people, and those here will understand what I mean when I say that the dual mandate is our “lodestar,” a word our two languages share. It is our goal and our guide in setting monetary policy.

    There is an important distinction between our dual-mandate goals. For reasons that I will explain, while the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has defined “stable prices” as 2 percent annual inflation, such numerical precision is not possible in defining maximum employment.

    To achieve price stability, the Fed adopted a numerical target for inflation in 2012 that hasn’t changed. It has remained unchanged because the Committee has repeatedly reaffirmed the judgment that it made in 2012 that 2 percent inflation is the rate most consistent with its statutory mandate. In contrast, the Federal Reserve has not spelled out a numerical goal for the unemployment rate or some other measure of employment because maximum employment can move up and down over time and is not directly measurable, and also because the different factors that determine it are either difficult or impossible to measure in real time.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Klaas Knot: A true treasure – why we need diversity and inclusion in the financial industry

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Welcome dear colleagues! Welcome to the conference and welcome to our renovated building.

    After several years of construction, De Nederlandsche Bank returned a few months ago to this updated version of our historic home. It is not only energy-efficient and sustainable, but also – quite unusual for a central bank – partially open to the public: on the ground floor, visitors can walk in to have a coffee, work, study, or simply look around.

    Look at our extensive art collection – as you can do later today – or visit the vault where we used to store our gold bars and our money. Now we call it the New Treasury and use it as an exhibition space where visitors can learn more about our role and responsibilities and explore our collection of historic banknotes, with a lot of European pre-euro examples. I hope you take the opportunity to visit the exhibition. 

    Of course I am convinced that the introduction of the euro was a positive change – I am the president of the Dutch Central Bank, after all – but despite everything we gained in this monetary union, we also lost something.

    In our banknotes we lost colour, individuality, diversity. Because the pre-euro banknotes all tell their own story. Of national identity, cultural heritage, time and place. They differ in colour, imagery, size; even in the feel of the paper.

    The Italian lira, with historic painters and sculptors: ornate and expressive.
    The German mark, with scientists and writers: inventive and efficient.
    The Dutch guilder, with colourful birds and sunflowers: bold and modernist.

    To name only a few.

    These banknotes remind us that diversity is not disorder.

    It is depth.
    It is opportunity.
    It is strength.

    The banknotes remind us that it is never one person, one idea that makes us strong.

    Our strength as nations, as the European Community, as financial institutions, is always the product of a flock of ideas, a blend of people, a collection of perspectives. 

    At De Nederlandsche Bank, our vision is ‘connected and diverse’. We believe that to safeguard financial stability and promote sustainable prosperity, we must reflect the society we serve – one that is increasingly complex, international, and indeed, diverse. That is why we aim for a workforce that mirrors the richness of our society.

    Diversity for us is sometimes broad and visible: diversity in gender, age and cultural heritage. But it can also be less visible: diversity in physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, faith, background, education. We don’t pursue diversity for appearances sake. We pursue it because it sharpens our thinking, deepens our dialogue, and improves our decision-making. Complex challenges – like climate risk, digital transformation, and geopolitical uncertainty – demand diverse perspectives. 

    That is not an abstract mission, but a commitment to tangible goals. We are aiming for full gender balance in our workforce and leadership by 2028.

    We are not there yet, we hope to hit our target if we can continue improving by 2% per year. Currently, women make up 43% of DNB’s management, and we are still working on this. We are using the updated definitions from the Dutch Statistical Office to improve cultural representation, with the aim of having 26% of our employees and managers come from a migrant background.

    We have achieved this on the work floor, but not yet in management, where the figure is currently just over 13%; so this is also a work in progress.

    We are making all this happen by translating our ambition for diversity and inclusion into our policies and daily work processes.

    And by keeping track of our progress. We believe – obviously – that data drives progress. What gets measured, gets managed.

    So we have established a Diversity Board to guide and accelerate our progress, and we measure our progress with a Diversity Dashboard. Recently, we published our Out & Proud Statement, in which we explicitly express our support for LGTBIQ+ inclusion and speak out against intolerance. Because there is a world to be gained, and in some cases, regained when it comes to LGTBIQ+ inclusion.

    I am saddened to see that LGTBIQ+ inclusion has declined in recent years in European countries and across the world. Statistics show decreasing support for LGTBIQ+ inclusion – also among younger people.

    We are seeing more frequent physical, verbal and online violence, and politicians are rolling back previously attained rights for LGBTIQ+ couples.This declining support and safety affects LGTBIQ+ people throughout society, including those working at central banks and other financial institutions.

    For our employees to reach their full potential, for them to make the best contribution to our work and mission and – not least – for us to fulfil our potential as an employer, our employees must feel safe, must be able to express themselves. That’s why we have to work together to become – and stay – diverse and inclusive organisations. And that requires the involvement of all of us.

    At DNB, we encourage this by empowering our internal networks, like Young DNB, DNB Pride, DNB International, Blended and Female Capital, but we also try hard to involve every employee outside those networks. Because only by involving everyone can we ensure that every colleague – regardless of who they are – feels seen, heard and valued.

    This is my call to action to you today:

    let’s talk, let’s exchange experiences, let’s exchange ideas to make this happen. For instance by ensuring that – where that is not already happening – we create space for internal networks, for LGBTIQ+ employee resource groups. And, even better, let’s create an international network for these groups, so they can strengthen each other, and by doing so, strengthen our organisations.

    Do you know what this is?

    After the introduction of the euro, we shredded all those beautiful old banknotes. We packed the shreds in small bags, which we handed out as souvenirs to visitors of DNB. One of our doormen used to say, with a big wink and a smile: “It’s a jigsaw puzzle.”

    But of course there is a lesson here: creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is a human-made jigsaw puzzle that we can only put together through human-made solutions.

    We have to look for and connect the diversity of our people. We have to ensure that human uniqueness is not just tolerated, but treasured in our financial institutions.

    Because only then can we truly claim to be resilient. Only then can we speak credibly in the public debate. Only then we can see the full picture: a financial sector that not only serves society – but represents it. 

    And our banknotes?

    There is good news on that front: the European Central Bank is preparing to introduce a new generation of euro banknotes. The ECB is consciously seeking to reflect more of the identities, histories and cultures of the people who use them.

    So once more – I hope – the designs will be colourful, representative and diverse. Because diversity does not weaken unity, it strengthens it. Not only in the European Union, not only in the financial sector, but for all of us.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sabine Mauderer: Price stability and climate change

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Check against delivery 

    1 Introduction 

    Ladies and gentlemen. 

    I am delighted to have the opportunity to open this conference today.

    I am sure, we all agree: climate change alters the environment in which central banks operate. 

    According to the NGFS long-term scenarios, unmitigated climate change leads to losses in global GDP of almost 15 % by 2050 – relative to a scenario without climate change. This is a conservative estimate, as it does not yet account for key risks, such as sea level rise and climate tipping points.

    Given the context of this conference, there is no need to give you any further examples about the relevance of climate change. Instead, allow me to briefly recap why and how we as central bankers need to deal with climate change: In doing so, I will focus on some of the most important aspects. 

    2 Physical impacts and climate policies

    Let me turn to the two dimensions of what we call “climate change” for short: the impacts of climate change itself, and the effects of our attempts to mitigate it. 

    Central banks monitor both dimensions because of their relevance for output and prices. This is why I highly appreciate that the impacts of physical risk and transition risk on inflation are at the core of today’s conference. 

    Let’s start with physical risks. 

    In addition to the consequences of gradual shifts in temperature patterns or sea level rise, acute physical risks such as hurricanes, droughts or floods can damage the economy, with impacts lasting beyond the short-term. As the timing, location and magnitude of such shocks are largely unpredictable, central banks are on high alert. 

    In theory, the direction of price developments depends on the balance between supply and demand. Severe weather events could affect either side. Supply-side disruptions tend to cause higher prices whereas a reduction in demand tends to entail lower prices. 

    Without pre-empting the work presented at this conference: As outlined in a recent technical paper by the NGFS1, the emerging empirical work on the linkage between weather shocks and inflation suggests that the upward pressure from the supply side dominates, for instance, for agricultural production.

    One key finding is that food prices tend to rise in the aftermath of a weather shock – associated with negative supply impacts – with some spillovers into overall inflation.2 Moreover, the specific nature of the shock matters, with nonlinear inflationary effects being documented in the case of heatwaves.

    The type of damages can differ as well: while heatwaves tend to impact labour and agricultural productivity, leaving the capital stock unaffected, severe storms tend to impair infrastructure, housing, and the capital stock of an economy.3

    There is also the second dimension – transition risk. Many jurisdictions have committed to decarbonise their economies. This goes hand in hand with substantial structural changes that can also pose risks for price stability. 

    But the picture emerging here is more mixed: the impact of a green transition on inflation depends on its drivers and how it unfolds in the economy. 

    Moreover, short and long-run effects can differ.

    What are these drivers? Let me briefly elaborate. 

    Depending on the policy mix, the pace of technological progress, changes in preferences and the role of international trade relations4 – to mention just a few main aspects – the transition will affect the supply and demand side of the economy in multiple ways. 

    Hence there is no straightforward answer to the question whether inflationary or disinflationary effects will dominate. A higher carbon price, for example, makes carbon intensive products and businesses more expensive. As a result, consumer price inflation may rise in the short-term. 

    Over the medium to long run, however, higher costs of brown products will make it more attractive to shift to greener production processes – and invest in innovative green technologies. 

    Green innovations, efficiency gains and maturing technologies, together with an increasing usage of clean energy, can drive energy costs and prices down over time.5 Therefore, inflationary pressures are likely to remain contained in the medium to long run, especially in the event of an orderly transition with predictable carbon prices.

    Along the way, central banks will have to make sure that inflation expectations remain well-anchored, as maintaining price stability is their core mandate.

    Accelerating the green transition is up to our governments, but price stability and a sound financial system are important facilitators of this process.

    3 Conclusion

    Ladies and gentlemen. 

    Our economies are facing multidimensional, unprecedented structural changes. The green transition is just one aspect. 

    At the current juncture, the approaching threats of climate change are overshadowed by other topics. We are all witnessing the shift in attention to artificial intelligence, tariffs and trade wars, and the rising geopolitical uncertainties.

    The many unknowns associated to these topics make strategic long-term decisions particularly challenging for policymakers, firms and households alike. 

    Yet, climate change is and remains an urgent issue that involves answering complicated questions. The physical principles of climate change have not changed. Climate change will not simply disappear if we try to ignore it.

    But we will get closer to a solution every day – if we tackle these questions courageously and analytically. 

    Events like this conference are important to keep the attention on the problem and to improve our understanding of climate risks.

    In this spirit, I wish you a successful and productive discussion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Import orders placed during China-CEEC EXPO totaled 10 billion yuan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, May 26 (Xinhua) — Some 17,000 buyers from China and overseas visited the 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEE) Expo, which concluded in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Sunday.

    The volume of placed import orders amounted to 10.98 billion yuan, the organizers reported. In addition, during the fair, agreements were signed on the implementation of 24 investment projects, primarily related to areas important for the formation of productive forces of a new quality – artificial intelligence, production of high-end equipment, etc.

    The organizers noted a significant expansion of the geography of participants. In addition to 14 CEE countries, 120 countries and regions of the world were represented at the current EXPO, the number of participating enterprises approached 1,500, and about 4,000 foreign buyers visited the fair.

    It is particularly noteworthy that the newly established section “Intelligent and Digital CEE” brought together 37 leading companies in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, in particular, companies from Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia demonstrated their developments in VR, flight simulators and an aircraft resembling a bat.

    Progress was also made in improving cooperation mechanisms during the fair. Thus, the dialogue on customs and quarantine control led to an agreement on the admission of agricultural products from Bulgaria and Croatia to the Chinese market and the establishment of a cross-border information exchange mechanism. It was decided to open a liaison office of the China-CEECA Agricultural Cooperation Promotion Association in Ningbo, which is designed to provide comprehensive support for the entry of relevant products from CEECA countries to the Chinese market. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hong Kong SAR IPOs this year total 76 billion Hong Kong dollars

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HONG KONG, May 26 (Xinhua) — Chen Mao-bo, head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Finance Department, said that since the beginning of this year to date, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has raised over 76 billion Hong Kong dollars through initial public offerings (IPOs) on the local stock exchange, an eight-fold increase compared to the same period last year and reaching about 90 percent of last year’s total.

    In an online report posted by the official on Sunday, he said that despite the uncertainties in the external environment, the Hong Kong SAR is making every effort to seize opportunities to play the role of a “super-connector” between China’s interior and the rest of the world.

    Last week, Hong Kong SAR hosted two major financial forums, with many foreign investors pledging to use Hong Kong to increase their asset allocation to the Chinese interior and the rest of Asia. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange also saw its largest IPO of the year last week.

    In addition, the Hong Kong Investment Management Company organized the first international forum on “patient capital”. Speaking at the forum, representatives of science and technology enterprises noted that the event allowed them to get acquainted with many potential investors and long-term funds, which will help accelerate the connection between capital and innovative science and technology enterprises.

    On May 23, the Hong Kong SAR’s relocation regulations came into effect. On the same day, a major international insurance company announced its intention to relocate to Hong Kong and make Hong Kong its place of registration.

    Chen Maobo noted that due to the excellent performance of the stock exchange, more and more companies are choosing to set up their headquarters, research centers and regional offices in the Hong Kong SAR, which in turn demonstrates the confidence of investors and enterprises in the Hong Kong SAR. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Vessel owner and skipper fails to meet legal obligations

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A skipper whose vessel sank off the South Island last year was operating it unlawfully at the time, failing to have obtained the required out of water survey.

    Wayne Jolly was the sole director and shareholder of Aurora Oceania Limited, which owned and operated the commercial fishing vessel, Aurora.

    On 7 March, 2022, the vessel sank about a nautical mile off the Catlins coast

    Mr Jolly has this week been sentenced after formally pleading guilty to one charge of failing to comply with the provisions and conditions of the vessel’s Maritime Transport Operator Certificate under s 69B of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

    “While we cannot confirm this failure to comply has a link to the sinking of the vessel in March 2022, the purpose of the relevant requirements is to protect vessels, the environment and the lives of those on-board.

    “As the vessel was lost at sea, Maritime NZ investigators were unable to examine its physical state, and in turn confirm what caused it to sink,” Investigation’s Manager at Maritime NZ John Maxwell says.

    As the sole director of the company, Wayne Jolly was required to ensure any ship run under his company’s management was operating in line with the required safety management systems for the vessel.

    In order for a vessel, such as the Aurora to be compliant, it needs to have a current Certificate of Survey, these are issued by maritime surveyors.

    Owners and operators have the primary responsibility for their vessels safety at all times.

    “The Aurora’s CoS was valid until 2023, but subject to a range of conditions including requiring it to have an out-of-water survey by March 2021. This survey was never undertaken.

    “Given the survey wasn’t completed by its March 2021 due date, the Certificate of Survey was invalid when it sank a year later.

    “Failing to complete the out-of-water survey meant there wasn’t up to date information on the condition on the vessel nor an opportunity to identify any safety risks that need to be fixed” John Maxwell says.

    Maritime NZ says it is vital operators understand their safety responsibilities, not only in respect of their vessels but also the crew and our environment.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with New Zealand

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 26, 2025

    Washington, DC – May 26, 2025: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation [1] with New Zealand on May 19, 2025.

    Tight monetary policy has helped bring inflation back to target, but at the expense of growth. Real GDP contracted by 0.5 percent y/y in 2024, as investment fell by 4.1 percent y/y, household consumption stagnated. The slowdown has been particularly pronounced in interest-rate-sensitive sectors including retail trade, construction, and manufacturing. The financial sector remains resilient despite rising non-performing loans. A recovery in external demand and improved terms of trade have helped narrow the current account deficit to 6.2 percent of GDP, though it remains above long-term trends. Despite a challenging economic backdrop, the government delivered modest fiscal consolidation in FY2023/24, with the primary deficit narrowing to 2.4 percent of GDP. Tight monetary policy helped bring inflation within the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)’s 1–3 percent target band in 2024Q3, after 13 consecutive quarters, with headline inflation reaching 2.5 percent y/y in 2025Q1. The RBNZ has thus eased the Official Cash Rate (OCR) several times since August 2024, bringing it closer to the neutral rate.

    The return of inflation to target is enabling monetary policy easing and a return to growth. Inflation is forecast to remain within the target band, allowing monetary policy to gradually move to a neutral stance. Real GDP is projected to expand by 1.4 percent y/y in 2025, with monetary policy easing providing a boost to consumption and investment. Growth is expected to accelerate to 2.7 percent y/y in 2026, as the lagged impact of lower interest rates is fully realized. Fiscal policy is expected to continue to balance needed medium-term consolidation with growth considerations. The government’s broad-based structural reform agenda is aimed at boosting medium-term productivity growth, including via reforms to attract foreign investment, enhance competition, reduce regulatory burdens, accelerate housing supply growth, and progress toward closing of the infrastructure gap.

    Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Downside risks stem from a softer-than-expected recovery due to elevated global uncertainty and a weak labor market or the occurrence of a natural disaster. Upside risks include a stronger rebound in growth due to faster-than-expected monetary policy transmission. As a small open economy, New Zealand is vulnerable to trade disruptions, geoeconomic fragmentation, or a global economic slowdown.


    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed that the economy is showing signs of a nascent recovery and that inflation has returned to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target, after a prolonged period of significant price pressures. Noting the country’s exposure to trade and investment shocks, Directors underscored the importance of maintaining prudent policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability and implementing ambitious structural reforms to address medium‑ and long‑term economic challenges.

    Directors commended the role of monetary policy in helping bring inflation back to target. They agreed that the current monetary policy easing is appropriate and should continue until reaching a neutral level, while remaining data‑dependent and responsive to economic conditions. Directors welcomed the expanded macroprudential toolbox and concurred that macroprudential tools should continue to be used to address financial risks that may emerge as policy rates are reduced.

    Directors agreed that fiscal policy should focus on growth‑friendly, medium‑term consolidation, while supporting the most vulnerable. They called for comprehensive revenue reforms that enhance efficiency and incentivize long‑term investment. Directors also encouraged the authorities to pursue expenditure reforms, including to the pension system, that are grounded in a cost‑benefit analysis.

    Directors agreed that financial stability risks are contained and recommended that household and financial balance sheets continue to be monitored closely. They welcomed progress in key reforms, notably the Depositor Compensation Scheme and the Deposit Takers Act. Directors noted the authorities’ efforts to increase banking competition and emphasized that prudential settings should remain adequately calibrated to guard against financial stability risks. Given housing shortages, they called for improving affordability and expanding housing supply and welcomed the reform efforts around resource management in these areas.

    Directors commended ongoing structural reforms to overcome slow productivity growth and boost long‑term growth. They welcomed the authorities’ plans to boost competition and innovation, reduce barriers to overseas financing, and deepen capital markets. Investing in infrastructure and enhancing resilience to natural disasters will also be needed.

    It is expected that the next Article IV Consultation with New Zealand will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle.



    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm .

    Table 1. New Zealand: Main Economic Indicators, 2021-30

    (Annual percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    Est.

    Projections

    NATIONAL ACCOUNTS

    Real GDP (production)

    5.7

    2.9

    1.8

    -0.5

    1.4

    2.7

    2.7

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    Domestic demand

    10.0

    4.5

    -0.8

    -0.8

    1.8

    2.6

    2.4

    2.1

    2.1

    2.0

    Private consumption

    7.9

    4.1

    1.0

    0.2

    1.0

    3.1

    3.0

    2.4

    2.4

    2.3

    Public consumption

    7.9

    5.2

    0.8

    0.0

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.7

    0.8

    0.8

    Investment

    17.2

    4.1

    -5.4

    -4.1

    2.4

    3.2

    2.7

    2.3

    2.1

    2.1

    Public

    6.2

    3.6

    10.2

    0.5

    0.3

    2.3

    2.5

    2.8

    2.8

    2.8

    Private

    12.6

    4.3

    -3.2

    -6.5

    1.9

    3.5

    2.7

    2.1

    1.7

    1.8

    Private business

    14.5

    7.3

    -2.2

    -5.0

    2.6

    3.5

    2.8

    2.1

    1.6

    1.6

    Dwelling

    8.6

    -2.3

    -5.6

    -10.1

    0.0

    3.6

    2.3

    2.4

    2.1

    2.4

    Inventories (contribution to growth, percent)

    1.4

    0.0

    -1.4

    0.2

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Net exports (contribution to growth, percent)

    -4.8

    -1.6

    2.6

    0.3

    0.3

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Real gross domestic income

    5.0

    2.3

    1.1

    0.3

    2.9

    3.1

    2.8

    2.4

    2.3

    2.3

    Investment (percent of GDP)

    25.0

    26.3

    24.2

    23.1

    23.4

    23.4

    23.3

    23.2

    23.1

    23.1

    Public

    5.7

    5.9

    6.5

    6.4

    6.3

    6.2

    6.2

    6.2

    6.2

    6.2

    Private

    19.4

    20.4

    17.8

    16.7

    17.1

    17.2

    17.1

    17.0

    16.9

    16.8

    Savings (gross, percent of GDP)

    19.0

    17.1

    17.3

    16.9

    18.3

    18.8

    19.0

    19.2

    19.4

    19.6

    Public

    -3.5

    -4.2

    -3.5

    -4.4

    -5.1

    -3.9

    -2.5

    -1.4

    -0.4

    0.0

    Private

    22.5

    21.3

    20.9

    21.3

    23.4

    22.7

    21.5

    20.6

    19.9

    19.6

    Potential output

    1.5

    1.9

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    Output gap (percent of potential)

    1.8

    2.7

    2.4

    -0.3

    -1.1

    -0.6

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    LABOR MARKET

    Employment

    2.2

    1.7

    3.3

    -0.1

    0.7

    1.5

    2.0

    1.7

    1.3

    1.5

    Unemployment (percent of labor force, ann. average)

    3.8

    3.3

    3.7

    4.7

    5.3

    5.2

    4.7

    4.3

    4.5

    4.4

    Wages (nominal percent change)

    3.8

    6.5

    7.0

    4.6

    4.3

    3.9

    3.3

    3.3

    3.0

    3.0

    PRICES

    Terms of trade index (goods and services, % change)

    -1.0

    -3.1

    -3.4

    2.9

    1.9

    1.3

    0.5

    0.4

    0.2

    0.1

    Consumer prices (avg, % change)

    3.9

    7.2

    5.7

    2.9

    2.4

    2.3

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    GDP deflator (avg, % change)

    3.0

    5.8

    5.1

    3.6

    3.2

    2.8

    2.2

    2.2

    2.2

    2.1

    MACRO-FINANCIAL

    Official cash rate (policy rate, percent, avg)

    0.3

    2.2

    5.2

    4.7

    3.6

    3.3

    3.3

    3.3

    3.3

    3.3

    Credit to the private sector (percent change)

    6.1

    4.3

    0.1

    1.6

    3.2

    5.6

    4.5

    4.0

    3.9

    4.0

    Interest payments (percent of disposable income)

    5.3

    6.3

    8.5

    8.1

    7.3

    7.2

    7.0

    6.9

    6.9

    6.9

    Household savings (percent of disposable income)

    3.6

    3.3

    2.7

    2.5

    2.4

    2.3

    2.9

    3.6

    4.4

    5.1

    Household debt (percent of disposable income)

    174

    173

    168

    166

    160

    160

    159

    158

    157

    157

    GENERAL GOVERNMENT (percent of GDP) 1/

    Revenue

    37.6

    38.8

    37.0

    38.7

    37.6

    37.5

    37.5

    37.7

    37.9

    38.0

    Expenditure

    40.0

    43.3

    40.9

    41.9

    43.1

    42.3

    40.5

    39.7

    38.8

    38.0

    Net lending/borrowing

    -2.5

    -4.4

    -3.9

    -3.2

    -5.5

    -4.8

    -3.1

    -2.0

    -0.9

    0.0

    Operating balance

    -0.3

    -2.2

    -1.7

    -0.7

    -3.0

    -2.5

    -0.8

    0.1

    1.1

    1.9

    Cyclically adjusted primary balance 2/

    -2.8

    -4.2

    -3.7

    -3.4

    -3.6

    -2.9

    -1.4

    -0.2

    1.1

    2.0

    Gross debt

    46.0

    48.6

    45.8

    48.4

    53.2

    56.4

    59.0

    58.8

    57.5

    55.1

    Net debt

    10.6

    17.0

    19.0

    19.8

    23.5

    26.4

    28.0

    28.6

    28.0

    26.4

    Net worth

    94.6

    102.0

    96.3

    94.4

    87.1

    81.3

    77.3

    74.8

    73.5

    73.0

    BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

    Current account (percent of GDP)

    -6.0

    -9.2

    -6.9

    -6.2

    -5.1

    -4.6

    -4.3

    -3.9

    -3.7

    -3.5

    Export volume

    -2.3

    -0.5

    11.0

    4.1

    3.9

    3.9

    4.1

    4.0

    4.2

    4.2

    Import volume

    14.5

    4.7

    -0.4

    2.4

    2.0

    3.5

    3.2

    3.3

    3.4

    3.4

    Net international investment position (percent of GDP)

    -47.9

    -52.5

    -51.3

    -49.4

    -52.1

    -54.0

    -55.8

    -57.3

    -58.6

    -59.6

    Gross official reserves (bn US$)

    16.4

    13.7

    14.8

    23.2

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    MEMORANDUM ITEMS

    Nominal GDP (bn NZ$)

    353

    385

    413

    427

    448

    472

    496

    518

    540

    564

    Percent change

    9.0

    9.2

    7.1

    3.4

    4.9

    5.5

    4.9

    4.4

    4.4

    4.3

    Nominal GDP per capita (US$)

    48,845

    47,819

    48,360

    48,448

    47,158

    49,022

    50,472

    51,643

    53,044

    54,378

    Real gross national disposable income per capita (NZ$)

    54,586

    55,293

    54,662

    53,632

    54,724

    55,635

    56,458

    57,044

    57,611

    58,081

    Percent change

    3.7

    1.3

    -1.1

    -1.9

    2.0

    1.7

    1.5

    1.0

    1.0

    0.8

    Population (million)

    5.1

    5.1

    5.2

    5.3

    5.4

    5.5

    5.5

    5.6

    5.7

    5.8

    US$/NZ$ (average level)

    0.708

    0.636

    0.614

    0.605

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Nominal effective exchange rate

    109.9

    106.5

    105.0

    104.9

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate

    107.6

    105.5

    105.7

    106.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: Authorities’ data and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Fiscal year.

    2/ In percent of potential GDP.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/23/pr25159-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-new-zealand

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shiling to depart Wellington for Singapore

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ has lifted the detention order it previously imposed against the container ship Shiling.

    This means the vessel has satisfied the imposed conditions, and it can now depart New Zealand for Singapore.

    It will leave at about 3.30 PM this afternoon (7 July).

    Over the last three months, the Shiling broke down twice in and around New Zealand waters; resulting in two significant stays in Wellington while repairs were undertaken.

    While the imposed conditions have been satisfied; the Shiling’s owners have agreed to have the vessel escorted by the MMA Vision (a vessel capable of emergency towage) to 200 nautical miles off New Zealand coast.

    “This is an extra layer of protection to keep the crew on the vessel and New Zealand safe,” Maritime NZ’s Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Operations Deb Despard says.

    “Maritime NZ wants to assure people in New Zealand, we have taken this vessel’s issues very seriously.

    Over the last week and a half the Shiling has undertaken a range of trials to show it can satisfy the necessary requirements to be released from its detention.

    “These started with testing the engine alongside the berth at CentrePort, then progressing to harbour trials and finally an open sea trial south of Wellington, with a tug escort throughout.”

    The trials were overseen by the vessel’s classification society* and an overseas technician for the main engine manufacturer.

    “These played a key role in checking the vessel for issues, and reassuring us (Maritime NZ) and other parties involved that the vessel has satisfied the conditions previously imposed, and can undertake the journey to Singapore,” Deb Despard says.

    The process around managing the Shiling has involved a range of organisations from us (Maritime NZ) as the local regulator, our counterpart in Singapore, the Wellington Harbourmaster, CentrePort as well as private companies; including towage providers, insurers and the owners of the vessel.  

    Maritime NZ will continue to monitor its movements out of New Zealand waters. 

    The vessel’s flag state (Singapore) has ordered it travel directly to Singapore.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Promoting social inclusion through pet companionship

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan

    The benefits of pet companionship have been widely researched and celebrated.

    Pets can improve our mood and immune system. They can also encourage staying active and fit, offer emotional comfort and companionship, and foster social connections. Pets can even increase life expectancy.

    Unfortunately, pet companionship is not always easily accessible to everyone. Several groups face hurdles when it comes to sharing time or living with a pet. Some of the hurdles that people can face when accessing pets include the lack of pet-friendly housing and financial resources to afford pet food and veterinary care.

    There can also be more concrete barriers to pet companionship, such as no-pet clauses in rental agreements or no-pet policies in retirement homes.

    As we strive for social equality, it is essential to address hurdles that prevent some people from experiencing the known benefits of spending time or living with a pet.

    Challenges and misconceptions

    Several factors can make pet companionship less accessible. Some of these factors include lack of appropriate housing and lack of financial resources for pet food and pet-related veterinary services. A Canadian survey found that new immigrants and young people aged 18 to 34 years are the groups most affected by these factors and, often, elderly people experience housing-related and financial challenges.

    For pet guardians, the inability to pay for grooming services, food or health-care services can create feelings of distress and, for their pets, this can lead to a reduced quality of life. In this case, we see that the well-being of both pet guardians and their beloved pets can be compromised.

    Moreover, some studies link higher income to an increased likelihood of living with companion animals. When it comes to economic factors, it is concerning that some believe certain groups of people should not be pet guardians. The Michelson Found Animals Foundation highlights several misconceptions about living with companion animals, which are often associated with financial hardships.

    For example, some people believe that people who live in apartments, rather than homes with backyards and green space, should only have small dogs as pets. However, this belief ignores a dog’s energy level as some small dogs are highly energetic while some big dogs are less energetic. This belief also does not consider the guardian’s ability to provide mental and physical stimulation for their dog.

    Still other people believe that if someone cannot afford the costs associated with caring for a pet, they should not have a one. This belief only reinforces social inequalities and reflects a deeper form of discrimination.

    Financial problems and housing restrictions may force people to give up their pets, and this is an emotionally difficult decision. Research by Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams, one of the authors of this story, with childhood and youth researcher Rebecca Raby and graduate students at Brock University shows how homeless children often navigate feelings of emotional intimacy towards their pets alongside feelings of loss and grief. In this research, homeless children shared stories about missing or losing companion animals either through separation or death.

    Research also shows that most people experiencing homelessness are responsible pet guardians, and that their pets are often very healthy and that they too benefit from human companionship — it’s a mutually beneficial, two-way emotional connection.

    A more equitable future in pet companionship

    Pet companionship and systemic inequalities are interconnected. For instance, many socioeconomically disadvantaged and marginalized families and communities — including, but not limited to, racialized, Indigenous, homeless, immigrant and refugee families and their children — face barriers to pet companionship.

    We need targeted strategies and policies to reduce the barriers faced by these families and communities. It is important to create more opportunities for people and pets to live together. This can help us to address social inequality in pet companionship among diverse groups.

    Some studies highlight the need for increasing access to free or low-cost veterinary care. Making shelters and housing more pet-friendly is also essential. Promoting campaigns to reduce misconceptions about pet companionship among diverse groups of people is another key strategy.

    One example of a program that helps make pet companionship more accessible is Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO).This is a registered charity located across different provinces in Canada. They provide health care for people and preventive care for pets. They also run education programs covering topics such as animal behaviour, nutrition, and dental care. Together, these services help to support vulnerable populations living with pets.

    Another example is the PetCard program, a Canadian financing program that offers flexible options for people to split the payment of veterinary-related services.



    Read more:
    How ‘One Health’ clinics support unhoused people and their pets

    However, we need more consistent collaborative work that begins by raising awareness about the importance of pet companionship for diverse groups of people. Expanding this discussion can help us design fairer policies about pet companionship, foster social justice and bring communities together.

    Overlooking the relevance of this discussion can reinforce discriminatory views around pet companionship.

    Supporting pet companionship

    It is problematic when access to pet companionship is restricted due to a family’s economic status or housing opportunities, since it means they’re less likely to experience the well-being benefits of pet companionship. In this way, pet-related benefits are limited to a select and privileged group.

    We can help people and animals build meaningful bonds by promoting equitable access to companionship. The needs of pets must also be prioritized in any effort to increase access to pet companionship. This means making sure pets’ physical and emotional needs are met and that they also benefit from the human-pet bond. Pets’ well-being and rights should always come first when making pet companionship more accessible.

    To create a fair approach to supporting pet companionship among diverse populations, we need to balance human and pet needs and ensure the well-being of both humans and their pets.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Promoting social inclusion through pet companionship – https://theconversation.com/promoting-social-inclusion-through-pet-companionship-255089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Senior Dating Sites & Mature Dating Apps: Senior Match Review for 50+ Singles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vaughan, Ontario, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introduction: Why Senior Dating Is Thriving in 2025

    As people live longer, healthier lives, the desire for meaningful companionship well into our 50s, 60s, and beyond has become more common. Online platforms tailored for mature adults have grown rapidly, offering new ways to connect and form lasting bonds. Among these options, Senior Match has built a reputation as one of the most trusted platforms for older singles.

    ⇒ Join the Best Senior Match Website for Free!

    In this review, we’ll explore how Senior Match works, what makes it stand out in the senior dating space, and whether it’s the right platform for you. Whether you’re newly single, divorced, or just ready to meet someone who understands your life stage, this guide covers everything you need to know.

    What Is Senior Match? Overview & Background

    Senior Match is an online dating service specifically designed for individuals aged 50 and above. Launched in 2001, the platform has maintained a clear mission: to create a safe and welcoming environment where mature singles can find love, friendship, and travel companions.

    With over one million registered members and thousands of active users weekly, Senior Match stands out for its age-focused community and straightforward approach. Unlike multi-age platforms, it doesn’t admit members under 45, which keeps interactions relevant and aligned with the interests of older adults.

    The platform is accessible via both desktop and mobile apps, offering flexibility for users regardless of their tech preferences.

    Mature Dating Made Simple – Discover Matches Near You on Senior Match

    Who Should Join Senior Match? Target Audience

    Senior Match is built for adults over 50 who are looking for a relationship, casual companionship, or new friendships. The community includes retirees, professionals, widowers, and individuals who want to re-engage with the dating world at their own pace.

    It’s also suitable for those who value personal connections, maturity, and thoughtful conversations over swiping-based interactions. However, while it accommodates a wide range of relationship goals, it’s more geared toward meaningful engagement than short-term flings.

    For LGBTQ+ seniors, the site does offer some functionality but remains predominantly focused on heterosexual dating, which may limit experience diversity in that area.

    Platform Features: How Senior Match Works

    Senior Match offers a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. Registration is quick, requiring basic details such as age, location, interests, and a profile picture. Once set up, users can access various features:

    • Search Filters: You can filter potential matches by age, region, lifestyle habits, and personal values. Free users access basic filters, while premium members enjoy advanced sorting options.
    • Match Suggestions: Unlike algorithm-driven matches, Senior Match allows users to browse profiles at their own pace. This manual process encourages more thoughtful engagement.
    • Communication Tools: Members can send winks, add favorites, and reply to messages. Direct messaging is reserved for upgraded accounts.
    • Community Features: The platform includes blog posts, senior dating advice, safety tips, and even first date ideas — contributing to a more holistic dating experience.
    • Mobile App: The app mirrors the website’s functionality and is available for Android and iOS. While not as flashy as modern dating apps, it performs reliably for messaging and profile browsing.

    Finally, a Senior Dating Site That Gets You — Try Senior Match Today!

    Free vs Paid Membership: What Do You Get?

    The free version of Senior Match allows users to create a profile, browse other members, send limited winks, and participate in blog discussions. However, direct communication with other users — including replying to messages — is locked behind the paid tier.

    Upgrading to a premium plan unlocks full messaging capabilities, access to who viewed your profile, and advanced search options. It also boosts visibility, placing your profile higher in search results and giving you a greater chance of being seen.

    While the free version is a good starting point, most users eventually move to premium for a fuller experience.

    Senior Match Pricing & Plans (Updated 2025)

    Senior Match offers three premium subscription options as of 2025:

    • 1 Month Plan: $29.95
    • 3 Month Plan: $59.95 ($19.98/month)
    • 6 Month Plan: $95.95 ($15.99/month)

    These plans are competitively priced within the senior dating market. The six-month plan offers the best value, especially for users committed to finding a match over time.

    Subscriptions auto-renew by default, so it’s important to manage your billing settings if you prefer not to continue. Refunds are not guaranteed, so consider starting with a short-term plan if you’re trying it for the first time.

    Ready for Real Connection? Join the Best Senior Dating Site Now!

    User Safety, Privacy & Verification

    Senior Match emphasizes user safety, especially for an audience that may be more vulnerable to online scams. All new profiles undergo manual review before being published, and uploaded photos must meet content guidelines.

    The platform has tools to block users, report suspicious activity, and protect personal data. Email verification is required to complete signup, and user information is never publicly displayed beyond profile basics.

    Unlike some mainstream apps, Senior Match is relatively free of bots or fake accounts — a point highlighted in many external reviews.

    Real Senior Match Reviews & Testimonials

    Below are experiences shared by users on platforms like RetirementLiving and the official Senior Match site:

    Marsha D., 62 – Austin, TX
    “I joined out of curiosity and ended up meeting someone special within a few weeks. The site feels safe, and I appreciated how simple everything was.”

    Robert F., 68 – St. Petersburg, FL
    “The profile setup was quick, and I like how it’s tailored for people like me. Conversations feel more mature and respectful than what I experienced on other platforms.”

    Helen M., 59 – Sacramento, CA
    “I wish the free plan had more features, but the upgrade was worth it. I’ve had meaningful chats and even gone on a few dates.”

    Douglas S., 73 – Boston, MA
    “It’s nice to have a dating app where you don’t feel out of place. No one here is playing games, and that’s what I wanted.”

    Patricia K., 65 – Chicago, IL
    “Customer support was responsive when I had trouble logging in. That gives me confidence in the site’s credibility.”

    Disclaimer: This review includes general information and user feedback. Results may vary. This is not a paid endorsement, but we may earn a commission if you register through links on this page.

    The Mature Dating Site Everyone’s Talking About in 2025 – Don’t Miss Out!

    Pros and Cons of Senior Match

    Pros:

    • Exclusively for adults over 50
    • Clean, easy-to-use interface
    • Manual profile approval for added safety
    • Helpful community blog and dating tips

    Cons:

    • Messaging limited to premium users
    • No video call features
    • Not ideal for LGBTQ+ matchmaking

    Senior Match vs Other Senior Dating Sites

    Here’s how Senior Match stacks up against its main competitors:

    Senior Match vs OurTime

    • OurTime has a broader audience but includes users under 50
    • Senior Match offers a more age-focused environment
    • OurTime has more ads and upsells

    Senior Match vs SilverSingles

    • SilverSingles uses a personality test for matching
    • Senior Match offers more browsing freedom
    • SilverSingles is better for long-term matchmaking, but Senior Match feels less rigid

    Senior Match vs eHarmony 50+

    • eHarmony has a higher subscription fee and a longer sign-up process
    • Senior Match gets users into conversations faster
    • Both are serious about relationship-focused dating

    Bottom Line: If you’re over 50 and want a platform exclusively tailored to your age group with less clutter, Senior Match delivers that niche experience better than its competitors.

    Thousands over 50 are finding love on Senior Match – what are you waiting for?

    Senior Match Mobile App Review (iOS & Android)

    The Senior Match mobile app retains all major website features in a compact format. While the design isn’t flashy, users praise its simplicity — which benefits those who may not be tech-savvy.

    Features include:

    • Profile browsing
    • Messaging (for premium users)
    • Daily match suggestions
    • Account management

    Both the iOS and Android versions receive favorable reviews, with most complaints relating to occasional bugs rather than core functionality.

    Tips for Getting the Most Out of Senior Match

    Here are practical ways to make your experience more successful:

    • Craft a strong profile: Use clear photos and honest, warm descriptions.
    • Be proactive: Don’t wait for others to message — send winks or thoughtful messages.
    • Stay safe: Avoid sharing personal details too early and use in-app communication only.
    • Engage in community blogs: Sharing thoughts on relationships and senior life can attract attention.
    • Be patient: Finding the right person takes time, especially when your standards are higher.

    Why Settle? The Best Senior Dating Site Is Waiting – Explore Now

    Frequently Asked Questions (Senior Match FAQs)

    Q1: Is Senior Match completely free?
    You can browse and create a profile for free, but messaging and advanced features require a paid subscription.

    Q2: How do I cancel auto-renewal?
    Go to Account Settings → Subscription → Turn off auto-renewal.

    Q3: Is Senior Match available on mobile?
    Yes, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play.

    Q4: What’s the average user age?
    Most users are between 55 and 70 years old.

    Q5: Can I block or report someone?
    Yes, the platform allows blocking and reporting directly from the user’s profile.

    Q6: Are there fake profiles?
    Manual review helps keep the site clear of bots, though vigilance is still advised.

    Q7: Can I use it internationally?
    Yes, although the majority of users are based in the U.S., there are global members.

    Q8: Is the platform LGBTQ+ friendly?
    Support is limited; it caters more to heterosexual matchmaking.

    Q9: Can I upload multiple photos?
    Yes, profiles support several images for better visibility.

    Senior Match Success Stories: Real-Life Connections That Lasted

    Nothing showcases the platform’s value better than real success stories. Senior Match features numerous testimonials from couples who met through the platform and went on to build lasting relationships.

    Barbara & Greg – Atlanta, GA
    After joining the platform in early 2023, Barbara connected with Greg within the first month. They began chatting daily, bonding over books and weekend gardening. After six weeks, they decided to meet for coffee — now they’re planning a cross-country road trip together.

    Deborah & Alan – Scottsdale, AZ
    Deborah, a 64-year-old retired teacher, was hesitant to try online dating. But Senior Match’s user-friendly design helped her ease into the process. She met Alan, 67, and the two now enjoy art shows and salsa classes every week.

    James & Carol – Naples, FL
    Both divorced in their 60s, James and Carol had almost given up on dating. Their connection started with a shared interest in photography. Today, they’re both exploring Europe — with travel photos featured on their joint blog.

    These stories aren’t rare. They represent a growing trend of successful long-term connections initiated online — especially when platforms are designed with mature adults in mind.

    Swipe Less, Connect More – The Mature Dating App Seniors Trust

    2025 Trends in Senior Dating & What They Mean for You 

    The senior dating world has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, new trends are shaping how people over 50 approach relationships online:

    1. Increased Mobile Use Among Seniors

    More users over 60 are using mobile dating apps. Senior Match’s mobile compatibility keeps pace with this shift, offering a smooth user experience on smartphones and tablets.

    2. Video Introductions (Still Lacking on Senior Match)

    Many modern dating apps now feature short video intros — something Senior Match doesn’t currently offer. Users seeking that feature may find it missing here, though the blog and profile space allow for a deeper self-description.

    3. AI-Powered Match Suggestions

    Platforms are beginning to adopt AI to suggest compatible matches. While Senior Match doesn’t use AI algorithms, this may be an area for future improvement.

    4. Offline Meetups & Events

    Many seniors now expect platforms to host virtual or in-person social events. Senior Match currently doesn’t organize community meetups, but the messaging tools do support arranging them independently.

    5. Voice and Phone-Based Connections

    Some services now allow users to talk directly via app-based calls. This is not yet offered by Senior Match, which relies entirely on text-based chat.

    While not the most tech-advanced, Senior Match remains a reliable and trusted platform for those who value simplicity, safety, and connection.

    Meet Local Singles on the Senior Dating Site Built for Real Relationships

    Senior Match for Divorced & Widowed Singles

    Many members on Senior Match are navigating the dating scene after a significant life change, such as divorce or the loss of a spouse. This platform provides a space where emotional maturity, patience, and shared life experiences are deeply appreciated.

    For Divorced Singles:
    The transition from a long-term relationship to single life again can be overwhelming. Senior Match allows individuals to re-enter the dating world at their own pace. The ability to take things slowly, read detailed profiles, and communicate before meeting in person makes it easier to rebuild trust and confidence.

    For Widowed Members:
    Grief can make starting over daunting. What stands out about Senior Match is its respectful community, where users understand the value of second chances. Many profiles openly state if someone is widowed, helping to foster understanding and empathy.

    Tips for Success:

    • Be honest about your relationship history in your profile
    • Focus on shared values rather than rushing into romance
    • Use the blog and advice sections for inspiration on reentering dating

    Whether you’re looking for companionship, friendship, or romance, Senior Match gives divorced and widowed users a soft landing and new beginning.

    Fall in Love Again with the #1 Senior Dating Site Online

    Senior Match Photo Guidelines & Profile Tips

    Your profile is your first impression, and on a platform like Senior Match, a thoughtful presentation can make all the difference. Here’s how to stand out:

    Profile Photo Tips

    • Use a recent photo: It builds trust and avoids awkward surprises.
    • Smile naturally: A warm expression invites conversation.
    • Avoid filters: Authenticity resonates with this audience.
    • Dress neatly: Casual yet polished photos perform best.

    About Me Section

    • Write in first person: “I enjoy morning walks…”
    • Mention lifestyle habits: travel, hobbies, favorite books or activities
    • Keep it concise but personal — avoid clichés

    What You’re Looking For

    • Be clear if you’re seeking a serious relationship or companionship
    • Mention non-negotiables kindly (e.g., non-smoker, pet lover)

    This section is your personal space to shine. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being real. A profile that reflects who you are today (not who you were 10 years ago) will connect better.

    How to Stay Safe When Meeting Matches Offline

    Meeting someone from an online platform in real life can be exciting — and nerve-wracking. Senior Match encourages users to stay cautious and informed.

    Key Safety Tips:

    • Always meet in a public place: Coffee shops, parks, or restaurants are great choices.
    • Tell a friend or family member your plans: Share the location and expected time of return.
    • Use your own transportation: Maintain independence and flexibility.
    • Avoid alcohol on the first meeting: Stay alert and in control.
    • Keep personal items secure: Don’t leave phones, bags, or medication unattended.

    Red Flags to Watch For:

    • Pressuring to meet privately or too soon
    • Evasive answers to simple questions
    • Financial requests or emotional manipulation

    Senior Match itself doesn’t arrange in-person events, so all meetups are independently planned. Use good judgment, take your time, and trust your instincts.

    Your Next Chapter Starts Here – Find Companionship on a Leading Senior Dating Site

    How Senior Match Supports Travel Companionship Connections

    Senior Match isn’t just about finding romantic partners — it’s also a hub for seniors looking for travel buddies and companions to explore the world with.

    Many users specify in their profile whether they enjoy traveling or are looking for someone to accompany them on trips. Whether it’s a domestic road trip, a cruise, or international adventure, finding someone with similar travel interests can be easier than you think.

    How to Highlight Travel Interests:

    • Add destinations you’ve visited or dream of exploring
    • Mention whether you prefer solo-style exploration or guided tours
    • Include photos from past travels in your gallery

    By using travel-related keywords and filtering profiles with shared travel goals, Senior Match users can connect with others who are equally adventurous. It’s a great way to turn wanderlust into connection — even if romance isn’t the primary goal.

    Senior Match Customer Support & Community Engagement

    While many platforms rely on automated support, Senior Match offers responsive assistance for both technical and account-related queries.

    Support Features Include:

    • Email support for billing or login issues
    • FAQ section covering subscriptions, safety, and account settings
    • Manual profile/photo review with guidelines available on-site

    The platform’s blog and dating advice section also act as informal community spaces. Users can read posts on confidence, senior lifestyle, or dating etiquette — all geared toward a mature audience.

    Though it doesn’t have a public forum or direct peer-to-peer threads, Senior Match’s clean layout makes support resources easy to locate. The ability to reach out directly when something goes wrong (or simply ask for help) contributes to overall user satisfaction.

    Experience Real Conversations – Try the Senior Dating Site That Works

    How to Identify a Genuine Profile on Senior Match

    With thousands of members active each week, it’s important to know how to distinguish between genuine and questionable profiles. Senior Match makes efforts to verify new accounts, but here’s how you can spot sincerity from the start.

    ✅ Traits of a Genuine Profile:

    • Multiple, recent photos: Real members usually share at least two or three clear images.
    • Complete bios: A real profile will include hobbies, background, and what the person is looking for.
    • Message depth: Responses that reflect your profile or ask personal questions are a good sign.
    • Consistent tone: Watch for people who answer clearly and consistently without copy-paste replies.

    Red Flags:

    • No profile photo or only one overly polished image
    • Vague responses like “I like you” or “You’re special” without context
    • Fast attempts to move the conversation off-platform
    • Profiles that seem too perfect or too broad

    Always trust your instincts. Senior Match gives you tools like “Favorites” and “Viewed Me” to gauge interest and interaction patterns over time.

    Finally, a Senior Dating Site That Gets You — Try Senior Match Today!

    How to Spot Romance Scams and Stay Protected

    While Senior Match works to keep scammers out, no platform is completely immune. Older users, especially those new to online dating, can be vulnerable to deception.

    Common Romance Scam Tactics:

    • Claims of love too soon, within a few messages
    • Excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetings
    • Financial stories: sudden emergencies, medical bills, or travel issues
    • Long, emotionally charged messages early on

    How to Stay Safe:

    • Never send money or gift cards to someone you haven’t met
    • Don’t share financial or personal information (e.g., social security number, address)
    • Use Senior Match’s messaging tools until you’re fully comfortable
    • Report any suspicious activity immediately

    Senior Match provides a “Report” button on all profiles. It’s your right to use it when something doesn’t feel right. Staying cautious doesn’t mean being fearful — it means protecting your time and peace of mind.

    Long-Distance Dating on Senior Match: Does It Work?

    Many seniors are open to connecting with people outside their hometown. Whether it’s due to relocation plans, retirement travel, or simply wanting a larger pool of matches, long-distance dating is increasingly common.

    Tips for Long-Distance Connections:

    • Use the search filters to widen your location radius
    • Clarify upfront whether travel is possible — for you and your match
    • Stay consistent with messaging, video calls, and occasional surprises
    • Plan realistic in-person meetings after trust has been built

    Some users even relocate after finding a strong connection. Others agree to meet halfway or take turns visiting. The key is managing expectations and ensuring both people are equally invested.

    Senior Match doesn’t provide location match alerts, so it’s up to you to use filters and keywords (like “willing to relocate”) to find those with shared flexibility.

    Meet Real People, Not Games – Join the Best Mature Dating Site Online

    How to Break the Ice on Senior Match

    Starting a conversation on a dating site can feel awkward, but Senior Match users tend to appreciate kindness, clarity, and directness.

    Here’s how to open with impact:

    • Reference something in their profile: “I noticed you enjoy hiking. Have you visited any trails recently?”
    • Compliment with context: “You have a great smile — and your dog looks adorable too!”
    • Use humor, gently: A light joke can disarm tension but keep it respectful
    • Ask thoughtful questions: “What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit?”

    What to Avoid:

    • “Hi” or “How are you?” with no follow-up
    • Overly flirty or romantic lines too soon
    • Asking for phone numbers in the first message

    A great icebreaker shows that you’ve read the person’s profile and are genuinely interested in them as a person, not just their photo.

    How Senior Match Protects Against Fake Bots

    Unlike many free or younger-focused apps, Senior Match maintains a strict policy against fake accounts and spam bots. Here’s how the platform keeps things authentic:

    Key Safety Measures:

    • Manual Review: All profiles and photos go through a human approval process
    • No Instant Messaging: Members must mutually engage before deeper messaging occurs, reducing bot intrusion
    • Email Verification: New users must confirm their email to activate the account
    • Report and Block Tools: Easily remove unwanted messages or suspicious profiles from your view

    While no platform is entirely bot-free, Senior Match maintains a clean user base through consistent moderation. Users frequently note that they feel safer and more respected here than on mainstream dating sites where automation is more prevalent.

    If you do come across a suspicious profile, use the “Report” feature — the team usually responds quickly.

    You’re not too late. The best Senior Dating Site is still growing fast

    What Happens After You Find a Match?

    Finding someone you genuinely connect with is a rewarding moment — but what happens next? Senior Match doesn’t pressure users to delete their profiles once they pair up, so you can take the next step at your own pace.

    Steps After a Successful Match:

    • Start planning offline meetups: Choose neutral, public locations for first meetings
    • Exchange contact info safely: After a few conversations, you may decide to move communication off the platform
    • Decide if you want to pause your account: Senior Match allows account suspension without deletion
    • Update your profile: If you’re seeing someone exclusively, note it in your profile or set your visibility to “off”

    Many users keep their account active as a backup or simply to stay connected with friends. Whether your journey ends with one match or multiple experiences, Senior Match supports your choices without pressure.

    Senior Match as a Platform for Friendship, Not Just Romance

    Not every user on Senior Match is looking for romantic love. A large segment of the community joins to find companionship, friendship, or activity partners in their area.

    Some are widowed and not ready to date again, while others are relocating and looking to expand their social circle. The platform allows users to clearly indicate their goals in their profile, whether that’s:

    • Coffee meetups
    • Shared travel adventures
    • Fitness partners
    • Conversation buddies

    Don’t miss your chance to join the most trusted Mature Dating App in 2025

    How to Attract Friendship-Based Matches:

    • Select “Friendship” in your relationship goals
    • Mention social hobbies like gardening, hiking, or cooking classes
    • Include warm, approachable language in your profile description

    This makes Senior Match feel more like a community than a typical dating app — perfect for seniors who value meaningful human connections in all forms.

    How to Get Noticed More on Senior Match

    Getting more profile views — and more messages — often comes down to a few simple tweaks. Here’s how to stand out without feeling like you’re advertising yourself.

    Actionable Tips:

    • Update your profile regularly: Fresh edits bring your profile back to the top of search results
    • Upload 3–5 quality photos: Include a mix of smiling headshots and activity-based shots
    • Be active in the blog section: Commenting or posting shows engagement, which others notice
    • Reply promptly: Timely responses keep momentum going and improve visibility
    • Use “winks” daily: They’re free and show casual interest without pressure

    Also, experiment with messaging during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening). This helps your messages stand out in a smaller batch of incoming notes. Users who take 10–15 minutes each day to engage meaningfully often see the best results.

    Your Next Chapter Starts Here – Find Companionship on a Leading Senior Dating Site

    Senior Match Premium: Is It Worth It Long-Term?

    While the free version of Senior Match is a great way to explore the platform, most users find the full experience opens up only with a paid membership.

    What You Gain with Premium:

    • Unlimited messaging: Essential for building relationships
    • Who viewed your profile: Helps prioritize outreach
    • Advanced search filters: Narrow matches by interests, lifestyle, or location
    • Boosted visibility: Appear more frequently in search results

    Users who subscribe for 3 or 6 months report a higher success rate than those on shorter plans. If you’re serious about finding a connection — whether romantic or platonic — the cost pays off in time saved and improved engagement.

    Long-Term Value:

    • You can always pause your subscription if needed
    • Great for those who plan to actively date, not just browse
    • Less costly than traditional dating methods (travel, event-based matchmaking)

    For seniors ready to invest in quality connections, premium access on Senior Match proves itself within the first few weeks of consistent use.
    50+ and Single? Senior Match Is the Senior Dating Site Built Just for You
    Final Verdict — Who Will Benefit Most from Senior Match? 

    If you’re aged 50 or above and want a mature, focused space to meet new people, Senior Match remains a top-tier option in 2025. It may lack some flashy features like video chat or AI matching, but it delivers where it matters most — genuine users, intuitive design, and a respectful environment.

    Whether you’re seeking a committed relationship, companionship, or simply someone to share coffee and conversation, the platform makes it easy to connect. It’s particularly ideal for:

    • Widows and widowers looking to ease back into dating
    • Retirees who want to find love in their next chapter
    • People tired of youth-centric dating apps

    With pricing that’s fair and a strong support team, Senior Match continues to offer excellent value for senior singles ready to take that next step.

    Project name: Senior Match
    10 – 8707 Dufferin St, Suite 160
    Vaughan, Ontario L4J 0A6
    Canada
    Company website: https://www.seniormatch.com/
     TEL: 1-416-628-1072 OR 1-888-702-1274 (Toll-Free)

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.
    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the creation of in-depth reviews and educational wellness content.
    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.
    All product reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion based on available public data, user feedback, and scientific references at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. However, readers are encouraged to independently verify product information and consult with healthcare professionals prior to purchase or use.
    No warranties, either expressed or implied, are made about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the content provided. The publisher and all affiliated parties expressly disclaim any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any information contained herein.
    Product and Trademark Rights
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    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Tariffs to push healthcare facilities to stock up medical devices, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Tariffs to push healthcare facilities to stock up medical devices, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    With the surge in tariffs imposed by and on the US, the medical device industry is likely to be impacted in several areas. Cost, supply chain, and market competitiveness will be altered if companies cannot afford to offset tariff costs. In response to medical device companies, healthcare facilities may stock up on medical devices to prepare for increased pricing if they have the budget, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    According to GlobalData’s US Healthcare Facility Invoicing Database, across 56 tracked medical device markets, the top 20 facilities by March 2025 have spent an average of 6.7% more in April. This increase doesn’t appear to be attributed to specific markets – across most covered markets, some facilities increased their spend in April, while others decreased spend.

    Amy Paterson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Necessary procedures such as aspiration thrombectomy will need to continue being done, whereas elective procedures such as hip reconstruction can be delayed. If prices of devices are driven up by tariffs, hospitals will either face shrinking profits margins or increase the cost to patients, and patients might not be able to afford the increased procedure costs.”

    Paterson continues: “The top facilities have already spent more on hip reconstruction devices, with an 18% jump in the average amount spent by facilities from this March to April, compared to a -3% decline last March to April. Similarly, the top facilities are spending more on knee reconstruction devices. From March to April this year, we have seen a 9% increase in the average spend, compared to a 13% dip from March to April last year.”

    Looking at aspiration thrombectomy, from March to April 2024, there was a decline of 30% in purchasing. Consistently, the March to April period this year also saw a decline of 30%. This suggests that the top facilities have not been stocking up on aspiration thrombectomy devices despite tariffs.

    Paterson concludes: “GlobalData expects a continued steady purchasing of devices for necessary procedures, while purchases of devices for elective procedures like hip and knee reconstruction may slow if facilities have already purchased supply in advance. If tariffs continue, manufacturing sites could move into the US to avoid tariffs for both consumers and manufacturers.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Digital wallet market in Australia to surpass $130 billion in 2025 amid cashless shift, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Digital wallet market in Australia to surpass $130 billion in 2025 amid cashless shift, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Banking

    Digital wallet adoption is accelerating rapidly in Australia, with transaction values projected to grow by 20.8% in 2025 to reach AUD201.3 billion ($132.9 billion). This surge is fueled by the shift towards cashless payments, rising smartphone usage, and broader acceptance of NFC and QR-based solutions—highlighting the growing role of digital wallets in Australia’s evolving financial ecosystem, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Payment Instrument Analytics reveals that the digital wallet payment value in Australia registered a growth of 32.2% from AUD126 billion ($83.2 billion) in 2023 to reach AUD166.6 billion ($110 billion) in 2024.

    Shivani Gupta, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Like many markets in Asia-Pacific, digital wallet adoption is on the rise in Australia, supported by rising consumer preference for mobile payments, and proliferation of digital wallet brands such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

    “Furthermore, increasing usage of QR code-based payment solutions in addition to NFC payments is also expected to support this growth. Although Australia lags its peers such as China and India in terms of digital wallet payments market size, it is still ahead of some of the other developed countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong in the region.”

    According to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), digital wallets are gaining traction, with 39% of debit card and 33% of credit card transactions conducted using digital wallets as of October 2024. In addition, almost 46% of debit cards and 40% of credit and charge cards were enrolled in digital wallets during the same period.

    With the use of digital wallets increasing rapidly in the country, RBA is in the process of amending its Payment Systems Regulation Act 1998 to encompass digital payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay and provide the necessary customer protections.

    The availability of international brands such as Apple Pay and Google Pay in Australia has raised consumer awareness of mobile payment technologies and encouraged their uptake.

    According to GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey* Apple Pay is the most preferred mobile payment brand followed by Google Pay, PayPal and Samsung Pay.

    To further promote the use of digital wallets in the country and enhance the cost-effectiveness of digital wallet acceptance for merchants, Google Wallet began supporting dual network debit cards in March 2025. The cards allow payments to be processed via either Australia’s domestic debit network “eftpos” or international networks, enabling merchants to save on transaction fees. This feature will empower consumers to select between different networks such as eftpos, Visa, and Mastercard, providing them and merchants with more options and control over their payments.

    In addition to NFC-based mobile brands such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, QR code-based payments are also expected to gain prominence in Australia, the adoption of which is high in its many Asian counterparts such as India and China. To drive this, in May 2022, eftpos  launched a QR code payment system “eQR.” This solution enables consumers to complete transactions by scanning QR codes at participating merchant stores using the eftpos-owned Beem wallet. Even international player like PayPal enables QR code payments in Australia.

    Gupta concludes: “With the widespread adoption of smartphones in everyday life, and the increasing consumer acceptance of mobile payments, GlobalData forecasts continued growth in this space. Subsequently, digital wallet transaction value is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% between 2025 to 2029 to reach AUD336.1 billion ($221.9 billion) in 2029.”

    *GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey was carried out in Q2 2024. Approximately 67,292 respondents aged 18+ were surveyed across 41 countries.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: KDCA and SK bioscience forge ahead to shield South Korea against future pandemic influenza threats, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    KDCA and SK bioscience forge ahead to shield South Korea against future pandemic influenza threats, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    South Korea has launched the Priority Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Rapid R&D Support Program, led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) in collaboration with SK bioscience. This proactive initiative is expected to significantly strengthen and prepare the nation against emerging influenza threats, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    This government-led initiative focuses on developing vaccines against avian influenza that are identified as high-risk candidates for future pandemics. SK bioscience has demonstrated technological capabilities by manufacturing vaccines for global partners and successfully launching its own COVID-19 vaccine.

    SK bioscience’s portfolio includes the WHO-prequalified SkyCellflu Quadrivalent and Skycellflu, both domestically developed cell-cultured influenza vaccines, and SKYCovione, South Korea’s first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine. It is the only domestic company to have commercialized cell-culture-based vaccines for both influenza and COVID-19 with significant strengths in vaccine development.

    Chilamula Srija, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the risk of dependence on international supply chains for essential medical resources. By investing in domestic R&D, South Korea aims for greater autonomy and to ensure timely access to life-saving vaccines for its citizens in future emergencies.”

    According to GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center, SK bioscience is expected to initiate a Phase I/II study for an avian influenza vaccine in H2 2026. Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co Ltd is another domestic company in Phase III trials targeting Influenza A Virus, H1N1, and H3N2 subtypes.

    KDCA and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) collaborated in May 2024 to accelerate vaccine development and other biological countermeasures against public health threats. This partnership underscores the commitment to global health security and the rapid response to a broad spectrum of high priority infectious diseases, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola, mpox.

    SK bioscience has previously collaborated with KDCA, notably winning the most bids in the government’s 2023-24 national flu vaccination program. Other companies such as GC Pharma, Ilyang Pharmaceutical, Boryung Corp., and Korea Vaccine also contributed millions of doses to support national immunization efforts.

    Chilamula concludes: “With a robust vaccine pipeline, national collaboration, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, SK bioscience is poised to lead the nation’s next-generation pandemic preparedness strategy. By encouraging domestic companies, South Korea is preparing to face future pandemics and positioning the country as a global leader in pandemic readiness while reducing reliance on foreign pharmaceutical giants.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: LIVE: POTUS Donald J. Trump and SECDEF Pete Hegseth honor fallen service members

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honor fallen service members during a #MemorialDay ceremony at @ArlingtonNatl in Arlington, Va. The ceremony is a part of the 157th National Memorial Day Observance to recognize and commemorate the fallen men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVS4PKLmdyg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ingrid Yeung visits Shenzhen

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung today led officials from the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and the Digital Policy Office (DPO) on a duty visit to Shenzhen together with a delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Public Service.

    They went to learn about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by relevant local organisations to assist in handling government administrative work.

    The officials first visited the Government Services & Data Management Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipality in Futian District to learn about the introduction and application of “AI digital employees”.

    They also stopped by the Shenzhen Government Service Center to learn about the hotline 12345 and its technological application, then toured the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court and an innovation and technology company to learn how the AI-Enhanced Adjudication Assisting System is used and how AI assists in enhancing legal services respectively.

    Mrs Yeung said that with the assistance of the DPO, the CSB endeavours to drive the adoption of management measures and digitalisation among bureaus and departments to reprioritise and reorganise their work, capitalise on technological solutions and streamline work processes, thereby not only enhancing work efficiency and providing convenience to the public but also optimising the use of civil service manpower resources.

    The departments are actively promoting e-government services and AI, and many of them have successfully developed their own AI systems for data processing, statistics, traffic management and environmental detection, and more. They also use big data to analyse weather data, and the kiosks for self-service applications have been well received by the public.

    HKPilot, a large language model version of a generative AI document processing copilot application self-developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Center (HKGAI) established under the InnoHK research clusters, is currently being piloted within the Government. It helps reduce the manpower required for handling general document processing tasks in the longer term.

    The HKGAI will also develop a number of applications for different areas of public affairs, such as the legal-related “LexiHK”, to further integrate the application of generative AI into government affairs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Precious Metals & Critical Minerals Hybrid Investor Conference: Presentations Now Available for Online Viewing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the presentations from Precious Metals & Critical Minerals Hybrid Virtual Investor Conference held May 22nd are now available for online viewing.

    VIEW PRESENTATIONS HERE

    The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors, advisors, and analysts may download
    investor materials from the company’s resource section.

    May 22nd

    To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media Contact: 
    OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Comments on MediPharm Labs’ Failure to Respond to Reasonable Offer to Ensure Fair, Lawful and Transparent 2025 Annual Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MediPharm Labs Board Continues to Obstruct the Appointment and Oversight of an Independent Chair

    Failure to Appoint an Independent Chair to Oversee the Election of Directors at the Annual Meeting Prevents Shareholders from Exercising their Legal Right to Hold the Current Board Accountable for their Epic Failures

    Board Made No Attempt to Engage with Apollo Capital; Instead Resorted to Continued Campaign of Misdirection and Character Assassination Aimed to Undermine Shareholders Demanding Change

    Shareholders Deserve the Opportunity to Elect New Leaders in a Lawful and Fair Election

    Apollo Capital Reiterates Commitment to Transparent Election Process for the Benefit of All Shareholders

    URGES SHAREHOLDERS TO DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD AND VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES

    TORONTO, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”) which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today announced that MediPharm Labs’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) did not respond to Apollo Capital’s “With Prejudice” offer to the Board to ensure the rights of shareholders are protected in connection with the Company’s upcoming 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholder to be held on June 16, 2025 (the “Annual Meeting”).

    Apollo Capital distributed the offer to MediPharm Labs counsel on May 21, 2025 – seeking to ensure a lawful and fair election overseen by an independent Chair in order to protect the rights of shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The offer, which Apollo Capital shared publicly, was unilaterally ignored by MediPharm Labs’ Board, who made no attempts whatsoever to engage with representatives of Apollo Capital.

    Apollo Capital Chairman and CEO Regan McGee commented, “MediPharm Labs and its Board continue to demonstrate their utter disregard for the rights of shareholders, preferring to further entrench themselves rather than honour their fiduciary duty to act in shareholders’ best interests. Apollo Capital’s offer was made in good faith to take the necessary steps to do right by MediPharm Labs shareholders, and it is damning that the Board would put its own personal interests ahead of the law and the interests of Company shareholders.

    “The record needs to be set straight after all the misleading, defamatory and demonstrably untrue statements from the MediPharm Labs Board. Outside of MediPharm Labs, all litigation that I am involved in is related to each other. It is effectively one litigation and was initiated by me in order to protect shareholders from a small group of rogue board members who I sued for breaching their fiduciary duties. Tellingly, but not surprisingly, the MediPharm Labs Board wants to suggest that this is somehow a bad thing!

    “The Company’s attempts to villainize me are merely a feeble attempt to misdirect shareholders away from legitimate concerns regarding their staggering mismanagement of MediPharm Labs, which they have yet to answer for.”

    To be clear, MediPharm Labs’ Board is obviously trying to confuse the shareholders into thinking that it is a bad thing that board members who breach their fiduciary duties should be sued and held accountable.

    Now, let’s shine the spotlight back on what matters – your investment.

    Apollo Capital’s nominees know how to build successful businesses, know how to get deals done, and know how to raise money.

    In response to the Company’s allegations against one of Apollo Capital’s nominees for election to the Company’s Board, Regan McGee, Apollo Capital encourages shareholder to understand the facts regarding Mr. McGee and one of his businesses, Nobul Technologies Inc. (“Nobul”):

    • Nobul was named to the prestigious 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, which ranks the 500 fastest-growing technology companies across North America. The recognition further validates Nobul’s impact at a continental scale, placing it among the elite group of companies that are shaping the future of tech through extraordinary financial performance, sustained growth, and breakthrough innovation.
    • Nobul topped the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 50™, earning the #1 spot with an astounding four-year revenue growth rate of 72,944%—the highest of any Canadian company on the list. The Fast 50 recognizes the country’s most transformative and innovative technology companies based solely on audited financial performance. Nobul’s top placement highlights its unmatched ability to deploy capital efficiently, scale rapidly, and deliver exceptional returns.
    • Nobul has been recognized on CNBC’s Upstart 100, a list of the world’s most promising venture-backed startups. Selected from global nominees, Nobul stood out as a high-growth disruptor.
    • Regan McGee invented the Real Estate Marketplace Method and System (Patent # 12,260465) issued by the US Patent Office on March 25, 2025.   The patent incorporates Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Matching Algorithms for Consumers, Real Estate Agents and Properties, as well as Blockchain to facilitate secure, traceable Real Estate processes.
    • Regan McGee founded Nobul when he was in a hospital rehabilitation centre recovering from a severe spinal cord injury and learning how to walk again; Refusing to be slowed down by being disabled, he is tenacious, willing to put in the hard work, and he never gives up.

    The Board’s attempts to malign the business acumen and character of Regan McGee and Apollo Capital’s nominees are a pathetic distraction from the fact that the MediPharm Labs Board has presided over the catastrophic destruction of 99% of shareholder value.

    Apollo Capital is focused on what matters – protecting MediPharm Labs shareholders’ investment.

    Apollo Capital asks shareholders to consider the dire state of MediPharm Labs:

    • MediPharm Labs is on track to run out of money by November 2025 – a mere six months from now.
    • No one on MediPharm Labs’ slate of Board Members has ever built anything of note.

    Apollo Capital’s highly experienced director nominees – John Fowler, Alan D. Lewis, David Lontini, Demetrios Mallios, Regan McGee, and Scott Walters – will implement much-needed business and governance reforms in their first 100 days, including:

    • Slashing executive and Board compensation and suspending all equity/cash awards until a new performance-aligned structure is in place.
    • Eradicating the eye-watering $1,200,000 per year blown on travel and “other expenses”.
    • Implementing an immediate spending lockdown by freezing all non-essential, discretionary expenditures.
    • Beginning a revenue quality and margin analysis by assessing the sustainability, growth, and profitability of each business line.
    • Launching zero-based budgeting by rebuilding the company’s cost structure from the ground up based on necessity and ROI.
    • Restoring transparent shareholder communication, including:
      • Regular interactive earnings calls
      • A comprehensive Investor Day within the first 100 days
      • Open channels for shareholder feedback and dialogue
    • Implementing a new executive compensation plan directly tied to performance against key operational and financial targets.

    Shareholders can visit www.CureMediPharm.com, to sign up for important campaign updates.

    To access Apollo Capital’s Circular and related proxy materials, including a proxy or voting instruction form, visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo Capital’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors, the election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of the ordinary resolution approving, among other things, the Company’s amended and restated equity incentive plan dated May 8, 2025 and the unallocated awards available thereunder.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo Capital and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo Capital disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Urbana Corporation Congratulates Tetra Trust Company on Being Selected by Wealthsimple to Provide Digital Asset Custody Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

    TORONTO, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urbana Corporation (“Urbana” or the “Corporation”) (TSX and CSE: URB, URB.A) congratulates Tetra Trust Company (“Tetra”) on being selected by Wealthsimple to provide digital asset custody services.

    Under this partnership, Tetra will act as one of Wealthsimple’s custodians for digital assets, marking the first time Wealthsimple has added a Canadian custodian to its roster. Wealthsimple will utilize Tetra Unity, Tetra’s institutional-grade platform, to streamline digital asset custody, execution, settlement, compliance, and risk management.   This partnership is subject to approval by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization.

    “Wealthsimple has consistently led innovation in Canadian financial services, and this partnership represents a significant milestone for both companies,” said Didier Lavallée, CEO of Tetra. “By combining Wealthsimple’s trusted consumer platform with our institutional-grade custody solutions, we’re creating a more secure and accessible digital asset ecosystem for Canadians.”

    This strategic collaboration marks an exciting chapter in Canada’s digital asset landscape — secure, compliant and homegrown solutions built by Canadian companies, for Canadian investors.

    Urbana currently owns 24,510,434 common shares, representing 55.6% of the Tetra common shares outstanding.

    About Urbana

    Urbana Corporation is a diversified corporation with a focus on financial services, information services and innovative technologies.   The long-term goal of Urbana is to seek and acquire investments for income and capital appreciation through a combination of public and private investments. The portfolio mix of actively managed publicly traded securities with private equity investments has generated significant long-term investment results.  For more information, visit www.urbanacorp.com.

    About Tetra

    Founded in 2019, Tetra is Canada’s first trust company licensed to custody digital assets. Backed by major players in the industry such as Urbana Corporation, the Canadian Securities Exchange, Icebook and Coinbase Ventures, Tetra delivers the most advanced digital asset storage technology, setting the standard for digital asset custody in the country. For more information, visit www.tetratrust.com.

    For further information contact:

    Elizabeth Naumovski
    Investor Relations
    (416) 595-9106  enaumovski@urbanacorp.com

    Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Urbana to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Unless required by applicable securities law, Urbana does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Talkdesk selected by Cegeka to modernize customer experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif. and HASSELT, Belgium, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talkdesk®, Inc., a global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer experience (CX) technology that serves enterprises of all sizes, today announced that Cegeka, a leading global IT solutions provider, has selected Talkdesk to modernize its customer experience. By adopting the Talkdesk cloud-native and AI-driven platform, Cegeka aims to enhance customer engagement and deliver consistent, high-quality support across multiple channels. Talkdesk was selected for its omnichannel capabilities, user-friendly interface for its service desk agents, and advanced AI tools designed to streamline workflows and address diverse customer needs.

    As part of the partnership, Talkdesk will provide Cegeka with a range of solutions from the Talkdesk CX Cloud™ suite. These capabilities include text-to-speech and speech-to-text, as well as live chat and voice bots, adding new channels for real-time support. Additionally, Talkdesk CX Analytics extracts valuable insights from customer conversations so Cegeka can continuously improve its customer service.

    Talkdesk’s ongoing track record of innovating and introducing cutting-edge AI solutions to its platforms was a significant reason for Cegeka’s decision. Cegeka recognized how Talkdesk can help the organization seamlessly integrate AI into its customer service, minimizing response times and reducing average handle time (AHT). Among its many capabilities, Talkdesk Ascend AI enables businesses to automatically identify frequently asked questions (FAQs) and create consistent, fast responses to recurring issues. It also detects intent during conversations to improve agent responsiveness and service quality.

    “Partnering with Talkdesk has supported our efforts to modernize customer experience at Cegeka,” said Luc Dedroog, vice president of digital workplace at Cegeka. “The platform offers flexibility and simplicity, which has helped streamline service for both our customers and service desk agents. We expect to see improvements in customer satisfaction from our initial deployments and look forward to exploring the potential of Talkdesk’s AI capabilities moving forward.”

    Ease of deployment and use was another deciding factor in Cegeka’s choice to implement Talkdesk solutions. Talkdesk CX Cloud has a user-friendly interface and provides seamless integrations with the third-party systems Cegeka uses. The Microsoft Teams Connector integrates its communications solutions, and Talkdesk BYOC (Bring Your Own Carrier) facilitates easy integration with Cegeka’s existing telephony provider to maintain its current customer service phone numbers—making Talkdesk solutions seamless to implement and deploy and putting all information easily at agents’ fingertips. Additionally, the Quobis app will enable internet-based calling and efficiently route conversations to the appropriate groups, without the need for manual routing.

    “Talkdesk looks forward to empowering Cegeka to deliver an enhanced customer experience through our innovative and comprehensive solutions,” said Tiago Paiva, chief executive officer and founder at Talkdesk. “Supporting Cegeka on its customer experience transformation journey is an honor.”

    About Talkdesk

    Talkdesk® is on a mission to rid the world of bad customer experience. With our cloud-native, generative AI-powered CX platform, purpose-built industry solutions, and extensible AI offerings, we empower enterprises in the cloud and on-premises to deliver exceptional customer experiences that make them more competitive, grow revenue, reduce costs, and provide operational efficiencies. With specialized workflows and integrations delivered out of the box for our Industry Experience Clouds, Talkdesk accelerates value for our customers faster and more simply than legacy or one-size-fits-all solutions.

    Partnering with enterprises globally, we deliver continuous innovation and breakthrough results. Our commitment to reliability and security, paired with our track record of delivering on promises, sets us apart in the industry. Elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and increase revenue with Talkdesk. Companies that love their customers use Talkdesk.

    Talkdesk is a registered trademark of Talkdesk, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

    About Cegeka

    At Cegeka, we believe in shaping digital together. We don’t just deliver technology — we work shoulder to shoulder with our clients to design, build, and run resilient digital solutions that drive impact where and when it matters most.

    Our broad portfolio spans application services, business solutions, quality engineering, data & AI, digital workplaces, cyber resilience, networking & regulatory services, and hybrid cloud. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, we expertly manage legacy systems while accelerating modernization and innovation.

    Cegeka has a global presence with offices in the Benelux, Germany, Austria, Romania, Moldova, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Colombia, and India. With over 10,000 employees, the company achieved a consolidated revenue of €1.3 billion in 2024.

    Founded in 1992 by André Knaepen — who currently serves as chairman of the board — Cegeka is a family-owned company headquartered in Hasselt, Belgium, and led by CEO Stijn Bijnens.

    Media Contact:
    Talkdesk Public Relations
    pr@talkdesk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu advances trade and represents Canada in Ecuador

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 23, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will represent the Government of Canada in Quito at the inauguration of President Daniel Noboa.

    Canada and Ecuador share a strong and growing relationship, which will benefit from the bilateral free trade agreement that is on track for timely ratification. Minister Sidhu will relay Canada’s congratulations to President Noboa and his government for their election victory on April 13. On the margins of the inauguration, Minister Sidhu will engage with regional leaders to discuss Canada’s role as a stable and reliable business partner for Latin America.

    While in Quito, Minister Sidhu will meet with representatives from Canadian mining companies, in particular to discuss critical minerals and infrastructure opportunities in Ecuador. He will speak with Ecuadorian business leaders about deepening trade and investment through the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Trump warns Apple of 25% tariffs if iPhones not made in US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Apple AAPL.Owould have to pay a 25% tariff if phones sold in the country were not made within its borders.

    Shares of Apple dropped 2.5% in premarket trading on Trump’s warning, dragging down U.S. stock index futures lower.

    “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

    “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

    It is not clear if Trump can levy a tariff on an individual company. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

    Apple is positioning India as an alternative manufacturing base amid Trump’s tariffs on China that have raised supply-chain concerns and fears of higher iPhone prices, Reuters reported last month.

    The iPhone maker said most of its smartphones sold in the United States would originate from India in the June quarter.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President pays courtesy visit to French President Macron

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid a courtesy visit to French President Emmanuel Macron at his residence, the Palais de l’Élysée, in Paris, on Thursday. 

    He was accompanied by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and business leaders from both South Africa and France.
    The meeting followed a successful SA-France Investment Conference where commitments were made to upscale trade relations between the two countries. 

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, South Africa remains committed to a global trade and investment environment that aims for sustainable and impactful global economic growth, despite the geopolitical challenges.

    “The meeting with President Macron focused on strengthening trade and diplomatic cooperation as well as cooperation in multilateral fora. 

    “The importance of economic cooperation between the two countries is about bridging the gap between the south and north, thereby creating a trade equilibrium,” the statement read. 

    During the meeting, the Deputy President indicated that the presence of over 400 French companies employing over 65 000 South Africans is a testimony to the value proposition that South Africa offers. 

    “However, the Deputy President noted that in the past two years, there has been a decline in bilateral trade, underpinned by a decline in both imports and exports. 

    “Therefore, it was prudent that South Africa intensifies efforts to increase bilateral trade through business-to-business engagements.”

    The inaugural SA-France Investment Conference is viewed as a step in the right direction to expand on existing cooperation and identify new areas of cooperation with a specific focus on trade and investment. 

    The conference will continue a biennial basis to further take stock of established partnerships and explore other areas of cooperation. 

    “In response, President Macron welcomed the Deputy President and his delegation and appreciated the decision of South Africa to strengthen trade and bilateral relations.”

    He reiterated the commitment for France and South Africa to continue to work together in various multilateral platforms for diplomacy and peace. 

    President Macron also confirmed that he will be coming to South Africa to attend the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in November this year.

    The two leaders agreed that this engagement will further cement the bonds between the business sectors in South Africa and France and further unlock more potential investments. 

    Deputy President Mashatile is currently in Paris for a working visit focused on strengthening South Africa’s longstanding bilateral relations with France. 

    READ | Deputy President in France for a working visit

    This visit aims to expand existing cooperation projects and identify new areas for collaboration, particularly in trade and investment. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –