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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Correctional officer stops person in custody from committing suicide by hanging

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A correctional officer stopped a 35-year-old female person in custody from committing suicide by hanging in Lo Wu Correctional Institution today (July 23).

    At 3.05am today, the correctional officer found the person in custody attempting suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to a door hinge of her dormitory. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to rescue and provide first-aid treatment to her. The person in custody was found conscious at the time and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment.

    A clinical psychologist of the Department will follow up on the case.

    A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, “The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvements of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services.”

    The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration in June 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Waste reduction measures in sports stadiums

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by the Hon Doreen Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (July 23):

    Question:

    The 15th National Games (NG) will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in November this year. One of the key highlights of the Games is the thorough implementation of green initiatives in organising the event, and the endeavour to make it the first carbon-neutral event in the history of NG. However, there are views that the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), which is a newly-opened international flagship stadium, still has room for improvement in its waste reduction measures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) given that the KTSP previously prohibited audience from bringing any containers into sport events for security reasons and declined to provide reusable cups, but it has been reported that various types of prohibited containers were found in the corporate boxes and VIP seats during several major sport events held in the Park, whether the authorities have reviewed why there were such inconsistencies in the standards, and how they will ensure the fairness and consistency in the relevant requirements in the future;

    (2) as there are views pointing out that while the KTSP allowed audience to bring plastic or silicone water bottles and cups into the venue during concerts held in April this year, relevant arrangements were not made for sport events which had left local and overseas audience at a loss, (i) of the reasons why the aforesaid arrangements were not implemented consistently for different types of events, and (ii) whether the Government will request the KTSP to clearly define the types of events for which the aforesaid arrangements are to be implemented and the specific justifications;

    (3) as there are views that Hong Kong has mature experience in reusable container systems, and that the arrangement of “reuse instead of disposal” has been successfully implemented in many large shopping centres, restaurant chains and major events (e.g. the Hong Kong Sevens held at the Hong Kong Stadium in the past), which are effective in reducing the amount of waste, and it is learnt that the KTSP has also adopted “sustainability” (i.e. striving to integrate operational solutions conducive to sustainable development, and optimising resource usage) as one of its core values, of the reasons for not implementing the reusable container systems in the KTSP so far; and

    (4) how the stadiums in Hong Kong (including the KTSP and other competition venues) will specifically implement the element of green initiatives under the principles of “green, inclusive, open and clean” during the 15th NG, so as to create exemplary venues for the 15th ‍NG in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is the largest sports infrastructure in Hong Kong’s history and is crucial for the Government’s promotion of the development of sports and mega event economy. With its official commissioning on March 1 this year, the KTSP has quickly established itself as a new hub for hosting major sports and entertainment events.

    The Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (the Operator) is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for visitors attending major sports and entertainment events at the KTSP. While ensuring proper implementation of areas of importance such as event arrangements and venue security, the Operator is also dedicated to optimising the daily management and operations of the KTSP, including promoting environmentally friendly and low-carbon measures.

    In consultation with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), my reply to the questions raised by the Hon Doreen Kong is as follows:

    (1) To ensure safety and order when staging large-scale events, all visitors entering the venues of the KTSP must comply with the venue rules set out by the Operator, as well as the conditions of entry stipulated in response to the requirements of event organisers. For instance, outside food and drinks, long umbrellas, glass or metal containers etc, are prohibited from being brought into the venues. All spectators, including those in suites and VIP areas, must adhere to the same rules and conditions.

    Depending on the nature and arrangements of the event, individual organisers may arrange for special catering services for their guests in designated areas, subject to the Operator’s approval. The Operator will consider such requests provided that they do not affect the safety of the events. Such special catering services will apply to designated areas only. For example, the use of glass containers is only allowed inside the suite area. When enjoying the event at the balcony seats of the suite, suite users still need to follow the same venue rules, including the prohibition on using glass containers.

    (2) In view of the varying nature and risks between sports and entertainment events, the Operator has established different venue rules for the two event categories.

    The essence of sports events is competitiveness. When competing teams are battling against each other, especially in intense situations, the interaction among the fans could more easily lead to confrontations. Therefore, spectators at sports events are generally not allowed to bring water bottles or containers of any size (whether capped or not) into the venues so as to prevent such bottles or containers from being thrown at other spectators or players, thereby ensuring the safety of everyone inside the venue. In fact, another major sports venue in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Stadium, as well as other international sports stadiums also stipulate similar requirements during sports events for security reasons.

    For entertainment events (such as concerts), since there is no competition between battling teams, the likelihood of conflict among the audience is lower. The Operator and event organisers generally allow spectators to bring empty plastic or silicone reusable bottles/cups not larger than 600 millilitres with bottle/cups caps and liquids removed.

    The Operator will disseminate relevant rules and conditions of entry through its website and other channels (such as social media, press releases, or event guides from the organisers) before the staging of large-scale events to ensure that spectators are well-informed to facilitate their preparation in advance. The Operator has indeed explained the details and considerations of different rules and entry conditions in past events.

    (3) The Operator is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. While ensuring safety, hygiene and effective operations, the Operator has been collaborating with the Government to promote environmental protection through a multi-pronged approach.

    Adhering to the objectives of “Use Less, Waste Less” and resources circulation, the KTSP has placed waste separation and recycling facilities as well as installed a waste decomposition system to convert food waste, paper cups, and other paper containers into compostable materials. All the compost produced can be used as fertiliser for plants within the precinct, showcasing the concepts of green management and resources circulation. To further promote environmental protection, all paper cups used by the Operator in the KTSP are certified biodegradable. This promotes a plastic-free culture, reducing the use of plastic tableware by spectators on one hand, while helping to maintain hygiene standards and enhance audience experience on the other.

    The Operator has conducted research and made reference to practices in Hong Kong and other regions when formulating the above venue management measures. On the suggestion of using reusable plastic containers, after careful consideration, the Operator concluded that the processes involved in transporting and cleaning these reusable containers would generate additional carbon emissions and consume other resources. In addition, as reusable plastic containers are not biodegradable, they do not support the plastic-free initiative and undermine the KTSP’s efforts in promoting carbon reduction and resources circulation. In contrast, the use of biodegradable paper cups aligns well with and makes good use of the above-mentioned waste decomposition system at the KTSP, leading to a better overall carbon reduction outcome.

    The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the EPD will continue to maintain close communication with the Operator to further promote environmental protection work at the KTSP, while ensuring that spectators attending major events continue to have an enjoyable experience.

    (4) To adhere to the principle of “simple, safe and wonderful”, and the philosophy of being “green, inclusive, open and clean” in organising the Games, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao will make joint efforts in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics Games. The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) has formulated a “Green National Games” action plan and engaged a professional carbon auditing agency to carry out the related works such as establishing a carbon-neutral framework and collaborative initiatives, conducting comprehensive carbon emission measurement and accounting, promoting public participation in green initiatives and managing carbon offset and certification. The green and carbon-reduction measures in Hong Kong include using existing sports facilities and venues for the Games; implementing energy-saving strategies and increasing renewable energy use at competition venues (for example, applying electricity-free cooling coating and installing solar panels); advocating green transportation and securing new energy vehicles for shuttle services through sponsorship; promoting environmentally friendly accommodation; strengthening the use of digital publicity and document sharing to minimise paper use; enhancing waste separation and recycling; and setting up green exhibitions and games at competition venues to promote the concept of “Green National Games”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Off-school STEAM courses

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (July 23):

    Question:

    It is learnt that many parents have enrolled their children in STEAM (i.e. ‍Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) courses conducted outside of school, hoping to cultivate their children’s interest in these relevant disciplines. However, there are views pointing out that, in order to increase enrolment within the same class sessions, certain course providers overlook the differences in learning abilities among students of varying ages and employ identical teaching materials for pupils from Primary One to Primary Six. Such practices call into question the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Furthermore, it has been reported that, in recent days, a three-year-old child participating in a STEAM interest class at an external organisation sustained scald injuries from hot milk in the course of an experiment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of requests for assistance or complaints received by the authorities regarding off-school STEAM courses/interest classes over the past three years; the main subject matters of such requests and complaints, and the specific follow-up measures taken by the authorities;

    (2) whether the authorities will formulate a safety management protocol for off-school STEAM courses by drawing reference from guidelines such as the Safety Handbook for Primary Science and the Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories; if so, of the specific standards of such a protocol and the timetable for its implementation; if not, whether the authorities will expeditiously commence a study to enhance the safety standards for off-school STEAM courses so as to prevent further accidents; and

    (3) whether the authorities have finalised an accreditation system for teachers, teaching materials and curricula to be established for off-school STEAM courses, and delineated the appropriate age ranges for students to participate in such courses; if so, of the specific accreditation standards and the implementation timetable; if not, whether the authorities will expeditiously commence a study to establish an accreditation system for off-school STEAM courses, with a view to assisting parents in choosing suitable courses for their children?

    Reply:

    President,

    According to sections 3(1) and 10 of the Education Ordinance, any institution, organisation or establishment which provides for 20 or more persons during any one day or 8 or more persons at any one time, any nursery, kindergarten, primary, secondary or post secondary education or any other educational course by any means is required to be registered or provisionally registered as a school. Private schools which offer educational courses such as tutorial, commercial, computer, language courses and courses for repeaters are all categorised as private schools offering non-formal curriculum (PSNFCs). Subject to compliance with specified conditions under the Education (Exemption) Private Schools Offering Non-formal Curriculum) Order, PSNFCs are exempt from certain requirements of the provisions of Education Ordinance and Education Regulations relating to fees, employment of teachers and teachers’ qualifications, principals, holidays and hours of instruction.

    In response to Professor the Hon William Wong’s questions, the reply is as follows:

    (1) In the past three years, the Education Bureau (EDB) has not received any requests for assistance or complaints relating to participation in off-school STEAM courses provided by schools other than those offering formal curriculum.

    (2) and (3) The Safety Handbook for Primary Science and Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories, issued by the EDB, provide references and guidelines for safety matters of Primary Science and secondary science laboratories respectively. They assist schools, when arranging science learning activities and experiments, in aspects such as safety management, risk assessment, equipment storage, etc, so as to ensure the safety of teachers and students. In addition to schools implementing the Primary Science curriculum and secondary science subject curricula, other registered schools offering non-local/non-formal curricula may also refer to these guidelines.

    PSNFCs mainly provide tutorial services to students receiving formal school education, which constitute an optional rather than mandatory service. For this type of school, the main role of the EDB is to ensure its compliance with the requirements on school premises safety, hygiene, accommodation, teachers’ qualifications, and collection of fees under the Education Ordinance. In this connection, the EDB has no intention to set up a certification system for the STEAM courses offered by these PSNFCs.

    It should be noted that all schools are responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant ordinances and regulations when arranging science activities and experiments, including the Education Regulations (particularly regulations 21, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32 and 33), the Education Ordinance, the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, and regulations related to dangerous goods and disposal of chemical waste.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LD holds online exhibition on Employment Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Labour Department (LD) is holding an online exhibition from 9am today (July 23) to 6pm on July 25 on the LD’s website disseminating information about the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance to enhance the public’s understanding of employment rights and benefits.

    Consolidating the content of physical exhibitions held by the LD, the online exhibition features the main provisions of the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance, employment rights and benefits for foreign domestic helpers, as well as good human resource management measures. The relevant hyperlink is www.labour.gov.hk/common/Online_exhibition_EO_MWO/index_en.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welsh Secretary heads to US and Canada to boost trade and investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Welsh Secretary heads to US and Canada to boost trade and investment

    This visit comes as Aston Martin resume exports to the US, protecting 600 jobs in St Athan.

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens with Aston Martin apprentices in St Athan in May 2025

    • The deal negotiated with the US protects thousands of car making jobs and supports growth in the Welsh aerospace industry.
    • Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, in Toronto and New York to drive further inward investment to Wales

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens is this week (22-25 July) travelling to the United States and Canada on a mission to boost trade and investment in Wales. The two countries are among the most significant markets for Welsh exports, with goods and services worth over £2 billion destined for the US and Canada each year. 

    Trade and investment between Wales and North America supports over 50,000 Welsh jobs. With the significant economic links between the countries, the US and Canada provides Welsh businesses with great opportunities to grow and prosper. The visit follows the signing of the UK’s economic prosperity deal with the US in May, protecting businesses and securing jobs across the country, and boosting key sectors in Wales like steel, aerospace, car making and life sciences.

    Car manufacturer Aston Martin, which has a base in St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan employing at least 600 people, resumed exports to the United States following the successful trade deal. The Welsh Secretary will visit the new Aston Martin showroom in New York City and meet executives.

    Jo Stevens’ visit to North America comes after the UK Government’s publication of its Industrial Strategy and aims to highlight Wales as a key destination for inward investment into the UK.

    During the visit the Welsh Secretary will raise awareness of this December’s Investment Summit in Wales, encouraging North American business leaders and investors to participate in the event.

    Driving investment into Wales is the Welsh Secretary’s primary goal, with high profile business facing events and roundtable meetings with industry leaders and investors in Toronto and New York.

     Her programme includes: 

    • Hosting a reception for business at Aston Martin’s new showroom in New York City

    • Meeting key Canadian businesses with an interest in Wales – including from manufacturing and other sectors – at a roundtable meeting in Toronto.

    • A business breakfast with investors in sport real estate in the UK in New York. 

    Speaking ahead of the visit, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    There are strong and important economic and cultural ties between Wales and North America and it is fantastic to be able to promote these and help strengthen them further.

    The UK Government has made economic growth our key mission and our new trade deal with the United States delivers fantastic benefits for our key businesses like Aston Martin and for working people across Wales.

    I want to build on this progress and while I am in the USA and Canada I will be discussing further opportunities for investment in Wales with companies like Aston Martin.

    My message is very clear – Wales is open for business.

    Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America, Alan Gogbashian said: 

    From sports economy firms to the automotive industry, Wales plays a key role in the UK economy, and has strong trade and investment ties with Canada and the United States.

    It’s fantastic to host the Secretary of State for Wales in New York and Toronto this week to engage with current transatlantic businesses including Aston Martin, and to connect with potential investors ahead of the Investment Summit in Wales later this year.

    The Welsh Secretary’s itinerary also includes a reception in Toronto with business and cultural groups with interests in Wales and meetings with individual investors in Wales like Vale Mining. 

    The Welsh Secretary travels to Toronto on Tuesday, 22 July and then onto New York City before returning to the UK on 25 July.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu hosted the Sydney Preliminary Forum for the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) General Assembly

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu hosted the Sydney Preliminary Forum for the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) General Assembly, joined by OCAC Director Chia-Hui Chiang and Council Members Johnson Hsiung and Shirley Chen. Together, they listened to our community’s voices and responded to questions and feedback.
    DG Wu expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from our community—ranging from Taiwan’s efforts in international participation, such as the WHA and CPTPP, to cultural diplomacy through events like the 2025 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines. He also emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its “Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience” in the face of growing geopolitical challenges. This year’s Han Kuang Exercise—the longest, largest, and most extensive mobilization of reservists to date—demonstrates to the world Taiwan’s unity and resolve in self-defense.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TECO Sydney Worked with TCCA to Host Taste of Taiwan- 2025 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisine at Prefecture 48

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Tawan in Sydney had the pleasure working with Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia to host Taste of Taiwan- 2025 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisine at #Prefecture48.
    We’d like to thank the parliamentary friends- the Hon Rod Roberts MLC and Matt Cross MP, colleagues from consular corps & community leaders for attending.
    Amb Douglas Hsu remarked that Taiwan is recognized as a culinary paradise, and he is delighted to have the opportunity to share Taiwanese cuisine with friends around the world. He trusted that through food and culture mutual understanding can be greatly enhanced.
    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu pointed out that Taiwanese food is rich in variety, which reflects the unique history, profound culture background & our colourful life. It has incorporated different gourmet cultures and formed such a harmonious & diverse feature.
    We also kicked off 2025 Soft Power 3 Episodes thru Taste of Taiwan on that day, and Episode Two & Three will be Taiwan Film Festival in Australia Premiere on July 24 at Event Cinema and performance of Cutural Goodwill Mission formed by Formosa Melody Music Centre on Sep 22 at Chatswood Concourse.
    NSW members of Parliment mentioned the close ties between #Taiwan & #Australia, expressed gratitude for the outstanding contributions of the Taiwanese community, recognized the resilience & strength of Taiwanese people and affirmed that NSW & Taiwan will always stand shoulder to shoulder in mutual support. They also praised Taiwan’s cuisine, noting that Australia—also being a multicultural society—blends culinary traditions from around the globe.
    Big thanks go to the organizer TCCA & its President Peter Huang, Ms. Sonia Chen, and the owner of P48 Michael Wu for allowing all the guests to enjoy themselves and experience charm of Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu Joined the Learning Delights Book Club’s Urban Exploration Event

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were delighted to join the Learning Delights Book Club’s urban exploration event, engaging with the street art of Sydney’s Inner West.
    Not to be outshone by Melbourne’s famous street art, Sydney’s Inner West is also a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. Suburbs like St Peters, Newtown, and Enmore each showcase a unique character through a wide range of mural styles.
    Why not take a leisurely stroll here over the weekend? You’ll discover a whole new side of Sydney — full of character-filled cafés, eateries, and charming indie shops.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU-Japan Summit in Tokyo: Cooperation built on security and trade

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    During the EU-Japan Summit on 23 July 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets with important Japanese stakeholders to further foster the relationship with Japan and the EU. The focus of the summit will be the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement which includes topics such as digital partnerships, green alliances or security cooperation.

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

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

    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSx4gDVZlok

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU–Japan summit 2025: joint statement

    Source: Council of the European Union

    The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, representing the EU, met Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba at the 30th EU-Japan summit in Tokyo, Japan. The summit provided an opportunity to show the closeness of the EU-Japan partnership, ever more important in the current turbulent geopolitical context.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nick Park to Join Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for The Harris Reopening – Public Invited to Take Part in Special Celebration

    Source: City of Preston

    The Harris, Preston’s iconic Grade I listed building, will reopen to the public on Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a major transformation.

    Oscar-winning animator Nick Park, creator of Wallace & Gromit and proud Prestonian, will join The Mayor of Preston and Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture to officially cut the ribbon and welcome visitors back into the building after its ambitious refurbishment.

    To mark the occasion, ten local residents will have the unique chance to meet Nick Park in person and take part in the opening day festivities. The Harris is now calling for nominations from the public to put forward someone who deserves this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Nick Park to The Harris to celebrate this momentous day. This is more than a reopening, it’s a new chapter for a space that belongs to the people of Preston. We want local residents to be right at the heart of it.”

    Meet Nick Park – How to Nominate

    Nominations open on Wednesday, 23 July and will close on Monday, 1 September 2025.
    Anyone with a Preston postcode (PR) can be nominated, and a short explanation of why they deserve the opportunity must be provided.

    Forms will be available online via The Harris – Nominations to Meet Nick Park, and in person at the library.

    Ten winners will be selected at random and will:

    • Meet and greet with Nick Park.
    • Join Nick Park and The Mayor of Preston during the official ribbon-cutting on Sunday, 28 September.

    Free Public Tickets for Opening Day

    The Harris will open its doors to the public on Sunday 28 September following the 10am ribbon-cutting ceremony.

    To manage crowds, entry will be free but ticketed, with timed slots available throughout the day. Tickets will be available to book online from Monday, 1 September 2025.

    Plan your visit

    ‘Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum’ will run from Sunday, 28 September 2025 to Monday, 5 January 2026 at The Harris. For more information see The Harris Announces Reopening Exhibition: ‘Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum’.

    About The Harris

    Opened in 1893, the Grade I listed building is owned and managed by Preston City Council. Based in Preston, Lancashire, The Harris is one of the leading museums, galleries and libraries in the region and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Host to art collections of national significance, exciting activities and events for all ages and an award-winning contemporary art programme, The Harris is Preston’s landmark cultural hub.   

    Currently delivering Harris Your Place project, made possible with National Lottery Heritage Fund; UK Government Towns Fund; Preston City Council; Lancashire County Council; the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal; DCMS; Arts Council England, public donations and a wide range of Trusts and Foundations including Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, The Harris Charity, Harris Trust and Friends of the Harris.  

    The magnificent Grade I Listed building is poised to reopen on Sunday, 28 September 2025. To learn more about The Harris, please visit: The Harris.

    About Aardman

    Aardman is an employee-owned company, based in Bristol (UK) and co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. An independent, multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio, it produces feature films, series, advertising, games and interactive entertainment. Current animated productions include series 7 of Shaun the Sheep and a third series of The Very Small Creatures. 

    Its productions are global in appeal, novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio’s work – which includes the creation of much-loved characters including Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time and Morph – is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning, comedic content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world. Recent celebrated projects include the brand-new Wallace & Gromit film Vengeance Most Fowl which premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2024 and was released on Netflix globally on the 3rd of January 2025.  The BAFTA® nominated feature film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, Academy Award® nominated short film Robin Robin, International Emmy® award winning Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, BAFTA® nominated preschool series The Very Small Creatures and the recent CGI comedy series for kids Lloyd of the Flies.

    The studio runs the Aardman Academy, its world-class training facility delivering excellence in film and animation training and mentoring for students around the world. The Aardman Academy offers a variety of courses from intensive one-day workshops to its flagship seven-month In-Studio Stop Motion course. All courses are delivered by industry-leading tutors and mentors with decades of experience. The Aardman Academy is an integral part of the business, representing the studio’s inclusive ethos and commitment to nurturing the animation talent of the future.

    In November 2018 it became an Employee-Owned Organisation, to ensure Aardman remains independent and to secure the creative legacy and culture of the company for many decades to come.

    Visit Aardman for more information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: STEP talks fusion energy careers with local students

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    STEP talks fusion energy careers with local students

    Students explored careers in fusion energy as STEP partnered with Bassetlaw District Council for Jo White MP’s Summer School in Worksop and Westminster.

    Jo White MP talks to Summer School participants. Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    Young people got hands-on with the future of clean energy last week, as the STEP team hosted a workshop, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, to kick off Bassetlaw MP Jo White’s Summer School. 

    Hosted at The Bridge Skills Hub and Fusion Energy Café in Worksop on Friday, students got the chance to explore the ongoing transformation of the West Burton site, ask big questions about fusion energy, and meet the people already helping to deliver the STEP programme. 

    The students heard directly from STEP employees about their own career journeys into the industry, from engineering and science to communications and project management, and discussed how a project like STEP will require people of all talents and backgrounds to succeed. 

    Then on Monday the students started their week in Parliament, as part of Jo White’s Summer School, where they took part in a mock Select Committee session. 

    They put their questions to STEP’s Head of Communications Ben Bradley, alongside representatives from government and industry, grilling them on the progress of the STEP Programme and the opportunities it will create locally, as well as the wider clean energy sector. 

    STEP Head of Communications Ben Bradley said:

    Part of STEP’s mission to develop our prototype fusion energy power plant is about the benefit we can bring to communities and economies across North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands, so it was great to engage with talented young people and discuss the opportunities of the programme.

    We hope that some of these local young people will be part of the future workforce that delivers the mission to commercialise fusion energy at STEP – and changes the world!

    The event at the Fusion Energy Café and The Bridge Skills Hub was hosted by Bassetlaw District Council and marks a growing relationship between STEP, based at West Burton in North Nottinghamshire, and surrounding local communities.

    Bassetlaw MP Jo White said:

    When I stood for election, my commitment to local people was that I would resurrect the summer school that former MP John Mann ran for 11 years. I saw for myself the difference it made with young people.

    It gave them an idea of what they wanted to do with their lives. Parents and grandparents told me that their children went down [to Parliament] as children and came back as adults because they were shown new opportunities and aspirations they would never have otherwise dreamed of.

    Notes to Editors

    The first of its kind, STEP is the UK’s major technology and infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion power plant that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance.  This will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion power plants around the world and the commercialisation of fusion energy.

    We’ll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak power plant – in an innovative spherical shape – that will demonstrate net energy. That’s why the programme is called STEP: it stands for ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’.  But STEP is about more than tokamak technology – it’s a huge endeavour encompassing design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain logistics and industry. Fusion research and development has the potential to catalyse new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this planet.

    By fusing government and business, inspiration and pragmatism, theory and practice, UK-expertise and international impact, we’re going to realise the step-change that will secure humanity’s bright future. A recent report by AMION, commissioned by local authorities, set out the economic potential of the STEP programme.

    Social media coverage and images from the Bassetlaw workshop event

    To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Free stretching training sessions are held at the venues of the Summer in Moscow project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of the project “Summer in Moscow” You can join free stretching workouts. Regular classes will help strengthen your muscle corset and improve your posture: in a modern big city, whose residents spend a significant part of their time in the office, one of the most common problems is back problems.

    Stretching helps increase muscle elasticity, which will help avoid pain and, possibly, injuries. Exercises also improve blood circulation and reduce tension throughout the body. They also have a positive effect on a person’s emotional state: they reduce stress levels and help cope with anxiety.

    Stretching training is part of a free year-round project “My Sports District”. Experienced instructors demonstrate a set of exercises aimed at relaxing the back and, if necessary, correct the participants’ mistakes.

    Places for training

    Classes are held on the roofs of the district centers “Meeting Place”, such as “Prague”, “Rassvet”, “Neva” in the Northern Administrative District, “Yantar” and “Sofia” in the Eastern Administrative District, “Budapest” and “Mars” in the North-Eastern Administrative District, “Elbrus”, “Angara”, “Orbita” in the Southern Administrative District, “Vysota” and “Ekran” in the South-Eastern Administrative District, on Sundays from 11:45 to 12:45. To join them, you need to register on the project website. You need to bring a fitness mat with you.

    Outdoor training sessions are held at the Summer in Moscow project sitesFree training sessions are held in courtyards and parks as part of the Summer in Moscow

    For those who want to engage in physical culture in the most beautiful places of the capital, a project has been organized “Sports Weekend”. Stretching training takes place at various venues, from festivals to park areas. You can join classes at the Vorontsovo estate, the Muzeon arts park, the Kolomenskoye and Tsaritsyno museums and reserves, and the GES-2 Culture House. In total, more than 50 unique venues have been created for city residents and guests.

    The project classes are free, with prior registration. You do not need to bring any additional equipment.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. “Summer in Moscow” is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Another building will appear in the Kuzminki district under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the Kuzminki area, they are planning to build another house under the renovation program. This was reported by Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of Moscow (Moskomarkhitektura).

    “Moskomarkhitektura has amended the land use and development rules for a territory of 0.85 hectares at the address: Volgogradsky Prospekt, land plot 107a. The total area of the building will be 54 thousand square meters,” said Yuliana Knyazhevskaya.

    The new building will be located less than 500 meters from the Kuzminki metro station, which will provide the building with good transport accessibility.

    Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow spoke about resettlement under the renovation program in Khoroshevo-Mnevniki.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The main stage of the Green Market will host a program for capital businessmen

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 23, the main stage of the Green Market on Bolotnaya Square will host the event “SberBusiness. Wednesday” for Moscow entrepreneurs. Sber specialists and experts from the Made in Moscow project will talk about how to take your business to a new level and achieve maximum efficiency. Discussions, a panel session, and master classes will be held for guests. To attend the event, you need registration on the mos.ru portal.

    The program will begin at 14:30 and will be divided into three thematic blocks. The first will be dedicated to promotion tools available to Moscow entrepreneurs with the support of the city, including the Made in Moscow project. Speakers will talk about online and offline opportunities for business development, as well as the strength of the capital’s entrepreneurial community. Representatives of Moscow business will speak on the main stage — Svetlana Kruglikova, founder of the Esply men’s cosmetics brand, and Maria Bursakova, founder of the Made in Moscow coffee shops.

    The second block will be dedicated to Sber’s partner companies that help develop the local brand. Experts will present tools for emotional branding, effective promotion of regional brands through retail media, as well as solutions for effective business management. The speakers will be the head of the Internet Marketing Department of the inSales online trade management platform Elizaveta Markova, the head of the Cooper advertising platform department Alexander Noskov and the head of the GR projects sector of Sberbank Moscow Maria Losevskaya.

    The third block will feature a panel session dedicated to common mistakes entrepreneurs make when working with brands, patents and copyrights. Experts and businessmen will discuss how to avoid legal risks and protect intellectual property using examples from real Moscow companies. The moderator will be Alexandra Bondar, head of the PR department of the Made in Moscow project. The speakers will be the founder and CEO of the patent company Institute of Innovations and Law Max Lutskovsky, chief lawyer of the company Kangaroo. Pro Nadezhda Odnorog, founder of the Bagryanitsa clothing brand Anastasia Aksenova and founder of the Avetida brand Vera Gavrik.

    In addition, the Sber hub will host a master class by Elizaveta Markova dedicated to creating inspiring visual content for business.

    Events for Moscow entrepreneurs with the support of Sber are held on Bolotnaya Square from July 9 to September 14 on Wednesdays. Experts on key topics for starting and developing a business in the capital speak on the main stage of the Green Market. The first topic on July 9 was HR trends in 2025 and the future of HR.

    Moscow received an award from the All-Russian competition “Know Ours” for supporting local brandsIn the Active Citizen project you can appreciate the Made in Moscow art pavilions

    “Made in Moscow” is a project to promote local brands. Today it has more than seven thousand brands, and on the site you can find over 34 thousand products created in the capital. Entrepreneurs receive free support measures – from participation in large city events to information assistance.

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. “Summer in Moscow” is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Open-air cinema opens at Northern River Terminal

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At the Northern River Terminal, as part of the project “Summer in Moscow” An open-air cinema will appear. City residents are invited to watch exclusive premieres and legends of foreign and Russian cinema for free.

    The Northern River Terminal is one of the favorite places for recreation for residents and guests of the capital. We try to organize as much entertainment as possible for visitors – these are themed festivals and holidays, weekly sports training and much more. Now there is a summer cinema here. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors with the whole family. We continue to develop the Northern River Terminal on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    The sessions will be held from Thursday to Sunday at 18:00 and 20:30. The program includes the best films and cartoons for family viewing. Each visitor will be able to choose a film to their liking.

    For the convenience of viewers, the cinema has been equipped with soft seats. In addition, before the screening, everyone can take free popcorn, juice or water. The number of tickets for each session is limited. You can view the film schedule and register for the screening atproject website.

    The cinema will be open until the end of September. In August, it will host an exclusive screening of a documentary film dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Moscow Metro.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. “Summer in Moscow” is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

     

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow entrepreneurs send humanitarian aid to the SVO zone — Sobyanin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Six residents of Moscow technology parks sent over 60 tons of humanitarian medical aid to the special military operation (SVO) zone. This was reported by Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “Thus, a pharmaceutical company from the Mosgormash technopark has developed and launched the production of drugs that thicken the blood and reduce bleeding. They are in great demand on the front lines, when it is necessary to quickly provide first aid. A resident of Mosmedpark produces vacuum devices for treating wounds using negative pressure. They improve blood circulation in tissues, promote healing, and protect against infections,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    Another Mosmedpark company is developing hemostatic bandages, powder and gel based on chitosan, a biopolymer obtained from crustacean shells. The products are capable of quickly stopping any external bleeding.

    Three manufacturers also provide assistance to the SVO fightersTechnopark “Strogino”. One of them, a 3D factory, produces individual ampoule cases for safe packaging and transportation of medicines. The second company makes antiseptic elastic bandages, belts, knee pads and elbow pads for the prevention of arthritis and protection from hypothermia. The third resident produces dressings: plasters, surgical bandages and other products.

    At the initiative of entrepreneurs, products are sent to the special military operation zone free of charge.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: 70 percent of asphalt renewal work on the Third Transport Ring has been completed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the city services complex have completed 70 percent of the work to replace asphalt on the Third Transport Ring (TTK). This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Special attention is paid to maintaining the capital’s roads in a standard condition. Every year, as part of preparation for the autumn-winter period, we carry out activities to renew the asphalt concrete pavement. This year, large-scale work is planned on the Third Transport Ring – the second longest key ring road, there we will repair 16 sections with a total area of about 700 thousand square meters,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    Work has already been completed at nine sites, including the interchange with Ostapovsky Proezd, Avtozavodskaya Street within the Third Transport Ring, the section from Andreevsky Bridge to Komsomolsky Prospekt, as well as some places on the outer and inner rings from Volgogradsky Prospekt to Avtozavodskaya Street in both directions.

    Currently, repairs are ongoing on the section from Komsomolsky Prospekt to Berezhkovsky Bridge and in the Gagarin Tunnel. More than 200 specialists and over 100 units of specialized equipment are involved in the work on the TTK.

    One of the reasons for road repairs is rutting, which is caused by heavy traffic. It causes discomfort to drivers and can have a negative impact on safety. Therefore, the condition of the highway surface is regularly checked, the warranty period is monitored, and the asphalt is changed in a timely manner. Work is carried out mainly at night, when traffic is less intense.

    The repairs are carried out in several stages. First, specialists mill the existing surface, then put the inspection wells and rain grates in order, after which they lay new asphalt. At the final stage, road markings are applied.

    During repairs, modern technologies are used and asphalt concrete mixtures are used, which are produced by city-owned plants. During the season, these enterprises produce more than two million tons of mixture.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Participants of the International Summer School of Restoration of SPbGASU are working on the concept of preserving an ancient temple

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Participants of the International Summer School of Restoration at the site

    The International Summer School of Restoration is taking place at SPbGASU, which is being held jointly with the International Restoration Center and the Restoration Association (Rosregionrestavratsiya). It is attended by 12 students from Greece, Kazakhstan, Kazan and St. Petersburg. They are working on a historical heritage site and the concept of preserving and developing the historical territory of the unique wooden Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    The current church is located in the village of Listvenka, Boksitogorsk District, Leningrad Region, and is a cultural heritage site of federal significance. It is one of the oldest church buildings in Leningrad Region – it was built in 1599 and rebuilt in 1720.

    As the head of the summer school of restoration, candidate of architecture, associate professor of the department of architectural and urban heritage, head of the project “Scientific and educational laboratory “Restoration and renovation of architectural heritage” (NOL) Nadezhda Akulova said, the participants of the summer school talked with the rector of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, visited the nearby surroundings and immersed themselves in the history of the area, learned about the place where, according to the rector, “Moscow and St. Petersburg are connected.” Thus, they were deeply immersed not only in the object, but also in important historical zones, feeling their special atmosphere.

    In addition to SPbGASU, the school’s organizers and leaders also include the Director of the International Restoration Center Tatyana Chernyaeva and the Head of the Department for the Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region State Autonomous Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva.

    The defense of the projects is planned for July 24 at the International Restoration Center in the village of Rozhdestveno.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier He Lifeng to visit Sweden on July 27-30 to participate in trade talks with the US – Ministry of Commerce

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Xinhua | 23.07.2025

    Key words: china-politics

    Source: Xinhua

    Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Sweden from July 27-30 to participate in trade talks with the US – Ministry of Commerce Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Sweden from July 27-30 to participate in trade talks with the US – Ministry of Commerce

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has confirmed his intention to remain in office.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TOKYO, July 23 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday reiterated his intention to stay in office, denying reports that he will resign soon and stressing the need to avoid a political vacuum.

    Speaking to reporters after a meeting with senior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) officials, Ishiba said they had not discussed his resignation at all, adding that “the reports are unfounded.”

    Shigeru Ishiba faces a critical political moment as discontent within the ruling LDP threatens to undermine his leadership following an internal LDP review of its crushing defeat in the recent House of Councillors (upper house) elections.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the Mainichi newspaper reported that Shigeru Ishiba had informed close aides of his intention to step down by August. –0–

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: US Science Agency Members Oppose Trump Administration’s Science Policy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LOS ANGELES, July 23 (Xinhua) — More than 140 employees of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have signed a letter condemning the Donald Trump administration’s science policies and actions, which they say have undermined one of the country’s leading science funding institutions.

    In a letter released Monday to Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, scientists accuse the Trump administration of drastically cutting staff, cutting funding for critical research, and slashing the agency’s budget.

    Due to concerns about the possible consequences, all but one of the employees’ signatures were revoked.

    The signatories expressed concern about a series of “politically motivated” and “legally questionable” actions by the Trump administration that threaten the integrity of the NSF and undermine the civil service protections guaranteed by federal law.

    The statement follows similar letters of protest issued last month by scientists and employees at the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as a recent “Voyager Declaration” signed by current and former employees of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). –0–

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Overseas investors to be given access to financial products at Hainan Free Trade Port

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HAIKOU, July 23 (Xinhua) — A pilot program allowing overseas investors to invest in financial products offered by local financial institutions is scheduled to be launched at the Hainan Free Trade Port on Aug. 21, 2025.

    These include asset management products, private wealth management products from securities, funds and futures operators, as well as funds for investment in public placement of securities and insurance asset management products.

    The program is aimed at increasing the cross-border supply of financial products and finding new channels for foreign investors to access China’s domestic market, said the People’s Bank of China’s Hainan branch, which co-authored the new rules.

    The said program is also expected to help attract both domestic and foreign institutions specializing in asset management to Hainan and establish business for the benefit of the development of Hainan Free Trade Port. -0-

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is one of the safest countries in the world – Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defense of the PRC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) — China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, Qi Yanjun, deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), said Wednesday while outlining achievements in the public security sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

    Qi Yanjun made the statement at a press conference organized by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China.

    He said law enforcement agencies have promoted China’s high-quality development while resolutely safeguarding public safety. Thanks to their efforts, China is among the countries with the lowest homicide rate, the lowest crime rate, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives. -0-

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

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for Bids: China Network’s Open Societies ODA Fund 2025/26

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Call for Bids: China Network’s Open Societies ODA Fund 2025/26

    British Embassy Beijing is pleased to open a call for bids for our Open Societies programme, for ODA-eligible projects running from September to February 2026.

    All projects should aim to contribute to sustainable development in China by advancing or deepening understanding of contemporary human rights in ways that support the welfare and empowerment of local communities.

    We welcome bids that are Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) eligible on topics including:

    • Women’s Rights
    • Rights of LGBT+ people
    • Rights of persons with disabilities
    • Civil society resilience
    • Media freedom
    • Digital rights

    This bidding round will only fund projects running between Autumn 2025 (September onwards) and 28 February 2026. All project outputs, including finalised research/analytical products, must be completed by 28 February 2026.

    If bidders see potential for their project to extend into a subsequent project beyond 31 March 2026, bidders are welcome to explain how this might be achieved in the project summary, but should note that a further bid would be required next year in order to secure funding.

    Selection Criteria

    Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

    • Project design: Feasibility of activities and outputs including the capacity of implementing organisation to deliver outcomes.
    • Impact: Demonstrated contribution to sustainable development outcomes in China, particularly through strengthening inclusive governance, civil society engagement, access to justice, or protection of vulnerable groups. Working together with other diverse partners to enhance impact of the project.
    • Alignment: Alignment with internationally recognized development goals, and with HMG’s strategic priorities for promoting human rights and inclusive development in China.
    • Scalability: The potential for the project to act as a building block for subsequent expansion/work improving human rights.
    • Viability and risks: Clear engagement/buy-in of key stakeholders. Robust analysis of key risks including a plan of action to manage and mitigate those risks.
    • Value for money: Comparable and reasonable costs against the scale of achievable outcomes

    We draw your attention to the below key points:

    • Proposals should be up to £80,000
    • Proposals of £10,000 and under should be completed using Project Proposal Form (up to £10,000)
    • Proposals over £10,000 and up to £80,000 should be completed using Project Proposal Form (up to £80,000)
    • All funding must be activity-based, however the FCDO will reimburse an implementing partner the costs that are not directly associated with, but still necessary for, the delivery of a project.

    Process

    1. Project proposals must be submitted by 23:59 (GMT) on Wednesday 20 August 2025. Late proposals will not be considered.
    2. Proposals must be submitted using the attached forms only (Project Proposal Form (up to £10,000), Project Proposal Form (up to £80,000) and Activity Based Budget), which must be completed in English.
    3. Proposals must be submitted to: China.InternationalProgramme@fcdo.gov.uk

    Important Information to Note

    • Project payments will be paid in arrears in three instalments, on a quarterly basis. Implementers must have enough resourcing to fund one third of the project costs at a time.
    • Bidders should send the Activity based budget in the currency they wish to be paid in. Please reach out to the above-mentioned inbox for exchange rates.
    • If the project involves work with children or vulnerable adults, implementing partners can reflect a proportion of safeguarding costs as legitimate overheads in their bid, or include programme-specific safeguarding budget lines.
    • If the project is approved, implementers will be expected to sign a Grant Agreement with the British Embassy Beijing.

    Attachments

    Project Proposal Form (up to £10,000)

    ODT, 54.5 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Project Proposal Form (up to £80,000)

    ODT, 62 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Activity Based Budget Template

    ODS, 10.2 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Guidance for Implementers

    ODT, 17.3 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Households given freedom and choice with more ways to cut energy bills

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Households given freedom and choice with more ways to cut energy bills

    Government sets out plans for a more flexible electricity system, helping working families save on their bills.

    • More support for consumers to bring down their bills, with new ways to take advantage of off-peak, lower electricity prices if they choose 
    • flexible tariffs and technologies allow consumers to shift energy usage to times when it is cheaper 
    • plans for a more flexible electricity system will ensure families benefit from the government’s clean energy mission and Plan for Change

    Households and businesses will be supported with more options to take control of their energy – expanding freedom and choice as the government drives for clean power.  

    The government’s plans for a more flexible electricity system set out today will help working families save on their bills, by supporting those who want to take advantage of low prices when clean energy is abundant. Consumers will have the opportunity to switch to a flexible tariff and use smart appliances to automatically reap the rewards of cheaper power at non-peak times. 

    Many consumers are already protecting their pockets by varying when they use their electricity. Electric vehicle drivers, for example, could save up to £330 per year by smart charging overnight.  

    More households who want to feel those benefits will be supported through the government’s commitments in the Clean Flexibility Roadmap. These include helping electric vehicle drivers get discounts on their electricity when using public chargers at off-peak times, requiring suppliers to make information on smart tariffs more accessible to consumers, and taking the next steps to help consumers access tailored products and services based on their electricity usage. 

    Supporting more consumers to use electricity at off-peak times will also boost the efficiency and resilience of the electricity network, making up to £70 billion in estimated savings on system costs by 2050.  

    This marks a crucial milestone in ensuring consumers reap the rewards of the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, which it is driving forward as part of its Plan for Change.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    This roadmap gives households and businesses the choice and control over when and how they use their energy.

    The flexible electricity system we are working to build will help make that a reality for consumers across the country, by supporting them to bring down their bills through using new tariffs and technologies.

    In this way we will protect working people’s pockets and ensure they are the first to benefit from our clean power mission.

    Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, NESO, said:  

    The journey towards a decarbonised system will bring opportunities for industry and consumers if we can solve the challenges of using the system flexibly. 

    This roadmap provides clear direction for that, setting out the actions needed to increase flexibility across Great Britain and the rewards it will bring.

    Akshay Kaul Director General for Infrastructure Group, Ofgem, said:

    A more flexible energy market will be a real game changer, giving households more control over what they pay for their energy.   

    Small lifestyle tweaks such as programming a dishwasher or tumble dryer to run overnight when costs are low or charging your electric car during high winds can have a material impact on people’s bills.    

    At Ofgem we’re opening up flexibility markets to bring better tariffs and products to consumers to make cheaper bills a reality.

    Stakeholder reaction

    Sarah Honan, Head of Policy at ADE: Demand, said: 

    Industry demanded a step change in leadership to match our ambition – and this roadmap delivers. A dedicated Flexibility Commissioner aligns squarely with our sector’s blueprint for consumer-led clean power.  

    Now, we must place British homes and businesses at the heart of the system; paying them to flex, not paying gas plants to bail us out. That’s how we lower bills, ditch fossil fuel dependency and make clean power by 2030 real.

    Barnaby Wharton, Director of Future Electricity Systems, RenewableUK, said:  

    A secure, affordable and resilient power system based on renewables needs flexibility at its core, to match times when wind and solar are generating with smart demand. 

    This roadmap puts consumers at the heart of that system, empowering households and businesses to take control of how and when they use electricity, so they can save money by using power when it’s cheapest. 

    By embracing smart tariffs and technologies like EVs, modern heating systems and home batteries, and by accelerating the roll-out of more grid-scale batteries and Long Duration Energy Storage alongside renewables, we can build a more agile system which can shift, adapt and respond to demand faster. Scaling up our capacity to store energy is essential to strengthen the grid and enhance the UK’s energy security.

    Naomi Baker, Senior Policy Manager at Energy UK, said: 

    Energy UK welcomes the roadmap as a positive step towards a smarter, more flexible electricity system that passes the lower cost of renewables through to bill payers. We support the comprehensive scope – from the major new technologies (long duration storage, CCUS and hydrogen) that will ensure system resilience, through to the knotty regulatory barriers that limit market access from consumer assets. 

    The UK is already leading the world in creating an energy system with consumers at the heart of it. Today’s publication builds on this with a market-led approach where customer participation is voluntary, attractive and accessible. A smart flexible system will be a win for bills, a win for British jobs and a win for energy security.

    Kelly Butler, Director of External Affairs at BEAMA, said: 

    As long-standing advocates for accelerating electrification, BEAMA welcomes the publication of the Clean Flexibility Roadmap and a commitment not only to track progress but also focus on practical delivery.

    With appropriate lead times for product development, a technology agnostic approach within electrification and a clear connection across consumer facing policies such as EPCs, we anticipate major supply chain investment to meet the challenge.

    With the oversight of a new Flexibility Commissioner, the roadmap has the potential to help grow the sector, and bring increased momentum to delivering flexibility to consumers and businesses through mass market uptake of Energy Smart Appliances.

    Merlin Hyman OBE, Chief Executive of Regen, said: 

    Making our power system more flexible in how we match supply and demand is a key part of clean power 2030 so we greatly welcome the government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap.

    The roadmap is an important step to bring together reforms needed to unlock the full value of the rapidly developing grid scale storage sector and consumer led flexibility in a coordinated work programme.

    The challenge now is to deliver what is a significant programme of reform of the way our electricity markets and system work to enable a rapid transition to a clean power system and to deliver value to customers.

    Notes to editors

    In December 2024, the government published its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which set out plans for a two to three-fold increase in clean flexibility capacity from 2023 levels, to a range of 51 to 66 GW, by 2030. The Clean Flexibility Roadmap, published today, explains how the government, working with Ofgem and NESO, will deliver that commitment.  

    The first steps that will be taken to support a more flexible electricity system as part of the roadmap include:  

    • appointing a Flexibility Commissioner, who will provide leadership over the policy area 
    • establishing ways of working with NESO and Ofgem to hold government and industry to account for delivery
    • setting up an annual forum to track progress

    Policies being delivered as part of this work include Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement, which will enable energy usage to be billed every 30 minutes, and the Smart Secure Electricity Systems programme, which aims to help people access consumer-led flexibility. 

    All figures included are based on government analysis unless clearly labelled otherwise.  

    The government has today also published:

    • a consultation on consumer engagement in consumer-led flexibility, which explores how more consumers who want to use energy flexibly can be supported to do so, to help optimise and sustain uptake over the short, medium and long term

    • a call for evidence on improving asset visibility, which seeks views on options for improving how distributed energy assets, like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, are registered with distribution network operators (DNOs). This aims to reduce administrative burdens for installers, support flexible use of the assets and prevent network infrastructure from being built unnecessarily

    • a response to the call for evidence on energy smart data, which confirms that the government will continue work to consider whether to introduce a smart data scheme for the energy sector. Smart data is the process of sharing customer data – at the customer’s request – with authorised third parties in a secure way. It will help customers access useful, innovative and personalised products and services that cater to their needs

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Folkestone business wins US contract through $475,000 UK Export Finance deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Folkestone business wins US contract through $475,000 UK Export Finance deal

    UKEF announces its support for British engineering firm Dyrhoff, enabling the company to supply key components for a large-scale water management project in the United States.

    A water control gate installed by Dyrhoff in Scotland. Image provided by Dyrhoff

    • Dyrhoff, a Folkestone-based provider of water control gates, has recently won a major export contract following support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and NatWest.

    • The business is supporting a flood protection project in North Dakota, using both UK and internationally manufactured parts.

    Dyrhoff, a provider of water control gates, has won a major contract to deliver two pneumatically operated spillway gates for a flood protection project in North Dakota, USA, following support from a government financing scheme.

    Throughout its more than 30 years, the business has specialised in the design and supply of inflatable rubber dams and spillway gates. These gates can be used to reduce flood risk and aid water regulation.

    In line with the government’s Plan for Change and its mission to kickstart economic growth, UKEF guaranteed a $475,000 finance facility to be issued by NatWest. This facility enabled Dyrhoff to meet the bonding terms required to win the contract in North Dakota.

    Dyrhoff works with UK and international partners to engineer and manufacture parts which are subsequently assembled at the project location. The majority of Dyrhoff’s business originates from overseas contracts, contributing to 156 projects in over 33 countries, including USA, Italy, Canada, Norway, Turkey, Portugal and Indonesia.

    Although Dyrhoff is a seasoned exporter, the financial support provided by UKEF has enabled the business to win one of its largest contracts to date.

    As a result of the North Dakota deal and other successful contracts, Dyrhoff is now planning to increase staff numbers at its manufacturing facility in Folkestone, Kent.

    Don Mason, Director at Dyrhoff said:

    We have been providing market-leading rubber dam and spillway solutions since 1989, but the support afforded by UKEF has enabled us to set our sights on an exciting overseas growth opportunity.

    By assisting us in winning such a significant project for the business, UKEF support has set us up to carry on building momentum in key markets like the USA. Despite economic uncertainty in the market, we are now well placed to use this project as a springboard for success.

    Lisa Maddison-Brown, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex Export Finance Manager at UKEF said:

    We are really pleased to be able to assist a business which maintains a focus on developing critical infrastructure to keep areas safe from flooding. A key goal of ours is to continue placing British engineering at the heart of vital projects worldwide, and Dyrhoff is helping to do just that.

    Ellie Morrison, Trade Finance Manager at NatWest commented:

    I’m delighted to announce NatWest’s Trade Finance support for Dyrhoff, as they secure a significant export contract creating impactful engineering solutions that serve a crucial international and domestic purpose.

    The financing package has equipped Dyrhoff to meet essential bonding requirements, thereby enabling the company to secure and mobilise on this project. This partnership, facilitated with the support of UK Export Finance, aligns with NatWest’s commitments to foster the growth of UK-based businesses and contributing to vital infrastructure projects worldwide.

    Dyrhoff are a great example of a successful UK exporter and NatWest is proud to support the business with the financial solutions they need to thrive globally.

    News of Dyrhoff’s success follows on from the recent publication of UKEF’s Annual Reports and Accounts for 2024/25. The department provided £14.5 billion in loans, guarantees and insurance in support of exporters of all sizes and supported up to 70,000 jobs.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee to prepare for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    July 23, 2025

    Rector of GITIS Grigory Zaslavsky at the first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    July 23, 2025

    Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee to prepare for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS

    July 23, 2025

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for preparations for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS chaired by Tatyana Golikova. From left to right: GITIS rector Grigory Zaslavsky, Deputy Minister of Culture Andrei Malyshev and Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov

    July 23, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee for preparations for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028. The agenda included discussion of the plan of events. The meeting was attended by GITIS Rector Grigory Zaslavsky, Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia Andrei Malyshev, General Director of the NTV television company Alexei Zemsky, Head of the Vocal Arts Department of GITIS Tamara Sinyavskaya, Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov and others.

    “GITIS annually confirms its status as a leading university in the field of theater education according to the K.S. Stanislavsky system. The upcoming anniversary – the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS – is a wonderful opportunity not only to look back on the path traveled, but also to fully present the achievements of the national theater school, recognized throughout the world,” emphasized Tatyana Golikova. – Many destinies and events are connected with GITIS. These are not just pages of history, but the very history of the transformation of our country. Epochs changed, but GITIS remained a forge of outstanding cultural figures. This is its true purpose and role in the fate of Russia.”

    Today, the institute has about 1,800 students from 30 countries, who are taught their skills by more than 500 teachers. Eight departments teach actors of dramatic and musical theater, directors of drama, musical theater and circus, choreographers and ballet teachers, theater artists and makeup artists, playwrights, producers and theater historians.

    Deputy Minister of Culture Andrei Malyshev emphasized that GITIS is an ambassador of Russian culture and identity, so the institute’s anniversary is important not only for GITIS and the theater community, but also for all of Russian culture.

    GITIS is actively developing. “Just two days later, on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on July 25, in the city of Blagoveshchensk, we open together with Governor Vasily Orlov of the Far Eastern branch of GITIS. The exams have already passed, the competition was, there was a competition, which is also very important for us, so we are just starting. The next day we move to Heihe, to China, and there we also present the Far Eastern branch of GITIS. It is very important for us that from the moment of changes, we not only have not decreased the flow of foreign students, but there are even more of them. This year we have almost accepted 46 students. This is Latvia, and Italy, and Iran, and Morocco. And of course, we are trying to maintain leadership in Central Asia, we have just held the GITIS school on Lake Issyk-Kul, the traditional, already fourth in a row. There were four countries with Russia. It is also important for us to expand the presence of GITIS in Central and South America. Last year, the second time was held by GITIS School in Chile, the first time GITIS School in Brazil after a long break in the framework of the “Russian seasons“. This year, the Brazilians came to us at the theater festival. It seems to me that one of the most important problems that we realized is that the theater is one of the arts, maybe the only one that cannot exist without constant self -understanding. The writer. It can be written in the world in 100 years by someone that can be brilliant in 100 years, no one will call the contemporaries, we have not been appreciated by the problem of the Institute of Expertise. We began the publication of the “Theater Journal“ and we consider this to be one of the most important tasks of returning a serious and high -quality examination to the theater, ”said the rector of the university Grigory Zaslavsky. 

    The plan to celebrate the 150th anniversary included 20 events, including festivals, tours, exhibitions and conferences.

    Key events include a gala concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of GITIS, the International Competition of Young Choreographers named after R.V. Zakharov “Maria”, and the premiere of a documentary film about the history of the institute. In September 2028, GITIS will launch its branded train, on which students and teachers will travel from Moscow to Blagoveshchensk with performances and festive concerts, as well as master classes and selection tests in various regions of the country.

    Traditional GITIS festivals will be scaled up. The VIII International Student Festival of Diploma Performances “GITIS-fest” will be held in two cities – Moscow and Blagoveshchensk. In April 2028, the XIX International Competition of Young Choreographers named after R.V. Zakharov “Maria” and the XVIII International Festival of Stage Fencing “Silver Sword” named after N.V. Karpov will be held, and in November – the theater festival of the CIS countries “GITIS – Master Class”. The international scientific conference “Perspective – 150 years of GITIS” will bring together young specialists from leading universities in Russia, near and far abroad: art history, theater studies, philology, directing, choreography, scenography.

    An exhibition entitled “Russian Revolutionary Theatre” is planned for the fall of 2028, dedicated to the unique traditions of Russian theatre and domestic education in the field of theatrical art.

    Other events include tours of GITIS graduation performances in the CIS republics and regions of Russia where GITIS national studios were created. In addition, a series of 12 podcasts from GITIS students with stories about faculties and teachers will be released in 2028.

    An important event in preparation for the celebration will be the renovation and restoration work in the main academic building, as well as a major overhaul of the dormitory.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the head of the Altai Republic Andrey Turchak

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Current issues of the region’s socio-economic development were discussed.

    Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the head of the Altai Republic Andrey Turchak

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, good afternoon!

    Thank you for showing the hospital, the emergency department, modern, new, with all the necessary equipment, built in two and a half months. This is pleasing. The speed with which it was all done and the professionalism are visible. We also heard this from the people who visit it.

    More and more tourists are coming to the Altai Republic. Soon, literally in a few days, the International Ecological Conference will take place. Distinguished guests will arrive.

    Last year, a decision was made (we discussed this with you) to build a modern, now international airport. The funds are there, they are planned, there is an investor. And it is very important to provide for the entire complex development around it, the logistics infrastructure – this is a transport hub, access roads, service maintenance and much more.

    First of all, I want to ask how this work is going? Please.

    A. Turchak: Mikhail Vladimirovich, first of all, thank you for giving our airport the status of an international airport. Today, a modern international checkpoint has already been opened on the territory of the airport terminal. In general, as you correctly said, the tourist flow is growing, and the airport infrastructure can no longer cope with it. Therefore, by 2028, within the framework of the concession agreement, we will complete the modernization of the entire airfield infrastructure and build a new terminal. Our goal is to increase passenger traffic to 1.3 million passengers per year by 2030.

    By road. You are absolutely right, connectivity is necessary, because tourists come to us not only by air, but also by car.

    Regarding the road sector, in 2024, under the national project, we allocated about 6.6 billion rubles for this and brought 196 km of our roads into compliance. And it is very important that 10 km are directly in the Gorno-Altaisk agglomeration itself, which includes our capital Gorno-Altaisk and the suburban Mayminsky district. This year, we plan to bring 101 km and 12 bridges into compliance. The topic of bridges is very important for our republic, I reported to you about it last time. We are systematically moving towards putting the bridge sector in order. This year, our road fund is 3.5 billion.

    This year, with your support, the reconstruction of the Chuysky tract will begin – this is a 21 km section to Manzherok, which will solve the problem of traffic jams, especially during the high tourist season, and reduce accidents.

    One project I wanted to report to you about, you supported it last year, is the construction of the Platovsky Bridge by shifting funds to the left. We are handing it over ahead of schedule. This is the first bridge that has been built in the republic in the last six years.

    We continue working with the Ministry of Transport to bypass Maima and, in general, Gorno-Altaisk, the entire Gorno-Altaisk agglomeration. We need to take transit transport beyond the boundaries of the agglomeration. In this part, the Ministry of Transport will support us. Once again, I would like to thank you very much for supporting the development of our transport infrastructure.

    M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, I know that you are very actively involved in infrastructure. It is important to keep everything under personal control here. So that the logistics infrastructure, the new airport will allow for the expansion of tourism opportunities, and also contribute to the growth of the number of residents.

    Another task is the construction of social, in particular educational, facilities. You are also actively involved in this.

    The federal budget for three years provides funds for the construction of a school in Gorno-Altaisk, as well as a lyceum of about 2.5 billion rubles. Much is being done for healthcare as well. The hospital admissions department that we looked at today is one example.

    Please tell us what else is being done and built in the fields of education and medicine.

    A. Turchak: Mikhail Vladimirovich, at the last meeting I reported to you that one of the main challenges I faced was the large number of long-term construction projects that existed at that time. I want to thank you. With your support, additional funds were allocated. We commissioned the seventh school in Gorno-Altaisk – a long-awaited facility that was built on the direct instructions of the President. The start of construction of this facility is 2021. We commissioned it in January of this year. A unique school.

    M. Mishustin: Were the problems mainly due to contractors?

    A. Turchak: The problems were due to the poor quality of the project. We had to redesign, undergo a new assessment, then the cost of materials increased, and so on. Nevertheless, the school was completed, it became such a good gift for the 200th anniversary of Gorno-Altaisk, which we celebrated.

    The only school in the city where children from the 1st grade study the Altai language. The school has a very large sports core. Two sports halls inside the school, a large stadium, several playgrounds where children can practice national sports.

    Another long-term construction project is a sports and fitness complex with a games room. We also completed it in December last year. Residents were waiting for it with impatience.

    The Cultural Development Center, which I reported to you about, has also been completed. In July, we opened it with the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. The first cultural institution built in the city in the last 13 years.

    Also, with your support, the issue of reconstruction of the 12th school has moved from dead center. Not just reconstruction, but, in fact, the construction of a new building. We will introduce this facility by 2027 – the federal budget has allocated 615 million for it, and the republican budget – 345 million rubles.

    Regarding the Republican Classical Lyceum, which you are monitoring. All work is on schedule, the completion date is 2026. The budget provides 3.3 billion, of which 2.7 billion is the federal budget. And the uniqueness of this project is that the developer additionally attracted its own 500 million rubles to complete the construction of the campus of this lyceum. It will be a truly unique educational institution, in which gifted children from the most remote corners of our republic will be able not only to receive a quality education, but also to develop their talents in various fields.

    This year we have planned to carry out major repairs of 11 rural schools and the first gymnasium in Gorno-Altaisk. More than 700 million rubles from the federal budget are allocated for these purposes.

    In addition, we are building another new school for 360 students in the Chemalsky District. This is a comprehensive rural development program that is actively operating in our republic.

    We also repair kindergartens, primarily in rural areas. We have repaired four in a year and are building three new ones. 920 million rubles are allocated for these purposes from the federal and republican budgets. In general, we keep the issues of modernization and improvement of educational infrastructure under control and work on them with the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. Our colleagues support us.

    M. Mishustin: Modern schools, kindergartens, educational institutions, hospitals, clinics – this is very important for people and makes it possible to attract investors. And for the republic, by decision of the President, an individual program of socio-economic development has been formed. Quite significant funds are provided until 2030.

    Tell us what is planned within this program?

    A. Turchak: If possible, one more thing on the topic of healthcare. Today, the Minister of Health reported to you on the overall situation in the republic. We examined the admission and diagnostic department of our republican hospital, equipped with a modern operating unit, modern diagnostic equipment – MRI, CT, ultrasound. We are the first region to implement this project this year. Indeed, the timing of its implementation is quite unique. In almost less than three months, this facility was erected, and 80% of the structures, materials, and equipment itself were of domestic production. By your decision, we received 744 million rubles from the federal budget for this project, including the MRI machine, which was also introduced this year on your instructions, and now our residents do not need to travel to other regions for such high-tech examination.

    I would like to talk about the perinatal center. I approached you with this question last year. Our current perinatal center is located in a maternity hospital built in 1975. You gave the order to work out a step-by-step, phased plan for the implementation of this project. I would like to report on the work done.

    As of today, we have worked out a medical and technical assignment together with the Ministry of Health. The concept for the construction of a new perinatal center is ready. Mikhail Albertovich Murashko saw it and supported it. And, if possible, I would like to separately report to you our proposals on how to gradually put everything related to obstetrics in our republic in order.

    M. Mishustin: Yesterday we inspected the perinatal center in Chita. A wonderful and, in fact, methodological center not only for the Zabaikalsky Krai, but also for the entire Far East. And most importantly, the people who work there, mostly women, really help with obstetrics, and warmly welcome mothers and fathers. It seems to me that it is very important to support you in the construction of this center.

    A. Turchak: Thank you very much.

    According to the individual development program. We have good results for the first five-year plan. 2 thousand jobs have been created. 2.5 billion in extra-budgetary investments have been attracted. During the period of the individual program, the region has become one of the leaders in terms of investment growth rates in fixed capital.

    In terms of specific results, 120 projects in the agro-industrial complex were supported, 8 accommodation facilities, 8 sites for processing milk, meat, wood, and producing dietary supplements were created. The Industrial Development Fund and the SME Fund were recapitalized, and 66 preferential loans were issued.

    According to the new program. In the current 2025, we will support the development of the material and technical base of at least four agricultural enterprises. First of all, these are projects in the dairy industry. I can give one example. Our agroholding “Ekoniva” will build a dairy complex in the Ust-Kansky district. Moreover, the owner of this project in the recent past is a citizen of Germany, who has now acquired Russian citizenship and is registered for tax purposes in the Altai Republic.

    Farmers will also be provided with a subsidy to support and develop crop production, meat and milk processing. We will support 22 SME projects, 4 tourism infrastructure projects and, most importantly, personnel training – we plan to train at least 150 specialists per year.

    Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, the implementation of individual programs is impossible without solving the main issue in the republic. And the main issue in the republic– I reported to you at the last meeting – this is land.

    I would like to thank you for your support: last year you supported our proposal to lift the moratorium on mass inspections of the intended use of land. Thanks to this decision, a land amnesty was launched in the region, which is aimed at legalizing the illegal accommodation facilities that were identified.

    Together with Rosreestr, the FMS worked. They identified about one and a half thousand accommodation facilities that were not registered with the tax authorities, that is, they did not pay either land tax or property tax. More than half went for legalization – 800 voluntarily submitted applications, and are now preparing their documents.

    The amnesty ends with the inclusion of these accommodation facilities in the register. Accordingly, in addition to direct tax revenues, we will receive at least half a billion rubles of our own income. I reported to you today that we will spend a third of them on supporting healthcare, in particular, on developing the emergency medical service.

    In this regard, I would like to make one request to you – to use a similar approach to reduce the level of shadow employment and legalize labor relations in the region. If possible, I would like to ask you to instruct Rostrud, just as we did for the land, to conduct unscheduled monitoring and supervisory activities for the Altai Republic with the involvement of employees of territorial bodies of Rostrud from other regions, because our own forces are not enough. In this way, we would also bring this topic out of the shadows. Thank you for your support.

    M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, the plans are serious. I wish you success in their implementation.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Ministry of Economic Development will act as a strategic partner of the Russian Creative Week

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has become a strategic partner of the Russian Creative Week. The forum will be held in Moscow on September 25–27 at the Russia National Center. The initiator and organizer of the event is the Creative Economy ANO.

    The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation carries out functions to develop state policy and improve the regulatory framework in the creative economy, and is also engaged in developing a long-term strategy for the development of this sector.

    The cooperation between the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the ANO “Creative Economy” will allow for a comprehensive discussion of the draft strategy – the fundamental document at the site of the “Russian Creative Week”, key issues in the field of creative economy at the federal level, and to attract the attention of entrepreneurs to the issues of developing creative industries.

    “The development of the creative economy requires a systematic approach and consideration of the positions of all participants in the process: the state, business and industry associations. The forum will create a space for uniting these views and developing joint solutions,” commented Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

    President of the ANO “Creative Economy” Marina Mongush emphasized: The Ministry of Economic Development has launched the process of preparing a document that will determine how this sector will develop until 2030.

    “We are actively working with colleagues, with departments, with the expert community so that the strategy takes into account not only the economic, but also the socio-cultural, value-oriented approach to the creative economy. The Russian Creative Week forum will give our joint work with the Ministry of Economic Development an additional impetus,” believes the president of the ANO Creative Economy.

    “Russian Creative Week” has become an effective tool for the development of the industry as a whole – this is acknowledged by experts, noting that the forum gives a powerful impetus to the growth of regional “experience economies”.

    “It is important for people to be part of something big, and not just stand at a machine or work in a bank branch. It is important for everyone to build their own temple and feel involved in big goals, and it is the value-oriented approach that gives this feeling and distinguishes one community of people from all the others, both in the example of a separate company and in the example of the country,” emphasized the head of the Presidential Administration for Public Projects of the Russian Federation, Sergei Novikov.

    Partners of the Festival-Forum “Russian Creative Week”:

    Official partners: Rostec State Corporation, Andrey Melnichenko Charitable Foundation.

    Business partner: Aluminum Association.

    Business program partner: Prosveshchenie Group of Companies.

    Participating regions: Moscow, the Republic of Bashkortostan, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Tula regions.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –