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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bicameral Letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth to Rein In Dangerous, Wasteful “Golden Dome” Missile Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined colleagues in a bicameral letter urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to refrain from mindlessly pouring resources into the Trump administration’s unproven and ill-defined “Golden Dome” comprehensive missile defense shield. The letter emphasized how Trump’s proposed Golden Dome program would be technically unfeasible, strategically unwise, and overwhelmingly expensive. Instead of making the U.S. homeland safer from missile threats, this program sets the stage for the Trump administration to waste hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars, open the door to enormous corruption, and set off a destabilizing nuclear arms race that would make Americans less safe.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Trump administration’s plans for Golden Dome could make it prohibitively expensive, operationally ineffective, massively corrupt, and detrimental to U.S. and global security by igniting a nuclear arms race with Russia and China. We are concerned that Golden Dome will be much more effective at wasting taxpayer dollars than countering missile attacks.”

    The lawmakers continued, “Countering a possible Russian or Chinese attack involving hundreds of warheads would require a much larger, more technologically advanced, and more costly system. That is why Congress, since 1999 on a bipartisan basis, has specifically said that U.S. national missile defenses should aim to counter only ‘limited’ threats, not Russian and Chinese arsenals. Golden Dome would overturn that long-standing consensus with the stroke of a pen.”

    The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 21, 2025:

    1. What is the intended purpose of Golden Dome? How many missiles (and of what types) is it being designed to intercept? What system architecture will be used? Has the threat been validated as a requirement by the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
    2. How does the Administration plan to spend the proposed $175 billion on Golden Dome?
    3. What is the 20-year estimated cost of Golden Dome?
    4. How does the Administration plan to deal with known and anticipated countermeasures to space- and ground-based missile defense, including nuclear detonations in space?
    5. What aspects of the system would be based in space?
    6. Will the Administration propose a third missile defense interceptor site on the East Coast?
    7. How does the Pentagon plan to meet requirements for developmental and operational testing of the elements of the proposed system, given the very short timeline for deployment?
    8. How will the Administration award contracts under Golden Dome? Will SpaceX get preferential treatment?
    9. How does the Administration expect China and Russia to react to Golden Dome? How does the administration plan to reconcile its arms control goals with these reactions?

    The letter was co-signed in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); and in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-8), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Challenges Unconstitutional California Laws Driving Up National Egg Prices

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials over California laws that impose burdensome red tape on the production of eggs and poultry products nationally in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    The laws and regulations challenged by the complaint impose costly requirements on farmers that have the effect of raising egg prices for American consumers by prohibiting farmers across the country from using commonly accepted agricultural methods that helped keep eggs affordable. These laws stand opposed to the Egg Products inspection Act, which sets standards to ensure eggs and egg products are properly labeled and packaged and preempts state laws that impose additional regulatory hurdles.

    “Americans across the country have suffered the consequences of liberal policies causing massive inflation for everyday items like eggs,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will use the full extent of federal law to ensure that American families are free from oppressive regulatory burdens and restore American prosperity.”  

    “Bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations implemented by the State of California have made the cost of everyday goods, like eggs, less affordable for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “This Department of Justice will work to free consumers from this regulatory burden and bring economic prosperity to families.”

    On his first day in office, President Trump directed federal agencies to work to end the “crushing regulatory burden” Americans were experience with the riding costs of every day items. This lawsuit is the latest of Department of Justice actions seeking to protect American consumers from predatory commercial practices and regulatory burdens.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City calls for groups to be part of 2025 Seniors Festival

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo wants to hear from local community groups and organisations interested in holding a free or low-cost event or activity as part of this year’s Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival set to take place from October 5 to October 12, 2025.

    This year’s festival will celebrate with the theme Connect Create Celebrate!

    City of Greater Bendigo Acting Director Healthy Communities and Environments Andie West said the City is calling on local community groups and organisations to hold an event or activity during this year’s festival, to showcase their group, provide entertainment, activities and a chance for older adults to connect with others.

    “We are looking for groups to hold activities and events that older people will enjoy such as, craft and gardening activities, tours, morning teas, entertainment, information sessions, learning opportunities, come and try days or exercise programs and events that promote positive ageing,” Ms West said.

    “The annual Seniors Festival recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution of older adults to our community and encourages them to discover new activities and interests in our community.

    “It’s a great way for groups and organisations to connect with older adults who make up a large part of our population.

    “If you think your group or organisation can host a great event for older adults in the spirit of the festival then we want to hear from you.

    “We have limited space in the printed program but would love to include as many events as possible that meet the broad needs of the community.

    “Community events and activities registered by Wednesday August 6, 2025, where possible, will be listed and promoted in the printed and online festival program.

    “Groups and organisations are also encouraged to promote events through their own networks and on the Connect Greater Bendigo events calendar.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Challenges Unconstitutional California Laws Driving Up National Egg Prices

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials over California laws that impose burdensome red tape on the production of eggs and poultry products nationally in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    The laws and regulations challenged by the complaint impose costly requirements on farmers that have the effect of raising egg prices for American consumers by prohibiting farmers across the country from using commonly accepted agricultural methods that helped keep eggs affordable. These laws stand opposed to the Egg Products inspection Act, which sets standards to ensure eggs and egg products are properly labeled and packaged and preempts state laws that impose additional regulatory hurdles.

    “Americans across the country have suffered the consequences of liberal policies causing massive inflation for everyday items like eggs,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will use the full extent of federal law to ensure that American families are free from oppressive regulatory burdens and restore American prosperity.”  

    “Bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations implemented by the State of California have made the cost of everyday goods, like eggs, less affordable for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “This Department of Justice will work to free consumers from this regulatory burden and bring economic prosperity to families.”

    On his first day in office, President Trump directed federal agencies to work to end the “crushing regulatory burden” Americans were experience with the riding costs of every day items. This lawsuit is the latest of Department of Justice actions seeking to protect American consumers from predatory commercial practices and regulatory burdens.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Laurel Lee and Gus Bilirakis Respond to the Eighth Circuit Court’s Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Tampa, FL – Yesterday, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the FTC’s final Negative Option Rule put in place by Lina Khan, October 2024. The rule was set to be implemented in 2025.  

    In June, Congresswoman Laurel Lee introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the Biden-Harris Administration rule. Congresswoman Lee and her colleague, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, CMT Subcommittee Chairman of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, were pleased by the Eighth Circuit Court’s ruling to dismiss the unlawful rule. Their reactions below:  

    “The Federal Trade Commission’s Negative Option Rule far exceeded the agency’s consumer protection mandate. By imposing sweeping and costly new requirements—estimated to exceed $100 million annually—the rule would have driven up costs for consumers rather than protecting them.

    As the Eighth Circuit rightly noted, the FTC rushed this partisan rule through just before the 2024 election, bypassing key steps in the rulemaking process and ignoring legitimate concerns raised by stakeholders. That is why I introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution months ago to overturn the rule, and called on the FTC to delay implementation until the courts could review its legality.

    I’m grateful the Eighth Circuit recognized the serious economic harm this rule would have caused and acted to vacate it. Moving forward, I remain committed to reining in executive overreach and collaborating with my colleagues on thoughtful reforms to ensure subscription practices are fair, transparent, and protect both consumers and businesses,” said Congresswoman Lee. 

    “The Eighth Circuit’s decision to vacate the FTC’s ‘negative option’ rule is a necessary check on regulatory overreach. In her rush to regulate, Lina Khan failed to follow appropriate procedures – undermining transparency and due process for stakeholders and consumers alike. This ruling reinforces the importance of accountability and adherence to the rule of law in regulatory actions. It’s now time to restore trust in the Federal Trade Commission and protect American consumers without unduly burdening legitimate business activity” said Congressman Bilirakis, Chairman of the House Commerce, Manufacturing, & Trade Subcommittee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Project Acacia: RBA and DFCRC announce chosen industry participants and ASIC provides regulatory relief for tokenised asset settlement research project

    Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

    Project Acacia has today reached a significant milestone with a number of industry participants (see below) selected to explore how innovations in digital money and existing settlement infrastructure might support the development of Australian wholesale tokenised asset markets.

    Project Acacia is a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). This work is also supported by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and the Australian Treasury. This project is one of the initiatives highlighted in the Government’s March 2025 Statement on Developing an Innovative Australian Digital Asset Industry.

    24 innovative use cases from a diverse range of organisations, ranging from local fintechs to major banks, have been conditionally selected for this next stage of the project. There will be:

    • 19 pilot use cases, which will involve real money and real asset transactions, and
    • 5 proof-of-concept use cases involving simulated transactions.

    The use cases involve a range of asset classes, including fixed income, private markets, trade receivables and carbon credits.

    Proposed settlement assets for the use cases include stablecoins, bank deposit tokens, and pilot wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC), as well as new ways of using banks’ existing exchange settlement accounts at the RBA.

    Issuance of pilot wholesale CBDC for testing use cases will occur on a range of private and public-permissioned DLT platforms, including Hedera, Redbelly Network, R3 Corda, Canvas Connect and other EVM-compatible networks.

    ASIC clears way for industry participation

    Supporting Project Acacia, ASIC is providing regulatory relief to participants to support and streamline the pilot.

    ASIC’s relief will support the responsible testing of tokenised asset transactions, in some cases using CBDCs, between participants and a limited number of financial institutions in the coming months.

    ASIC has previously provided individual relief of a similar nature to participants in earlier digital money projects led by the RBA.

    The relief instrument is available on the Federal Register of Legislation.

    Project Acacia’s next steps

    Testing of use cases will occur over the next six months, with a report on the findings from the project expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. The findings of this next stage of the project will support the RBA’s ongoing research into how innovation in the financial system can best support the Australian economy in the digital age.

    Lead use case participants

    • Australian Bond Exchange
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation
    • Australian Payments Plus
    • Canvas
    • Catena Digital
    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
    • Fireblocks
    • Forte Tech Solutions
    • Imperium Markets
    • Northern Trust
    • NotCentralised
    • ProspEx Group
    • Westpac Banking Corporation
    • Zerocap

    Brad Jones, Assistant Governor (Financial System) at the RBA said: “Ensuring that Australia’s payments and monetary arrangements are fit-for-purpose in the digital age is a strategic priority for the RBA and the Payments System Board. Project Acacia represents an opportunity for further collaborative exploration on tokenised asset markets and the future of money by the public and private sectors in Australia.

    “The use cases selected in this project will help us to better understand how innovations in central bank and private digital money, alongside payments infrastructure, might help to uplift the functioning of wholesale financial markets in Australia.

    “We thank all interested parties for their efforts in Project Acacia to date and look forward to reporting back on the findings that will emerge over the reminder of the project.”

    ASIC Commissioner Kate O’Rourke said: “Innovation is a sign of a vibrant economy and society. ASIC supports the responsible development of new technologies, including tokenisation and distributed ledgers.

    “ASIC sees useful applications for the technologies underlying digital assets in wholesale markets. The relief from regulatory requirements that we have announced today will allow these technologies to be sensibly tested—to explore opportunities and identify and tackle risks.

    “Importantly, Project Acacia will allow industry and regulators to work together to learn more about how these use cases may reshape the financial services industry, potentially boosting efficiency and foster economic growth.”

    Professor Talis Putnins, Chief Scientist at DFCRC said: “It is great to have collaboration from so many parts of the industry, from small fintechs to large banks, alongside the key financial regulators in this forward-looking, innovative project. The real money settlement models being tested, including issuing pilot wholesale CBDC on third party platforms, reflects another world-first for Australia in this rapidly evolving field.

    “The project is of strategic importance to the DFCRC because, as a co-operative research centre, our focus is on bringing together key groups to unlock the large economic potential of digital finance innovation in Australia. Recent research suggests potential economic gains in markets and cross border payments could be in the order of AU $19 billion per year. Project Acacia is a significant step towards realising these gains, by providing evidence on the forms of money and settlement models that best enable tokenised real-world asset markets.”

    About Project Acacia

    Project Acacia is exploring how different forms of digital money and associated infrastructure could support the development of wholesale tokenised asset markets in Australia. The consultation paper initiating Project Acacia was released in November 2024 and called for industry feedback and expressions of interest in participating.

    Project Acacia is a joint research project between Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). The project is supported by key stakeholders including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Treasury, which are all represented on the project Steering Committee, along with representatives from the RBA and DFCRC.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Encouraging signs for mental health workforce

    Source: New Zealand Government

    When someone is making the brave step of reaching out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member, this Government is committed to ensuring we have the right support in place to answer that call, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.

    “It is promising to see reports showing New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce is growing. This will help us ensure that people are getting the support they need, when they need it and no one’s call is going unanswered,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Over the past two years, there has been substantial progress in building up the mental health and addiction workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease.

    “Behind every one of those new psychologists, nurses, support workers or counsellors are hundreds of people at what can be the lowest time of their life, now able to be seen, heard and supported.  

    “I’ve been very clear that increasing access to support is a top priority. The Auditor General called for a specific mental health workforce plan in response to wait-times and vacancy rates increasing under the previous Government. We treated this as a priority and delivered the first dedicated mental health workforce plan in New Zealand within the first year.

    “It’s pleasing to see HNZ payroll data shows total full-time staff employed in mental health grew by more than 9 per cent year-on-year between Quarter 3 in 2023 and Quarter 1 2025.”

    While challenges remain, particularly in psychiatry vacancies, HNZ Payroll data also shows there has been 9.5 percent growth in the number of full-time staff employed as Senior Medical Officers – Psychiatry between Quarter 1 2024 and Quarter 1 2025.

    “We know we need more psychiatrists in New Zealand. That’s why we’ve increased training places and funding to support more people into the field. We’ve lifted the number of funded registrar positions from 33 in 2024 to 54 a year after Budget 2025,” Mr Doocey says.

    “I’ve also written to both Health New Zealand and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry to encourage them to do everything they can to remove any additional barriers to grow the psychiatry workforce.

    “It is heartening to see that the Government’s focus on growing the workforce and our commitment to addressing long-standing workforce gaps is starting to pay off because at the end of the day, when someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get well, workforce should never be a barrier.” 

    Note to editors: 
    •    The Health Workforce Information Programme shows the overall Mental Health and Addiction FTE employed by Health NZ in the two years to December 2024 have increased and vacancies are down. Growth has been recorded in a number of key professions within Health NZ including:
    o    Registered Mental Health Nurses grew by 21 per cent
    o    Nursing Support Workers increased by 20 per cent
    o    Clinical Psychologists and Drug and Alcohol Counsellors both saw 6 per cent increases 
    •    The general trend is also supported in the recent Te Pou report on Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora adult mental health & addiction workforce estimates, 2024. This report shows that between 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024 The total number of employed roles increased by 404 FTEs and vacant roles decreased by 60 FTEs. The overall estimated vacancy rate for the adult Mental Health and Addiction workforce has decreased from 11 per cent to just under 10 per cent.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Looking out for families, friends, and carers of those in suicidal distress

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 10/07/2025

    The ACT Government has launched ‘Minds Together’, a free online program to support families, friends, and carers of those experiencing suicidal distress.

    People in support roles often provide life-saving practical and emotional support, Minds Together provides additional support and tailored resources for those support people when a loved one is experiencing suicidal distress.

    Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the program benefits the person experiencing distress, while also reducing distress and enhancing coping mechanisms for the carers themselves.

    “There are many complexities and challenges that friends, families and carers navigate when supporting those in suicidal distress, or after a suicide attempt,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The Minds Together program provides free access to information, lived experience stories and targeted low-intensity modules to help support people when they are supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal distress or has attempted suicide. It also connects users with information about aftercare services available in the ACT.”

    If you are supporting a loved one, friend, or are a carer of someone experiencing suicidal distress or who has attempted suicide, please visit Minds Together for more information at https://mindstogether.org.au/supporting-someone-in-the-act/

    The Minds Together program is funded under the ACT and Commonwealth Government Bilateral National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

    Quotes attributable to the Hon. Emma McBride, Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention:

    “Support for carers and loved ones of those experiencing suicide distress is vital. With today’s launch of Minds Together, Canberrans will now have tailored support for those who need it most.

    “Minds Together will deliver low intensity online support to loved ones and carers of those experiencing suicidality for free.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support the ACT Government through the bilateral agreement to deliver quality care in the heart of communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM, Director of Everymind:

    “Everymind is pleased to be working with the ACT Government and local suicide prevention and carer services to ensure that free and accessible support is available to family, friends and carers across the ACT.

    “Together, we’re making it easier for family, friends and carers to access support while also strengthening the broader aftercare and suicide prevention system in a way that’s sustainable, inclusive and responsive to community needs.

    “Minds Together has been designed with people who have a lived experience of suicide and provides family, friends and carers with the information and confidence to support someone experiencing suicidal distress while also looking after their own wellbeing. Combining online learning and face-to-face supports, the program provides practical information and tools that people can immediately apply in their own lives.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating International Safewards Day

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 10/07/2025

    The ACT Government is celebrating International Safewards Day by recognising the success of the ACT’s Towards a Safer Culture – Safewards program, making public hospitals safer for healthcare workers, patients, carers and families.

    Safewards is an evidence-based model that helps staff and patients communicate more effectively to reduce conflict and instances of occupational violence.

    It promotes collaboration between healthcare teams, consumers, carers and families to create safer, more supportive hospital environments.

    The model includes 12 practical strategies staff can use to reduce the likelihood of conflict and support a positive environment. These include:

    • sharing more information between team members and patients to build stronger relationships and find common areas of interest
    • senior team members visiting each patient, enabling them to escalate any concerns and ensuring they feel seen and heard
    • staff and patients agreeing on mutual expectations of each other in the hospital environment.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was proud to support the continued rollout of Safewards across Canberra’s public hospitals.

    “Safewards is transforming the way care is delivered in our hospitals. It’s about creating and supporting environments where patients feel heard, staff feel supported, and everyone feels safe,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “Today, on International Safewards Day, we celebrate the dedication of our nurses and healthcare workers who are championing this change. We are proud of our progress so far and grateful to our staff and consumers who are leading the way.”

    An initial pilot of the Safewards Model carried out in the ACT in 2021 found:

    • more than half of Safewards nurses thought that the model of care had had an impact on conflict and containment in their workplace
    • two out of three Safewards nurses thought their colleagues viewed Safewards favourably
    • nearly half of all Safewards nurses had heard positive consumer/patient feedback.

    Following the successful trial in four wards across Canberra Health Services, the ACT Government committed $4.67 million to expand the program under the Nurses and Midwives Towards a Safer Culture ‘The Next Steps’ Strategy aiming to implement Safewards in 12 wards by June 2026.

    To date, Safewards has been introduced in 10 wards, with the Towards a Safer Culture team delivering more than 400 in-service education sessions and training over 450 Safewards Champions across Canberra Health Services.

    Phase 4 of the rollout began on 30 June 2025 in Wards 7B and 7C of Building 5 at Canberra Hospital, which will complete the Government’s commitment once fully implemented.

    “The ACT Government made a commitment to implement Safewards in 12 wards by the middle of next year and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Congratulations to the team for their excellent work implementing this important model of care in our hospitals,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    Quotes attributable to Judy Ryall, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Canberra Health Services:

    “Safewards has empowered our nurses and midwives to build stronger and more respectful relationships with patients. It’s not just about reducing conflict; it’s about fostering trust and safety.

    “Our nurses and midwives are at the heart of Safewards. Their commitment to compassionate and collaborative care is what makes this model so effective.

    “We’re proud of the leadership they have shown in creating safer spaces for everyone.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation and Toxins While Serving in Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), introduced legislation to ensure service members and veterans who served at classified locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) since 1951 are able to prove that they served there, and can finally get the PACT Act benefits they deserve following exposure to radiation and toxins. 
    From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, due to issues with the classified nature of their location while serving, veterans who served at the NTTR are unable to prove their service there to the VA and, therefore, are unable to receive care and benefits connected with exposure to radiation and toxins from burn pits. The Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act would help to correct a historic wrong and inequity by officially recognizing the risk that veterans assumed during their service at the NTTR, and other Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities, where DOE employees are already automatically presumed to have been exposed, while the service members who served alongside them are not. Senator Rosen also worked to secure commitments from multiple high-ranking military officials to address this care gap.
    “As a nation, it is our obligation to take care of all veterans once their service has ended,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is especially true for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, who faced toxic exposure daily as part of their duties and should have parity with their civilian counterparts. I will continue to push for these brave men and women to receive the care and benefits they’re due.”
    “Veterans have been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals as a result of their selfless service to our nation, and the least we can do is ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bill to recognize the radiation and toxic exposure experienced at the Nevada Test and Training Range so our veterans can access the care and benefits they deserve. It is unconscionable that one U.S. government agency deems portions of the range as contaminated and their personnel exposed, while another U.S. government agency does not. I’ll continue working to make sure we take care of our veterans and their loved ones.”
    “Today, after decades of denial by our own government, the veterans who were exposed to toxic radiation and materials on the Nevada Test and Training Range are closer than ever to getting the recognition and benefits they’ve earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced toxic exposure at the Nevada Test and Training Range. “We thank Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto for making the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act a legislative priority in the U.S. Senate, and all of our allies in Congress who are dedicated to righting this wrong, and securing justice for the brave men and women who risked their lives and lost their lives fighting this invisible enemy.”
    Specifically, the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would: 
    Classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as contaminated.
    Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to document all exposures, including those that occur domestically, into the service member’s Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, so it can be seen by the VA when service members transition to civilian life, while still protecting the classified nature of the location of their service. 
    Require the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951, establish a process for service members and veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals, without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for DOD personnel who served at any Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities – such as those within the NTTR – where DOE employees have a presumption of exposure and are covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. One such DOE-covered facility within the NTTR is the Tonopah Test Range, which is both a DOE and DOD installation. 
    Add service at military installations within the NTTR to the list of recognized “radiation-risk activities” under VA law, dating back to January 27, 1951, including veterans who participated in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of military installations at NTTR—beyond just nuclear test observers.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served on or above NTTR, easing the burden of proof in VA claims.
    Expand presumptive conditions for service connection by adding lipomas and tumor-related conditions to the list of automatically presumed service-connected illnesses.
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for our service members and veterans. She worked across the aisle to get legislation helping veterans exposed to Agent Orange and expanding benefits for women veterans signed into law. The senator sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Collins demanding he provide answers on the mass terminations of personnel across the VA, specifically those in Nevada, and how those terminations would impact services to Nevada veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2023

    Source: Government of Sweden

    How many people work at the Government Offices? What was the central government budget like last year? How many acts and ordinances were issued last year? The answer to these and other questions can be found in the Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2023.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish and Finnish ministers to undertake joint visits

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Swedish and Finnish ministers will undertake a number of joint visits on the afternoon of 16 September. Media representatives are welcome to take part in the visits. Contact the relevant press contacts for more information, see below. Note that the list is subject to change.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Space is not the final frontier – it is the foundation of our future: UN deputy chief

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Addressing delegates at a UN forum on peaceful uses of outer space, Amina Mohammed urged greater international cooperation as the world becomes increasingly reliant on satellites for everything from disaster response to climate monitoring.

    “Space is not the final frontier. It is the foundation of our present,” she said.

    “Without satellites orbiting overhead right now, global food systems would collapse within weeks. Emergency responders would lose their lifelines. Climate scientists would be flying blind. And our hopes of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would be out of reach,” she added.

    Expanding access to space

    For nearly seven decades, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space – the forum’s official name, has advanced international cooperation through five space treaties, sustainability guidelines and the Space 2030 Agenda.

    Ms. Mohammed highlighted the UN’s efforts through the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), in helping make space more accessible – particularly for the more than half of UN Member States that still lack a satellite in orbit.

    OOSA’s programmes are opening opportunities for youth and women in developing countries, cultivating a more inclusive new generation of space leaders.

    It also supports countries in building their space capabilities through technical workshops and assistance for emerging programmes, having assisted Kenya, Guatemala, Moldova and Mauritius in launching their first satellites.

    Similarly, it is helping countries like Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana, use satellite data to create detailed digital models of entire cities, allowing faster disaster response and saving lives.

    Space and sustainable development

    Fresh from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain, Ms. Mohammed stressed that the areas the UN defines as critical for sustainable development acceleration all depend on space technologies.

    She also relayed a critical message from the conference: “In an era of constrained investment, we must align capital with high-impact solutions,” she said. “Space is one of them.”

    “The view from space shows no countries, no borders – only one shared planet, one common home. Let that perspective guide you as you build the governance frameworks for space exploration and use,” she concluded.

    “Let us make space a catalyst for achieving the SDGs.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Children’s lives ‘turned upside down’ by wars across Middle East, North Africa, warns UNICEF

    Source: United Nations 2

    Alarmingly, 110 million children in the region live in countries affected by war, with homes, schools and health facilities damaged or destroyed in fighting.

    “A child’s life is being turned upside down the equivalent of every five seconds due to the conflicts in the region,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, on Tuesday.

    UNICEF estimates indicate that 45 million children across the region will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, a 41 per cent increase since 2020.  

    Funding shortfalls  

    However, funding gaps are affecting vital programmes across the region.

    For instance, as of May, Syria faced a 78 per cent funding gap and the State of Palestine a 68 per cent gap for their 2025 appeals. UNICEF’s regional programmes are also under increasing financial strain.

    The outlook for 2026 also remains bleak, UNICEF said, noting that its funding for Middle East and North Africa is projected to decline by 20 to 25 per cent, potentially resulting in shortfalls of up to $370 million.

    Conflicts must stop  

    This would jeopardize lifesaving programmes across the region, including treatment for severe malnutrition, safe water production in conflict zones and vaccinations against deadly diseases.

    “As the plight of children in the region worsens, the resources to respond are becoming sparser,” said Mr. Beigbeder.

    “Conflicts must stop. International advocacy to resolve these crises must intensify. And support for vulnerable children must increase, not decline.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, DeGette, Pettersen, Crow, Neguse Demand Answers on $70 Million in Stalled Funding for Colorado Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Trump administration recently withheld $7 billion from schools nationwide

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet along with Representatives Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, and Joe Neguse called on Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to address the Department of Education’s decision to withhold $70 million in federal funding for Colorado schools.

    “School Districts and after-school programs across our state rightfully understood they would receive these mandatory funds after they were authorized by Congress,” wrote the lawmakers. “Announcing funding delays just over a month before the school year starts has forced Colorado school districts and after-school programs into an unnecessary, last minute scramble to ensure students and parents have the support they need for a successful year.”

    The frozen Title II, III, and IV federal funding supports elementary and secondary teacher training and professional development, family engagement programs, and initiatives that create safer school environments for all students.

    School districts had already built their budgets around these grants. The Department of Education froze the funding days before school districts expected to receive the funding.

    The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write today in response to the Department of Education’s (the Department) decision to continue to withhold Title II, III, and IV federal funds. School districts throughout Colorado are depending on these funds to deliver critical services to students across the state. The delay and uncertainty around the distribution of this funding have made it incredibly difficult for school districts to plan and hire staff for the next school year.

    As you are aware, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides $29 billion in mandatory funding for various programs and activities that support students, teachers, and communities. Titles II, III, and IV, among other activities, provide funding to support elementary and secondary teacher retention and professional development, family engagement programs, and initiatives that create safer school environments for all students. This funding, which is less than .5% of the overall federal budget, supports programs in Colorado that reduce chronic absenteeism in schools, help districts hire teachers, and fund afterschool programs. This money is appropriated by Congress for these purposes and was signed into law by President Trump in March as part of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025.

    While we understand that the Department is still reviewing this funding, the unpredictability has already caused disruptions for school districts. School Districts and after-school programs across our state rightfully understood they would receive these mandatory funds after they were authorized by Congress. Announcing funding delays just over a month before the school year starts has forced Colorado school districts and after-school programs into an unnecessary, last minute scramble to ensure students and parents have the support they need for a successful year.

    To that end, please provide clarity to our offices on when the Department will provide Colorado schools with their full funding disbursement by July 18, 2025. In your response, please confirm that these funds will be fully dispersed before the 2025-2026 school year begins.

    Our education system must ensure that every American student has the opportunity to thrive in our classrooms, and we stand ready to work with you to achieve this goal.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to hearing the Department’s response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Great Walks popularity supporting tourism growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

    Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka.

    “Booking system upgrades – including a new online lobby – successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.

    “People across the world are dreaming of walking our beautiful whenua. Great Walks bookings are our golden tickets. You don’t need rivers of chocolate when you’ve got the Routeburn Track. 

    “Even this time of year, places like Abel Tasman Great Walk have space to escape under the stars for Matariki mā Puanga – take some hot Milo,” says Mr Potaka. 

    In 2024 nearly three-quarters of international visitors said they did a hike, walk or tramp while in Aotearoa New Zealand, and around half visited a National Park. Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4 billion a year. 

    “This is great for local businesses, local jobs and incomes. Before and after their walk they stay, eat and adventure locally, injecting money into local economies. 

    “The Government is backing sustainable conservation tourism that supports local economies. That’s why we will continue to invest funds from the International Visitor Levy into protecting and enhancing our biodiversity such as in Rakiura National Park.”

    Great Walks opening day bookings

    All Great Walks increased their bednights booked, except for Heaphy and Whanganui River Journey; see table – this is a snapshot of bookings made on the opening days.

    2025/26 Total Bednights NZ bednights International bednights 2024/25 % change
    Abel Tasman 28,618 24,301 4,317 24,943 +15
    Heaphy 15,297 14,185 1,112 16,367 -7
    Kepler 23,094 16,758 6,336 21,603 +7
    Paparoa 11,205 10,636 569 9,924 +13
    Rakiura 5,369 4,810 559 5,117 +5
    Routeburn 20,910 14,236 6,674 19,561 +7
    Whanganui 6,465 5,869 6,505 6505 -1
    Milford  21,903 13,356 8,537 21,387 +2
    Waikaremoana 7,569 7,053 516 6,429 +18
    TOTAL 140,430 111,204 29,226 131,836 +7

    DOC bookable huts and campgrounds

    Top 10 most popular huts

    • Pinnacles hut (Coromandel Forest Park)
    • Mueller hut (Aoraki Mt Cook National Park)
    • Waitawheta hut (Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park)
    • Woolshed Creek hut (Mount Somers, Canterbury)
    • Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls hut (Lewis Pass)
    • McKellar hut (Greenstone, Otago)
    • Aspiring hut (Mount Aspiring)
    • Welcome Flat hut (Westland Tai Poutini National Park)
    • Greenstone hut (Otago)
    • Angelus hut (Nelson Lakes National Park)

    Top 10 most popular campgrounds

    • Tōtaranui campground (Golden Bay)
    • Waikawau Bay campsite (Northern Coromandel)
    • Otamure Bay (Whananaki) campsite (Northland)
    • Momorangi Bay campsite (Marlborough Sounds)
    • Puriri Bay campsite (Northland)
    • Urupukapuka Bay campsite (Northland)
    • Anaura Bay campsite (East Coast Tairawhiti)
    • Waikahoa Bay campsite (Whangarei)
    • White Horse Hill campsite (Aoraki Mt Cook)
    • Uretiti Beach campsite (Whangarei)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Project Acacia: RBA and DFCRC announce chosen industry participants and ASIC provides regulatory relief for tokenised asset settlement research project

    Source: Airservices Australia

    Project Acacia has today reached a significant milestone with a number of industry participants (see below) selected to explore how innovations in digital money and existing settlement infrastructure might support the development of Australian wholesale tokenised asset markets.

    Project Acacia is a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). This work is also supported by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and the Australian Treasury. This project is one of the initiatives highlighted in the Government’s March 2025 Statement on Developing an Innovative Australian Digital Asset Industry.

    24 innovative use cases from a diverse range of organisations, ranging from local fintechs to major banks, have been conditionally selected for this next stage of the project. There will be:

    • 19 pilot use cases, which will involve real money and real asset transactions, and
    • 5 proof-of-concept use cases involving simulated transactions.

    The use cases involve a range of asset classes, including fixed income, private markets, trade receivables and carbon credits.

    Proposed settlement assets for the use cases include stablecoins, bank deposit tokens, and pilot wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC), as well as new ways of using banks’ existing exchange settlement accounts at the RBA.

    Issuance of pilot wholesale CBDC for testing use cases will occur on a range of private and public-permissioned DLT platforms, including Hedera, Redbelly Network, R3 Corda, Canvas Connect and other EVM-compatible networks.

    ASIC clears way for industry participation

    Supporting Project Acacia, ASIC is providing regulatory relief to participants to support and streamline the pilot.

    ASIC’s relief will support the responsible testing of tokenised asset transactions, in some cases using CBDCs, between participants and a limited number of financial institutions in the coming months.

    ASIC has previously provided individual relief of a similar nature to participants in earlier digital money projects led by the RBA.

    The relief instrument is available on the Federal Register of Legislation.

    Project Acacia’s next steps

    Testing of use cases will occur over the next six months, with a report on the findings from the project expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. The findings of this next stage of the project will support the RBA’s ongoing research into how innovation in the financial system can best support the Australian economy in the digital age.

    Lead use case participants

    • Australian Bond Exchange
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation
    • Australian Payments Plus
    • Canvas
    • Catena Digital
    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
    • Fireblocks
    • Forte Tech Solutions
    • Imperium Markets
    • Northern Trust
    • NotCentralised
    • ProspEx Group
    • Westpac Banking Corporation
    • Zerocap

    Brad Jones, Assistant Governor (Financial System) at the RBA said: “Ensuring that Australia’s payments and monetary arrangements are fit-for-purpose in the digital age is a strategic priority for the RBA and the Payments System Board. Project Acacia represents an opportunity for further collaborative exploration on tokenised asset markets and the future of money by the public and private sectors in Australia.

    “The use cases selected in this project will help us to better understand how innovations in central bank and private digital money, alongside payments infrastructure, might help to uplift the functioning of wholesale financial markets in Australia.

    “We thank all interested parties for their efforts in Project Acacia to date and look forward to reporting back on the findings that will emerge over the reminder of the project.”

    ASIC Commissioner Kate O’Rourke said: “Innovation is a sign of a vibrant economy and society. ASIC supports the responsible development of new technologies, including tokenisation and distributed ledgers.

    “ASIC sees useful applications for the technologies underlying digital assets in wholesale markets. The relief from regulatory requirements that we have announced today will allow these technologies to be sensibly tested—to explore opportunities and identify and tackle risks.

    “Importantly, Project Acacia will allow industry and regulators to work together to learn more about how these use cases may reshape the financial services industry, potentially boosting efficiency and foster economic growth.”

    Professor Talis Putnins, Chief Scientist at DFCRC said: “It is great to have collaboration from so many parts of the industry, from small fintechs to large banks, alongside the key financial regulators in this forward-looking, innovative project. The real money settlement models being tested, including issuing pilot wholesale CBDC on third party platforms, reflects another world-first for Australia in this rapidly evolving field.

    “The project is of strategic importance to the DFCRC because, as a co-operative research centre, our focus is on bringing together key groups to unlock the large economic potential of digital finance innovation in Australia. Recent research suggests potential economic gains in markets and cross border payments could be in the order of AU $19 billion per year. Project Acacia is a significant step towards realising these gains, by providing evidence on the forms of money and settlement models that best enable tokenised real-world asset markets.”

    About Project Acacia

    Project Acacia is exploring how different forms of digital money and associated infrastructure could support the development of wholesale tokenised asset markets in Australia. The consultation paper initiating Project Acacia was released in November 2024 and called for industry feedback and expressions of interest in participating.

    Project Acacia is a joint research project between Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). The project is supported by key stakeholders including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Treasury, which are all represented on the project Steering Committee, along with representatives from the RBA and DFCRC.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley: EPA Prioritizing J.H. Baxter Superfund Site Cleanup for Eugene Community

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 09, 2025

    For Immediate Release: July 9, 2025 

    EUGENE, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), alongside Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, welcomed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) addition of the former J.H. Baxter site in Eugene to its Superfund National Priorities List (NPL)—an essential action, as sites included on the list are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup efforts.

    This announcement comes after Merkley led the Oregon lawmakers in pressing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to add the J.H. Baxter site to the Superfund NPL to safeguard the public health and environment of the Eugene community.

    “We raised our family in West Eugene and I know that our community has spent decades fighting to get the J.H. Baxter site cleaned up for the health of our community,” said Hoyle. “That’s why I joined Senators Wyden and Merkley in urging the EPA to take action, and I’m glad they listened. The Superfund designation is a critical step toward delivering the cleanup and accountability this community deserves.”

    “This Superfund announcement takes a significant public health step forward for Oregonians who make west Eugene their home and place of business,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the teamwork with Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Hoyle has generated this community win for the contaminated J.H. Baxter site, and I’ll keep watchdogging this process to make sure federal officials follow through fully on this commitment.”

    “The EPA adding the old J.H. Baxter site to its Superfund National Priorities List is a huge step forward in addressing the dangerous contamination that’s long concerned folks living and working in West Eugene,” Merkley said. “This designation I pushed for means a timely and comprehensive cleanup of chemical substances at the site is now within reach—essential to protecting the health and environment of the Eugene community for generations to come.”

    The EPA Superfund NPL is the list of U.S. sites where historic releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment—and this list now includes the J.H. Baxter site.

    For nearly 80 years, J.H. Baxter treated wood products at a 35-acre facility in West Eugene. Hazardous substances and classified probable carcinogens, including creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP), were often used to treat wood products before the company ceased operations in January of 2022. But despite a halt in operations, toxic substances remained on site, contaminating soil and groundwater at the former facility and in the surrounding community.

    The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) sampling of the surrounding community in 2021 found elevated levels of dioxins – widening the original scope of response efforts. DEQ has started the work to cleanup properties with the highest levels of dioxins, and EPA’s Region 10 is currently conducting a Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) at the site. While the TCRA is considered an interim measure to prevent additional releases of hazardous substances, it will not address all contamination.

    The Superfund NPL listing will now allow EPA to comprehensively address issues at the J.H. Baxter site, including by conducting a further evaluation of the nature and extent of the contamination, the risks posed by hazardous substances at the site, and ensure a thorough cleanup.

    A public meeting for the EPA to explain next steps in the Superfund process is slated for July 16 in Eugene. The agency expects Superfund site work to begin in early fall.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Household spending uptick in June, but consumers remain cautious – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    A lift in household spending is expected for the remainder of 2025, however a slower interest rate cutting cycle could dampen this recovery.

    https://youtu.be/UP9AxIqN2VY

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose for the third month in a row in June, up 0.3 per cent following gains of 0.4 per cent in April and May.

    Eight of the twelve HSI categories recorded spending growth for the month, led by Utilities (+2.9 per cent), Education (+1.1 per cent) and Communications & Digital (+1.0 per cent). The timing of the energy rebates has made the utilities category choppy, while the release of Nintendo Switch 2 likely supported sales in the Communications & Digital category.

    Three categories saw a fall in the month, led lower by Hospitality (-0.8 per cent), Motor Vehicle (-0.1 per cent) and Recreation (-0.1 per cent). These categories all performed relatively well in May and again show the fickle nature of consumer spending at present.

    “Household spending is starting to show signs of consistency month-on-month and should continue to pick up this year as consumers begin to loosen their purse strings. This recovery is taking longer than expected to occur, but there are green shoots emerging. The annual growth rate has picked up, but the recovery is not yet assured. Spending around sales events and new items show consumers are still deliberate on their spending decisions,” said CBA Senior Economist, Belinda Allen.  

    “At the same time there remains a clear preference to save and pay down debt. Recent data from CBA showed that just 10 per cent of eligible home loan customers chose to reduce their mortgage direct debit payments following the May interest rate cut. This follows a similar trend after the February rate cut when around 10 per cent of eligible customers had adjusted repayments at the same point in time – eventually rising to 14 percent before the May RBA decision.”

    Taking the whole of June quarter together, the HSI lifted by 1.4 per cent, just a little above the 1.2 per cent recorded in the March quarter, but still below the 1.6 per cent recorded in the December quarter of 2024.

    “The RBA’s decision to hold rates at 3.85 per cent in July was unexpected, but we anticipate the RBA to cut the cash rate in August by 25 basis points, with November the most likely option for a follow up rate cut. While we still anticipate a pickup in household spending in 2025, a slower rate cutting cycle could soften this recovery over the remainder of the year.”

    In June, homeowners without a mortgage saw the weakest yearly spending growth per capita at 3.5 per cent, continuing the trend from May. Homeowners with a mortgage saw a shift higher in spending in June, with gains over the past year now tracking at 5.2 per cent. Meanwhile renters saw a lift to 4.2 per cent.

    “Homeowners with a mortgage have reduced spending on transport, hospitality, and food and beverage goods over the past year but lower interest rates are expected to boost disposable income in the coming months. Renters continues to spend more following an increase in April and May,” commented Ms Allen.

    NSW recorded the strongest household spending growth in June of the states and territories, rising 0.7 per cent. Over the past year, NSW has outperformed nationally, up 8.4 per cent in a change at the top of the state leaderboard. Meanwhile Queensland has grown 7.3 per cent, recovering well from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred in March, when the state posted the softest growth of all states at just 0.2 per cent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Technology – Moldova’s Virtual IT Park Attracts Global Attention with Record Growth and €1 Billion Revenue Target – MITP

    Source: Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

    Chisinau, Moldova, July 9th,2025 – Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP), the first fully virtual IT park in Europe and a key pillar of Moldova’s innovation ecosystem, continues to break records and transform the country’s economic landscape.

    In 2025, MITP expects its resident companies to generate over €1 billion in revenue, representing a 30% increase compared to 2024 and reaffirming the IT sector as a major engine of Moldova’s economic growth.

    Launched in 2018 by the Government of Moldova, MITP has rapidly evolved into a gateway to Eastern Europe’s emerging tech scene. Today, it unites over 2,370 resident companies from 43 countries, including new entrants from the United States, Germany, the UK, Italy, Ukraine, France, and many others. In 2024 alone, 533 new companies joined — the highest annual growth since the park’s creation.

    “The regional geopolitical context has played a decisive role. In 2021, MITP hosted only three Ukrainian companies. By 2024, this number had surged more than fourteen-fold due to strategic relocations caused by the war. Meanwhile, the number of Romanian-owned companies nearly doubled over the past three years, influenced in part by recent tax changes affecting Romania’s IT sector,”

    — said Marina Bzovîi, Administrator of MITP.

    Beyond the IT sector, Moldova is undergoing a structural economic transformation, marked by a decisive shift from goods-based production to a service-driven growth model. In 2025, the country recorded three historic milestones in services exports:

    $626 million USD in Q1 alone — a record high for the first quarter
    $2.8 billion USD annually — an all-time maximum
    Services now represent 44.5% of total exports, the highest share in Moldova’s history

    IT services lead this growth, totaling $686 million USD, followed by transportation services ($561 million), and business support services ($279 million). Education and health services are also on a strong upward trajectory. As a result, Moldova now enjoys a $900 million USD trade surplus in services, helping offset deficits in goods and positioning the country as a dynamic, services-driven economy.

    “Moldova’s economic model is undergoing a profound transformation — from a traditional, goods-based economy to one driven by high-value services and digital innovation. The extraordinary growth of MITP is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a future-ready, service-oriented economy that creates skilled jobs and attracts global investors. As we accelerate our digital transformation and promote smart regulation, Moldova is emerging as a competitive, innovation-led destination in the heart of Europe.”
     

    — Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digitalization and Economic Development of the Republic of Moldova

    MITP is home to pioneering companies that have chosen Moldova as the ideal place to innovate and grow. For example, Parkopedia, founded by Eugene Tsyrklevich, began as a small operation and now provides smart parking solutions for global automotive giants such as BMW, Audi, and Toyota — all developed from Moldova, thanks to MITP’s supportive environment. Meanwhile, Argus AI, co-founded by neurosurgeon Alexandru Andrusca and AI expert Vladimir Verbulski, has created an advanced virtual reality system for neurosurgical planning, making such technology more accessible worldwide. These success stories showcase Moldova’s emergence as an unexpected but highly attractive home for cutting-edge tech and ambitious entrepreneurs.

    The economic impact of MITP is substantial: in 2024, resident companies contributed over €78 million to Moldova’s public budget, four times more than in 2017. About half of this amount comes from businesses established after the park’s launch, highlighting MITP’s role as a catalyst for job creation, investment attraction, and Moldova’s growing digital competitiveness.

    About Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

    Launched in early 2018 by the Government of Moldova, MITP is an innovative, fully virtual IT park designed to strengthen Moldova’s technology ecosystem and enhance its regional competitiveness. The park offers a unique 7% single tax system, simplified immigration procedures (including an IT Visa program), reduced bureaucratic barriers, and the possibility of a fully virtual presence.

    MITP serves as a central access point to the most attractive incentives and services in the IT sector. Its multi-stakeholder governance model and fully virtual structure make it a one-of-a-kind success story in Europe. The park’s mission is to act as a catalyst for IT investments by promoting flexible government policies, fostering an environment for ICT innovation, and driving Moldova’s economic digital transformation.

    Created for a 20-year period, MITP now unites over 2,370 resident companies from 43 countries, positioning Moldova as a rising tech destination on the global map.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: India – Hellmann India receives “Best Place to Work” certificate for the second year in a row

    Source: Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

    Osnabrueck, Delhi, July 09, 2025 – Hellmann Worldwide Logistics India has for the second year in a row received the certification as a Best Workplaces™ in Transportation & Logistics 2025 by the Great Place to Work® Institute India.

    The recognition highlights the company’s consistent strength in people management and its commitment to creating an inclusive and value-driven workplace.

    India is a focus market in Hellmann’s global growth strategy, driven by its dynamic and rapidly evolving logistics landscape. As part of its broader ambition to expand worldwide, Hellmann is continuing to invest in strong local teams and tailored solutions that create lasting value for its customers.

    At the heart of Hellmann India’s HR strategy is its corporate culture, the Hellmann Promise, which supports approximately 12,000 employees in their personal and professional development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, respect, and growth, the company continues to invest in its people, creating a workplace where diverse talent is empowered to thrive. 
    From leadership development programs to well-being initiatives and transparent communication, Hellmann India has embedded its global Promise into everyday practice, strengthening a culture built on trust, purpose, and performance.

    “Our people are the driving force behind everything we do,” says Shubhendu Das, Managing Director Hellmann India. 

    “This achievement celebrates their passion, dedication, and belief in our shared vision. Being certified two years in a row also mirrors the continued trust and confidence we receive from our customers, partners, and industry peers, inspiring us to keep raising the bar.”

    With a strong and committed team on the ground, Hellmann India is well-positioned to support its customers in navigating a rapidly changing market – delivering reliable, innovative, and sustainable logistics solutions across the region.

    About Hellmann

    Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a global logistics service provider with a comprehensive service portfolio that includes air- and seafreight, road and rail transport, and contract logistics. 
    With annual sales of EUR 3.8 bn and around 12,000 employees in 61 countries, Hellmann moves over 20 mio shipments annually. 
    Based on this broad product range and many years of experience, Hellmann offers innovative logistics solutions for the complex requirements of each individual customer and relies on visionary technical products to ensure maximum customer transparency while creating a more efficient supply chain. www.hellmann.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza: A survey among MSF workers and their families showed that almost half of the people killed are children

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

    Gaza, 9 July 2025 – A recent retrospective mortality survey of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff and their families reveals the appalling death rate of Israel’s all-out war on Gaza, especially among children, which is consistent with conflict-related figures provided by the Gazan Ministry of Health.

    Compared to pre-7 October Ministry of Health estimates, the mortality rate was five times higher among the population surveyed. For children under five, mortality increased tenfold. For babies less than one month, the mortality rate was six times higher.

    The survey, run by MSF’s epidemiological Epicentre, covered 2,523 people (MSF workers and their family members) over the period between October 2023 and March 2025, and showed that more than two per cent of the people surveyed died since 7 October 2023, and seven per cent were injured. Furthermore, three-quarters of the deaths were due to war injuries, the vast majority of those from blasts.

    Forty-eight per cent of the people who died from blast injuries among our colleagues’ households were children and 40 per cent were under 10 years old.

    “This disregard for children’s lives clearly indicates that this war run by Israel in Gaza is against all Palestinians. The children of Gaza are being decimated,” says Amande Bazerolle, deputy manager of MSF’s emergency department. “Israel’s allies must put all their efforts to end the genocide taking place before our very eyes,” she says.

    The MSF survey has found a mortality rate in Gaza of 0.41 deaths per 10,000 people per day. It rises to 0.70 deaths for children under five years old. Twenty per cent of MSF households had at least one member injured by a blast or gunshot.

    The results of the survey, conducted among MSF staff and their families only, cannot be extrapolated or assumed as representative of the whole population of Gaza. In fact, medical staff and their families, including MSF, could be considered as having better access to healthcare than the rest of Gaza’s population.

    Despite this, the number of deaths not directly attributable to war wounds is increasing over the war, according to study observations. Findings showed that two-thirds of those with a chronic disease experienced one or more treatment interruption.

    This is the result of the Israeli campaign to systematically destroy the health system and the means of survival of the whole population. In addition, Israel has reduced medical evacuations to a minimum. According to WHO, more than 10,000 people are in urgent need of medical and surgical treatment that cannot be provided inside Gaza.

    Since 7 October 2023 and as of 25 June 2025, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the killing of at least 56,156 Palestinians and the injury of 132,239 others.

    The quantitative data from the MSF study helps illustrate part of the reality in Gaza and supports other available data, a point emphasized by the study coordinator Dr Wendelin Moser, from MSF Epicentre.

    “When we compared the names of deceased individuals due to violence from our survey with the list of war-related deaths from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, we matched nearly 90 per cent. This indicates the validity of the Ministry of Health statistics on the number of deaths in Gaza since 7 October,” he says.

    The survey also provides unequivocal data on the level of destruction of MSF family members’ households. Only two per cent had a house that remained untouched. At the time of the survey, 59 per cent had a completely damaged house, 39 per cent had a partially damaged house, and 41 per cent of them live in tents.

    MSF calls on the Israeli authorities to stop the genocidal campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza; to lift the siege on food, fuel, medical, and humanitarian supplies immediately; and calls for Israel’s allies to help facilitate the urgent medical evacuations of people whose lives are in danger, and in particular of children.

     

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. 

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – GCR Upgrades ShafDB’s Long and Short-Term Issuer Ratings, Maintains Stable Outlook

    Source: Fast Media

    Nairobi – July 9, 2025 – Global Credit Ratings (GCR), has affirmed and upgraded Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s (ShafDB) international and several key national scale ratings, reflecting the Bank’s strengthened capital position, risk management improvements, and growing credibility across our its shareholder base.

    In its latest review, the Johannesburg-based rating agency has affirmed the Bank’s international scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings at B/B, with a Stable Outlook.

    At the same time GCR has also upgraded the long and short-term national scale issuer ratings for Kenya to AA+(KE)/A1+(KE) from AA-(KE)/A1+(KE); Nigerian to AAA(NG)/A1+(NG) from AA+(NG)/A1+(NG); and Mauritian to BBB(MU)/A2(MU) from BB+(MU)/B(MU). All the three national scale ratings have been accorded a stable outlook.

    The Agency has also Upgraded the ratings of its Nigerian Series 1 Senior Unsecured Notes under the NGN200bn Domestic Bond Issuance Programme to AAA(NG) from AA+(NG).

    “The upgrades reflect GCR’s confidence in the Bank’s improved risk management, strengthened capitalization (leverage ratio up to 82.2% in FY2024), and progress in capital arrears resolution. The Stable Outlook affirms expectations of continued sound capitalization, strategic disbursement growth, and enhanced shareholder engagement,” GCR said in a commentary.

    “This recognition underscores Shelter Afrique’s growing operational credibility, commitment to quality lending, and continued transformation into a resilient and trusted multilateral development bank dedicated to delivering affordable housing and urban development solutions across Africa,” GCR added.

    Welcoming the rating reviews, Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s Director of Risk, Bernard Oketch said the rating upgrade has reinforced the Bank’s financial strength, strategic direction, and institutional credibility.

    “These upgrades reflect our strong fundamentals and our unwavering commitment to reforms, growth, and sustainable impact.  Clearly, we are on a solid path forward in delivering impactful, quality-driven housing finance solutions across Africa,” Mr. Oketch said.

    Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s has 46 shareholders comprising 44 member States under “Category A” shareholding, and African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re) under “Category B” shareholding – who will be convening in Algiers, Algeria from 15th to 17th July 2025 for the Bank’s 44th Annual General Meeting and Housing Symposium. https://www.agm.shelterafrique.org/agm-2025/

    It has also “Category C” shareholding for non-African institutions and States willing to join the institution as shareholders.

    About Shelter-Afrique Development Bank:

    Shelter Afrique Development Bank is a Pan-African institution solely dedicated to financing and promoting housing, urban & related infrastructure development across the African continent. ShafDB operates through a partnership involving 44 African Governments, as well as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

    The Institution delivers financial solutions and associated services that support both the supply and demand aspects of the affordable housing value chain. As a premier provider of financial, advisory, and research solutions, ShafDB focuses on addressing Africa’s housing crisis through financial institutions, project finance and public-private partnerships, striving to achieve sustainable developmental impact.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sevilla: Without sustainable development, there is neither hope nor security

    Source: United Nations 4

    A senior UN official has told UN News that the global development challenge is not lack of money, but how to align public and private capital flows. The Sevilla Agreement adopted this week, sets out a roadmap for all UN Member States — except the US which pulled out earlier this month — with the aim of mobilizing that capital.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Landless and locked out: Young farmers struggle for a future

    Source: United Nations 4

    Agricultural land is more than just a resource to produce food – for many older adults around the world, a land deed is the only safety net they have as they enter their old age. As a result, they hold onto it tightly.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Spain and Brazil push global action to tax the super-rich and curb inequality

    Source: United Nations 4

    Presented during the UN’s 4th International Conference on Financing for Development – taking place this week in Sevilla, Spain – the proposal highlights a growing problem: the richest individuals often contribute less to public finances than ordinary taxpayers, thanks to lower effective tax rates and legal loopholes.

    “Our countries need more and more public revenues to meet their needs. Inequality is a problem everywhere and the richest pay less than the middle class – even less than lower-income taxpayers,” said Spain’s Secretary of State for Finance Jesús Gascón, during a press conference at the conference venue, where temperatures have soared to record highs in recent days.

    The two governments are calling on others to join a drive for a fairer, more progressive global tax system. They point to a stark reality: the wealthiest one per cent of the global population owns more than 95 per cent of humanity combined.

    UN News/Matt Wells

    The Spanish Secretary of State for Finance Jesús Gascón (on screen) addresses a meeting at the Financing for Development conference in Sevilla, Spain.

    Sharing knowledge, closing gaps

    In today’s interconnected world access to reliable data is essential. The initiative prioritises information sharing – between governments and tax authorities – to help expose gaps in tax systems, close loopholes and combat evasion and avoidance.

    Improving data quality and building national capacities for data analysis will help tax administrations identify where and how wealth is concentrated, how much is currently being paid and what needs to change.

    Though some progress has already been made, the countries say much more must be done and many more countries should come on board.

    “There’s a real need to know who the beneficial owners are behind companies and legal structures used to conceal wealth,” said Mr. Gascón. The initiative also proposes technical cooperation, training in data analytics and peer review mechanisms to strengthen national tax systems.

    A global wealth registry?

    Spain and Brazil are even considering steps toward a global wealth registry – acknowledging that this would take time, political will and major national efforts.

    But the aim is clear: more transparency, more accountability and fairer contributions from the richest.

    “We cannot tolerate the intensity of inequality, which has been increasing in recent years,” said Brazil’s Minister-Counsellor to the UN, José Gilberto Scandiucci denying that this was some kind of far-leftist agenda.

    “This is a moderate initiative to confront a very radical reality.”

    The proposal forms part of the Seville Platform for Action, which is turbocharging voluntary actions to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – currently way off track for the 2030 deadline.

    G20 highlights ‘high worth’ factor

    It also follows the 2024 agreement by the G20 industrialised nations who met in Rio (Brazil) last year – the first international accord to commit to a joint tax agenda for high-net-worth individuals.

    A three-month work plan is now being drawn up with regular meetings planned to track progress. The goal – bring more countries, international organisations and civil society on board to push forward tax reforms targeting the ultra-rich.

    “If we want to effectively tax the super-rich, fight inequality and make our tax systems fairer and more progressive, we need political will – and we need to act within our means,” Mr. Gascón added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘The margins of the budget’: Gender equality in developing countries underfunded by $420 billion annually

    Source: United Nations 4

    “The money simply is not reaching the women and girls who need it most,” UN Women said in a news release issued on Monday.  

    This estimate comes in the midst of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development underway in Sevilla, Spain.

    There, world leaders are working to revitalize the international financing structure to better support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which is gender equality.  

    “We cannot close gender gaps with budgets that are lacking a gender lens … Gender equality must move from the margins of the budget lines to the heart of public policy,” said Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

    Move from promise to action

    In order to remedy this shortfall, UN Women said that the world needs a decade of targeted and consistent investment to end gender gaps and ensure that no one is left behind.

    This includes expanding gender-responsive budgeting which carefully tracks where funding is most needed and supporting programs which target those areas.

    Currently, three-fourths of countries do not have systems to track the allocation of public funds in relation to gender equality.  

    Specifically, investment in public care systems – such as child and elder care programmes – is essential to ensuring that women can enter the workforce.

    Overwhelmed by debt

    Additionally, UN Women called for urgent debt relief, citing that many countries are so burdened by debt financing that they cannot dedicate money to advancing gender equality.  

    In this vein, UN Women welcomed the Compromiso de Sevilla, the outcome of the Conference adopted by Member States, which lays out new commitments to development financing, including on promoting gender equality.

    Ms. Gumbonzvanda emphasised the need for governments to back the commitments they made in this document with real action.  

    “[Gender equality] takes money. It takes reform. And it takes leadership that sees women not as a cost, but as a future.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China voices support for Arab nations’ unity, development — premier

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo, Egypt, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    CAIRO, July 9 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Wednesday that China supports Arab countries in strengthening strategic autonomy, enhancing unity and self-reliance, and pursuing development paths suited to their own national conditions.

    During his meeting with Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Li said that China has always viewed and developed its relations with Arab nations from a strategic perspective and firmly supports their just cause.

    Noting that China and Arab countries are trustworthy friends and good partners, Li said that at present, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Arab countries, China-Arab relations have entered their best period in history.

    China is willing to strengthen friendly ties with the AL, enhance strategic mutual trust with Arab countries, deepen cooperation across various fields, work together to advance modernization, and build a higher-level China-Arab community with a shared future, he said.

    Li said that China is ready to further align its development strategies with Arab countries and proceed with their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

    He called on the two sides to expand cooperation in energy, economy and trade, investment and financing, as well as aerospace and other fields, and explore cooperation potential in emerging fields such as new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and blue economy.

    The Chinese side is also ready to work with Arab countries to promote the coordinated development of landmark flagship projects and “small but beautiful” projects to better benefit the people of both sides.

    Both sides, Li said, should enhance dialogue among civilizations and people-to-people exchanges, deepen cooperation among youth, think tanks, universities, as well as in culture and tourism, and explore the implementation of more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges, so as to boost people-to-people bonds.

    The Chinese side is ready to enhance communication and coordination with Arab countries on platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Group of 20, demonstrate the common will and speak in a common voice, so as to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, Li said.

    Li also expressed his hope that the AL will continue to play an important role in advancing the development of China-Arab relations and jointly ensure the second China-Arab States Summit next year a success.

    For his part, Aboul-Gheit said China is a good friend and good partner of Arab countries, adding that Arab-China relations enjoy a good momentum of development and practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results.

    He said the Arab side firmly supports the one-China principle, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi.

    Congratulating China on its remarkable development achievements, Aboul-Gheit said the Arab side is grateful for China’s support for the economic and social development of Arab states, and stands ready to work with China to deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and people-to-people ties under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

    The Arab side stands ready to work with China to continue to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and to jointly make the second summit a success, he said.

    Aboul-Gheit said the Arab side highly appreciates China’s consistent support for Arab states on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to jointly safeguard multilateralism and promote world peace and development.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo, Egypt, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Egypt should consistently facilitate two-way trade, investment, Chinese premier says

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

    China, Egypt should consistently facilitate two-way trade, investment, Chinese premier says

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly in Cairo, Egypt, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    CAIRO, July 9 — China and Egypt should consistently facilitate two-way trade and investment, strengthen industrial alignment and market connectivity, and push for a higher level of win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Wednesday.

    Li made the remarks when meeting with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly. Li is on an official visit to the Middle East country at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly.

    Although China and Egypt are geographically distant, the friendship between the two countries has a long-standing history, Li said.

    Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, no matter how the international situation changes, China-Egypt traditional friendship remains unchanged, and the momentum of bilateral relations and cooperation continues to grow, demonstrating strong internal dynamism, he said.

    China is willing to further promote traditional friendship with Egypt, enhance political mutual trust, firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, and continuously elevate bilateral relations to new heights and achieve more new results in bilateral cooperation, so as to better benefit the people of both countries, Li said.

    He also called on both sides to maintain friendly exchanges between legislative bodies, strengthen policy communication and share experiences on state governance, and continuously improve mutual understanding.

    Noting that China is willing to enhance development alignment with Egypt, Li said both sides should undertake high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and make use of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

    The two sides should cooperate in the sustainable operation of bilateral landmark projects, continuously improve the level of two-way trade and investment facilitation, strengthen industrial docking and market connectivity, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy and green development, and promote a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results, he said.

    China is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with Egypt within mechanisms including the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote all parties to jointly safeguard the basic norms governing international relations and the multilateral trading system, and inject more positive energy into the cause of global peace and development, Li said.

    For his part, Gebaly said that Egypt and China, as two great ancient civilizations, share a long history of exchanges and profound friendship between their peoples.

    Egypt admires the remarkable achievements China has made in its economic and social development, and firmly believes that under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will successfully realize Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for cooperation between China and other developing countries, Gebaly said.

    The Egyptian side adheres to the one-China principle, respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes interference in China’s internal affairs, he said.

    Gebaly said that Egypt stands ready to expand practical cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative framework in areas such as trade, investment and new energy, enhance multilateral coordination, uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and jointly address global challenges.

    The Egyptian House of Representatives is committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, he added.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly in Cairo, Egypt, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets BASF CEO

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

    Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Markus Kamieth, chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors, in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, July 9 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Markus Kamieth, chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors, in Beijing on Wednesday.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that despite a volatile external environment, China’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience and growth potential, with its super-sized market offering vast opportunities for foreign enterprises to develop in the country.

    Highlighting China’s steady progress in high-quality development and its implementation of more pragmatic opening-up measures, He welcomed BASF and other foreign-funded enterprises to seize these opportunities and further expand their investment and cooperation in China.

    Kamieth expressed strong confidence in China’s economic prospects and BASF’s commitment to expanding its Chinese operations, pledging to actively contribute to the sustained, healthy development of economic and trade relations between Germany and China, as well as between Europe and China.

    MIL OSI China News –