NewzIntel.com

Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI: Plotly Honored as Bronze Stevie Award Winner In 2025 American Business Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plotly, the premier Data App platform for Python, has been named a Bronze Stevie® Award winner in the Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Solution – Other category in The 23rd Annual American Business Awards®.

    Plotly Dash Enterprise empowers data scientists and data analysts to build interactive analytical applications using Python. This AI-powered solution eliminates the need for extensive front-end development skills, bridging the gap between complex analytics and actionable insights and accelerating decision-making. Tailored for diverse industries, including finance and healthcare, as well as for generative AI use cases, Plotly Dash combines cutting-edge AI with robust data app development capabilities to empower organizations to harness the full potential of their data science initiatives while reducing development time and costs.

    “We are extremely pleased to be recognized with this prestigious industry award, which recognizes our contribution in the area of AI and data analytics,” said Jim McIntosh, Plotly CEO. “Over 4 million monthly users are already taking advantage of Plotly AI to create interactive data apps, and by integrating advanced AI capabilities and improving the overall user experience, we’re enabling organizations to transform complex data into intuitive, business-focused dashboards that drive measurable ROI.”

    “Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York.”

    The American Business Awards are the premier business awards program in the U.S. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. This year, more than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in a wide range of categories.

    To learn more about the future of data apps and join the 5,000+ companies that use Plotly:

    • Read the Plotly Blog to get an insider’s look at what’s next for data apps.
    • Join a Plotly Dash Demo to see how Dash makes data come alive in future-forward visualizations and apps.
    • Download this Plotly white paper to learn how AI-powered data app dev builds what BI never could.
    • See how to go from raw data to dynamic apps in minutes in this Plotly Tour.
    • Discover how Plotly Customers are putting data and AI to work for production data applications.

    About Plotly
    Plotly is a leading provider of open-source graphing libraries and enterprise-grade analytics solutions. Its flagship product, Dash Enterprise, enables organizations to build scalable and interactive data apps that drive impactful decision-making. To learn more about Plotly, visit our website at http://www.plotly.com

    For media inquiries:
    Brigit Valencia
    For Plotly
    brigit@compel-pr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Retail inflation drops to 3.16% in April 2025, lowest since July 2019

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation eased further in April 2025, marking its lowest level in nearly six years. According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation stood at 3.16% in April, down from 3.34% in March 2025 and significantly lower than 4.83% recorded in April 2024.
     
    This decline of 18 basis points from March makes April’s inflation the lowest year-on-year reading since July 2019.
     
    The fall in overall inflation was primarily driven by a sharp decline in food prices. The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI)-based food inflation fell to 1.78% in April from 2.69% in March. This is the lowest food inflation since October 2021. The food price easing is largely attributed to lower inflation in vegetables, pulses, fruits, cereals, meat and fish, and personal care items.
     
    In rural areas, headline inflation fell to 2.92% from 3.25% in the previous month. Food inflation in these regions also moderated to 1.85%, down from 2.82%. Urban centres saw a more modest decline in overall inflation, with the April reading at 3.36% compared to 3.43% in March. However, urban food inflation saw a steeper drop to 1.64%, from 2.48% a month earlier.
     
    Among individual components, housing inflation in urban areas remained steady at 3.00%, while the education category saw prices rise by 4.13%, up from 3.98% in March. Health inflation remained largely unchanged at 4.25%. Transport and communication costs rose to 3.73% in April, compared to 3.36% in the previous month. The fuel and light category registered a sharp increase, rising to 2.92% from 1.42% in March.
     
    On a month-on-month basis, the combined CPI index rose by 0.31%, while the food index registered a decline of 0.15%, indicating falling prices in essential food items. Among major food components, vegetable prices fell by 10.98% year-on-year, while the prices of pulses and related products also declined. Fruit prices rose by 13.8%, and oils and fats registered a surge of 17.4%.
     
    The National Statistical Office (NSO) collected price data from 1,114 urban markets and 1,181 villages, ensuring full coverage in rural areas and nearly full coverage in urban locations. The usable data stood at 89.4% for rural and 92.3% for urban markets.
     
    The next CPI inflation data, for May 2025, is scheduled to be released on June 12.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Subcommittee on Policy Issues relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District visits enterprises in Kowloon East (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Policy Issues relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District visited two enterprises in Kowloon East today (May 13) to gain insight into the Government’s latest developments in promoting new industrialisation and how these enterprises are actively upgrading and restructuring.

         Members first visited Sew Solution Limited, a textiles and clothing company in Kwun Tong, to learn about the operation and effectiveness of its digital knitwear smart production line. Members noted that the company received a $15 million funding in 2023 from the Innovation and Technology Commission’s Re‑industrialisation Funding Scheme (renamed as New Industrialisation Funding Scheme now) to establish a smart production line covering product design, digital simulation of samples, engineering parameters and programming. The funding helped it increase the overall equipment efficiency and reduce production costs.

         Members then visited King Bakery’s modern food factory in Kwun Tong to learn how the company leverages research and development to enhance product quality. Members received a briefing from the company’s representatives that it had introduced various specialised machinery for producing egg custard tart pastry, fillings as well as molten mooncake to optimise production processes and standards, and to monitor food quality simultaneously.

         During the visit, Members gained a deeper understanding into the challenges faced by traditional enterprises. They also exchanged views with representatives of the Development Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the enterprises on issues including how to support businesses in establishing smart production lines, promoting the “Made in Hong Kong” branding to meet market demands and providing updated information on the supply and conditions of industrial buildings in the district.

         Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr Tang Ka-piu, and Subcommittee members Mr Chan Pui-leung, Professor William Wong; as well as a non-Subcommittee member Mr Yim Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers of Salem Proudly Spotlights Breast Cancer Survivor and Employee, Loraine Lester, for Her Generous Charitable Giving Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers of Salem, a regional mutual insurance company specializing in insurance for home and business owners, is proud to support employee involvement in charitable activities that improve the quality of life in those communities where our employees live. Today, we spotlight Loraine Lester, AVP, Product & Underwriting Development, who is celebrating her 10-year career with Farmers.

    Back in 2016, Loraine was new to Delaware and struggling to find the right oncologist after her 1st diagnosis. At her doctor’s office she was handed a pamphlet about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). “This organization has been there in my good times, when my cancer went into remission, and in the bad times, when I was diagnosed with a reoccurrence that progressed to Stage IV. I have developed a network of survivors who have been through the same process as me. We share our war stories and compare notes.”

    Loraine is a committee member of DBCC’s Lights of Life Gala, held annually, while also serving as a peer mentor for the Peer Mentor Program. For the Gala, Loraine helps backstage with the Survivor Showcase – organizing doctors and/or industry escorts with survivors, in a backstage manager role. Loraine also, chips in where needed with the Gala event setup, organizing meetings, decorations, etc. Next year’s Gala will be on March 7, 2026, held at Bally’s in Dover, DE.

    The mission of DBCC is to empower the community by raising awareness of breast health issues and increasing access to care through outreach, education and support services, and to facilitate early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Their vision is to create a caring community where barriers to breast cancer screenings are removed and all persons at risk, served by DBCC, have access to quality care and treatment. DBCC will ensure each individual diagnosed receives resources to become a thriving survivor, armed with the knowledge and support needed to conquer this disease.

    Commenting on her volunteer work as a Peer Mentor, Loraine said, “I’ve been fortunate to meet and help many mentees over the years. Once we are trained, we are matched with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients that have a similar diagnosis to ours. We are, basically, an outlet for support, a shoulder to cry on, and a resource for the individual to fully understand all that DBCC can provide the survivor on their cancer journey.”

    Not only does Loraine volunteer for the organization, but she continues to use their services. Loraine says, “The Nurture with Nature service is one of my favorites. This program allows cancer survivors to come together to be nurtured and healed by experiencing the power, beauty, and serenity of nature. I also actively participate in their support groups for metastatic thrivers and young survivors, to name a few.”

    Regarding Loraine’s long career at Farmers, she stated: “I really enjoy my job, it offers lots of variety. I also appreciate and enjoy working with my colleagues. They are an extension of my family.”

    For more information about Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, visit www.debreastcancer.org. 

    About Farmers of Salem
    Founded in 1851, and located on the Riverfront in Wilmington DE, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. “We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention,” says Kim Lorenzini, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development.

    Farmers of Salem provides compensated Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to full-time employees for use during their regular workday. Farmers’ recognizes volunteering provides employees with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully support their chosen charitable missions and is very proud of their employee’s service to others.

    For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit www.farmersofsalem.com. 

    As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

    A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:

    • Autism Delaware
    • Serviam Girls Academy
    • Vehicles for Veterans
    • Salem County Humane Society
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • VFW Post #253
    • Operation Legacy
    • Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
    • Temple University 
    • Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
    • Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
    • Make A Wish
    • American Red Cross
    • American Cancer Society
    • Longwood Gardens
    • Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry

    Contact: Kim Lorenzini
    856-628-0150
    klorenzini@fosnj.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c27967d8-52cc-4447-968e-f386484557cb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Inc. Announces Repurchase Right Notification for 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced that it is notifying holders of its 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP No. 090040AD8) (the “Notes”) that, pursuant to the Indenture dated as of June 2, 2020 (the “Indenture”) relating to the Notes by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, each holder has the right, at the option of such holder, to require the Company to repurchase all of such holder’s Notes or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of US$1,000 principal amount for cash on June 15, 2025 (the “2025 Repurchase Right”). Holders of the Notes may exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right from 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (the “Repurchase Open Time”) until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (the “Repurchase Expiration Time”).

    Documents specifying the terms, conditions, and procedures for exercising the 2025 Repurchase Right, including the Company’s 2025 Repurchase Right Notice to holders dated May 13, 2025 (the “Repurchase Right Notice”) will be available through the Depository Trust Company (the “DTC”) and the paying agent, which is Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Paying Agent”). None of the Company, its board of directors, or its employees has made or is making any representation or recommendation to any holder as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the 2025 Repurchase Right. Each holder of the Notes must make its own decision whether to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right with respect to such holder’s Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes for which the 2025 Repurchase Right should be exercised.

    The 2025 Repurchase Right entitles each holder of the Notes to require the Company to repurchase all of such holder’s Notes, or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of US$1,000 principal amount. The repurchase price (the “Repurchase Price”) for such Notes will be an amount in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, June 15, 2025, which is the date specified for repurchase in the Indenture (the “2025 Repurchase Date”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture and the Notes. The 2025 Repurchase Date is an interest payment date under the terms of the Indenture and the Notes. As June 15, 2025 is not a Business Day (as defined in the Indenture), pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, any action to be taken on the 2025 Repurchase Date may be taken on Monday, June 16, 2025, being the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if taken on the 2025 Repurchase Date with no interest accrued in respect of such delay. Accordingly, on Monday, June 16, 2025, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest on all of the Notes through June 14, 2025 to all holders who were holders of record as of close of business on June 1, 2025, regardless of whether the 2025 Repurchase Right is exercised with respect to such Notes. As a result, on the 2025 Repurchase Date, there will be no accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes. As of May 13, 2025, there was US$92,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding. If all outstanding Notes are surrendered for repurchase through exercise of the 2025 Repurchase Right, the aggregate cash purchase price will be US$92,000.

    In order to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right, a holder must deliver the Notes through the transmittal procedures of the DTC between the Repurchase Open Time and the Repurchase Expiration Time, in the following manner:

    • Holders of the Notes that are held through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee through DTC accounts must contact such nominee and instruct such nominee to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right by surrendering the Notes on such holders’ behalf through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (the “ATOP”) before the Repurchase Expiration Time.
    • Holders of the Notes who are DTC participants and hold the Notes directly through DTC accounts must surrender the Notes electronically through ATOP before the Repurchase Expiration Time, subject to the terms and procedures of ATOP.

    While the Company does not expect any Notes being or to be issued to a holder other than DTC or its nominee in physical certificate, in the event that physical certificates evidencing the Notes are issued to such a holder, any such holder must complete and sign a 2025 Repurchase Notice in the form attached hereto as Annex A in accordance with the instructions set forth therein, have the signature thereon guaranteed and timely deliver such manually signed 2025 Repurchase Notice, together with the certificated evidencing the Notes to be repurchased and all necessary endorsements to the Paying Agent before the Repurchase Expiration Time.

    HOLDERS THAT HOLD THE NOTES THROUGH DTC ACCOUNTS MAY ONLY EXERCISE THE REPURCHASE RIGHT BY COMPLYING WITH THE TRANSMITTAL PROCEDURES OF DTC AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT A PHYSICAL REPURCHASE NOTICE.

    A holder of the Notes may withdraw such holder’s exercise of the 2025 Repurchase Right with respect to any Notes pursuant to the terms of the 2025 Repurchase Right at any time prior to the Repurchase Expiration Time, which is the second Business Day immediately preceding the 2025 Repurchase Date. If a holder of the Notes has already delivered a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice (as defined in the Indenture) or a repurchase notice with respect to a Note, such holder may not surrender that Note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the applicable repurchase notice in accordance with the Indenture. The conversion of the Notes is subject to the provisions regarding conversion contained in the Indenture and the Notes.

    This press release is for information only and is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Company. The offer to purchase the Notes will be only pursuant to, and the Notes may be surrendered only in accordance with, the Company’s Repurchase Right Notice dated May 13, 2025 and related documents.

    Holders of the Notes should refer to the Indenture for a complete description of repurchase procedures and direct any questions concerning the mechanics of repurchase to the trustee by contacting Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. Holders of Notes may request the Company’s Repurchase Right Notice from the Paying Agent. The name and address for the Paying Agent as well as the Conversion Agent (as defined in the Indenture) are as follows:

    Conversion Agent:
    Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
    c/o DB Services Americas, Inc
    5022 Gate Parkway Suite 200
    MS JCK01-218
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    db.reorg@db.com
    For information call 1-800-735-7777

    Paying Agent:
    Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
    c/o DB Services Americas, Inc
    5022 Gate Parkway Suite 200
    MS JCK01-218
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    db.reorg@db.com
    For information call 1-800-735-7777

    HOLDERS OF NOTES AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S REPURCHASE RIGHT NOTICE BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BILIBILI INC. AND THE 2025 REPURCHASE RIGHT.

    Materials filed with the SEC will be available electronically without charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at the Company’s investor relations website, http://ir.bilibili.com/.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to those included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China：

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: +86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    E-mail: ir@bilibili.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    Annex A

    REPURCHASE NOTICE

    To: Bilibili Inc.

    DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee

    The undersigned registered owner of this Note hereby acknowledges receipt of a notice from Bilibili Inc. (the “Company”) regarding the right of Holders to elect to require the Company to repurchase the entire principal amount of this Note, or the portion thereof (that is US$1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) below designated, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture referred to in this Note, at the Repurchase Price to the registered Holder hereof.

    In the case of certificated Notes, the certificate numbers of the Notes to be purchased are as set forth below:

    Certificate Number(s):         
    Dated:            
                
            Signature(s)  
             
                
            Social Security or Other Taxpayer Identification Number  
                
             
            Principal amount to be repaid (if less than all): US$        ,000  
             
            NOTICE: The above signature(s) of the Holder(s) hereof must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Note in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jitterbit Harmony Platform Wins Silver Stevie® Award for Platform as a Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALAMEDA, Calif., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jitterbit, a global leader in accelerating business transformation for enterprise systems, today announced it has been awarded the Silver Stevie® Award in the ‘Platform as a Service’ category at the 23rd Annual American Business Awards®.

    Jitterbit Harmony was recognized for its innovation and impact in the ‘New Product & Service – Technology Solutions category.’

    “It’s a privilege to have the Stevie Awards recognize the impact of our unified, AI-infused low-code Harmony platform,” said Jitterbit SVP of Product Management Vito Salvaggio. “Earning high honors for the second year in a row reflects the strength of our low-code innovation combined with powerful automation, integration and application development capabilities. With Harmony, we’re making it easier than ever for enterprises to integrate systems, automate workflows and build applications, all with the power of AI and without the usual complexity. It’s a smarter, faster way to drive transformation across the business.”

    The American Business Awards is among the premier business awards programs in the U.S., with more than 3,600 nominations submitted this year across a wide range of categories, including Best New Product or Service of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and App of the Year.

    The Jitterbit Harmony platform is a unified, AI-infused low-code solution that accelerates business transformation by seamlessly integrating, automating and orchestrating processes across hybrid environments. In May 2025, Jitterbit announced the latest evolution of Harmony to deliver accountable, layered AI technology and enterprise-ready AI agents across its suite of capabilities — including iPaaS, App Builder, API Manager and EDI.

    With built-in AI assistants that simplify complex workflows through natural language prompts, Harmony empowers users of all skill levels to work faster and smarter, achieving faster deployments and quicker returns on investment than industry alternatives.

    Judges recognized Jitterbit Harmony for its innovation and accessibility, noting: “Jitterbit Harmony exemplifies excellence in ‘Platform as a Service’ by merging low-code development with AI-driven integration, orchestration, and automation. Its modular structure, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder, and EDI, empowers enterprises to modernize processes swiftly and securely. The platform’s natural language AI assistants lower the barrier for adoption, making it accessible to non-technical users. Harmony is a powerhouse for digital transformation.”

    To view the complete list of 2025 winners, visit: https://stevieawards.com/aba/product-management-new-product-awards#BusinessTechnology

    To learn about Jitterbit Harmony, visit www.jitterbit.com/harmony.

    About Jitterbit
    For organizations ready to modernize and innovate, Jitterbit provides a unified AI-infused low code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation, boosts productivity, and unlocks value. The Jitterbit Harmony platform, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder and EDI, future-proofs operations, simplifies complexity and drives innovation for organizations globally. Learn more at www.jitterbit.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About the Stevie Awards
    Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

    MEDIA CONTACT:

    Geoff Blaine
    Jitterbit
    geoff.blaine@jitterbit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Payday weekend just got better with Samsung’s #PreekendSpecial Deals

    Source: Samsung

    A unique shopping experience is set to transform the way South African consumers discover and purchase their favourite Samsung products. Premiering live on YouTube, on the 22nd of May at 8pm, The Preekend Special gives shoppers an opportunity to enjoy good music while shopping for the best Samsung deals, from the comfort of their home.
     
    During the livestream, consumers will enjoy discounts of up to 45% OFF Samsung mobile, accessories, home appliances and TVs. The discounts will be revealed every 20 minutes during live DJ sets from our exciting DJ line up. The discounted products include; Galaxy S25+, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy Tab S10FE WIFI, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, 43” Serif TV, Freestyle Projector 2nd Gen, 19kg AI top loader washing machine, and premium Q-Series Soundbar.
     
    How it works:
    Consumers will have to download the Samsung Shop App [Download Link]
    Watch the livestream and enjoy the music played by the DJs, as new offers are revealed every 20 mins.
    Scan the QR code on screen, or click on link provided, which will direct them to the offer page on the Shop App.
    Add desired products to cart
    Discounts will be applied at Checkout.
     
    DJs on the night will be Franabenzo and LINDO:
    Franabenzo is a DJ duo made up of Francesco Mbele, and Lenzo Mangonyane. They’re music choice: house music, baile funk, underground hip hop and gqom – Franabenzo has you covered.
     
    Also joining the line up is LINDO; a South African DJ and cultural curator who uses music and style to tell stories about where he’s from. Blending Afro Tech, Gqom, and other electronic sounds, his sets are rooted in moving both body and spirit.
     

     
    Anesu Malisa, Head of Gen Z Marketing at Samsung South Africa said “With the Preekend Special, we’re looking to introduce a unique shopping experience that we believe South Africans will love, appreciate, and look forward to the next one. By bringing culture and commerce together, we want to create an engaging experience that ensures that you’re going to have a good time, whether you’re there for the good deals or good music”
     
    Additional Shop App Benefits include:
    An extra 10% OFF your first purchase on the Shop App.
    Multiple payment options including: Float, Mobicred, and PAYJUSTNOW.
    Free delivery
    Exclusive app deals and personalized offers
     
    Don’t skip the beat, click on the link below to sign up for live updates:
    https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-live/?cid=za_pd_social_pr-publication_none_launch_social_video_preekend-special-sign-up-link_broad

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World

    Scottish Secretary drives forward Brand Scotland with new campaign fund.

    The UK Government’s drive to sell Brand Scotland around the world will get a boost with the launch of a new fund for overseas campaigns. 

    The Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, is offering the UK’s international network grants of up to £20,000 for innovative and creative activities to market Scotland overseas. 

    One of Ian Murray’s priorities at the Scotland Office is Brand Scotland – promoting Scottish goods and services overseas and encouraging inward investment in Scotland. This is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

    The US and India free trade agreements signed last week show just how popular Scottish products are overseas. The India deal slashed tariffs for Scotch – great news for our whisky producers who want to expand their overseas markets.

    This new fund will complement an extensive programme of overseas visits planned for Scotland Office ministers over the year, following on from Ian Murray’s recent successful trips to Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Washington and New York.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    “Brand Scotland is a fantastic opportunity to promote all that is great about Scotland around the world, and show investors the opportunities of Scotland. Through the Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office, the UK has an extensive overseas network, which works day in day out to promote our country. This exciting new fund will boost the overseas network’s ability to promote Scotland and all it has to offer in many key markets. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    “The UK-India free trade deal slashing whisky export tariffs is a prime example of how the UK Government is unlocking growth opportunities to deliver for people in every corner of the country, as part of our Plan for Change.

    “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is looking forward to showcasing Brand Scotland around the world as part of our mission to turbo charge the economy and put more money back in people’s pockets.

    “Kickstarting economic growth is in this government’s DNA so my diplomats will be working tirelessly to shout about everything Scotland has to offer, not least its world-beating food and drink.”

    Brand Scotland leverages Scotland’s unique cultural assets and the UK’s soft power. The UK Government’s overseas network will have the opportunity to bid for funds. Projects will support Scotland-focused trade missions and trade events. We expect bids to be creative and go beyond ‘business as usual’.

    Bids will be assessed on their ability to deliver measurable outcomes and foster long-term relationships with stakeholders in host countries. Bids will be reviewed by officials from the Scotland Office, FCDO, and the Department for Business and Trade – with the Scotland Office giving final sign-off.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for April 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 13) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for April 2025.
     
         The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs decreased from 43.5 in March 2025 in the contractionary zone to 41.2 in April 2025, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. May 2025) outlook DI on business receipts was 43.6. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for majority of the surveyed sectors dropped in April 2025 as compared with previous month, particularly for the import and export trades (from 45.1 to 40.2) and business services (from 48.4 to 45.3).
      
         The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades decreased from 46.6 in March 2025 to 42.0 in April 2025, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. May 2025) was 43.8.
     
    Commentary
     
         A Government spokesman said that business sentiment among SMEs and their outlook in one month’s time both weakened in April, as the headwinds and uncertainties in the external environment increased sharply after the United States (US) announced significant increases in import tariffs last month. The overall employment situation also softened.
     
         Looking ahead, while trade tensions have eased somewhat of late, the uncertainty of US’ trade policy will still affect the economic outlook and business sentiment. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.
     
    Further information
     
         The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to establishments with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent establishments in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
     
         The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
     
         More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300).
     
         Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: The OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation Certify Results of Technical Advisory Committee Elections

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWARK, N.J., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation certify results of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) elections. Members have been elected to advise on technical direction, architecture, and security priorities for the OpenSSL Library.

    Newly Elected Members

    The OpenSSL Corporation TAC Members

    • Academics – Nicola Tuveri (Tampere University)
    • Committers – Shane Lontis
    • Distributions – Dmitry Belyavskiy (Red Hat)
    • Individuals – Aditya Koranga
    • Large Businesses – Craig Lorentzen (Amazon)
    • Small Businesses – Paul Yang (ToneFlow)

    The OpenSSL Foundation TAC Members

    • Academics – Nicola Tuveri (Tampere University)
    • Committers – Dmitry Belyavskiy
    • Distributions – vacant
    • Individuals – Igor Ustinov
    • Large Businesses – Barry Fussell (Cisco)
    • Small Businesses – Aditya Koranga (CORAN Labs)

    Looking Ahead

    The newly elected TAC members will begin their one year terms immediately. They will work closely with the Business Advisory Committees (BACs), the Board of Directors of the OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation, and the community to shape the OpenSSL Project’s future.

    For more details about the TACs members, the voting process, or the role of the Technical Advisory Committees, please visit the OpenSSL Communities website or contact us at communities@openssl.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (THROUGH APRIL 2025)

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (THROUGH APRIL 2025)

    Posted on May 12, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    DENISE P. BALANAY

    SENIOR HEARINGS OFFICER

    DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

    (Through April 2025)

     

    May 12, 2025

    HONOLULU – The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its respective state Boards and Commissions released a summary of disciplinary actions through the month of April 2025, taken on individuals and entities with professional and vocational licenses in Hawai‘i. These disciplinary actions include dispositions based upon either the results of contested case hearings or settlement agreements submitted by the parties. Respondents enter into settlement agreements as a compromise to claims and to conserve on the expenses of proceeding with an administrative hearing.

    The DCCA and the Boards and Commissions are responsible for ensuring those with professional and vocational licenses are performing up to the standards prescribed by state law.

     

     

    Respondent:      Leah R. Swift

    Case Number:   RNS 2024-29-L

    Sanction:            Voluntary license surrender

    Effective Date:  4-3-25

    RICO alleges that on April 16, 2024, the Board issued Respondent a license subject to conditions, including compliance with a one-year monitoring agreement with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au, and that Respondent is not in compliance with the one-year monitoring program, in potential violation of HRS § 457-12(a). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

     

     

    Respondent:     Express Scripts Pharmacy, Inc. dba Express Scripts

    Case Number: PHA 2024-20-L

    Sanction:            $500 fine

    Effective Date: 2-27-25

    RICO alleges that Respondent was disciplined by the state of Michigan, in potential violation of HRS § 436B-19(13). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondents:   Anchor Properties HI, LLC and Nathan V. Wong

    Case Number: REC 2024-373-L

    Sanction:            $1,000 fine

    Effective Date: 4-25-25

    RICO alleges that Respondents, as managing agent for Hanohano Hale, received a request for condominium association records, and that fulfillment of the request took longer than 30 days without proper response as to the reason for the delay, in potential violation of HRS § 514B-154.5(c). (Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondent:     Brandon Ray Holmes

    Case Number: REC 2024-408-L

    Sanction:            $1,500 fine

    Effective Date: 4-25-25

    RICO alleges that on August 1, 2024, Respondent was convicted of Driving under the Influence in the District Court of the Second Circuit, in potential violation of HRS § 436B-19(12).(Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

     

     

    Respondent:     Alex G. Ramos dba Triple A Electrical Service

    Case Number: CLB 2022-481-L

    Sanction:            $10,000 fine

    Effective Date: 4-25-25

    RICO alleges that Respondent aided and abetted an unlicensed contractor by pulling permits for the unlicensed contractor on many projects, in potential violation of HRS § 444-9.3.(Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

    BusinessCheck is an online platform designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for researching licensed professionals. This tool empowers users to verify licenses, review complaint histories and discover when a business was established, all in one place. Please visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov to verify a professional’s license status, confirming their qualifications, compliance with regulations and accountability to a governing body.

     

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office

    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Buffalo Bills announce Verizon as Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner of new Highmark Stadium

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Buffalo Bills announce Verizon as Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner of new Highmark Stadium

    Verizon partnership to include:

    • Ownership of the Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
    • Integration of Verizon Business Services and Solutions to drive sustainability, operations and fan experiences
    • Premium programming, sweepstakes and onsite activations; unique access and experiences will be available for Verizon customers
    • Verizon to  donate to Buffalo-based Veterans One Stop

    NEW YORK – The Buffalo Bills today announced Verizon will be the exclusive wireless telecommunications partner of the new Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026. The agreement also establishes Verizon as a Founding Partner of New Highmark Stadium.

    “Partnering with Verizon as the Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner for the new Highmark Stadium is a major step in enhancing the fan experience at every level,” said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Bills, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Buffalo Bills. “Verizon’s technical expertise and leadership in 5G will transform how our fans connect with the game and each other, bringing cutting-edge connectivity to our stadium and its surrounding campus. Together, we’re setting a new standard for live sports, creating immersive, seamless experiences that will keep our fans at the forefront of innovation.”

    As the Official 5G Network for the new Highmark Stadium, Verizon will own the neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in the new stadium and provide state-of-the-art technology and wireless solutions to keep fans connected. The Bills will also integrate Verizon Business Solutions and services in the new stadium to drive sustainability, power operations and streamline fan experiences. While the new stadium is under construction, Verizon Business is providing temporary WiFi access points to the site to power the design, integration/logistics and installation of the facility.

    “Bills fans are some of the most passionate in the league, and we’re excited for the opportunity to bring them the power of Verizon 5G at the new Highmark Stadium to elevate their game-day experience like never before,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “From ultrafast connectivity to enhanced in-stadium features, our partnership with the Bills is all about delivering an immersive experience that keeps fans engaged every play of the game. Together, we’re providing the technology that enhances every moment, both on and off the field, to deliver a next-level fan experience.”

    The new stadium will seat 60,000 with an expandable capacity to hold special events, will include state-of-the-art video and scoreboards, sound system, administrative and event staff offices and lockers, broadcast facilities, team store, locker rooms, food service kitchens and concessions, signage, sports lighting, maintenance, and storage areas, plaza, parking, and site landscaping.

    Fans interested in becoming a priority list member, which includes access to visit the Bills Stadium Experience and purchase seats following current Season Ticket Members, can sign up at Billsstadiumexperience.com.

    In addition to always-on connectivity, Bills fans and stadium attendees will benefit from premium programming, sweepstakes and onsite activations. Unique access and experiences will be available for Verizon customers throughout the season/year. Furthermore, Verizon is donating an additional $20,000 to the Veterans One-Stop Center – a Buffalo-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life of local veterans, service members and their families – following the company’s November 2024 donation of $20,000 to the same organization, for a total donation of $40,000 toward the cause.

    The Bills collaborated with global, premium experiences company Legends to secure Verizon as a founding partner for Highmark Stadium. Legends is the Bills consultant on project development, global partnerships, premium sales, ticket sales, retail, and hospitality for New Highmark Stadium.

    Verizon brings a mix of public and private network capabilities, a robust technology ecosystem, and 5G partnerships that enable leagues, teams, and stadium operators to create and deliver a first-class fan experience and achieve desired venue operations outcomes. Learn more about how Verizon is elevating the connected venue approach for sports, entertainment and campus partners through Enterprise Intelligence.

    About Highmark Stadium

    Highmark Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills, will open in 2026 in Orchard Park, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. In conjunction with Legends and architectural firm Populous, the Bills have left no stone unturned in covering every innovative element of new stadium design and fan amenities, featuring iconic Buffalo architecture and the deep-rooted spirit of Bills Mafia. The open-air, football-first venue will feature premium, reserved seating that delivers an elevated game day experience & atmosphere. A striking canopy structure will provide seating bowl coverage, enhancing fan comfort and protection from the elements. Fans will enjoy 360-degree concourses, frictionless food and beverage marketplaces, and cutting-edge audio/visual features that will set a new sporting stadium standard. With expandable capacity, Highmark Stadium will be the premier destination for major events beyond football. This transformative project is a public-private partnership between the Buffalo Bills, New York State, and Erie County. For the latest updates, download the Bills App or visit buffalobills.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Introducing Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Verizon

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Introducing Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Verizon

    [What’s new]

    Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: where unparalleled elegance meets uncompromising power. This groundbreaking device, available at Verizon, offers the advanced capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in an exceptionally thin and light smartphone.

    Verizon preorders start May 13 in Titanium Silver, Icyblue and Jetblack, with 256GB or 512GB storage starting at $30.55/month for 36 months (0% APR; $1,099.99 retail). Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.

    [Why Verizon is the best place to get a Galaxy S25 Edge]

    • Galaxy S25 Edge, on us, with select trade-in and 3-year price lock: For a limited time, new and current Verizon customers on any myPlan can get a new Galaxy S25 Edge on us when they trade in any Apple, Google or Samsung smartphone, regardless of its condition. Verizon continues to provide value for its customers with an industry-leading guarantee — a 3-year price lock on all myPlan and myHome network plans and free satellite texting. Price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only.
    • Perks built for you: myPlan and myHome customers can save over 40% on five of the most popular subscription services, Netflix & Max and Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. All 5 for just $20/mo. Choose what you want, when you want it.

    [How to get your Galaxy S25 Edge]

    • Visit verizon.com, the My Verizon app or a Verizon store to preorder your Galaxy S25 Edge starting May 13.
    • Verizon Business customers can get up to $1,000 off the Galaxy S25 Edge at verizonbusiness.com.
    • Visible customers can purchase the new Galaxy S25 Edge at visible.com starting May 30.
    • Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.

    Smartphone offer: $1,099.99 (256 GB only) purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,100 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Samsung, Apple or Google; trade-in terms apply.

    3-yr price guarantee: myPlan: Applies to the then-current base monthly rate for your talk, text, and data. Excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Void if any of the lines are canceled or moved to an ineligible plan. Plan perks, taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change. myHome: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services.

    Business offer: New line or device upgrade w/device payment agmt & My Biz Plan w/$20 monthly add-on spending or Business Unlimited Pro plan req’d. Up to $1,000 credit, varying by smartphone trade-in, applied to acct over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Select biz customers w/6 or more mos of VZ service: credits begin in 1-2 bills. Other biz customers: credits begin 2-3 bills after trade-in is received by VZ. Smartphone trade-in must be received by VZ w/in 90 days & meet program requirements. Credit(s) will be charged back to acct if trade-in is not received within 90 days, differs from appraisal and/or does not meet program requirements. Most trade-in device conditions accepted; exclusions apply. 10-line trade-in limit per order. Cannot be combined with other device offers. Offer ends 6.30.2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese firms still look for US growth

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

    A pedestrian crosses an intersection around the World Trade Center, New York City, the United States, on Jan 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese companies in the United States plan to expand business operations despite geopolitical and profitability challenges, according to a survey released by the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA on Monday.

    The Annual Business Survey Report on Chinese Enterprises in the US tracks key performance trends and sentiment among Chinese companies with US operations, based on data collected from nearly 100 Chinese firms in March to early April.

    While some firms grow in size and revenue (37 percent now generate more than $100 million annually, up by 2 percentage points from 2023), the data reveals that profitability lags.

    In general, the survey shows a slight margin recovery in 2024, with 43 percent of respondents reported earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margins between 0 and 15 percent — up from 38 percent the previous year.

    The share of companies experiencing severe declines also dropped sharply, with only 10 percent seeing margins fall by more than five points, compared with 27 percent in 2023.

    “The reduction in severe declines reflects better cost/revenue management,” noted the report.

    Still, while extreme losses have declined, most enterprises are operating with thin margins and limited capacity for reinvestment.

    While 23 percent of firms reported operating margin improvements between 0 and 5 percentage points, up from 15 percent in 2023, only 7 percent achieved high margins of 15 percent or more, a significant drop from 11 percent in 2023.

    Meanwhile, nearly 1 in 4 companies reported losses, with 17 percent reporting losses up to 15 percent.

    A further 17 percent of companies reported breaking even, while 10 percent did not disclose or were unsure about their margins.

    “High-margin performers became scarcer, while loss-makers persisted,” the report said, underscoring the pressure on business fundamentals.

    The survey found that 60 percent of respondents plan to maintain their current level of investment in the US through 2025, suggesting a preference for stability in light of ongoing economic and policy uncertainties.

    While 1 in 5 companies plan to increase investment, the same number plan reductions, indicating a split in business confidence.

    Concerns about a deteriorating geopolitical environment reinforce a cautious outlook. A striking 90 percent of companies identified US-China political and cultural tensions as the most pressing challenge for operations in 2025 and 2026.

    “Inflation and the unstable US economy,” and “frictions in US-China economic and trade relations” were cited by 80 percent and 73 percent of companies, respectively.

    Additionally, 60 percent flagged “uncertainty in US foreign investment policies” and “unstable US policies toward foreign investments” as top challenges, reflecting increased difficulty and risk in investment decisions.

    Asked about their key business objectives for US investment in 2025 and 2026, 83 percent of companies surveyed said they aimed to improve profitability, and 70 percent reported that they planned to recover and grow their existing business, showing a strong intention to strengthen and expand current operations.

    As of July 2024, CGCC’s Chinese member companies have invested at least $140 billion, employed more than 230,000 people, and indirectly supported over a million jobs in the US, the CGCC reported.

    The CGCC warned that recent tariff changes, which occurred after the survey concluded, may have deepened business pessimism even further. On Monday, China and the US announced a series of tariff reductions to de-escalate trade tensions.

    The US agreed to remove 91 percentage points in the additional tariffs it had imposed on China, while China reciprocated by removing 91 percentage points in its additional tariffs on the US.

    The US will pause 24 percentage points of additional ad valorem duties — tariffs levied in proportion to the value of goods — on Chinese imports for 90 days, and China will do the same for 24 percentage points of its modified additional ad valorem rates of duty for imports from the US.

    Still, a 90-day suspension, while welcome, creates significant uncertainty for both Chinese and US companies’ business planning and costs, analysts said.

    The USCBC’s 2024 Member Survey, released in September, noted that US companies’ financial performance in China remained healthy in 2023, with 80 percent being profitable, and a larger share (42 percent) of companies seeing revenues grow by 20 percent or less compared with the 2023 survey results (28 percent).

    Looking ahead, 72 percent of respondents expected that the profit margins of their China operations will be equal to or greater than their global average in 2024, matching companies’ expections in 2023, according to the USCBC survey.

    At an embassy event last week, China’s top envoy in the US Xie Feng said that in 2022 alone, the revenue of the US-owned enterprises in China significantly exceeded those of Chinese-owned enterprises in the US by more than $400 billion.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCED to attend APEC trade ministers meeting in Korea

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCED to attend APEC trade ministers meeting in Korea 
    Under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow” for APEC this year, the meeting will focus discussions on topics under three priorities: “Connect, Innovate, Prosper”. 
    Mr Yau will also meet with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest on the sidelines of the MRT Meeting.
     
    Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on the morning of May 17. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
    Issued at HKT 9:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: JD.com Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: JD and HKEX: 9618 (HKD counter) and 89618 (RMB counter), the “Company” or “JD.com”), a leading supply chain-based technology and service provider, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Net revenues were RMB301.1 billion (US$141.5 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 15.8% from the first quarter of 2024.
    • Income from operations was RMB10.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB7.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Operating margin was 3.5% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.0% for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP2income from operations was RMB11.7 billion (US$1.6 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB8.9 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP operating margin was 3.9% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.4% for the first quarter of 2024. Operating margin of JD Retail before unallocated items was 4.9% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 4.1% for the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was RMB10.9 billion (US$1.5 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB7.1 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was 3.6% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.7% for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was RMB12.8 billion (US$1.8 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB8.9 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was 4.2% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.4% for the first quarter of 2024.
    • Diluted net income per ADS was RMB7.19 (US$0.99) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB4.53 for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS was RMB8.41 (US$1.16) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to RMB5.65 for the first quarter of 2024.

    “We saw a strong start to the year, with solid results on both the top and bottom lines in Q1,” said Sandy Xu, Chief Executive Officer of JD.com. “Our performance was supported by improving consumer sentiment and continued enhancements to JD’s supply chain capabilities and user experience. User growth was particularly strong during the quarter, reflecting the increasing trust and mindshare JD has earned from consumers and further strengthening our ecosystem. We are also seeing encouraging signs from new initiatives, and we believe these emerging opportunities will further position us for long-term, high-quality growth.”

    “In the first quarter, both our product and service revenues achieved double-digit growth year-on-year, further accelerating on a sequential basis, while bottom line also continued to expand steadily,” said Ian Su Shan, Chief Financial Officer of JD.com. “In particular, we maintained and further enhanced robust momentum of our core JD Retail business, while exploring exciting new opportunities for our long-term success. We also remained very committed to shareholder returns. We completed our annual dividend payout in April, and further executed upon our share repurchase program during the first quarter.”

    Updates of Share Repurchase Program

    Pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase program of up to US$5.0 billion adopted in August 2024 and effective through August 2027, the Company repurchased a total of approximately 80.7 million Class A ordinary shares (equivalent to 40.4 million ADSs) for a total of approximately US$1.5 billion from January 1, 2025 to the date of this announcement. The remaining amount under the share repurchase program was US$3.5 billion as of the date of this announcement.

    The total number of shares repurchased by the Company from January 1, 2025 to the date of this announcement amounted to approximately 2.8% of its ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 20243. All of these ordinary shares were repurchased from both Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to the share repurchase program.

    Business Highlights

    • JD Retail:In the first quarter, JD.com deepened its strategic partnerships with leading digital product manufacturers such as Xiaomi. The collaborations focus on product innovation, marketing initiatives, and other key areas, aiming to capture the emerging market opportunities driven by consumption support policies and the rise of AI large language models. Together with its partners, JD.com is committed to providing its users with more intelligent and diverse product offerings, along with enhanced purchasing and service experience.

      In the first quarter, JD.com debuted a range of new products online from renowned fashion brands, such as La Prairie, Crocs, and Massimo Dutti. Leveraging its platform advantages and integrated supply chain capabilities, JD.com is dedicated to offering an enriched selection of fashionable products and superior shopping experience for a wide range of consumers.

      In April, JD.com announced the launch of an export-to-domestic sales program. JD.com aims to procure no less than RMB200 billion worth of export-oriented goods for domestic sales. Through this initiative, JD.com will work with Chinese manufactures to strengthen their presence in the domestic market and provide consumers with more better and cheaper products.

    • New Business:In February 2025, JD.com officially launched its food delivery business. Starting from core retail, JD is expanding into on-demand retail and food delivery, meeting users’ demands in various scenarios. Rooted in the Company’s ecosystem, JD Food Delivery is not a stand-alone business. It operates in a market with big opportunities and demands, such as users’ demand for quality meals, merchants’ need for reasonable commissions, and riders’ desire for better protections. JD has the right strength, culture and advantage to address such opportunities and demands, particularly with its “better and cheaper” user mindshare, the “thirty-five cents” principle that insists on only reasonable profit margins, and its strong logistics operation and management capabilities. JD Food Delivery is set to generate synergetic effects with the Company’s existing businesses, including enriching location-based product supplies, upgrading last mile fulfillment network, and contributing to user growth and engagement. JD Food Delivery has achieved substantial progress in a very brief time, a proof of the great potentials of the food delivery industry and JD’s precise grasp of the industry demands and strong execution capabilities.
    • JD Health:In the first quarter, JD Health further strengthened its position as the first online marketplace for new and specialty medicine launches. It debuted several innovative medicines online during the quarter from pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Esteve, Innogen, and others, broadening treatment options for patients. In addition, JD Health also deepened its collaborations with leading healthcare product companies, including By-Health, Yan Palace, and LifeStyles, driving synergies in product innovation, digitalization of supply chain, and precision marketing.

      In the first quarter, JD Health made significant progress in medical AI, continuously promoting the application of AI in healthcare services, specialized diagnosis and treatment, and health management. JD Health Online Hospital has seen over 80% of its medical consultation orders aided with AI services. Its AI nutritionist has also achieved a user satisfaction rate of 91%.

    • JD Logistics:In the first quarter, JD Logistics (“JDL”) continued to expand its global footprint. In January, JDL officially launched an international air cargo route between Shenzhen, China, and Bangkok, Thailand, enabling more efficient cross-border flow of goods. In March, JDL’s second warehouse in Warsaw, Poland commenced operations, offering integrated supply chain and logistics services to support both Chinese enterprises and local European businesses with streamlined and efficient logistics solutions.

      On March 24, 2025, JDL officially launched its operations center in Hong Kong, marking a significant step-up in expanding the coverage of its express delivery network and boosting service efficiency in the region. Since upgrading its services in Hong Kong in October 2023, JDL has been persistently deepening its footprint in the market. It has been providing premium express delivery services to consumers, and at the same time, cultivating a mutually beneficial ecosystem in collaboration with local businesses.

    Environment, Social and Governance

    • Starting from March 1, 2025, JD.com has begun to contribute the social insurances and the housing fund for its full-time food delivery riders, including both portions that are to be contributed by employers and individuals. In addition, JD.com will also provide accident and health insurances for its part-time food delivery riders. JD.com has become the first platform in China to provide such extensive social benefit coverage for full-time food delivery riders.
    • As a testament to JD.com’s unwavering commitment to creating more jobs and making contribution to the society, the total personnel under the JD Ecosystem4 was approximately 700,000 as of March 31, 2025, including the Company’s employees, part-time staff and interns, as well as the personnel of the Company’s affiliates in the JD Ecosystem. The total expenditure for such human resources, together with the expenditure for external personnel who work for the JD Ecosystem, amounted to RMB128.8 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Net Revenues. Net revenues increased to RMB301.1 billion (US$41.5 billion) by 15.8% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB260.0 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Net product revenues increased by 16.2%, while net service revenues increased by 14.0% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues increased to RMB253.2 billion (US$34.9 billion) by 15.0% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB220.3 billion for the first quarter of 2024.

    Fulfillment Expenses. Fulfillment expenses, which primarily include procurement, warehousing, delivery, customer service and payment processing expenses, increased to RMB19.7 billion (US$2.7 billion) by 17.4% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB16.8 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of net revenues was 6.6% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 6.5% for the first quarter of 2024.

    Marketing Expenses. Marketing expenses increased to RMB10.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) by 13.9% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB9.3 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues was 3.5% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.6% for the first quarter of 2024.

    Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased to RMB4.6 billion (US$0.6 billion) by 14.6% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB4.0 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Research and development expenses as a percentage of net revenues was 1.5% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1.6% for the first quarter of 2024.

    General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to RMB2.4 billion (US$0.3 billion) by 22.2% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB2.0 billion for the first quarter of 2024. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues remained stable at 0.8% for the first quarter of 2025 and 2024.

    Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Income from Operations. Income from operations increased to RMB10.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) by 36.8% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB7.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Operating margin was 3.5% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.0% for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations increased to RMB11.7 billion (US$1.6 billion) by 31.4% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB8.9 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP operating margin was 3.9% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.4% for the first quarter of 2024. Operating margin of JD Retail before unallocated items for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.9%, compared to 4.1% for the first quarter of 2024.

    Non-GAAP EBITDA. Non-GAAP EBITDA increased to RMB13.7 billion (US$1.9 billion) by 27.0% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB10.8 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP EBITDA margin was 4.6% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 4.1% for the first quarter of 2024.

    Net Income Attributable to the Company’s Ordinary Shareholders and Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to the Company’s Ordinary Shareholders. Net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders increased to RMB10.9 billion (US$1.5 billion) by 52.7% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB7.1 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was 3.6% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.7% for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders increased to RMB12.8 billion (US$1.8 billion) by 43.4% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB8.9 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders was 4.2% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.4% for the first quarter of 2024.

    Diluted EPS and Non-GAAP Diluted EPS. Diluted net income per ADS increased to RMB7.19 (US$0.99) by 58.7% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB4.53 for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS increased to RMB8.41 (US$1.16) by 48.8% for the first quarter of 2025 from RMB5.65 for the first quarter of 2024.

    Cash Flow and Working Capital

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled RMB203.4 billion (US$28.0 billion), compared to RMB241.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. For the first quarter of 2025, free cash flow of the Company was as follows:

        For the three months ended
        March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025
        RMB RMB US$
        (In millions)
         
    Net cash used in operating activities   (11,315 )   (18,262 )   (2,517 )
    Less: Impact from consumer financing receivables included in the operating cash flow   (1,281 )   (1,018 )   (140 )
    Less: Capital expenditures, net of related sales proceeds   (2,880 )   (2,323 )   (320 )
    Capital expenditures for development properties   (1,360 )   (915 )   (126 )
    Other capital expenditures*   (1,520 )   (1,408 )   (194 )
    Free cash flow   (15,476 )   (21,603 )   (2,977 )
                       

    * Including capital expenditures related to the Company’s headquarters in Beijing and all other CAPEX.

    Net cash provided by investing activities was RMB16.2 billion (US$2.2 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, consisting primarily of net cash received from maturity of time deposits and wealth management products and cash received from disposal of equity investments and investment securities, partially offset by cash paid for capital expenditures.

    Net cash used in financing activities was RMB7.3 billion (US$1.0 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, consisting primarily of net cash paid for repayment of borrowings and cash paid for repurchase of ordinary shares.

    For the twelve months ended March 31, 2025, free cash flow of the Company was as follows:

        For the twelve months ended
        March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025
        RMB RMB US$
        (In millions)
         
    Net cash provided by operating activities   69,813     51,148     7,048  
    (Less)/Add: Impact from consumer financing receivables included in the operating cash flow   (1,191 )   131     18  
    Less: Capital expenditures, net of related sales proceeds   (18,045 )   (13,666 )   (1,883 )
    Capital expenditures for development properties   (11,332 )   (6,841 )   (943 )
    Other capital expenditures   (6,713 )   (6,825 )   (940 )
    Free cash flow   50,577     37,613     5,183  
                       

    Supplemental Information

    The Company reports three reportable segments, JD Retail, JD Logistics, and New businesses. JD Retail, including JD Health and JD Industrials, among other operating segments, mainly engages in online retail, online marketplace and marketing services in China. JD Logistics includes both internal and external logistics businesses. New Businesses mainly include Dada, JD Property, Jingxi and overseas businesses.

      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
    2024     		   March 31,
    2025     		   March 31,
    2025    		  
      RMB RMB US$  
      (In millions, except percentage data)  
    Net revenues:        
    JD Retail 226,835     263,845     36,359    
    JD Logistics 42,137     46,967     6,472    
    New Businesses 4,870     5,753     793    
    Inter-segment eliminations* (13,793 )   (15,483 )   (2,134 )  
    Total consolidated net revenues 260,049     301,082     41,490    
    Less: cost of revenues:        
    JD Retail (190,062 )   (219,395 )   (30,234 )  
    JD Logistics (39,052 )   (43,785 )   (6,034 )  
    New Businesses (4,031 )   (4,586 )   (632 )  
    Inter-segment eliminations* 12,892     14,539     2,004    
    Less: operating expenses:        
    JD Retail (27,448 )   (31,604 )   (4,355 )  
    JD Logistics (2,861 )   (3,037 )   (418 )  
    New Businesses (1,509 )   (2,494 )   (344 )  
    Inter-segment eliminations* 901     944     130    
    Income/(loss) from operations:        
    JD Retail 9,325     12,846     1,770    
    JD Logistics 224     145     20    
    New Businesses (670 )   (1,327 )   (183 )  
    Total segment income from operations 8,879     11,664     1,607    
    Unallocated items** (1,179 )   (1,131 )   (156 )  
    Total consolidated income from operations 7,700     10,533     1,451    
    Share of results of equity investees (730 )   1,330     183    
    Interest expense (601 )   (600 )   (82 )  
    Others, net 2,696     2,079     287    
    Total consolidated income before tax 9,065     13,342     1,839    
             
    YoY% change of net revenues:        
    JD Retail 6.8 %   16.3 %      
    JD Logistics 14.7 %   11.5 %      
    New Businesses (19.2 )%   18.1 %      
             
    Operating margin:        
    JD Retail 4.1 %   4.9 %      
    JD Logistics 0.5 %   0.3 %      
    New Businesses (13.8 )%   (23.1 )%      
                     

    * The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from supply chain solutions and logistics services provided by JD Logistics to JD Retail, on-demand delivery and retail services provided by Dada to JD Retail and JD Logistics, and property leasing services provided by JD Property to JD Logistics.

    ** Unallocated items include share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, effects of business cooperation arrangements, and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, which are not allocated to segments.

    The table below sets forth the revenue information:

      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		 YoY%
    Change
      RMB   RMB   US$  
      (In millions, except percentage data)
    Electronics and home appliances revenues 123,212   144,295   19,884 17.1 %
    General merchandise revenues 85,296   98,014   13,507 14.9 %
    Net product revenues 208,508   242,309   33,391 16.2 %
    Marketplace and marketing revenues 19,289   22,320   3,076 15.7 %
    Logistics and other service revenues 32,252   36,453   5,023 13.0 %
    Net service revenues 51,541   58,773   8,099 14.0 %
    Total net revenues 260,049   301,082   41,490 15.8 %
                   


    Conference Call

    JD.com’s management will hold a conference call at 8:00 am, Eastern Time on May 13, 2025, (8:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time on May 13, 2025) to discuss the first quarter 2025 financial results.

    Please register in advance of the conference using the link provided below and dial in 15 minutes prior to the call, using participant dial-in numbers, the Passcode and unique access PIN which would be provided upon registering. You will be automatically linked to the live call after completion of this process, unless required to provide the conference ID below due to regional restrictions.

    PRE-REGISTER LINK: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046856-37hfgr.html

    CONFERENCE ID: 10046856

    A telephone replay will be available for one week until May 20, 2025. The dial-in details are as follows:

    US: +1-855-883-1031
    International: +61-7-3107-6325
    Hong Kong: 800-930-639
    Chinese Mainland: 400-120-9216
    Passcode: 10046856
       

    Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the JD.com’s investor relations website at http://ir.jd.com.

    About JD.com

    JD.com is a leading supply chain-based technology and service provider. The Company’s cutting-edge retail infrastructure seeks to enable consumers to buy whatever they want, whenever and wherever they want it. The Company has opened its technology and infrastructure to partners, brands and other sectors, as part of its Retail as a Service offering to help drive productivity and innovation across a range of industries.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders, free cash flow, non-GAAP EBITDA, non-GAAP EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss) per share and non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS, as supplemental measures to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company defines non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations as income/(loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, effects of business cooperation arrangements, gain on sale of development properties and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. The Company defines non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders as net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, effects of business cooperation arrangements and non-compete agreements, gain/(loss) on disposals/deemed disposals of investments and others, reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, loss/(gain) from fair value change of long-term investments, impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and investments, gain on sale of development properties and tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines free cash flow as operating cash flow adjusting the impact from consumer financing receivables included in the operating cash flow and capital expenditures, net of related sales proceeds. Capital expenditures include purchase of property, equipment and software, cash paid for construction in progress, purchase of intangible assets, land use rights and asset acquisitions. The Company defines non-GAAP EBITDA as non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization excluding amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions. Non-GAAP basic net income/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the periods. Non-GAAP diluted net income/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the periods, including the dilutive effects of share-based awards as determined under the treasury stock method and convertible senior notes. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS is equal to non-GAAP net income/(loss) per share multiplied by two.

    The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP EBITDA reflect the Company’s ongoing business operations in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Free cash flow enables management to assess liquidity and cash flow while taking into account the impact from consumer financing receivables included in the operating cash flow and the demands that the expansion of fulfillment infrastructure and technology platform has placed on financial resources. The Company believes that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors to understand and evaluate the Company’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gain/loss and other items that are not expected to result in future cash payments or that are non-recurring in nature or may not be indicative of the Company’s core operating results and business outlook.

    The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations or not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, these non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages you to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    CONTACTS:

    Investor Relations
    Sean Zhang
    +86 (10) 8912-6804
    IR@JD.com

    Media Relations
    +86 (10) 8911-6155
    Press@JD.com

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as JD.com’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. JD.com may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in announcements made on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about JD.com’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: JD.com’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to attract and retain new customers and to increase revenues generated from repeat customers; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; trends and competition in China’s e-commerce market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of the Chinese e-commerce market; laws, regulations and governmental policies relating to the industries in which JD.com or its business partners operate; potential changes in laws, regulations and governmental policies or changes in the interpretation and implementation of laws, regulations and governmental policies that could adversely affect the industries in which JD.com or its business partners operate, including, among others, initiatives to enhance supervision of companies listed on an overseas exchange and tighten scrutiny over data privacy and data security; risks associated with JD.com’s acquisitions, investments and alliances, including fluctuation in the market value of JD.com’s investment portfolio; natural disasters and geopolitical events; change in tax rates and financial risks; intensity of competition; and general market and economic conditions in China and globally. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JD.com’s filings with the SEC and the announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided herein is as of the date of this announcement, and JD.com undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    JD.com, Inc.
    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In millions, except otherwise noted)
         
        As of
        December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025
        RMB   RMB   US$
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   108,350   96,778   13,336
    Restricted cash   7,366   9,279   1,279
    Short-term investments   125,645   97,385   13,420
    Accounts receivable, net (including consumer financing receivables of RMB2.0 billion and RMB1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively)(1)   25,596   31,380   4,324
    Advance to suppliers   7,619   6,140   846
    Inventories, net   89,326   95,434   13,151
    Prepayments and other current assets   15,951   15,712   2,165
    Amount due from related parties   4,805   3,344   461
    Assets held for sale   2,040   1,778   245
    Total current assets   386,698   357,230   49,227
    Non-current assets            
    Property, equipment and software, net   82,737   83,054   11,445
    Construction in progress   6,164   7,039   970
    Intangible assets, net   7,793   7,510   1,035
    Land use rights, net   36,833   36,820   5,074
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   24,532   25,621   3,531
    Goodwill   25,709   25,709   3,543
    Investment in equity investees   56,850   52,138   7,185
    Marketable securities and other investments   59,370   71,755   9,888
    Deferred tax assets   2,459   2,430   335
    Other non-current assets   9,089   8,556   1,179
    Total non-current assets   311,536   320,632   44,185
    Total assets   698,234   677,862   93,412
                 
    JD.com, Inc.
    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In millions, except otherwise noted)
         
        As of
        December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025
        RMB   RMB   US$
    LIABILITIES            
    Current liabilities            
    Short-term debts   7,581   4,230   583
    Accounts payable   192,860   176,736   24,355
    Advance from customers   32,437   34,055   4,693
    Deferred revenues   2,097   2,166   299
    Taxes payable   9,487   5,496   757
    Amount due to related parties   1,367   2,954   407
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   45,985   50,626   6,976
    Operating lease liabilities   7,606   7,801   1,075
    Liabilities held for sale   101   65   9
    Total current liabilities   299,521   284,129   39,154
    Non-current liabilities            
    Deferred revenues   502   424   58
    Unsecured senior notes   24,770   24,758   3,412
    Deferred tax liabilities   9,498   8,440   1,163
    Long-term borrowings   31,705   31,492   4,340
    Operating lease liabilities   18,106   19,151   2,639
    Other non-current liabilities   835   797   110
    Total non-current liabilities   85,416   85,062   11,722
    Total liabilities   384,937   369,191   50,876
                 
    MEZZANINE EQUITY   484   263   36
                 
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Total JD.com, Inc. shareholders’ equity (US$0.00002 par value, 100,000 million shares authorized, 2,981 million shares issued and 2,883 million shares outstanding as of March 31, 2025)   239,347   234,322   32,291
    Non-controlling interests   73,466   74,086   10,209
    Total shareholders’ equity   312,813   308,408   42,500
                 
    Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity   698,234   677,862   93,412
                 
    (1)   JD Technology performs credit risk assessment services for consumer financing receivables business and absorbs the credit risk of the underlying consumer financing receivables. Facilitated by JD Technology, the Company periodically securitizes consumer financing receivables through the transfer of those assets to securitization plans and derecognizes the related consumer financing receivables through sales type arrangements.
     
    JD.com, Inc.  
    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
    (In millions, except per share data)  
       
      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025    		  
      RMB RMB US$  
    Net revenues        
    Net product revenues 208,508     242,309     33,391    
    Net service revenues 51,541     58,773     8,099    
    Total net revenues 260,049     301,082     41,490    
    Cost of revenues (220,279 )   (253,234 )   (34,897 )  
    Fulfillment (16,806 )   (19,737 )   (2,720 )  
    Marketing (9,254 )   (10,543 )   (1,453 )  
    Research and development (4,034 )   (4,621 )   (637 )  
    General and administrative (1,976 )   (2,414 )   (332 )  
    Income from operations(2)(3) 7,700     10,533     1,451    
    Other income/(expenses)        
    Share of results of equity investees (730 )   1,330     183    
    Interest expense (601 )   (600 )   (82 )  
    Others, net(4) 2,696     2,079     287    
    Income before tax 9,065     13,342     1,839    
    Income tax expenses (1,700 )   (2,063 )   (285 )  
    Net income 7,365     11,279     1,554    
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders 235     389     53    
    Net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders 7,130     10,890     1,501    
             
    Net income per share:        
    Basic 2.28     3.76     0.52    
    Diluted 2.27     3.59     0.50    
    Net income per ADS:        
    Basic 4.56     7.51     1.04    
    Diluted 4.53     7.19     0.99    
                       
    JD.com, Inc.
    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In millions, except per share data)
     
        For the three months ended
        March 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025
        RMB   RMB   US$
                 
    (2) Includes share-based compensation as follows:
    Cost of revenues     (26 )     (7 )     (1 )
    Fulfillment     (110 )     (71 )     (10 )
    Marketing     (83 )     (62 )     (9 )
    Research and development     (175 )     (217 )     (30 )
    General and administrative     (365 )     (410 )     (56 )
    Total     (759 )     (767 )     (106 )
                             
    (3) Includes amortization of business cooperation arrangement and intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions as follows:  
    Fulfillment     (103 )     (49 )     (7 )
    Marketing     (219 )     (279 )     (38 )
    Research and development     (66 )     (36 )     (5 )
    General and administrative     (32 )     —       —  
    Total     (420 )     (364 )     (50 )
                             
    (4) “Others, net” consists of interest income; gains/(losses) related to long-term investments without significant influence, including fair value changes, acquisitions or disposals gains/(losses), and impairments; government incentives; foreign exchange gains/(losses); and other non-operating income/(losses).  
    JD.com, Inc.  
    Unaudited Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share and Per ADS  
    (In millions, except per share data)  
       
      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		  
      RMB   RMB   US$  
                 
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders 8,899   12,758   1,758  
                 
    Non-GAAP net income per share:  
    Basic 2.85   4.40   0.61  
    Diluted 2.83   4.21   0.58  
                 
    Non-GAAP net income per ADS:  
    Basic 5.69   8.80   1.21  
    Diluted 5.65   8.41   1.16  
                 
    Weighted average number of shares:            
    Basic 3,126   2,898      
    Diluted 3,144   3,035      
                 
    JD.com, Inc.    
    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Free Cash Flow    
    (In millions)    
         
      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025    		  
      RMB RMB US$  
             
    Net cash used in operating activities (11,315 )   (18,262 )   (2,517 )  
    Net cash provided by investing activities 28,414     16,236     2,237    
    Net cash used in financing activities (7,445 )   (7,288 )   (1,004 )  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (130 )   (345 )   (47 )  
    Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 9,524     (9,659 )   (1,331 )  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period, including cash and cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale 79,451     115,716     15,946    
    Less: Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash classified within assets held for sale at beginning of period (53 )   —*     —*    
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 79,398     115,716     15,946    
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period, including cash and cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale 88,922     106,057     14,615    
    Less: Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash classified within assets held for sale at end of period (3 )   —*     —*    
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 88,919     106,057     14,615    
             
             
    Net cash used in operating activities (11,315 )   (18,262 )   (2,517 )  
    Less: Impact from consumer financing receivables included in the operating cash flow (1,281 )   (1,018 )   (140 )  
    Less: Capital expenditures, net of related sales proceeds (2,880 )   (2,323 )   (320 )  
    Capital expenditures for development properties (1,360 )   (915 )   (126 )  
    Other capital expenditures (1,520 )   (1,408 )   (194 )  
    Free cash flow (15,476 )   (21,603 )   (2,977 )  
                       

    *Absolute value is less than RMB1 million or US$1 million.

    JD.com, Inc.  
    Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics
    (In RMB billions, except turnover days data)    		  
     
        Q1 2024   Q2 2024   Q3 2024   Q4 2024   Q1 2025
    Cash flow and turnover days                    
    Operating cash flow – trailing twelve months (“TTM”)   69.8   74.0   52.8   58.1   51.1
    Free cash flow – TTM   50.6   55.6   33.6   43.7   37.6
    Inventory turnover days(5) – TTM   29.0   29.8   30.4   31.5   32.8
    Accounts payable turnover days(6) – TTM   51.8   57.0   57.5   58.6   57.6
    Accounts receivable turnover days(7) – TTM   5.4   5.7   5.8   5.9   6.4
    (5) TTM inventory turnover days are the quotient of average inventory over the immediately preceding five quarters, up to and including the last quarter of the period, to cost of revenues of retail business for the last twelve months, and then multiplied by 360 days.

    (6) TTM accounts payable turnover days are the quotient of average accounts payable for retail business over the immediately preceding five quarters, up to and including the last quarter of the period, to cost of revenues of retail business for the last twelve months, and then multiplied by 360 days.

    (7) TTM accounts receivable turnover days are the quotient of average accounts receivable over the immediately preceding five quarters, up to and including the last quarter of the period, to total net revenues for the last twelve months and then multiplied by 360 days. Presented are the accounts receivable turnover days excluding the impact from consumer financing receivables.
     
    JD.com, Inc.  
    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results    
    (In millions, except percentage data)  
       
      For the three months ended
      March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025
      RMB RMB US$
           
    Income from operations 7,700     10,533     1,451
    Add: Share-based compensation 759     767     106
    Add: Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions 309     252     35
    Add: Effects of business cooperation arrangements 111     112     15
    Non-GAAP income from operations 8,879     11,664     1,607
    Add: Depreciation and other amortization 1,908     2,038     281
    Non-GAAP EBITDA 10,787     13,702     1,888
           
    Total net revenues 260,049     301,082     41,490
           
    Non-GAAP operating margin 3.4 %   3.9 %    
           
    Non-GAAP EBITDA margin 4.1 %   4.6 %    
           
    JD.com, Inc.
    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
    (In millions, except percentage data)
     
      For the three months ended
      March 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		     March 31,
    2025
      RMB RMB US$
           
    Net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders 7,130     10,890     1,501  
    Add: Share-based compensation 592     650     90  
    Add: Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions 143     186     26  
    Add: Reconciling items on the share of equity method investments(8) 370     964     133  
    Add: Impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets, and investments 558     437     60  
    (Reversal of)/Add: (Gain)/Loss from fair value change of long-term investments (8 )   874     120  
    Reversal of: Gain on disposals/deemed disposals of investments and others (22 )   (1,172 )   (162 )
    Add: Effects of business cooperation arrangements 111     112     15  
    Add/(Reversal of): Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments 25     (183 )   (25 )
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders 8,899     12,758     1,758  
           
    Total net revenues 260,049     301,082     41,490  
           
    Non-GAAP net margin attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders 3.4 %   4.2 %    
           
    (8) To exclude the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciling items on the share of equity method investments and share of amortization of intangibles not on their books.
     

    __________________

    1   The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this announcement, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this announcement is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of March 31, 2025, which was RMB7.2567 to US$1.00. The percentages stated in this announcement are calculated based on the RMB amounts.
    2   See the sections entitled “Non-GAAP Measures” and “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this announcement.
    3   The number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 was approximately 2,903 million shares.
    4   JD Ecosystem is a closely integrated business network providing comprehensive service for customers and comprises the Company and certain affiliates who share the “JD” brand name, currently including Jingdong Technology Holding Co., Ltd. and Allianz Jingdong General Insurance Company Ltd..

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GFO-X Launches Regulated Digital Asset Derivatives Trading Venue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Institutional Trade Successfully Executed 

    The New UK Trading Venue Brings Institutional-Grade Market Infrastructure, Central Clearing, and Deep Liquidity to Digital Asset Derivatives 

    LONDON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GFO-X today announced the successful launch of its UK FCA regulated trading venue for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives. The venue is designed to meet the increasing institutional demand for secure, transparent, and compliant digital asset futures and options. GFO-X brings together best-in-class market infrastructure, deep liquidity, and central clearing to solve for credit and significantly reduce counterparty risk. 

    As part of its successful debut, the first institutional trade between two leading financial institutions, Virtu Financial and IMC, was executed on GFO-X and centrally cleared through LCH DigitalAssetClear, marking a milestone in the evolution of institutional-grade digital asset markets. The new venue brings additional depth, breadth, and diversification to the limited choices in centrally cleared digital asset index derivatives. 

    GFO-X CEO, Arnab Sen, said, “The launch of GFO-X is a further foundational step toward increased institutional digital asset derivatives trading, providing the infrastructure, central clearing, robust risk mitigation, and liquidity. With our first trade executed between two leading financial institutions providing deep liquidity, we are expanding the market for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives.”

    Addressing the Institutional Surge in Digital Asset Derivatives Demand

    The global market for digital asset derivatives has seen explosive growth, with options and futures trading volumes growing exponentially. Institutional investors, including hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and asset managers, increasingly turn to structured products underpinned by derivatives to hedge risk, enhance yield strategies, and gain exposure to crypto markets with greater regulatory clarity. 

    GFO-X has been purpose-built to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets by offering: 

    • Regulated Trading & Transparency – Operating under UK FCA authorisation, ensuring compliance with global financial standards. 
    • Institutional-Grade Liquidity – Deep order books supported by industry leading market makers and participants, including IMC, Laser Digital and Virtu Financial. 
    • Leading Clearing Bank integrations at launch – including ABN AMRO Clearing, Nomura and Standard Chartered. 
    • Central Clearing for Counterparty Risk Mitigation by LCH DigitalAssetClear ensures secure margining, collateral management, and default protections. 
    • Advanced Market Infrastructure – A high-speed matching engine designed for low-latency execution and high-frequency trading. 

    With institutional adoption accelerating, GFO-X will continue expanding its product suite, initially offering Bitcoin index futures and options. 

    Market participants can now onboard and begin trading, with several additional leading financial institutions already lined up for integration. As institutions increasingly seek regulated, scalable solutions for digital asset derivatives trading, GFO-X is positioned to become a premier venue in the evolving landscape of institutional crypto derivative markets. 

    For more information about GFO-X and its upcoming developments, please visit www.gfo-x.com or contact sales@gfo-x.com. For press enquiries, contact Serra Balls, Eterna Partners gfo-x@eternapartners.com.

    Marcus Robinson, Head of DigitalAssetClear and CDSClear, LCH, said, “We are delighted to partner with GFO-X to launch this highly anticipated service from LCH SA. The regulated clearing infrastructure within LSEG’s post trade ecosystem has allowed us to build something meaningful for our participants and address the availability of options for a rapidly growing asset class. It is essential that we find ways to offer regulated, segregated and trusted routes to provide customers with a diverse breadth of services and we are excited to continue working with GFO-X to offer a regulated marketplace for this asset class.” 

    Barry Polak, Lead Product Commerce, ABN AMRO Clearing, said, “We are excited to partner with GFO-X, the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This strategic collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing the institutional digital asset futures and options market. By leveraging LCH DigitalAssetClear’s clearing services, we enhance transaction security and minimise counterparty risk, offering our clients unparalleled confidence in trading Bitcoin futures and options. A logical step to continue to lead the way to safe and transparent markets.”

    Osi Lilian, IMC Strategic Investments Co-Lead, said, “IMC was proud to be one of the earliest investors in GFO-X in 2021. We aligned with their vision of establishing the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue for digital asset derivatives, built on secure, high-performance technology and robust risk management. As a market maker, our strategic connection with GFO-X underscores our commitment to the institutional digital asset futures and options market – a rapidly evolving space we believe holds significant potential for continued growth and opportunity.”

    Olivier Dang, Head of Ventures at Laser Digital, said, “We are thrilled to partner with GFO-X as they launch the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to drive innovation and growth in the digital asset market.”

    Andy Ross, Global Head, Prime & Financing, Financing & Securities Service, Standard Chartered, said, “We’re delighted to support the launch of GFO-X derivatives and to join LCH SA as a general clearing member to enable our clients to trade and clear. We continue to invest in servicing our clients broadly across the crypto space in coin, token and derivative form.

    “Virtu makes markets globally and is excited to support new and innovative platforms for digital assets in this role. We see broadening adoption and increasing demand as the crypto markets continue to mature and embrace the risk management benefits and capital efficiencies of centralised clearing.”

    About GFO-X 
    GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. 
      
    GFO-X provides comprehensive risk management with clearing provided by the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) LCH SA DigitalAssetClear. 
      
    Combining proprietary high-performance technology with industry-leading partnerships and infrastructure, GFO-X delivers the requirements necessary to grow the institutional digital asset derivatives market.   
      
    Backed by M&G Investments and authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2022, GFO-X’s regulation-first approach has enabled it to partner with some of the largest financial institutions in the world.  
      
    GFO-X believes the digital asset futures and options markets will grow exponentially over the coming years as the asset class matures and more sophisticated investors begin to participate in greater size. By solving market constraints such as counterparty risks and technology challenges, GFO-X has been established to deliver a robust market structure and innovative products to propel the next leg of growth of the digital asset ecosystem.

    Contact:

    GFO-X@eternapartners.com
    +44 7762943498

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Interaction between Polytechnic University and Russian-Armenian University: Digest of Events

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU and the Institute of Economics and Business of the Russian-Armenian University (RAU) have joined forces to conduct annual International Student Scientific Conference. This event, continuing the tradition cooperation, has become an important platform for discussing current scientific research by young people and strengthening academic ties between universities.

    On the first day of the conference, participants of the Higher School of Industrial Management (HSIM) of IPMEiT, together with the Department of Management and Business of the Russian Agrarian University, discussed interdisciplinary research issues covering such areas as management in conditions of uncertainty, sustainable urban development, digital marketing and logistics in business, and problems of decarbonization in industry.

    The participants were addressed with welcoming speeches by the Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management Olga Kalinina, the Head of the Department of Management and Business of the Russian Agrarian University Arzik Suvaryan and the Deputy Director for Research Work of Students of the Institute of Industrial Management and Technology Svetlana Shirokova.

    Arzik Suvaryan expressed confidence in the need to strengthen cooperation: We see how these events inspire students and teachers to new scientific achievements. I am sure that next year we will again surprise the participants with new achievements.

    The conference became a real platform for generating ideas. We were able not only to present our research, but also to receive valuable recommendations from colleagues. The discussion on the application of qualimetric models in risk management of real estate construction in the mountainous areas of the Republic of Armenia was especially useful, – shared his impressions 4th-year student of the HSE “Construction Management” program Artem Androsov.

    The Higher School of Public Administration (HSPA) of IPMEiT held a section on “Public Administration and Economic Security” jointly with the Department of Economics and Finance of the Russian-Armenian University. Participants discussed topics such as improving public administration in the field of environmental education, the impact of economic crime on regional security, as well as the balance of socio-economic development of regions and issues of IT audit and digital currencies.

    The speakers presented the results of their research, and we were able to discuss current topics in the field of public administration and economic security. The discussion on the influence of the shadow economy and environmental education was especially interesting, commented HSSU postgraduate student Natalia Kulkaeva.

    The section “Sustainable Development of Socioeconomic Systems in the Context of Digitalization”, organized by the Higher School of Engineering and Economics (HSE), featured more than fifteen scientific reports on the digitalization of the economy, innovative development of regions, greening of industry, as well as the introduction of digital solutions in logistics, trade and small business. Particular attention was drawn to the presentations of students, which examined the prospects for international trade, the internationalization of the yuan, cooperation between Russia and China, as well as the strategy for sustainable development of Egypt until 2030.

    The conference gave me inspiration and new ideas. It was very interesting to hear the presentations of colleagues and discuss current topics in economics. I recommend it to everyone! – noted VIES student Dong Yiqun, studying in the program “World Economy and International Economic Relations”.

    As part of the international annual student scientific conference of the Russian-Armenian University, Associate Professor of the Higher Engineering Physics School of SPbPU Maxim Vinnichenko gave a plenary report to postgraduate students, students and, importantly, schoolchildren of the RAU.

    In his report, he emphasized: By measuring the intensity of light passing through a sample, we can obtain important information about its optical properties. In this way, we can diagnose a wide variety of materials – both solids and liquids, including biological media such as blood or saliva. For example, studies have been conducted to determine the presence of COVID-19 by spectral characteristics. This is a clear example of the connection between science and medicine.

    The associate professor also noted that laser radiation can be used, for example, to assess blood flow velocity.

    In some areas of the body where there are no bones and the skin is thin enough – for example, on the wrist or palm – you can illuminate it with a powerful green or red laser and visually observe how much light passes through the tissue. This data allows you to roughly estimate the speed of blood flow in the veins, – said Vynnychenko.

    Also, at the site of the Armenian University, Maxim Vinnichenko held open lectures on the course “Optical properties of semiconductors and nanostructures”, which were listened to with great interest by senior and postgraduate students of the RAU in the field of “Electronics and Nanoelectronics”.

    Colleagues from RAU highly appreciated the quality of the students’ reports and came up with an initiative to develop cooperation aimed at popularizing science among students, publishing articles and holding joint youth events and conferences on a regular basis.

    The best reports were awarded with certificates of participation, and all submitted articles will be published in the conference collection. The joint conference of SPbPU and RAU continues to prove that science is not only research, but also a dialogue that unites minds and cultures for the sake of the future.

    Polytechnics also took part in the International scientific and practical conference “Current issues of personality psychology: identity and adaptation”. SPbPU was represented by the director of the Higher School of Social Sciences Anastasia Lisenkova, associate professor of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Lyudmila Luchsheva, head of the educational and project art laboratory “ArtPolyLab” of the State Institute of Geography Maria Kukushkina.

    Anastasia Lisenkova presented a report entitled “Liquid Privacy: Forced Publicity of Digital Identity”, where she revealed the features of the digital era and their impact on self-identification. Lyudmila Luchsheva presented a report entitled “Dynamics of Attitudes and Motivation of Teachers’ Professional Activity”. Maria Kukushkina presented a study entitled “The Structure of Social Representations of Kindergarten Directors on the Psychological Safety of the Educational Environment”, emphasizing the role of management decisions in creating a comfortable environment for children, and held a master class entitled “My Professional Path” dedicated to career trajectories in psychology and pedagogy.

    Participation in the conference allowed us to exchange experiences in conducting current research and to outline new areas of cooperation in the fields of psychology, sociology and other humanities.

    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 USA: Congressman Robert Aderholt Announces Staff Additions in Washington Office

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced a staff promotion and two new additions to his Washington, D.C. office: Stone Griffin has been promoted to Policy Analyst, Lucy Allen will join as Press Assistant, and Sam Chance is now serving as Staff Assistant.

    “Each of these individuals brings unique experience, energy, and a heart for service that reflects the values of Alabama’s Fourth District,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I’m proud to welcome Lucy and Sam to our team and to see Stone continue to grow in his new role.”

    Stone Griffin, a native of Winchester, Virginia and graduate of the University of Virginia, previously served as Staff Assistant in Congressman Aderholt’s office. His prior experience includes working for Representatives Greg Pence and Jen Kiggans.

    “It’s an honor to continue serving Congressman Aderholt and our constituents in this new capacity,” said Griffin. 

    Lucy Allen, originally from Florence, Alabama, will officially join the office as Press Assistant following her graduation from Auburn University in May, where she is completing a degree in Public Relations. She previously interned in Congressman Aderholt’s Washington office, where she gained firsthand experience with legislative operations, constituent communications, and Capitol tours.

    “I am grateful to be joining Congressman Aderholt’s staff,” said Allen. “Starting as an intern last summer and now being part of the team full-time feels really special. Everyone on staff is hardworking and passionate, and I’m excited to learn from them while serving the district I grew up in.”

    Sam Chance, a native of Arab, Alabama and graduate of Samford University, joins the office as Staff Assistant. He brings experience from both legal and nonprofit sectors, including roles at Heninger Garrison Davis, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and Pine Cove Ranch. At Samford, he served on the Student Judiciary Council and graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration.

    “Being in this office has already been such a blessing,” said Chance. “I have seen firsthand how our staff consistently goes above and beyond, and I am excited to learn from them. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve my home district.”

    These additions reflect Congressman Aderholt’s continued commitment to building a team that provides responsive, thoughtful service to the people of Alabama’s Fourth District.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Livestreaming plays key role in growth

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

    A woman sells Hanfu via livestreaming in Ancailou Township of Caoxian County, east China’s Shandong Province, July 6, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Livestreaming e-commerce, the practice of promoting products via live online broadcasts, has played a vital role in bolstering the growth of consumption and expanding employment, serving as an important force driving China’s high-quality economic development, a new report said.

    According to a report released by the research institute of the China International Electronic Commerce Center, a livestreaming room can generate more than 30 new occupations and create a large number of jobs in the upstream and downstream of industrial chains.

    These new professions include livestreaming hosts, video analysts, video editors and cost assessors, while new jobs related to the operation of livestreaming rooms include the selection of products, video script planning, content production and data traffic allocation.

    Based on the survey from short video platform Kuaishou, among the enterprises that have been continuously conducting livestreaming marketing, over 70 percent of new customers come from livestreaming e-commerce and the speed of product innovation after livestreaming sessions has doubled, the report noted.

    This indicates that livestreaming e-commerce has become a significant driving force for enterprises to acquire new users and promote industrial innovation.

    The report pointed out that by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, livestreaming has offered consumers an interactive, immersive and real-time shopping experience, and an increasing number of brands are starting their own livestreaming activities on platforms to forge a stronger emotional connection with shoppers.

    “E-commerce via livestreaming has not only profoundly changed consumers’ shopping habits, but also injected new impetus into the country’s economic growth,” said Zhai Weibin, deputy head of the China International Electronic Commerce Center.

    The report highlighted the significant role of livestreaming e-commerce in contributing to regional economic growth, driving industrial transformation and upgrades, supporting rural vitalization and expanding sales channels for agricultural products.

    Li Yongjian, a researcher at the National Academy of Economic Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said livestreaming e-commerce can help narrow the income gap between urban and rural residents, as research shows that if the gross merchandise value or GMV of fresh food increases by 1 percent during the livestreaming sessions, the per capita disposable income of rural residents will increase by 0.03 percent.

    Data from market consultancy iResearch showed that the revenue of China’s livestreaming e-commerce sector reached 5.8 trillion yuan ($803.3 billion) last year, with the compound annual growth rate reaching 18 percent between 2024 and 2026.

    Experts said short-video platforms are doubling down on efforts to expand their presence in livestreamed shopping, with online traffic shifting from traditional e-commerce platforms to video-sharing apps.

    Meanwhile, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has become a new engine bolstering the high-quality development of the livestreaming e-commerce sector, and is reshaping the landscape of the industry given that the technology has significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced labor costs and lifted purchasing conversion rates, the report said.

    The report stated that through data analysis and algorithm recommendations, AI can precisely match the goods or services that consumers are most interested in and predict their demand, providing data support for the design and production of new products.

    Livestreaming featuring AI-powered virtual hosts has also emerged as a new trend. Global consultancy Forrester said more business-to-consumer brands are using virtual hosts to attract digital-savvy and novelty-seeking young consumers, as they cost less than human talent and reduce risks such as celebrity scandals.

    “Livestreaming could allow hosts to interact with customers in real time and answer their queries immediately, which will greatly improve people’s shopping experiences and lure more shoppers to purchase online,” said Chen Tao, an analyst with internet consultancy Analysys in Beijing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Peter Stefanovic, First Edition, Sky News

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Peter Stefanovic:

    Thank you. Well, the Prime Minister will swear in his new team this morning, which features some familiar faces and some new ones as well. One of those maintaining his role is the federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers who joins us live from Canberra now. Treasurer, congratulations on your re‑election. Thank you for your time this morning.

    So you’ll be sworn in, then you do your morning stretches; you’re off and running. What’s the first thing you want in the kit bag in term?

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning, Pete. We’ve been off and running really, more or less since the day after the election. I think I got my first briefing from the Treasury Secretary at 6:45 am on the Sunday after the election. And that’s because a big focus for us is managing all of this global economic uncertainty that you and Tom just ran through a moment ago, not just on markets, but in the global economy more broadly.

    We’ve been working hard since the election was resolved a couple of Saturdays ago. I’m looking forward to getting sworn in today, and I’m particularly grateful to the PM for this opportunity, but also for the chance to work with some really terrific people who will be sworn in to the Treasury portfolio today.

    Stefanovic:

    Yeah.

    Chalmers:

    Clare O’Neil, Anne Aly, Daniel Mulino, Andrew Leigh, a lot of intellectual horsepower in those colleagues, a lot of energy, enthusiasm and talent, and so I’m looking forward to working with them.

    Stefanovic:

    Okay. What’s the one thing, the first thing that you want to achieve this term?

    Chalmers:

    We’ve got a number of priorities – first of all managing that uncertainty, also we’ve got a major focus on productivity, we need to make our economy more productive over time. I think in the most specific sense we’ve got to build more homes.

    I’ll work closely with Clare O’Neil to make sure that the billions of dollars that we’re investing as part of our broad and ambitious housing policy builds more homes in our communities right around Australia. So that’s a top priority as well.

    Stefanovic:

    Okay. Business leaders, they’re not letting you settle in, Treasurer. Some are already miffed that you’d need 2 more terms to boost productivity. Is that timeframe a worst case scenario for you or are you just trying to give some wriggle room?

    Chalmers:

    A couple of things about that. I don’t think anyone’s surprised to read in The Australian that Chris Corrigan has a different view on productivity to the Labor government.

    I’ve had some really terrific engagement with major business leaders in the last week or 2 about our focus on productivity. Overwhelmingly people want to work with us on it.

    The point that I’ve made is that productivity is a challenge which has been a feature of our economy for some decades, and it will take more than a couple of years to turn around. I think that’s just a realistic way of being upfront with people, that we can make our economy productive. It’s not one of those areas where you can just flick a switch and all of a sudden the economy is as productive as with want it to be. The problem’s been there for a couple of decades, the worst decade for productivity growth was the decade to 2020, the worst decade in the last half century or more.

    We’ve got a lot of work to do and that will take time, and I think that’s understood in the business community, and I’m going to work closely with business, with unions, with the community more broadly to do what we can this term to make our economy more productive over time.

    Stefanovic:

    Okay. Will you still go after unrealised gains in $3 million plus super accounts?

    Chalmers:

    We haven’t changed our policy on that. I know that that’s been a focus of some of the commentary since the election. I don’t think it’s particularly newsworthy that we haven’t changed our policy on that. We’ve made it clear that it’s a very modest change, it only affects 0.5 per cent of people with balances over $3 million.

    It’s still concessional tax treatment, just a little bit less concessiona. And it’s an important way that we fund some of our other priorities – including strengthening Medicare or providing income tax cuts, helping with the cost‑of‑living and building more homes. It’s an important part of our budget, we haven’t changed our approach to it. We know that there are elements of the media that are very focused on it, but we haven’t made a change there.

    Stefanovic:

    Well, I mean it’s just the idea of taxing something that hasn’t happened yet, which I think is a legitimate concern. But recent modelling by AMP found it’s not just retirees with over $3 million super, in the long run more and more Gen Z workers will be affected if it’s not indexed. Is that your calculation?

    Chalmers:

    A couple of things about that. First of all, on unrealised gains, there are other parts of the superannuation system where that is calculated, that’s a common misunderstanding which is repeated too frequently. And the second point about the long run, 30 or 40 years away, that assumes that there are never any changes to the threshold.

    There are a number of areas in our tax system where thresholds aren’t indexed, where they are changed from time to time by governments, and I would expect that to be the case again.

    It would be a strange assumption to assume that in the next 30 or 40 years nobody ever changes the threshold. That doesn’t happen in other parts of the tax system, and it wouldn’t happen in this part of the tax system over a period that long.

    Stefanovic:

    You just mentioned that you got some key appointments now in your brains trust, if you like. You’ve got, you know, Dan Mulino, Andrew Charlton as well is another one. How collaborative do you expect those economic discussions to be now?

    Chalmers:

    Perfectly collaborative, and ‘brains trust’ is a good way to describe them. I’m surrounded by brainiacs in the Treasury portfolio team, and I’m really excited about that.

    Mulino is an absolute gun, Andrew Leigh – experience, intellectual horsepower, Clare O’Neil similarly, Anne Aly is going to bring a real dynamism to the small business portfolio. We get to work closely with Katy Gallagher and with the Cabinet more broadly, and I couldn’t be happier with the team that Anthony has appointed, and I’m going to work really closely with them.

    I’ve already met with Dan Mulino, I’ve already met with Andrew Leigh, I’ve had discussions with a number of colleagues, and we’re looking forward to getting cracking.

    Stefanovic:

    But if they were to say to you, ‘Hey, Treasurer, taxing unrealised gains, there’s going to be a lot of blow‑back here, people are worried about the long‑term’, would you change course on that, or would you still plough ahead?

    Chalmers:

    I think I’ve answered this question already, Pete, you’ve come back to it for a second dig, but I’ve explained to you why we’re doing it.

    Stefanovic:

    No, but I’m just wondering if there’s more consternation behind the scenes, you know, would you change course at all in terms of that collaborative approach?

    Chalmers:

    It’s not something that you should anticipate, it’s not something that we’re considering or planning, for all of the reasons I ran through comprehensively a moment ago when you asked me the first time.

    Stefanovic:

    All right. US and China have paused their trade war for now, Treasurer. What’s your reaction to that, and what hope does that give you in terms of a reprieve for us?

    Chalmers:

    It’s a really welcome development, and I think the whole world is hopeful that this augurs well for the resolution of this effectively trade war between the 2 biggest economies in the world.

    But we have to be realistic about it as well – there’s still a lot of unpredictability, a lot of volatility and a lot of uncertainty in the global economy. This is not resolved, it’s been paused, in welcome ways, and you can see that the markets have reacted to that as Tom ran through with you a moment ago.

    These are welcome developments, they are good developments, but the situation is not resolved yet, and if you think about the concerns that we have for the impact of trade wars on the Australian economy, we are especially exposed to a trade war between the US and China. If you look at the analysis that we have done really the biggest part of our concern is the impact on the Chinese economy flowing through to our own economy. So we welcome these developments.

    Stefanovic:

    Okay.

    Chalmers:

    These are good developments, but we need to temper our expectations because there are a lot of issues still unresolved.

    Stefanovic:

    All right. Just a final one here, I know we’re squeezed for time, but – and this is not your problem – but the Libs’ leadership is up today in a couple of hours’ time. Have you got a thought on that this morning?

    Chalmers:

    Look, I haven’t given it a lot of thought – I think the 2 people that are up for election today shows that the Liberals haven’t learned a thing from the debacle which was their election campaign.

    Whoever wins the battle of the duds today, the Liberal Party will still be the party of lower wages, higher income taxes and nuclear reactors. And Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor, they should be asking their colleagues for forgiveness, not for their votes.

    You know, these 2 are 2 of the 3 people most responsible for the Liberal Party’s failure at the election, failure over the last 3 years to come up with anything that resembles a credible, coherent –

    Stefanovic:

    Okay.

    Chalmers:

    – economic policy, and so I find it bizarre that the Liberal Party members are being asked to choose between 2 of the worst performers in the Opposition over the last 3 years.

    Stefanovic:

    All right. Treasurer, I know we’re squeezed for time but thank you for your time this morning as always. We’ll chat again soon.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank AS results for April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coop Pank’s financial results in April 2025:

    • In April, number of the bank’s clients increased by 1,700 and number of active clients decreased by 100. By the end of the month number of clients reached 214,400 and number of active clients reached 101,600. Over the year, customer base has grown by 12%. 
    • Volume of the bank’s customer deposits decreased by 107 million euros in April. The reduction in deposit volume was a deliberate step, as an additional 250 million euros was raised in March through the issuance of covered bonds. By the end of the month, the bank’s deposits reached 1.81 billion euros. Deposits of corporate customers decreased by 74 million euros and deposits of private customers decreased by 5 million euros. The volume of deposits attracted from international platforms decreased by 28 million euros. Over the year, volume of bank deposits has grown by 4%.
    • The bank’s loan portfolio increased by 53 million euros and reached 1.87 billion euros by the end of month. Business loans increased by 39 million euros and home loans increased by 13 million euros. Leasing and consumer financing portfolios both increased by nearly 1 million euros. Over the year, loan portfolio has grown by 20%.
    • In April, the loan impairment cost was 0.8 million euros.
    • Compared to the first four months of last year, the bank’s net income decreased by 5% and expenses have increased by 2%.
    • In April, the bank earned net profit of 1.8 million euros. In the first four months of the year, the bank has earned a net profit of 9.7 million euros, that is 19% less than in the same period last year.
    • In April, Coop Pank’s return on equity was 10.3% and the cost-income ratio was 53%.

    Comment by Paavo Truu, Member of the Management Board and CFO of Coop Pank:

    “In April, Coop Pank issued a large volume of business and home loans, resulting in strong growth of the loan portfolio. Both the leasing and consumer finance portfolios also grew by nearly one million euros each. Since certain provisions must be made from the very first day for all loans, the rapid growth of the loan portfolio was the main reason for the larger amount of provisions booked in April.

    Despite the ongoing uncertainty in the economy, the quality of Coop Pank’s loan portfolio remains very strong.

    Due to rapid price increases and changes in the tax system, people have increasingly been purchasing used cars. In response, Coop Pank introduced a new leasing product in April, specifically designed for financing the purchase of used vehicles.

    Conscious reduction of deposit volume is linked to the successful international covered bond issuance – in March, Coop Pank completed its first issuance of four-year covered bonds in the amount of 250 million euros. Thanks to this, the bank now has access to a long-term and stable funding source, which allows for a partial reduction in the volume of more expensive term and foreign deposits now and going forward.”

    More detailed financial reports of Coop Pank are available at:  https://www.cooppank.ee/en/financial-reports

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking reached 214,400. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Paavo Truu
    CFO
    Phone: +372 5160 231
    E-mail: paavo.truu@cooppank.ee

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan and the Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39

    Source: police-emblem-97

    Have your say

    New Zealand Food Safety invites you to submit feedback on the proposed changes to the:

    • Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan (FCP)
    • Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39.

    This consultation would be of particular interest to food businesses operating under the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP, registration authorities, verifiers, and biltong manufacturers.

    A summary of the changes is on this page and full details are in the consultation documents.

    You can make submissions between 13 May and 1 June 2025. Submissions close at 11:59pm on 1 June 2025.

    Consultation document

    Draft Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39 [PDF, 386 KB]

    Only the affected parts of Simply Safe & Suitable are provided. Changes to wording are in yellow, except for the addition of the ‘Making biltong’ card:

    Draft Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan [PDF, 1.2 MB]

    Related documents

    Current Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan [PDF, 1.9 MB]

    Current Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39 [PDF, 308 KB]

    Summary of proposed changes to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP and the Food Notice [PDF, 280 KB]

    Proposed changes to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP

    We’re proposing to add the ‘Making biltong’ card as a specialist card to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP.

    New Zealand Food Safety has developed a biltong procedure that will allow biltong manufacturers to operate under a Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP rather than a custom FCP.

    Note: If you are manufacturing and selling biltong outside the scope of the procedure proposed to be added to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP, you will need to register a custom FCP with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Activities out of scope of this biltong procedure include:

    • whole selling biltong (the ‘Making biltong’ card will only cover retail sale)
    • manufacturing other dried-meat snacks (for example, droëwors)
    • making biltong from other meat sources not mentioned in the ‘Making biltong’ card.

    Minor amendments are also proposed to other cards in the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP. These are listed in our summary document.

    Proposed changes to the Food Notice

    For the Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39, New Zealand Food Safety is proposing to: 

    • remove reference to S39-00001 template FCP as New Zealand Food Safety no longer offers this
    • revoke the existing Schedule 1 which detailed the format of the S39-00001 template FCP
    • change the existing Schedule 2 to Schedule 1 which details the format of the S39-00004 template FCP
    • update the transitional requirements described in Clause 1.4
    • update Table 1 to reflect changes made.

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the proposed changes by 11.59pm on 1 June 2025 to foodactinfo@mpi.govt.nz

    You can also use our online survey to make a submission.

    Online submissions – SurveyMonkey

    While we prefer you email or use the online survey, you can post written submissions to:

    Food Act template project team
    New Zealand Food Safety
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Major ETF Update, Solana Price Prediction & Is Remittix Transforming Cross-Border Payments?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypto platforms constantly work on improving their platforms to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace. Developments like a potential XRP ETF and the future trajectory of assets like Solana make news daily. Amidst this, new crypto, Remittix, is carving out its niche, with its presale already gaining significant attention from investors eager to be part of a project revolutionizing how we think about global payments. Meanwhile, many are watching the latest XRP News for a breakthrough.

    Remittix – The best looking for the future?

    Remittix is a new crypto investment that is competing with established crypto platforms like XRP and Solana. While XRP has focused on improving cross-border payments, and Solana offers a fast and scalable network, Remittix aims to convert crypto to fiat for everyday global bank transfers.

    The cross-border payments market was valued at nearly $150 trillion in 2017 and is projected to exceed $250 trillion by 2027. Remittix is working to capture a share of this significant market by bridging the gap between the banking industry and blockchain technology

    How does Remittix work?

    Remittix empowers crypto holders by leveraging local payment networks and blockchain technology. Users enjoy the lightning speed of crypto transactions and the everyday convenience of fiat payments.

    A standout feature is the flat-fee structure for cross-border transfers, eliminating hidden FX and wire charges. What you send is what the recipient gets, offering a more cost-effective solution than traditional banks. Businesses can accept crypto payments from customers and settle these transactions in fiat to their nominated bank account. Merchant accounts also provide full control over crypto cash-outs in over 30 fiat currencies and 50+ cryptocurrency pairs.

    Simplicity is key: the recipient gets a standard bank transfer, often unaware it originated from a crypto payment. This makes Remittix different from XRP or Solana.

    XRP facilitates cross-border settlements

    XRP supports fast, reliable and low-cost international payments. Many financial institutions have explored XRP for its potential in cross-border settlements.

    XRP price prediction general

    The price of XRP has been volatile, especially when XRP news highlighted the legal battles of its parent company, Ripple. The platform’s potential for wider adoption, including talks of an ETF, helps make XRP a more attractive investment option.

    Image source: CoinGecko

    Solana – Fast and cheap

    Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform known for its speed, scalability, and low transaction fees. It supports decentralized applications (dApps) and marketplaces, aiming to overcome the throughput limitations that have challenged other blockchains. Solana’s rapidly growing ecosystem recently added a number of meme coins.

    Solana price prediction general

    Solana’s price predictions are optimistic, driven by its technological capabilities and expanding ecosystem. Analysts highlight its potential to host dApps and its efficient transactions. However, Solana has faced challenges with network stability, which could impact investor confidence and its price. Future growth for Solana depends on continued development and market adoption.

    Image source: CoinGecko

    Remittix price prediction

    Predicting the price for Remittix involves looking at its unique utility and presale structure. With a limited supply of 1.5 billion tokens and a phased presale where the token price increases with each block sold, early participation is incentivized.

    Given its solution for a multi-trillion dollar market and its clear advantages in speed, cost and accessibility for crypto-to-fiat transfers, a domain distinct from the primary focuses of XRP or Solana, Remittix has substantial growth potential. The strong foundation, including an audit from Solid Proof, bolsters confidence.

    Conclusion

    While the latest XRP News keeps the market watching and Solana continues to impress with its speed, Remittix is addressing a clear and pressing need in the financial world: making crypto seamlessly usable for global fiat payments. Its unique approach to combining crypto efficiency with fiat accessibility sets it apart.

    The Remittix presale is currently underway, offering a ground-floor opportunity to invest in a project with a clear vision and the technology to achieve it. With tokens selling fast and the price set to rise, this could be the best time to get involved.

    Remittix
    To buy Remittix, visit the official Remittix website.

    Media details:
    Company: Remittix
    Website: https://remittix.io/
    Contact Person: Bowen Higgins
    Email Id: B_Higgins@remittix.io
    Address:22 Washington Square N, New York, NY 10011, USA

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a11dd7e-3d79-46ef-9774-8f75c2d6d61f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58b7957a-f04a-4faf-9870-c5a6685304e5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b608a6ac-39aa-4344-a297-6db6658200c4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau to attend APEC mtg

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart Qatar for Jeju in Korea today to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting.

               

    With “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow” as its theme, those taking part in the APEC meeting, scheduled for May 15 and 16, will discuss topics under the three priorities of “Connect, Innovate, Prosper”.

     

    Mr Yau will participate in thematic sessions and meet trade ministers of other member economies to exchange views on issues of mutual interest on the sidelines of the MRT Meeting.

               

    He will return to Hong Kong on May 17. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justine Bell-James, Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland

    Sussan Ley has been elected Liberal leader after defeating rival Angus Taylor in a party room vote on Tuesday. Now the leadership question is settled, the hard work of rebuilding the party can begin.

    In the wake of its election loss, the Coalition has foreshadowed a sweeping policy review. Where the Coalition lands on the contentious nuclear energy policy will be keenly watched.

    The majority Labor government is likely to easily push legislation through the lower house. However, the Senate numbers mean Labor needs backing from either the Greens or the Coalition to pass bills into law.

    So where does Ley stand on nuclear energy and other pressure points across the environment and energy portfolios? Ley’s stance on four key issues, including during her time as environment minister in the Morrison government, provides important insights.

    1. Nuclear power and gas

    The resounding Coalition election defeat suggest the prospects for nuclear power in Australia are now poor. But the Coalition’s nuclear policy may yet resurface, given the Nationals still support it.

    During the election campaign, Ley backed the Liberals’ call for nuclear power in Australia, arguing nuclear can provide a zero-emissions option that’s needed in the shift to renewables.

    In a 2023 speech, Ley suggested nuclear power had a big future in Australia, saying:

    The fact is the latest technology reactors in nuclear-powered submarines in operation today don’t need to be refuelled for 30 years. And the money being invested into research and development is only going to make these new nuclear technologies even better.

    Ley has also argued Australia needs to keep gas in the system for longer, rather than “trying to do everything with renewables”.

    2. The energy transition

    A second-term Labor government will further progress its existing energy policies, including measures to reach its target of 82% renewable energy in the the National Electricity Market by 2030.

    Ley has accepted the need for a renewable energy transition, but says it should be led by nuclear power and gas.

    She has suggested enormous wind turbines and large-scale solar farms are dominating the landscape in rural areas. She also claims renewable energy projects generate insurance risks because battery storage increases fire risks.

    Ley has consistently voted against increasing investment in renewable energy, and is likely to seek to ensure policy addresses rising energy prices and reliability.

    3. Nature law reform

    The Albanese government intends to complete reform of Australia’s federal environment laws, known collectively as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (or EPBC Act). Labor’s proposed reforms stalled in the Senate last term.

    The independent review that preceded the reform, led by Graeme Samuel, was initiated by the Morrison government under Ley, who served as environment minister from 2019 to 2022.

    An interim report from the Samuel review was released in July 2020. Ley seized on recommendations that suited her government’s agenda – notably, streamlining the environmental approvals process to speed up decisions on proposed developments. She vowed to start working on them even before the review was finalised, and before public comment on the draft was received.

    Ley put bills to parliament in August 2020 and February 2021 seeking to amend the laws. The first sought to hand powers for environmental approvals to the states. The proposal was criticised for lacking environmental safeguards.

    This prompted Ley to introduce a second bill which sought to ensure state agreements were monitored and audited. It also provided for new “national environmental standards” to guide approval decisions.

    But both bills lapsed before the 2022 election after failing to secure Senate support.

    National environmental standards were a key recommendation from the Samuel review, and also a centrepiece of Labor’s proposed reforms. However, Labor’s proposed standards were more robust and focused on outcomes.

    The bills Labor introduced to parliament in 2024 also sought establish Australia’s first national environment protection agency to carry out compliance and enforcement. This body would have had more power than Ley’s proposed commissioner.

    So while Labor’s proposed reform package was bolder, both Ley and her then Labor counterpart Tanya Plibersek’s proposals were comprised of similar ingredients. Given Ley has shown support for some elements of Labor’s reform package before, namely devolving powers to states and implementing standards, there may be some grounds for negotiation.

    4. Coal and climate change

    As environment minister, Ley welcomed the Coalition’s approval of the huge Adani coalmine in central Queensland. She also gave the green light to other coal projects. Plibersek took a similar approach to coal projects in her time as minister.

    In 2021, the Federal Court found Ley, as environment minister, owed a duty of care to future generations to avoid causing climate harm through her decisions. Ley successfully appealed the ruling.

    Separately, Ley has also claimed climate change is not part of the environment portfolio.

    When the Coalition reflects on the resounding defeat at the election, Ley’s hard stance on climate may soften.

    Finding common ground

    Ley brings a deeper understanding of nature law reform to the position of Liberal leader than her predecessor Peter Dutton. This raises the prospects for overhauling the EPBC Act this term.

    However, Ley’s priority is likely to be streamlining the environmental approval process rather than increasing protections afforded to threatened species and ecosystems.

    On the topic of gas playing a significant ongoing role in Australia’s energy mix, Ley will find many like minds in the Labor government.

    When it comes to the energy transition, much rests on the party room decision on whether to persist with a nuclear power policy. Nevertheless, with or without nuclear, Ley’s previous statements suggest she will continue to argue against wind and solar generation energy on cost and reliability grounds.

    Justine Bell-James receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Queensland Government, and the National Environmental Science Program. She is a Director of the National Environmental Law Association and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.

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

    – ref. From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints – https://theconversation.com/from-nuclear-to-nature-laws-heres-where-new-liberal-leader-sussan-ley-stands-on-4-energy-and-environment-flashpoints-256106

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China pledges concrete measures to prevent illegal outflow of strategic minerals

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

    China will take practical and effective measures to resolutely prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

    Strengthening the export control of strategic mineral resources is crucial to national security and development interests, according to a ministry spokesperson.

    Since China implemented export restrictions on some strategic minerals, it has been found that some foreign entities have colluded with illegal domestic individuals, attempting to evade export control measures through smuggling and other means, the spokesperson noted.

    To curb the smuggling of these strategic resources, China has launched a campaign to crack down on illegal and non-compliant activities such as false declaration, concealment, and transshipment through third countries, the spokesperson said.

    China has also intensified customs inspections and efforts to combat and investigate such activities, thoroughly uncovering the illegal entities and smuggling networks behind them, in a bid to effectively safeguard national security and development interests, according to the spokesperson.

    More actions will also be initiated to crack down on illegal activities in the near future, the spokesperson added.

    On Monday, China also convened a meeting in Changsha, capital of central Hunan Province, to strengthen “full-chain control over strategic mineral exports.”

    Participants included officials from several central government departments and strategic mineral-rich provincial-level regions.

    During the meeting, it was emphasized that all departments and localities should closely track the flow of strategic minerals, strengthen information analysis and sharing, and promptly issue warnings and take relevant measures to prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Grassley Refer ATF Bureaucrats Who Defrauded Taxpayers for Prosecution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Timber City Chiropractic of Jackson County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For over 20 years, Timber City Chiropractic has cracked the code to treat acute and chronic discomfort across eastern Iowa,” said Chair Ernst. “From serving in the military to now providing care for veterans, Dr. Don Schwenker is committed to giving back to the Maquoketa community alongside his wife, Colleen.”
    Dr. Don Schwenker, a Maquoketa native, served active duty in the Air Force for eight years and then joined the Air National Guard. He also studied at the Palmer College of Chiropractic. In December 2003, Don and his wife, Colleen, opened Timber City Chiropractic after recognizing the need for a family chiropractor in their hometown, Maquoketa. Timber City Chiropractic offers a full range of chiropractic and acupuncture services, as well as cellular detoxification and hydrotherapy. Additionally, the business is an associated provider for the VA, providing care to veterans across eastern Iowa. Later this year, Timber City Chiropractic will celebrate its 22nd anniversary.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Celebrates Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs at Small Business Administration’s Annual Awards

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    **Annual National Small Business Week awards recognize achievements and contributions of SBA-assisted individuals and businesses**
    (Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), along with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), today celebrated Granite State small business owners and entrepreneurs at the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) annual National Small Business Week awards at the Manchester Historic Association’s Millyard Museum. The annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses that have been supported by the SBA. Click here to view photos from the event. 
    “I was glad to attend today’s ceremony to celebrate the extraordinary Granite State small businesses being recognized. At the same time, I’m very concerned by the Trump administration’s proposed budget which would eliminate so many of the programs that support these businesses dealing with tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Senator Shaheen, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “We need to protect and fund SBA’s entrepreneurial development programs so that we can keep all of our small businesses robust in the state and ensure that we continue to grow and provide good jobs for the workers of New Hampshire.” 
    “I was grateful to join small business owners from across our state this morning to celebrate the incredible contribution that small businesses make to our communities,” said Senator Hassan. “As small businesses face rising costs and the chaos and uncertainty of ongoing tariffs, I will continue to work to support the SBA and its efforts to lower costs for New Hampshire small businesses. I applaud today’s award winners and am grateful for all of the small business owners who choose to work in New Hampshire and call our state home.” 
    “I want to share my heartfelt congratulations with this year’s award winners and honorees,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy, but they’re more than that. They make up the fabric of our state and the character of our communities. I know how challenging things can be, even in the best of times, and I will always do everything I can to support our small businesses and create an economic environment that will help our businesses grow and cut costs.” 
    “New Hampshire small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Committee on Small Business. “This morning in Manchester, it was an honor to join the Small Business Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and innovation of incredible entrepreneurs across our state. I am proud to advocate for New Hampshire’s small businesses in Congress and to bring their voices to the Small Business Committee.” 
    The Granite State recipients of the 2025 Small Business Awards include: 
    New Hampshire Small Business Person of the Year: Dr. Tanya Lawson, Inbloom Health + Medispa, Londonderry 
    Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Russ Collins, Home Innovations Corp., Derry 
    Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year:  Karen Jenovese, Swim NH LLC , Concord 
    Financial Services Champion of the Year for NH and NE: Rick Dassatti, SCORE Granite Region, Manchester 
    Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Josh Velasquez, Shire’s Naturals, Peterborough  
    Home-Based Business of the Year: Hailee Grisham Hampton, Hurry Slow Hat Co., Littleton 
    Young Entrepreneur: Sabrina MacDowell, Pampered Pup LLC, Candia 
    Micro-Enterprise: Bret Lincoln, Lincoln Fencing, Epping 
    Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s policies on small businesses and consumers. Just before President Trump took office, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for consumers and families. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s trade war. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Greater Bay Area Plus ASEAN: Hong Kong Explores New Development Space

    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 and ASEAN countries have strong economic and trade relations, and the Chinese community in Southeast Asia is closely connected with the Greater Bay Area.” Cai Guansheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, described Hong Kong’s unique position as follows: “The left hand is the Greater Bay Area, the right hand is ASEAN.” He added: “Companies from other cities in the Greater Bay Area can team up with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and enter the global market together.”

    Since early April, the US has been wielding its tariff baton without authorization, and Hong Kong, a free port, has been subjected to groundless attacks. In the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into China’s national development strategy by participating in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; on the other hand, it has been strengthening trade and economic ties with overseas markets, including ASEAN countries, using its unique advantages to overcome the crisis and explore new opportunities for growth.

    Building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is Hong Kong’s Major Opportunity

    Against the backdrop of the US tariff abuse, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao stressed that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has a population of about 87 million and a regional GDP of over 14 trillion yuan. “The state is the greatest opportunity and the greatest certainty for Hong Kong,” he said.

    HKSAR Secretary-General Chen Guoji added that the Hong Kong government actively supports local companies and talents to tap into the boundless business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, and encourages Guangdong enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s comprehensive advantages and professional services to accelerate their entry into the global market.

    Expanding Trade Share with ASEAN: Finding New Partners and Markets

    In addition to actively integrating into the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is actively exploring the ASEAN market, taking advantage of the “one country, two systems” system, free and open economy, and advantageous geographical location. All this allows it to play an important role in rebuilding global supply chains. Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have broad cooperation opportunities and common interests,” Li Jiachao said.

    According to data released by the HKSAR government, ASEAN countries’ share of Hong Kong’s market has grown from 7.4% in 2018 to 8.7% in 2024, second only to China’s hinterland. Since 2019, ASEAN has overtaken the United States to become Hong Kong’s second-largest export market.

    Accelerated adoption of various measures and expansion of development prospects

    In addition to strengthening trade ties with China’s hinterland and ASEAN countries, Hong Kong has taken a range of measures, including firmly adhering to free trade policies, promoting industrial transformation and upgrading, actively pursuing scientific and technological innovation, and advancing international financial cooperation.

    Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary Chen Maobo recently said that many multinational enterprises are investing in Hong Kong, viewing it as a bridge between China’s hinterland and the world. Hong Kong has always adhered to the rule of law, an internationalized and friendly business environment, an inclusive culture, and provides access to the world’s most dynamic consumer and innovation market – China’s hinterland.

    MIL OSI Russia News –