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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCED visits Singapore to foster closer trade and economic ties (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCED visits Singapore to foster closer trade and economic ties (with photos)
    SCED visits Singapore to foster closer trade and economic ties (with photos)
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         ​The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with senior officials and business leaders in Singapore to deepen trade and economic ties, and explore collaboration opportunities on his visit to the country.      ​Mr Yau started his three-day visit on September 22. Hong Kong and Singapore have long been enjoying close and cordial bilateral trade and economic relations. Singapore is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and largest partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states in merchandise trade. Singapore is also Hong Kong’s seventh-largest investor and sixth-largest destination of outward investment.      ​During the visit, Mr Yau met with representatives from major business chambers of Singapore, including the Singapore Business Federation, the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises of Singapore, the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry respectively to update them on Hong Kong’s latest development and measures on assisting enterprises in setting up businesses in Hong Kong. He also appealed to the Singaporean business sector to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages to explore the vast opportunities in the Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.      ​Meanwhile, Mr Yau had a lunch meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong, yesterday (September 23) to discuss various trade and economic issues and exchange views on the regional economic landscape. Mr Yau expressed gratitude to the support from Singapore for Hong Kong’s application for joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He noted that Hong Kong always treasures Singapore as a valuable economic partner both on its own and as a member of the ASEAN family. By joining the RCEP, Hong Kong can contribute to the wider and deeper economic co-operation and integration in the region.      ​Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Cao Zhongming, to update him on the latest situation of Hong Kong. He then had dinner with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and executives working in Singapore with a view to understanding their work and lives.      ​Mr Yau today (September 24) met with the Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board, Mr Png Cheong Boon, to learn about the latest developments of Singapore and exchange views on investment promotion. Mr Yau said he looked forward to further collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore in different areas with a view to fostering even closer relations between the two economies.      ​Mr Yau concluded his visit and will return to Hong Kong this evening.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by CE at 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (English only)
    Speech by CE at 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (English only)
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         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum today (September 24): Honourable Commissioner Hu Jinglin (Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration), Deputy Commissioner Wang Daoshu (Deputy Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration and Executive Secretary of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism Secretariat), Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), honourable ministers and senior officials from Belt and Road economies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      Good afternoon. Welcome to Hong Kong and the 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum.      I am grateful to the organisers, the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism, or BRITACOM – this year celebrating its fifth anniversary – and to our Inland Revenue Department. BRITACOM was created, in 2019, to promote tax administration co-operation among the widespread jurisdictions of the Belt and Road Initiative.      The Belt and Road Initiative, as you are well aware, was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013. As the Initiative ushers in its next golden decade, so has BRITACOM, a key co-operation mechanism that has facilitated people-to-people exchanges and promoted mutual understanding along the Belt and Road.      Today, BRITACOM counts 37 Council Members and more than 30 observers – including tax administrations and international organisations.      And this Forum, the annual international forum of BRITACOM, is a must-attend event. This year’s three-day gathering has attracted some 400 high-level representatives from nearly 30 jurisdictions. You are officials of tax administrations, tax specialists, academics and professionals from around the world.      This year’s theme – “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt and Road Development” – speaks clearly of today’s complex world and the heightened need for connectivity among us.      Hong Kong, China is honoured to host this year’s Forum and connect Belt and Road economies together in our global community of shared future. I am grateful for the State Taxation Administration’s support in our efforts.      Hong Kong plays an active role in the Belt and Road. And we are committed to the good work of BRITACOM, as a member tax administration of the mechanism.      Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong connects both the global advantage and the China advantage in a single city. As a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, we are a separate customs territory and practise an independent taxation system. We are a founding member of the World Trade Organization and participate in international organisations and trade agreements using the name “Hong Kong, China”.      As the only common law jurisdiction within China, our legal system in the business realm resembles that of most major international financial centres. Our robust legal system is backed by such long-standing institutional strengths as the free flow of information, capital, goods and people, low and simple tax system, and highly open and internationalised market. Together, they ensure our strategic role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.      It helps, and enormously, that Hong Kong is a trusted international centre for finance and trade. In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Hong Kong placed fifth, up two positions over last year’s ranking.       According to the Yearbook, we came first in the Asia-Pacific region in “tax policy” and second worldwide. And we topped the world in “international trade” and “business legislation”.      Crucial to Hong Kong’s development is our talent. As the only city in Asia that has as many as five universities in the world’s top 100, Hong Kong boasts a strong pool of multi-talented and hard-working professionals. That’s why in the latest World Talent Ranking, published last week also by the IMD, we ranked number nine in the world, rising visibly from 16 last year. We were among the global top five in the availability of finance skills, effectiveness of management education, and remuneration of management. I am proud of the achievement of our talent, and our city.      Hong Kong is a pivotal player in such national strategies as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. Indeed, just two weeks ago, we hosted our annual Belt and Road Summit, drawing some 6 000 high-profile individuals from about 70 countries and regions. The Summit, which next year turns 10, has been recognised by the Central Government as a key global gathering for advancing economic, trade and investment co-operation along the Belt and Road.       Economic globalisation, digitalisation and evolving business models demand a co-operative approach. By deepening collaboration, we can, working together, create an equitable, efficient and sustainable system that benefits us all.       Indeed, tax administration plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. Efficient tax systems provide the essential resources for the delivery of public services and infrastructure.       Hong Kong believes that transparent and fair tax policies could foster trust among investors, governments and taxpayers.      As a champion of free and multilateral trade, Hong Kong, I’m pleased to add, supports the co-ordinated efforts of the international tax community, actively engaging in initiatives designed to bring economies together.      We take pride in having signed 50 Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement since 2003. And more than 60 per cent of these agreements were signed with jurisdictions participating in the Belt and Road.       These agreements play a vital role in strengthening economic ties and promoting cross-border trade and investment. They enable closer tax co-operation between governments, aligning our practices with global standards.        We are, let me add, committed to expanding our tax treaty network, particularly with economies along the Belt and Road.       And I am pleased to announce that Hong Kong and Türkiye will sign a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement later at this Forum.      This milestone is another tangible illustration of Hong Kong’s determination to expand our tax treaty network. It also highlights our commitment to boosting ties and relations with Belt and Road economies.       Alongside our long-standing institutional strengths, we are increasingly employing technology to enhance taxpayer services and improve compliance.      And we are pleased to share our digital tax administration experience with Belt and Road jurisdictions – with each one of you. Much of tomorrow morning’s Forum, let me add, will focus on promoting the digitalisation of tax administration.       I am confident you will find this Forum instructive, inspiring and rewarding, whatever your sector, profession or interest.        I’m confident, too, that you will find Hong Kong equally rewarding over these next several days. This Forum is just one of more than 200 major events we’re hosting this year for visitors from around the world. I encourage you to make time to experience our dynamic culture and world-class entertainment, from daybreak deep into the night.      Hong Kong is fast rising as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That becomes abundantly clear in a visit to
    our West Kowloon Cultural District. One of the largest developments of its kind in the world, it’s home to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and its priceless treasures from the Beijing’s Forbidden City. Home, too, to M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual art. You’ll also want to take in the breathtaking views from Victoria Harbour and Ngong Ping 360, the thrilling cable car that connects Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, which is just a stone’s throw away from our event venue here.      This venue, AsiaWorld-Expo, is one of our key exhibition and convention venues. Its close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport, means you get to stay well-connected to our city while marvelling at the rapid development of the airport, whose Three-Runway System will be commissioned later this year.      More than a bustling airport, mountain vistas and stunning seaside villages, Hong Kong counts nearly 80 Michelin-star restaurants and neighbourhood pubs, diners and dim sum delights everywhere. We boast nine of Asia’s 50 best bars, including the top bar in the continent, and have two of the world’s 50 best hotels.      Wherever you look, there’s always something happening in Hong Kong, an energetic and welcoming world city.      Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the Forum and all that Hong Kong has to offer.       Thank you.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 16:05

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunmen who shot at four year old girl sentenced thanks to Met specialist teams

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men with affiliations to the Manor House street gang in Hackney have been jailed following an investigation by Met specialist officers.

    Jordan Shaw, 20, (25.10.2003) of Green Lanes was sentenced to twenty-one years for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.

    Joshua Fraser, 19, (21.1.2005) of King Edwards Road was sentenced to fourteen years for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit murder.

    Both Shaw and Fraser took part in a ‘ride out’ into opposition gang territory in the Shrubland Road, E8, area of Hackney where they shot at a car they thought belonged to a rival gang. However, the car belonged to a family with no connection to gang members, and a 13-year old boy and four-year old girl were inside at the time of the shooting. Fortunately, nobody was injured during the incident.

    Shaw was subsequently involved in a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, N16, in which three shots were fired towards a victim who sustained a single gunshot wound to the arm.

    The Met’s specialist firearms teams carried out round the clock investigations into Shaw and Fraser before arresting them at their home addresses on 31 May 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.

    The Met Police Specialist Crime units are working with borough colleagues to dismantle serious and organised crime groups that pose the greatest harm to London’s communities. Last year 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital, equal to more than one a day. Between April 2023 and March 2024 there was a reduction in the number of firearms offences from 196 to 145.

    Andrea Ireland, Detective Chief Inspector, Specialist Crime North, said:

    “Following exhaustive investigative enquiries by Specialist Crime Trident officers we have taken two extremely dangerous men off the streets. Our Specialist Crime Proactive teams also recovered the firearm used in the gang-related activity in Hackney and which was subsequently found to have been used in eleven previous discharges in London.

    “This vital work has no doubt had a significant impact in safeguarding our local community and securing justice for victims which included very young children.”

    The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.

    The Metropolitan Police Service is building a New Met for London which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and combat crimes including firearms offences. The Met’s response to firearms offences demonstrates our commitment to improving safety and security across the capital. Through prioritising community engagement and targeted interventions, the Met’s innovative approach represents a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for all Londoners.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Banks and financial institutions express support for expanding global production of fossil-free electricity from nuclear energy by 2050

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Banks and financial institutions express support for expanding global production of fossil-free electricity from nuclear energy by 2050 – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Climate and Enterprise

    Published

    Yesterday, 23 September, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch took part in a meeting between ministers and other high representatives of countries that backed a COP28 declaration on the need to triple production of nuclear energy by 2050. In conjunction with the meeting, global banks and financial institutions backed the countries’ ambition to increase production of electricity from nuclear energy.

    During the meeting, discussions touched on how to proceed from the declaration and how the countries could jointly realise this collaboration. Representatives of global banks and financial institutions took part in discussions on how to finance large-scale expansion. 

    “One of the greatest obstacles to the necessary expansion of nuclear energy is to secure financing. Governments, financial institutions and industry have critical roles to play in this endeavour. I am delighted by this decision, which attests to the shared view of nuclear energy’s importance among both governments and the financial sector,” says Ms Busch. 

    Countries that support the declaration

    Sweden, Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Background

    Interest for new nuclear energy is growing rapidly in many countries, including here in the EU. This applies both to countries that already have nuclear energy and those who had previously held a neutral or sceptical view of the technology. More and more countries are realising that everyone needs to secure fossil-free energy – both renewable and nuclear – to succeed in the green transition, strengthen competitiveness and achieve the climate goals. Major energy price increases following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have also illustrated the importance of democratic countries not being reliant on dictatorships.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: No RBA rate cut yet, but Governor Bullock is about to find the pressure overwhelming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    Who’d want to be Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock? On Tuesday she had to do the almost impossible: defend a decision not to cut interest rates at a time when they were being cut in just about every other major industrial nation.

    On Thursday the US Federal Reserve joined the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and central banks in China, Sweden and the European Union in what its officials expect to be a series of cuts, kicking off with a double-header: a cut of 0.50 percentage points instead of the usual 0.25.

    In her press conference after Tuesday’s board meeting Governor Bullock said disinflation was “further advanced” in those countries than it was in Australia.

    Australian interest rates were “restrictive” (high enough to hurt) but were working “broadly as anticipated”.

    While household spending was weaker than had been expected, it would be

    some time yet before inflation is sustainably in the target range.

    But the problem with what she said, both after the meeting and in her statement, is inflation is probably already within the target range.

    Credibility gap

    The Reserve Bank’s target is 2-3%. Inflation hasn’t been there since it surged in 2021 as much of the world came out of lockdowns.

    On Wednesday, the day after Bullock’s announcement, the Bureau of Statistics will release the monthly consumer price index for August. It’s expected to be the first to show inflation back between 2% and 3%.

    Westpac is expecting an annual rate of 2.7%, comfortably back within the target band. When the more-comprehensive quarterly measure is released next month, Westpac is expecting 2.9%.

    If inflation is 2.7%, how can it be too high?

    Bullock squares her view that inflation is not yet moving sustainably towards the target with the reality that it is probably already there by saying she expects it to “pop back up again” when the temporary effect of electricity bill rebates wears off.

    The Commonwealth government announced $3.5 billion worth of rebates in the May budget. They will be applied automatically to electricity bills for each of the next four quarters, and topped by several of the states. In Queensland, they amount to $1,300 per household.

    A staged rollout means the rebates hit bills in only Queensland and West Australia in July and will hit other states in August. The Bureau of Statistics says they took 6.4% off the average national power price in July and Westpac expects them to take off a further 15% in August.

    A permanent 10% increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth rent assistance delivered last week will put further downward pressure on inflation.

    It’s easy to see why Bullock thinks the temporary measures should be disregarded.

    The RBA says what matters is underlying inflation

    Bullock is directing attention to the Reserve Bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, a measure that excludes sharp movements and gives a better idea of where typical prices are heading.

    At 3.9% for the year to the June quarter, she says that measure is still too high. But it has been falling for each of the past six quarters and is on track to fall to 3.5% in the September quarter. By my way of thinking, that shows inflation is moving “sustainably towards the target range” in the way she says she wants.

    As in the US and the UK and New Zealand and all the other countries with which we compare ourselves, inflation doesn’t need to be actually back to the target before the authorities ease off on high interest rates. If they waited that long they would overshoot and push inflation too low.

    But headline inflation matters in its own right

    In any event, a low headline inflation rate is important in its own right, however it is achieved. It’s the rate the Reserve Bank prints at the top of its website, the rate that’s published in the media and the rate that people experience.

    If inflation is actually low, however that is brought about, shoppers become less tolerant of price rises (something the Reserve Bank says is happening) and less keen to demand high wage rises (something that is also happening).

    They also become less keen to rush out and buy things before their price goes up, something that can perpetuate high inflation.

    Right now we are doing everything but rushing out to push up prices.

    A briefing note prepared by the Australian Council of Social Service ahead of Tuesday’s Reserve Bank board meeting says real household disposable income per capita has fallen by almost 8% since inflation and interest rates began climbing, far more than in the US, the UK, Germany and Canada.

    Bullock is about to get more chances to cut

    There’s a chance the tax cuts that began in July will give spending a bit of a boost but much of whatever extra spending there is will be on imports, and the steadily climbing Australian dollar is making them cheaper by the day.

    The Australian dollar hit a new high for the year of 68.5 US cents on Tuesday on the back of a widening differential between US and Australian interest rates as the US cuts rates.

    Governor Bullock gets two more opportunities to cut rates this year, at the board meeting on Melbourne Cup Tuesday November 5 shortly after news of very low inflation in the September quarter, and on December 9 shortly after news of economic growth likely to show income per person going further backwards.

    There’s a fair chance she will take one of them.

    Peter Martin is Economics Editor of The Conversation.

    – ref. No RBA rate cut yet, but Governor Bullock is about to find the pressure overwhelming – https://theconversation.com/no-rba-rate-cut-yet-but-governor-bullock-is-about-to-find-the-pressure-overwhelming-239603

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Admiral Vandier takes command of Allied Command Transformation

    Source: NATO

    On 23 September 2024 in Norfolk, United States, Admiral Pierre Vandier succeeded General Philippe Lavigne as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, presided over the change of command ceremony.

    French Navy Admiral Vandier is the ninth Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. After joining the French Naval academy, he rapidly became a naval fighter pilot, performing numerous combat missions for almost two decades. He has commanded twice at sea, the frigate Surcouf and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Most recently he was Chief of the Naval Staff and then Vice Chief of defence.

    Admiral Bauer warmly welcomed Admiral Vandier and emphasised the importance of ACT in building the Alliance’s future: “ACT plays an invaluable role in ensuring that the Alliance safeguards the security and interests of its members against both the current threats and challenges we face today, as well as those that may arise in the future and beyond our present imagination. Allied Command Transformation is a symbol of NATO’s confident embrace of the future and its challenges.”

    Admiral Bauer highlighted the major successes of General Lavigne at the helm of ACT over the past three years. During his tenure at Allied Command Transformation, General Lavigne has overseen: 

    • the military integration of North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden;
    • the Multi Domain Operations concept, roadmap and implementation, supported by Digital Transformation and the continuum of experimentation & innovation;
    • the integration of the DDA family of Plans into the NATO Defence Planning Process;
    • the implementation of the Warfare Development Agenda;
    • and ACT’s work in developing all fields of innovation on which DIANA is able to grow.

    Admiral Bauer praised the leadership that General Lavigne has shown during this time: “With your keen intellect, strategic vision and infectious enthusiasm, you manage to make sure everybody who crosses your path wants to join your team. Nobody embodies the slogan “win as a team” like you do.”

    In his speech, Admiral Bauer stressed that in order to address modern defence challenges, Allies must rethink their approach to cooperation with the private sector. Moving away from a ‘just enough, just in time’ mindset, the Allies now need substantial stockpiles of weaponry and a decisive technological edge for deterrence. “In defending against near-peer adversaries, governments and the private sector must break the deadlock, fostering trust, long-term vision, and innovation. With our extensive reservoir of knowledge and creativity, I’m confident we can achieve this transformation”, stated Admiral Bauer.   

    At the ceremony, Admiral Vandier stated his vision for the command: “For all of us here, maintaining our military credibility calls for an extraordinary effort to modernize our training; aggregate new technologies; and invent new combat tactics that will give us operational superiority in a context of rapid global rearmament.” He continued by stressing that his “commitment, our collective commitment, is to provide the most efficient tools and procedures that will give them operational success in conflict and war.”
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Gebrüder Weiss opens second location in Greater Bucharest

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    New terminal in Popesti-Leordeni to optimize the delivery of goods in the metropolitan area / Logistics expert celebrates 30-year anniversary in Romania / 700 employees at 13 locations handle 1.1 million consignments per year

    Bucharest / Lauterach, September 24, 2024. The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has expanded its location network in Romania. South-east of Bucharest, in Popesti-Leordeni, the logistics provider has officially launched operations at a new terminal, following a major investment of 20 million euros.

    “The second location complements our existing facility west of the capital in Bolintin-Deal, thus facilitating an even more efficient distribution of goods in the metropolitan area. In this way, we offer first-rate conditions to provide even better logistics support to Romania’s emerging economy,” affirms Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss.

    The modern terminal has an area of around 19,000 square meters for warehouse logistics, transshipment, administration, and favorable transport connections to the Black Sea port of Constanta and neighboring Bulgaria. It is equipped with heat pumps, and the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system is under consideration for the future, along with charging stations for electric vehicles. One of the location’s customers is an international paint manufacturer, for whom Gebrüder Weiss stores 12,000 pallets for distribution across the country.

    “The increasing traffic load in the capital requires a two-terminal solution enabling us to supply the metropolitan area from two geographic directions, thus making the distribution of goods more efficient,” Country Manager Viorel Leca explains. In the first six months of 2024, the new hub handled 78,000 shipments with a total weight of more than 35,000 tons. “In light of our current warehouse occupancy rate of 70%, we are planning to expand our client portfolio in the near future. The purchased land, with a total area of 70,000 square meters, allows us to build additional storage and cross-dock spaces, depending on future projects”, Viorel Leca added.

    30th anniversary of Gebrüder Weiss Romania

    The opening of the new terminal coincides with Gebrüder Weiss celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of its entry into the market in Romania. Gebrüder Weiss operates a comprehensive network of 13 locations across the country’s key economic regions.

    “Over the past 30 years, Romania’s economic development has been impressive, and the country has become a sought-after manufacturing location. We are going to support the growth of industry and commerce in Romania with our logistics know-how into the future,” says Thomas Moser, Director and Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss.

    In the past year, 700 employees handled some 1.1 million shipments. Customers include international companies in the automotive, technology, and consumer goods sectors. From its Romanian locations, the logistics provider operates transports by truck to Germany, France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and handles air and sea freight transports to destinations all over the world.

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.46 billion euros in 2023. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kindergarten for 225 children to be built in Ostankinsky district

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A kindergarten will be built in the Ostankino district of the capital under the integrated territorial development program (ITD). The urban development plan for the land plot for the new facility is already ready. This was reported by Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of Moscow (Moskomarkhitektura).

    “A kindergarten for 225 children will appear in a modern residential area with developed social and commercial infrastructure. A plot of land for construction with an area of 0.72 hectares was allocated at the address: Godovikova Street, land plot No. 31/4. The kindergarten with a maximum area of 4.5 thousand square meters will complement the social infrastructure of the area,” said Yuliana Knyazhevskaya.

    The site is part of the integrated development project for part of the former industrial zone “Caliber”, which is being implemented by KRT operators.

    “The site reorganization project is designed for five years. In total, about 113 thousand square meters of various real estate are planned to be built on sites with a total area of more than nine hectares. Thus, more than 88 thousand square meters of housing will appear here for participants in the renovation program and other city needs. Various social and public-business facilities with a total area of about 25 thousand square meters will also be built, which will be located near residential buildings,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property

    Maxim Gaman.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 236 projects for integrated development of territories with a total area of more than 3.1 thousand hectares are at various stages of implementation in Moscow. The projects are being developed on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Previously Mayor of Moscow told on the development of social infrastructure in the North-Eastern Administrative District.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144364073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Training for armed forces recruits continues to improve but new pilots face delays

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ofsted has today published its 16th annual report on the effectiveness of care and welfare arrangements for recruits, trainees and officer cadets (OCdts).

    Training has continued to improve this year with no establishments found to be inadequate. 11 of the establishments visited were graded good or outstanding and one was found to require improvement.

    Read the full report: Welfare and duty of care in Armed Forces initial training 2023 to 2024

    In all but one establishment, recruits, trainees and OCdts benefited from excellent or good quality training and very effective care and welfare arrangements. This means that trainees are very well prepared for their next phase of training or to start their first military job.

    However, inspectors did find that trainees are spending too much time in holdover, which is where one training course has finished and another has yet to start. This is especially true for trainee pilots and aircrew – in the worst cases, trainee pilots are waiting several years to start their flying training. Trainees report that this delay affects not just their careers but their motivation and personal lives.

    Where trainees must wait to start their next phase of training, all services need to ensure that trainees are engaged in meaningful activities that maintains their morale while continuing to develop their military and specialist skills.

    As in previous years, inspectors continued to find problems with infrastructure and facilities. While improvements have been made the standard of trainee accommodation continues to be poor in some establishments.

    Ofsted has issued several recommendations for the MoD, including:

    • Urgently improve the infrastructure of the training estate, especially any accommodation where trainees are living in unacceptable and/or deteriorating conditions.

    • Minimise the time that trainees spend in holdover, especially trainee pilots and aircrew from all 3 services in flying training, so that they can complete their training as quickly and efficiently as possible and start their first military jobs.

    • Engage trainees in holdover in meaningful activities that maintain their morale and continue to develop their military and specialist skills and knowledge.

    • Give all new recruits uniform and equipment that fit them properly, including military backpacks and body armour, so that they can participate fully in training.

    Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver said:

    “I am delighted to present my first MoD welfare report as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, and I am impressed with the hard work and diligence that my inspectors have seen over the last year.

    “I congratulate commanding officers, and their staff. Military and civilian staff work hard to train and care for recruits, trainees and OCdts, sometimes despite poor infrastructure and resources.

    “I urge senior personnel in the Ministry of Defence and in government to respond swiftly and decisively to the recommendations we have made.”

    Notes

    Inspectors visited 11 initial training establishments, 5 University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) units (in a combined inspection) and the UOTC headquarters at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

    Press office

    8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Working while studying increases your salary and chances of success

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Working while studying increases the likelihood of employment after graduation by 19%, and salary by 14%. Every second student worked at least a month during their full-time studies. The greatest return comes from working in the last years of study, when students have the opportunity to start working in their specialty. These are the results reached by a team of authors with Faculty of Economic Sciences HSE.

    Combining work and study has become a mass phenomenon among students: more than 50% of students worked at least one month during their studies. They rightly believe that thanks to work experience they can become more competitive in the labor market and find a higher-paying position after graduation. If in the first year no more than 18% combined employment with study, then by the final year their share increased to 40%.

    Based on the total data of the Graduate Employment Monitoring of more than 200,000 full-time bachelor’s and specialist’s degree graduates in 2021, the authors drew conclusions about the trends in combining study and work in Russia and its effects on subsequent employment. It turned out that among those who graduated with honors, the share of part-time workers is slightly higher. Students from more prestigious and highly ranked universities also work more often: 59% versus 50% in less selective universities. Students whose specialty is related to mathematics, information technology, and natural sciences start working more often than others during their studies, while humanities students, on the contrary, are less likely to do so: 58% versus 47%.

    The probability of finding a job within a year after graduation was 19% higher for those who combined work and study. Moreover, the longer a student worked, the higher the chances: each additional month of experience increases the probability of employment by 1%. The salary of such graduates is also higher – by 14%, and each additional month of work experience increases it by 0.7%.

    Much more important was the combination of study and work in the 4th and 5th years. Part-time jobs at the beginning of studies have almost no effect on the probability of employment, and internships during the final year increase it by 26%. Students in the field of mathematics and computer science benefit most from such a combination. Their chances of finding a job are higher by another 10%, and for economists – by 4%. The university also has an effect: if a student of any specialty studies at a university that is in the highest positions in the ratings, then the probability of employment will be 21% higher.

    Authors of the article, Junior Researcher Labor Market Research Laboratories Ksenia Rozhkova, Head of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the Higher School of Economics, Sergey Roshchin, Head of the Laboratory, and Pavel Travkin, Senior Research Fellow, note that there is currently a restructuring of views on education. More and more students are moving from combining study with work to combining work with study. Gaining work experience is becoming their main goal, while academic performance is relegated to the background.

    “In our opinion, students are increasingly combining work with study because they care not only about income, but also about the experience and competencies they acquire. Such work allows them to enter a professional field. In contrast, universities often offer formal introductory practice, which does not involve the acquisition of any applied skills,” comments Ksenia Rozhkova. Since universities are interested in their graduates successfully finding employment, it would be useful to reconsider the approach to educational processes, strive to provide more practice-oriented skills, and collaborate with potential employers.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/scene/965622420.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: almost 2.3 thousand Muscovites became owners of new apartments in Mozhaisk district

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    About 2.3 thousand Muscovites have become owners of new apartments under the renovation program in the Mozhaisk district since the beginning of the year. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The largest number of right holders who have signed contracts for new apartments since the beginning of 2024 live in the Mozhaisk district – about 2.3 thousand city residents. In total, 4.3 thousand residents of 31 old houses in the district have completed the necessary documents for new apartments in nine new buildings,” said Maxim Gaman.

    This year, the top three leaders in terms of the number of title holders of new housing also included the Severnoye Izmailovo and Metrogorodok districts. There, over 1.7 thousand and over 1.4 thousand residents, respectively, have drawn up documents for apartments.

    Under the renovation program, city residents are provided with comfortable housing in modern areas with developed infrastructure instead of outdated housing stock.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told, that in September, 11 new buildings throughout the city will be handed over for occupancy under the renovation program.

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of over 47 thousand people was ensured.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential facilities in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found find out here.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144370073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China pledges joint efforts with ASEAN to build closer community with shared future: vice premier

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

    China pledges joint efforts with ASEAN to build closer community with shared future: vice premier

    NANNING, Sept. 24 — China is willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deepen practical cooperation and write a new chapter in building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said Tuesday.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the 21st China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    China and ASEAN enjoy a long history of friendly relations and are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Ding noted, adding that China and ASEAN have always been moving forward hand in hand, which has become the most successful and dynamic model of Asia-Pacific regional cooperation and a vivid example of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    China is advancing its efforts to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization, which will bring great opportunities to the world, Ding said.

    China will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy, deepen practical cooperation with ASEAN countries, and write a new chapter in building a closer China-ASEAN community of shared future, he added.

    Ding called on China and ASEAN countries to elevate strategic mutual trust to new heights. Efforts should be made to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, further synergize their development strategies, and strengthen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to better promote regional and global prosperity and stability, he said.

    He also called on China and ASEAN countries to advance open cooperation to a new level. Both sides should implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) with high quality, work for an early conclusion of the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA), steadily expand institutional opening-up, and build a more stable and smooth cross-border industrial and supply chain, he added.

    China and ASEAN countries need to foster a new pattern of all-round connectivity, Ding said, urging the two sides to jointly build the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor at a high level, and make solid progress in the development of important economic corridors and key projects.

    China and ASEAN countries should expand new areas of cooperation in science, technology and innovation, Ding said, adding that the two sides should jointly implement China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program, accelerate the construction of platforms such as joint laboratories, and ensure that more innovative achievements benefit the people of both sides.

    Ding also urged China and ASEAN countries to cultivate new highlights in mutual understanding and affinity among the people. Taking the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges as an opportunity, Ding said the two sides should further deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, training, youth, and solidify the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations.

    Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a video address. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Vietnam Ho Duc Phoc, as well as Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches successively.

    After the opening ceremony, Ding toured the exhibition hall and exchanged views with the heads of the exhibitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Additive technologies and new materials: prospects for the fuel and energy complex

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The technical session “Additive technologies and new materials in the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation” was held in the research building of Technopolis Polytech. The organizers were the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU together with PAO Gazprom.

    The event participants were greeted by the rector of the Polytechnic University Andrey Rudskoy and the head of the department of PJSC Gazprom Viktor Sharokhin.

    We are very grateful to Gazprom for the fact that Polytech became the venue for the first strategic session dedicated to the development of the additive technology industry. Round tables and discussions will take place today, which, I am sure, will open up new prospects for the use of additive technologies at enterprises of the fuel and energy complex. Without a doubt, this will make a significant contribution to ensuring the technological sovereignty of our country, – Andrey Ivanovich noted.

    It is already obvious that additive technologies can find wide application in the gas industry. However, before that, solutions to a number of issues of both technical and innovative nature must be found. One of the goals of today’s event is to establish a dialogue between the corporate sector, the scientific community and business to remove barriers to additive manufacturing, Viktor Yuryevich emphasized.

    The Semenov Conference Hall hosted a plenary session on Additive Technologies and New Materials, attended by representatives of universities, industry associations, engineering and manufacturing companies. Director of IMMiT and session moderator Anatoly Popovich outlined the topic of the meeting and invited experts to participate in the discussion.

    This year, for the first time, we organized a technical session dedicated to additive technologies and new materials. This is extremely important, since the role of advanced production methods in our industry opens up new horizons for cooperation between science and industry, Anatoly Anatolyevich is confident.

    The session participants discussed modern achievements in the development of additive technology methods and considered the areas of their application in the fuel and energy complex.

    The exhibition display in the lobby of the Technopolis Polytech research building, where employees of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU presented their developments, aroused great interest.

    The session also included two round tables: “Practical aspects of the application of additive technologies” and “Scientific and technical aspects of the application of additive technologies”.

    At the IMMiT production center, research staff presented guests with production capacities and equipment in the field of additive manufacturing.

    The event ended with a tour of the research laboratory “Laser and Additive Technologies”. Its head Mikhail Kuznetsov showed the session participants the production facilities of the division.

    Photo archive

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/additive-technologies-and-new-materials-prospects-for-fuel-energy-complex/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Quarterly Housing Statistics in the year to end of June 2024

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

    There was a 17% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and completions between 2023 and 2024 (year ending June).

    In the 12 months ending June 2024, there were 19,293 homes built and 15,296 new builds started. All sector completions and starts were 17% lower than the previous 12 months.

    The private sector built 14,240 homes and the social sector built 5,053 homes. In terms of starts, building work on 11,795 was started by the private sector and 3,501 homes by the social sector.

    Excluding 2020 (where Covid-19 impacted housebuilding) completions were the lowest since the year to end of June 2018 and starts the lowest since the year to end of June 2013 in both the social and private sector.

    In terms of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, in the year to the end of June 2024, there were 6,966 approvals, 6,422 starts, and 9,295 completions of affordable homes. The number of completions and starts were down by 14% (-1,556 homes) and 10% (-734 homes) respectively compared to the year to end June 2023. However, approvals increased by 15% (+906) between 2023 and 2024 (year ending June).

    These statistics are used to inform progress against Scottish Government affordable housing delivery target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% will be in rural and island communities. By June 2024, 22,743 affordable homes have been completed towards the target. These completions consist of 17,289 (76%) homes for social rent, 3,219 (14%) for affordable rent, and 2,235 (10%) for affordable home ownership.

    Background

    Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update

    Background information including Excel tables and explanatory information on data sources and quality can be found in the Housing Statistics webpages.

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Justice Social Work Statistics: 2023-24

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    The Chief Statistician has released part 1 of the 2023-24 justice social work statistics. This includes information on justice social work services, as well as characteristics of the people involved. Part 2 will be published in early 2025.

    The number of diversion from prosecution cases commenced rose by 28 per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 from 2,600 to 3,400. This was the highest level in the last ten years.

    The number of bail supervision cases rose by 17 per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 to 1,300. This was the highest in the last ten years.

    There were 1,400 structured deferred sentences imposed in 2023-24. This was eight per cent more than in 2022-23 and the highest in the last six years.

    There were 1,100 statutory custody-based throughcare cases commenced in 2023-24, 18 per cent up on 940 in 2022-23. This was the highest in the last ten years.

    The number of statutory community-based throughcare cases commenced was 870 in 2023-24, three per cent down on 890 in 2022-23. This was the 2nd lowest level in the last ten years.

    Background

     Full statistical publication. Full statistical publication

    Accredited official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

     Justice social work statistics has been split into two parts for the first time this year. The splitting of the publication allows the reporting of part of the annual data collection to be provided to users about four months earlier.

     This part 1 publication provides statistics on the following areas of justice social work:

    • – Diversion from prosecution
    • – Fiscal work orders
    • – Bail supervision
    • – Structured deferred sentences
    • – Statutory/voluntary throughcare
    • – Pre-release reports
    • – Home detention curfew assessments
    • – Court-based services

    Information is provided for 2023-24 and, where possible, for the years back to 2014-15, in order to show trends over the last ten years. Tables at local authority area level, which have been updated to include 2023-24, have also been published. For part 1 topics, these tables contain ten years of data.

    The trend data supplied in the publication was impacted by the Coronavirus (Covid) pandemic. There were significant public health measures, including two national lockdowns, in place during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 recording years. For example, many courts were temporarily closed early in 2020-21 and there was reduced capacity when courts reopened. This means that statistics for most areas of justice social work were impacted in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Caution is advised in comparing data from these two years with other years.

    Further statistics on Justice Social Work

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homelessness Statistics, 2023-24

    Source: Scottish Government

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

    An annual update on Homelessness Statistics covering 2023-24 has been released today.

    Findings for that period show:

    • There were 40,685 homelessness applications. An increase of 1,377 (4%) compared to 2022-23, and the highest since 2011-12.
    • There were 33,619 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. An increase of 1,088 (3%) compared to 2022-23, and the highest since 2011-12.
    • There were 31,870 live applications as at 31 March 2024. This compares to 29,408 at March 2023, and is the highest in the time series.
    • There were 16,330 households in temporary accommodation at 31 March 2024. This is 9% higher than 15,039 at 31 March 2023, and the highest in the time series.
    • The number of children in temporary accommodation is also the highest in the series, increasing to 10,110 from 9,595 (5%) between March 2023 and 2024.
    • The number of households reporting rough sleeping the night before application has increased from 1,493 to 1,916 and in the three months prior from 2,425 to 2,931.
    • The average time spent in temporary accommodation for cases that closed in 2023-24 was 226 days. This is one day higher than 2022-23. This compares to 292 days on average for cases that are still open.
    • 83% of households assessed as unintentionally homeless secured settled accommodation in 2023-24, the same as 2022-23.
    • The average length of time to close a homelessness case was 278 days for cases that closed in 2023-24. This is 11 days longer compared to 2022-23.
    • 58% of main applicants were male. This is the joint highest proportion along with 2020-21.
    • 79% of main applications were of a White ethnicity. This is the lowest proportion in the time series.

    Background

    The full statistical publication is available on our website.

    The Homelessness in Scotland: 2023-24 publication presents information on local authority homelessness applications, assessments and outcomes in the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, and places it in the context of longer term trends. It also provides data on the number of households in temporary accommodation throughout the same period.

    Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland is on the Scottish Government website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help shape Edinburgh’s final visitor levy scheme

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Capital residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on the final plans to raise over £100 million by 2030 from tourism to support the city of Edinburgh.

    Launching immediately after the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force – which grants Scottish councils the authority to introduce a levy on overnight stays within their regions – the Council started a formal 12-week consultation on its draft visitor levy scheme.

    Building on extensive engagement which has taken place over many years, views are encouraged on various aspects of Edinburgh’s latest draft scheme, including:

    • The planned levy rate of 5% on overnight stays for a maximum of seven nights
    • The types of accommodation that will be liable for the levy
    • How the money raised should be used to improve the city
    • Exemptions to the levy.

    Further engagement will also take place, including public drop-ins, open sessions for businesses in the visitor economy industry and accommodation providers, as well as targeted meetings with various stakeholders and industry groups.

    Councillors will consider all of the feedback from this consultation before deciding in early 2025 to adopt or amend the scheme, with the proposed levy set to take effect from 24 July 2026, or around this date, subject to Council approval.

    The public consultation is open now and will remain available until Sunday 15 December. To participate and make your voice heard, please visit the consultation website.

    Council Leader Cammy Day said:

    With the potential to raise tens of millions of pounds a year once it’s established, a visitor levy for Edinburgh presents a huge opportunity for us to invest sustainably in maintaining and developing the things that make our city such a great place to visit – and live in – all year round.

    This is a once in a lifetime chance for our city to harness its global visitor appeal. Funds raised could go towards supporting vital services such as keeping the city clean and green, preserving some of our incredible heritage sites as well as supporting businesses in the visitor economy industry.

    We already know from the huge amount of engagement we’ve previously carried out that the introduction of a levy has overwhelming support here in Edinburgh. All this engagement work has helped us to shape the scheme we have in front of us today and I’m grateful to the thousands of people who have been involved to date.

    We’ll be continuing to engage with industry, and stakeholders, in the coming weeks and months. Please make sure you engage with us and take this chance to have your final say.”

    For further information on a Visitor Levy for Edinburgh, including a report detailing the full draft scheme, please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage.

    Published: September 24th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dinosaur Trail to roar into city centre

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen’s city centre is to transform into a brick-filled dinosaur adventure this October.  

    Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail will be a two-week event from 12th to 27th October that will see an exciting new free family-fun trail located throughout the city centre with free parking available in two city centre car parks. 

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “This is a fantastic event to look forward to during the school holidays and will be a great family day out. 

    “I would encourage everyone to take part in this fun new trail, and also to take the time to visit all the local businesses across the city centre.”

    Education and Children’s Services Convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “The dinosaur activity is a great opportunity for children to have fun together and to find out more about the natural world. 

    “Dinosaurs are favourite animals for many young people and the trail will be an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.” 

    Visitors and locals will be able to discover 18 brick dinosaur models located in various city centre businesses , including a Stegosaurus, Triceratops and adorable baby dinosaurs. 

    Participants will be able to get an insight into how each the model is made and learn more about each creation, including how many bricks were used to build the model and information on each dinosaur. 

    Also available will be the Hidden Lego Minifigurine Competition, where small Lego figurines have been hidden in ten shop windows around the Upperkirkgate and Belmont Street area for people of all ages to find in a treasure-hunt style challenge. 

    Once each minifigure is found, there is an opportunity to enter a prize draw to win an Aberdeen Gift Card worth £20. 

    Additional activities will be available throughout the October Holidays that will offer fun activities in various locations across the city that all ages can get involved with, including LEGO sessions, bookbug and animation.

    The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail has received £30,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Free weekend parking in the Denburn and Frederick Street car parks will be available throughout the October holidays and the first weekend in November. Parking for £1 will be available after 5pm at Virigina Street, the Gallowgate, Frederick Street, Summer Street, Chapel Street, West North Street and the Denburn. Normal charging rates will resume from 8am.  

    For more information on the event and travelling into the city centre, visit our website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proposed City Centre West Regeneration Masterplan Unveiled

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    As well as delivering up to 1,000 new homes, including affordable homes, the masterplan will showcase options for phase one of the scheme – an enhanced Market Square with green spaces.

    During the course of the masterplan, opportunities for new shops, cafes, and restaurants will also be included, with potential for outdoor seating.

    The Council and ECF have entered into a Development Agreement to bring forward proposals for City Centre West, which features prominently in the Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus and the City Centre Local Area Action Plan.

    The release of the masterplan follows an initial period of engagement in July, which helped finalise the vision. The sessions, where residents will be able to view the masterplan in detail and ask questions of the team, have also been arranged:

    • Saturday 28 September – 1pm to 4pm, The Way Youth Centre, School Street
    • Wednesday 2 October – 12 to 7pm, Urban Room, 18 Queen Square

    Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills, at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “The proposed masterplan is the result of significant collaboration between ECF and the Council, but also residents who have offered their perspectives on the opportunities ahead.

    “City Centre West is an opportunity to put people at the heart of the city with new homes, shops, cafes or restaurants.

    “The vision and masterplan could be truly transformational for Wolverhampton, so I encourage people to continue to engage and share their views.”

    Basit Ali, Development Director – Midlands at Muse, development partner in ECF, added: “Our initial engagement sessions in July were extremely helpful as we finalised our masterplan and vision.

    “We heard very clearly that people wanted something which attracts people into the city centre and creates a vibrant and exciting place to spend time. That feedback has helped steer and guide our approach.

    “By delivering new homes at a transformational scale, and curating a new city centre neighbourhood, we can boost the economy and create real opportunity for established and new communities.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong rose to third place globally in Global Financial Centres Index

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong ranked third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 36 Report published today (September 24) by Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen, moving up one place from the March issue of the index this year. Hong Kong also ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region. The overall rating increased by eight points, the largest improvement among the top five financial centres.
     
    ​     A Government spokesman said, “The report clearly affirms Hong Kong’s status and strengths as a leading global financial centre. Hong Kong’s scores were rated among the top in various areas of competitiveness, including ‘business environment’, ‘human capital’, ‘infrastructure’, and ‘reputational and general’. Hong Kong’s rankings in various financial industry sectors also rose significantly, including ‘investment management’, ‘insurance’, ‘banking’ and ‘professional services’. Among them, the ranking in ‘investment management’ advanced to first globally. In addition, the report assessed the financial centres’ fintech offerings, and Hong Kong’s ranking rose five places to ninth, making it among the top 10 fintech hubs.”
     
    ​     Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business is booming, with assets under management growing by about 2 per cent from the previous year to more than HK$31 trillion in end-2023. Net fund inflows reached HK$390 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of over 3.4 times. The development of the family office business in Hong Kong continues to gain momentum. The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has continued to receive overwhelming response since its launch in March, with more than 550 applications received so far. It is expected to bring in more than HK$16.5 billion in investments to Hong Kong.
     
    ​     The spokesman added, “As an international financial centre, Hong Kong brings together the world’s top financial institutions and talent, provides professional financial services, and owns a deep and broad capital market. Our regulatory system aligns with those of major overseas markets, with the free flow of information and capital. Under ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong’s unique position of having the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world empowers us to fully leverage our role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’.
     
    ​     “The Government will continue to actively understand, respond to and embrace changes to promote the high-quality development of the financial sector. In the stock market, we are proactively enhancing its breadth and depth as well as boosting market efficiency and competitiveness, including establishing the listing regime for specialist technology companies, reforming GEM, maintaining trading under severe weather, facilitating share buyback and introducing the new treasury share regime, and further attracting listing. We are also endeavouring to deepen financial mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong so as to further strengthen Hong Kong’s role in connecting the Mainland and international capital markets. Measures include expanding the eligible scope of exchange-traded funds under Stock Connect, and taking forward a series of enhancements to Swap Connect. Regarding green finance, Hong Kong is working on the full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) for sustainability reporting. We also seek to create healthy and suitable conditions for the development of virtual assets (VA) by improving the regulatory framework with the proposed licensing regimes for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers and VA over-the-counter service providers, so as to promote the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s Web3 ecosystem. We are also strengthening the nurture of talent in various financial fields through launching a series of internship and training schemes, with a view to building a sustainable talent pool for the financial sector in Hong Kong.”
     
    ​     The GFCI Report is released in March and September every year since 2007. In GFCI 36, 121 financial centres were assessed, and Hong Kong ranked third globally with an overall rating of 749.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 6 building plans approved in July

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Buildings Department approved six building plans in July – two in Kowloon and four in the New Territories.

    Of the approved plans, two were for apartment and apartment-commercial developments, one was for commercial development, and three were for community services developments.

    Consent was given for works to start on eight building projects which, when completed, will provide 49,388 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use involving 608 units, and 31,424 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

    Additionally, the department received notification of commencement of superstructure works for four building projects.

    It also issued 15 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.

    The buildings certified for occupation comprise 91,964 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 2,209 units, and 36,644 sq m for non-domestic use.

    Meanwhile, the department received 3,311 reports about unauthorised building works in July and issued 659 removal orders.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Towards a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Ministers of Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia gave a joint statement on the protection of humanitarian personnel.

    Statement by Foreign Ministers of Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia:

    Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia, today announced the formation of a Ministerial Group for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, dedicated to upholding and championing international humanitarian law and driving action to protect humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.

    International humanitarian law is the foundation for alleviating human suffering in wars. It limits the effects of armed conflict and regulates the conduct of hostilities. It provides for the protection of civilians, including the protection and respect of humanitarian personnel who assist and protect the victims of armed conflict, and notably provide the food, water and medical care that civilians in conflict zones need to survive.

    But respect for international humanitarian law is severely undermined, with consequences for current and future conflicts. Calls for compliance are not being heard.

    2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with 280 killed and hundreds more wounded and kidnapped. 2024 is on track to be even worse.

    This year alone, we have seen humanitarian personnel killed in Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and many other contexts. Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker, with over 300 humanitarian personnel killed since the start of the war.

    In forming this Ministerial Group, and in partnership with humanitarian organisations, we rededicate ourselves to the protection of humanitarian personnel. We stand together, seizing the momentum created by the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2730 in May 2024, to strengthen international commitment and translate it into action, to reverse current trends.

    The Ministerial Group has decided to pursue a Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

    The Declaration will be developed over the coming months, and will demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect humanitarian personnel and to channel that commitment into action in all current and future conflicts. All countries will be invited to join the Declaration.

    The Declaration will support the United Nations Secretary-General in his endeavours to improve the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, including in accordance with UNSCR 2730.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/INDONESIA – Appointment of the new director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for the first evangelization and the new particular Churches), on 5 September 2024, appointed Rev. Fr. Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan SX, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Indonesia for five years. The new director of the Indonesian PMS was born in 1979 and carried out his novitiate and first religious vows with the Xaverian missionaries in Jakarta. He was ordained a priest in 2009 and studied philosophy and theology, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in theology and a license in spirituality. He studied Italian language and culture in Parma, Spanish language in Madrid and English language in Glasgow. He was vice rector of the pre-novitiate of the Xaverian missionaries in Jakarta (2011-2023), assistant parish priest in the parish of St. Matius Penginjil in Bintaro (Jakarta) where he also served as a religion teacher in a state institute (2013-2015); a theology teacher at the STF Driyarkara in Jakarta, he was a member of the formation commission of the Xaverian missionaries of Indonesia (2012-2016). A teacher in biblical institutions in Indonesia and vice rector of the philosophy studentate at the Xaverian missionaries in Jakarta (2015-2016), he was director of animation and missionary vocation of the Xaverian missionaries in Yogyakarta (2016-2021). In 2021 he held the role of rector of the Domus San Francesco Saverio in Padang (Central Sumatra). From 2022 to 2024 he was responsible for the commission for the youth of the diocese of Padang and diocesan director of the PMS of the same diocese; he was also vice parish priest of the parish of San Francesco d’Assisi in Padangbaru (Central Sumatra) and formator of the Minor Seminary “Maria Nirmala” in Padang. (EG) (Agenzia Fides 24/09/2024) Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Good Employer Charter 2024 Presentation Ceremony and Good Employee Recognition Campaign Kick-off Ceremony held today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Good Employer Charter 2024 Presentation Ceremony and Good Employee Recognition Campaign Kick-off Ceremony held today
    Good Employer Charter 2024 Presentation Ceremony and Good Employee Recognition Campaign Kick-off Ceremony held today
    ******************************************************************************************

          The Labour Department (LD) held the Good Employer Charter 2024 (Charter 2024) Presentation Ceremony and the Good Employee Recognition Campaign Kick-off Ceremony today (September 24), commending all good employers while launching the Good Employee Recognition Campaign.       Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, expressed gratitude to every good employer for implementing flexible work arrangements and offering assistance to employees to enable them to balance the needs of work and personal lives, which are conducive to unleashing the potential of the local labour force.      Various sectors have supported the Charter 2024, with a total of 1 596 organisations being accredited as signatories, representing an increase of nearly 70 per cent from the previous term. Among them, 1 002 organisations are authorised to use the “Supportive Family-friendly Good Employer” logo which symbolises a commitment to promoting a family-friendly employment culture. Moreover, 318 organisations have been signatories for three consecutive terms with consistent good human resource management practices in place. Representatives from three signatories of the Charter 2024 shared their successful experiences in carrying out good human resource management and family-friendly employment practices at the event today.       In furtherance of the Charter 2024, the LD launched for the first time the Good Employee Recognition Campaign to encourage participating signatories to nominate their employees to join the Campaign to express their gratitude and recognition for their contributions. Good employees can be measured in the following five key aspects, namely work ability, attitude to clients, adaptability, team spirit, and a sense of belonging to the organisation. Nominated employees or teams being accredited by the panel of judges will each be awarded the Good Employee Commendation Certificate and a lapel pin to recognise their outstanding performances and contributions to the organisations.      The Presentation Ceremony and the Kick-off Ceremony is one of the signature events in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Mr Sun said that the current-term Government attached great importance to improving employees’ benefits, promoting employment, and protecting the occupational safety and health of employees. He hoped that different groups in society would continue to support the government-led Charter and the Good Employee Recognition Campaign, and work together closely to foster win-win labour relations as well as a harmonious and inclusive community.      The LD has published a newspaper supplement introducing the Charter 2024 and the Good Employee Recognition Campaign as well as major initiatives of the current-term Government to improve employees’ rights and benefits. For details of Charter 2024 and the Good Employee Recognition Campaign, please visit the website: www.gec.labour.gov.hk.     The Good Employer Charter has come to its third round since it was first awarded in 2018, and is supported by eight organisations, namely the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong; the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong; the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business; the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association. The aforementioned organisations, together with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, are supporting organisations of the Good Employee Recognition Campaign. 

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s Biggest Festive Sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’ is back with Never-seen Before Deals & Offers on Smartphones, Digital Appliances, Smart Televisions, Monitors, Tablets & More

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest customer electronics brand, today announced its biggest festive sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’ starting 26th September, offering exciting deals and cashback on Galaxy smartphones, tablets, laptops, accessories, wearables, smart televisions, digital appliances and smart monitors. These never-before offers will be available on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Exclusive Stores.
     
    Buy More Save More
    At heart of this festive sale will be Buy More Save More, where customers can avail an additional up to 5% discount when purchasing two or more products. This offer is only applicable on select smartphones, wearables, smart televisions and digital appliances while purchasing through Samsung.com or Samsung Shop App.
     
    As part of Buy More Save More, Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold6 can get Galaxy Buds FE at just ₹ 1249 in addition to all other applicable offers. Similarly, those buying the Galaxy Book4 can get a FHD Flat Monitor at just ₹ 1920. There are also a host of other products at no extra cost such as convection microwave when customer purchases the BESPOKE Family Hub Fridge & a Q-Symphony Soundbar when customers purchase the Neo QLED 8K Smart Television.
    Samsung’s commitment of delivering more value is what’s sets Fab Grab Fest apart. Beyond price discounts, bank cashback offers and exchange deals, ‘Buy More, Save More’ ensures that Samsung.com customers get a little extra for every purchase, whether it is smartphones, accessories, smart televisions or digital appliances.
     
    Fab Grab Fest will not only offer best prices but also unmatched value through Samsung’s trusted Direct-to Consumer channels. Alongside special deals, customers can be assured of the quality, authenticity, and product availability.
     
    During ‘Fab Grab Fest’, consumers can get up to 53% off on select models of the Galaxy Z series, Galaxy S series, and Galaxy A series smartphones. Select models of Galaxy Book4 series laptops will be available at a discount of up to 27% off, while specific models of Tab A9 and Tab S9 series, Buds3 Series, Galaxy Watch Series will have up to 74% off.
     
    The offers extend beyond smartphones with up to 43% off on Samsung Smart Televisions – Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, QLED, The Frame and  Crystal 4K UHD, The Freestyle projector. Additionally, customers purchasing select 55-inch and above models will be able to get their  hands on a free Samsung Smart Television or Soundbar. During this festive sale, Samsung will also extend a three- years Comprehensive Warranty for free on select 32″ and above Smart Televisions.
     
    Samsung’s monitors will be available at up to 67% off. Additionally, select smart and gaming monitors can fetch instant cart discount of up to ₹ 10000.
     
    The excitement doesn’t end here, Customers can get up to 39% off on a wide range of premium appliances such as Side by Side and French Door Refrigerators. They will also get a 20-year warranty on Digital Inverter Compressors. Front Load and Top Load washing machines of 8Kg and above capacity will have up to 28% off and 20 years warranty on Digital Inverter motor. There will also be an instant cart discount of up to ₹ 2000 on select 9Kg Fully Automatic Front Loading washing machines.
     
    Cashback on with ICICI, HDFC and SBI and other leading banks
     
    Consumers can enjoy up to 40% cashback (up to ₹ 15000) on select smartphones, tablets, wearables, and laptops when using debit and credit cards from ICICI, HDFC, and other leading banks during the Fab Grab Fest.
     
    Additionally, for purchases of select smart televisions and digital appliances customers can avail up to 22.5% cashback (up to ₹ 25000) when using debit or credit cards from ICICI, HDFC, SBI and other leading banks as part of the Fab Grab Fest offers.
    Fab Grab Fest Offers
    Products / Category
    Consumer Offer
    Highlight Models
    Smartphones
    Up to 53% off
    Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, Galaxy M35 5G, Galaxy M15 5G, Galaxy F55 5G
    Laptops
    Up to 27% off
    Galaxy Book4 Pro 360, Galaxy Book4 Pro, Galaxy Book4 360, Galaxy Book4
    Tablets, Accessories & Wearables
    Up to 74% off
    Galaxy Tab S10 Series, Galaxy Tab S9 Series, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab A9+, Galaxy Tab A9, Galaxy Watch7 Series, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Fit3
    TVs
    Up to 43% off
    Special Offer: Free Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, Crystal 4K UHD TVs and Soundbars*
    3 Years Comprehensive Warranty^
    Neo QLED 8K, QLED, The Frame, Crystal 4K UHD, The Freestyle
    *Select 55″ & above TVs
    ^Select 32″ and above TVs
    Refrigerators
    Up to 39% off
    20 Years warranty on Digital Inverter Compressor
    Get Instant Cart Discount of up to ₹ 5000**
    Starting EMI : ₹ 3990 /mo. for French Door Refrigerators & Side by Side RefrigeratorsSpecial Offer :  – Buy Side by Side or French Door Refrigerators and get one year extended warranty at ₹ 449~
    All Side by Side and French Door Refrigerators
    **Select Side by Side refrigerators
    ~ Select Side by Side & French Door refrigerators (RF87 / RF90)
    Washing Machines
    Up to 28% off
    20 years warranty on Digital Inverter motor
    Fully Automatic Front Loading: Starting EMI ₹ 1990
    Fully Automatic Top Loading: Starting EMI ₹ 990
    Get instant cart discount of up to ₹2000^^^
    All Front Load >= 8Kg | Top Load > =8Kg washing machines
    ^^^ Select 9Kg Fully Automatic Front Loading models
    Microwaves
    Up to 31% off
    10-year warranty on Ceramic Enamel Cavity
    Get Instant Cart Discount of up to ₹ 500~~
    All Microwaves
    ~~ Select 28L Convection microwave ovens
    Monitors
    Up to 67% off
    Get instant cart discount of up to ₹ 10000***
    All Monitors
    ***Select Smart and Gaming monitors
    Bank Cashback
    Up to 40% cashback with ICICI, HDFC,  and other leading bank debit and credit cards (Up to ₹ 15000) ##
    Up to 22.5% cashback with ICICI, HDFC, SBI and other leading bank cards (Up to ₹ 25000)^^
    ## Smartphones, tablets, wearables, and laptops.
    ^^ Select TVs & Digital Appliances
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: National team marks six years of disrupting County Lines

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    A national team set-up to tackle the threat of county lines is marking six years since its inception.

    The National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is funded by the Home Office with the aim of co-ordinating national law enforcement activity across England and Wales, increasing intelligence on the county lines threat, and informing national policy development and best practice.

    Set up in 2018 the NCLCC has developed the national intelligence picture for County Lines and helped police forces to report and identify the threat of County Lines within their own policing areas and further afield. This work continues and supports the new Safer Streets mission.

    With the scale and nature of this cross-border crime, NCLCC acts as the central body for County Lines and co-ordinates the national law enforcement response and best practice.

    Every policing region in England and Wales has a dedicated NCLCC Co-ordinator and analytical resource to measure this threat and access to the Continuous Improvement Team to support with their force response to County Lines. In addition, there is a programme funded Co-ordinator in Scotland, recognising the lines from England that impact this part of the UK.

    Key successes of the NCLCC include:

    • Co-ordinating 13 County Lines Intensification Weeks since 2018. The Intensification Weeks support police forces across the country close drugs lines, arrest criminals and protect children and vulnerable adults from exploitation. To date, 5,627 lines have been closed, more than 16,500 people arrested and 8,800 individuals safeguarded.
    • Increasing the understanding, intelligence picture and law enforcement response on the threat of County Lines, including annual strategic assessments.
    • Delivering interactive County Lines training and learning to more than 3,200 police officers and 870 statutory partners since 2020. The training, using Hydra technology, places delegates at the centre of a simulated County Lines investigation and explores the complex nature of an investigation, from the characteristics of the County Lines business model to the way vulnerable people are groomed and exploited. The training has provided a greater understanding of criminal exploitation and the importance of a multi-agency response.
    • Partnering with the Ivison Trust (formerly PACE) and Barnardo’s in 2022 to develop a parent and carers webinar. Attended by more than 3,400 people, the webinars help parents and carers understand what County Lines is and the signs their child might be being exploited. One attendee commented: “This is one of the most powerful sessions I have ever attended as a professional and parent. I can’t tell you how powerful this is, and I hope more parents can hear this.”
    • Launching the NCLCC Power app, a central resource for County Lines knowledge and guidance in September 2023. The app includes information around safeguarding, use of ANPR, Modern Slavery, custody procedures, engaging with partners and more.
    • Publishing the first County Lines Policing Strategy (2024-2027) to provide a framework for forces to respond to all aspects of this crime type. The plan sets out what the NCLCC will do next and how it will continue to work with forces to disrupt County Lines.

    Commander Paul Brogden, NPCC lead for County Lines, said: “Tackling County Lines drug dealing remains a strategic priority for policing across England and Wales.

    “Six years in, the NCLCC has co-ordinated the national law enforcement response to County Lines, and allowed for best practice, experience, and knowledge to be shared across the country. This has led to significant successes – including more than 5,600 drug lines closed, 8,000 people charged, hundreds of weapons recovered, and large quantities of drugs seized. Crime prevention sits at the heart of our approach and forces have referred more than 8,000 young and vulnerable people to safeguarding services.

    “Through gathering intelligence, we now understand the nature, scale, and threat of County Lines better, which has helped forces work together, across borders, to tackle this issue.

    “But we know there is much more still to do. The County Lines Policing Strategy sets out the national plan for next three years and builds on the successes we have already seen, while ensuring that forces adopt a prevention-first approach to break the cycle of serious organised crime.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our County Lines Task Forces, Regional Co-ordinators, Analysts, NCLCC central teams and the staff from all police forces across England and Wales, including our key partners, for their ongoing hard work, dedication, and exceptional results. 

    “County lines drug dealing has a devastating effect on communities, so we are committed to put an end to this business model and the criminal offending of those involved in exploitation and violence often associated with it.”

    Lindsay Dalton, CEO of Ivison Trust said:

    “Congratulations to the National County Lines Coordination Centre on six years of unwavering commitment to tackling child exploitation and safeguarding vulnerable children across the country. 

    “It’s been a privilege to have partnered with the NCLCC since 2022, working collaboratively to deliver essential early intervention support to families affected by child exploitation. This vital work not only helps to empower families but also plays a crucial role in strengthening the safeguarding framework that protects our children from the dangers of exploitation. 

    “The impact of the Centre’s work cannot be overstated. By providing resources, building partnerships, and leading initiatives that raise awareness, the National County Lines Coordination Centre is making a significant difference in young people’s and their families’ lives. We look forward to continuing our partnership and enhancing our efforts to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and protected from exploitation.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Undercover online Met operation brings child sex offender to justice

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for 14 years and six months following an online undercover Met operation that exposed how he was planning to carry out disturbing sex offences towards children.

    Sean Wallace, 43 (17.07.1980), of Woodside Road, Haringey, was sentenced to 14 years and six months imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 13 August for arranging the rape of a child under 13 and distributing an indecent image of a child.

    During an undercover operation in which a police officer posed online as a woman with access to a child, Wallace contacted the officer asking if he could sexually abuse the fictional child. He sent sexual images of himself as well as indecent images of other children. During online chat and telephone calls Wallace spoke openly about his desire to abuse young girls and made arrangements to meet the woman in order that he could rape the child.

    He was arrested at his home address after he failed to attend the planned meeting stating that he was nervous and needed more time to build up trust with the woman before meeting her.

    The examination of his mobile phone identified that Wallace was speaking online to numerous apparently underage girls.

    He was charged on Friday, 19 August 2022 and has been held on remand until his sentencing.

    Detective Sergeant Robert Blant, whose team led the investigation, said:

    “Sean Wallace is a dangerous predatory offender, who preyed on innocent and vulnerable young children.

    “My team worked around the clock to bring Wallace to justice by going through large amounts of disturbing digital evidence collated from his online activities and seized from his home. I’m pleased that as a result of great policing work, we have prevented a dangerous individual from continuing to offend and ruin the lives of children or young people.

    “Our dedicated teams will continue to apply their expertise in investigating child sexual offences to safeguard children and young people across London.”

    Children and young people are the most vulnerable in society, and the Met is committed to keeping them safe in person and online. As part of the New Met for London plan, our officers are working closely with third sector partners, including The Children’s Society to help young people, parents and carers spot the signs of sexual abuse and predatory behaviour online and offline.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard, Navy medically evacuate ill crewman from foreign fishing vessel northwest of Saipan

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    09/24/2024 04:34 AM EDT

    SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) conducted a successful medical evacuation of a 37-year-old crewman from the 95-foot Chinese Taipei-flagged fishing vessel Jin Hsiang Fa, approximately 138 nautical miles northwest of Saipan on Sept. 21, 2024, with coordination from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “Having the support of hoist-capable aircraft like the MH-60S and our HSC-25 partners is invaluable for search and rescue operations in the Pacific,” said Vince Grochowski, command duty officer at Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “Their ability to quickly access vessels at sea and provide transport of mariners to a higher level of medical care can be lifesaving, particularly in remote areas like this.” Following a request for assistance from the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Taipei at 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam began coordinating the response with HSC-25. “RCC Taipei was vital in this rescue by keeping us updated and helping bridge the language gap between the ship and the aircrew,” said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, search and rescue mission coordinator. “Their teamwork ensured we could respond quickly and get the crewman the medical care he needed without delay.”

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse calls for urgent action on countering gendered disinformation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The governments of Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, the UK and the USA gave this joint statement.

    Joint statement from the governments of Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America:

    The undersigned country members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) call attention to the urgent need to counter the spread of gendered disinformation and address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) against women in political and public life.  

    Gendered disinformation is a threat to societies defending peaceful, democratic values. False or misleading gender and sex-based narratives are being used in campaigns by malign actors to deter and discredit the participation of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons in political and public life. This not only causes deep harm to the individuals targeted, but also threatens electoral integrity, access to information and the exercise of freedom of expression. At the same time, new and emerging technologies are being used to enable harmful, violent rhetoric and attacks against women, girls and LGBTQI+ public figures across borders at a scale and speed previously unseen.

    In our 2023 Road Map, the Global Partnership committed to promoting the meaningful participation in public life for women and girls, in all their diversity, by countering TFGBV and gendered disinformation. 

    We welcome the work being done to shine a light on how and why gendered disinformation is conceived, who it targets and how it is spread. Last year, in a groundbreaking study, Canada, the European External Action Service, Germany, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and the United States jointly assessed the tactics used by foreign state and non-state actors to sow gendered and other identity-based disinformation across the world.

    In March 2024 the Global Partnership and members of its Advisory Group co-hosted a multi-stakeholder conference convened by the National Democratic Institute on possible responses (PDF, 2.1 MB) to countering the spread of gendered disinformation in the context of electoral processes. Stakeholders affirmed the need for a comprehensive response to disrupt the spread of gendered disinformation and to support victims and survivors.

    The world is at a critical moment for upholding democracy. More than 100 countries have held, or are soon to be holding elections, many of them taking place under democratically challenging circumstances. The active participation of all people, including women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons, is essential for secure, healthy and prosperous democracies.   

    We call upon states to join us in recognising and taking action to counter the threat of gendered disinformation to democracies globally. We urge technology and other private companies to take appropriate action to respond to this threat, including a commitment to a Safety-by-Design approach to the development and deployment of platforms and technologies. We ask states and all stakeholders to defend and protect the ability of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons to participate in public life freely, safely and without fear.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on arbitrary detention

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention. Delivered at the 57th HRC in Geneva.

    The UK would like to thank the Working Group for its work and for the recommendations in its latest report.

    Arbitrary detention is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, and its use a means of political intimidation. Arbitrary detention not only violates human rights, but also undermines the trust in institutions that keeps societies safe and open.

    The UK government works publicly and privately to condemn the use of arbitrary detention, to support those who have been arbitrarily detained, and to demand accountability. 

    The UK supports the Working Group and we call on all states to respect their international obligations and commitments. We welcome the report’s urgency on the protection of victims of arbitrary detention and call for all states to engage on this matter. 

    The UK welcomes the initiative of our Canadian colleagues to combat the use of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.

    Working Group,

    What further steps can states take to work together to end the practice of arbitrary detention?

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –