NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement: Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting in Rotorua

    Source: Minister for Trade

    1. New Zealand Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay hosted Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell in Rotorua on 21 September, for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting.
    2. Ministers acknowledged the New Zealand-Australia relationship is built upon shared history, democratic values, a common outlook as Pacific countries, and most of all on generations of deep friendship and close cooperation – we are family. Our economies are two of the most closely integrated in the world, underpinned by our extensive people-to-people ties, strong collaboration between our private and public sectors, and deep levels of trust embedded across our two governments.
    3. Ministers recognised we face an evolving geo-economic global environment with increasing strategic competition and rapid technological change. They affirmed New Zealand and Australia are fundamentally strategically aligned in our assessment of the challenges faced and committed to working in lockstep to advance our shared trade and economic interests.
    4. Ministers discussed the impact of the current geostrategic environment on the global trading system and economic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting open, diversified, rules-based trade, including through support for efforts to reform and strengthen the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. They reaffirmed the importance of our existing commitments and shared architecture as foundations to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
    5. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Pillar One of the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2025: building productive, prosperous and sustainable economies that are fit for the future, and improve the lives of Australians and New Zealanders.
    6. Ministers celebrated the benefits that the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) has brought to both sides of the Tasman over 41 years, reflected in the sixfold growth in trade flows since 1983 and tripling of two-way direct investment since 2001. Our bilateral trade is more diverse and multi-sectoral than with any other partners. CER remains a world-class agreement. The secret of CER’s success is our willingness to consistently add to it, ensuring it remains fit for purpose. This is reflected in the more than 80 supplementary bilateral treaties, protocols and other arrangements that together provide the framework for our trade relationship.
    7. Our economic integration is underpinned by an active Single Economic Market (SEM) agenda. Now in its twentieth year, the SEM has delivered significant wins for our people and businesses, ranging from superannuation portability to a common approach to electronic invoicing. Ministers welcomed both Prime Ministers’ enthusiasm for achieving more integration through the SEM, discussed during the 2024 Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in August. Ministers reiterated that rapid technological changes, as well as geo-economic competition, were fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape. They noted the need for further work to modernise the SEM, in line with the Prime Ministers’ direction, including to ensure we are:
    8. expanding the SEM agenda to emerging sectors of the economy;
    9. taking active and concerted steps to ensure our economic resilience; and
    10. considering how to position the SEM within the economic evolution underway across the wider region.
    11. To support an ambitious work programme for future economic integration and resilience, Ministers welcomed continued regular strategic trade and economic dialogue between senior officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    12. Ministers welcomed the opportunity they had to engage with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) during their time in Rotorua, as a useful opportunity to hear directly from the business community about its priorities for the trans-Tasman trade relationship. Ministers welcomed the strategic refresh of the ANZLF. They noted the SEM agenda was at its most productive when it was informed by practical feedback from the business community.
    13. In addition, Ministers supported the Prime Ministers’ commitment to reinvigorate the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). The TTMRA underpins the seamless market for goods and the mutual recognition of occupational registration across the Tasman. Ministers welcomed the reestablishment of regular official-level exchanges to progress TTMRA coordination and acknowledged the important work underway by relevant agencies to action the joint work plan to enhance standards harmonisation and regulatory coherence. Ministers noted the importance of ensuring that businesses, as well as New Zealand, Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies, were aware of the TTMRA, and – in particular – its application to the regulation of the sale of goods.
    14. Ministers agreed on the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers, noting that these barriers of shared concern can impose significant costs on our respective exporting communities.
    15. Ministers discussed forestry matters, including opportunities to further cooperate in support of sustainable timber trade.
    16. Ministers were in alignment that digital trade should be a continued focus of the New Zealand and Australia economic relationship and emphasised the importance of working together, including in international fora, to secure high ambition outcomes to streamline trade, especially for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises.
    17. Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Australia-New Zealand 2+2 Climate and Finance Ministers’ Dialogue held on 30 July. They reinforced the importance of collaborating to achieve our climate goals, address shared challenges, and grasp the economic opportunities that come with the transition to a net zero future. Streamlining the regulatory environment to support the net zero transformation, together with practical clean energy and sustainable finance policies will encourage trans-Tasman investment in the net zero transition and seamless trade into the future.
    18. Ministers directed officials to coordinate on Australia’s Future Made in Australia agenda and New Zealand’s plan to rebuild its economy, to ensure that this work collectively supported jobs, productivity, prosperity, and economic resilience in the international move to net zero and a changing global economic and strategic landscape. They highlighted the important contribution trans-Tasman trade and investment makes to achieving our economic goals.
    19. Ministers acknowledged the work of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group and its vision for easier travel between Australia and New Zealand while ensuring the highest levels of security at our borders. They noted the initiatives underway to enhance the traveller experience, including Australia’s trialling of digital incoming passenger cards and New Zealand upgrading eGates. Making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless will support the exchange of our tourists, students and business people.
    20. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of members accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to accelerate its entry into force and the need for members to conclude negotiations on additional provisions to secure a comprehensive fisheries subsidies agreement as soon as possible. Ministers recognised the need for all WTO Members to work towards a meaningful outcome on agriculture reform at MC14, in line with Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
    21. Ministers agreed on the importance of APEC as an incubator of ideas and as a norm setting body. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to work with APEC economies to pursue a free, open, sustainable, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment in the region, including through initiatives such as paperless trade, minimising unnecessary obstacles to trade arising from non-tariff measures and ensuring the benefits of trade and investment extend to all including women and Indigenous Peoples. Ministers also agreed to work together to advance implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).
    22. Minister McClay welcomed Australia as the incoming Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2025, and both Ministers reiterated that CPTPP welcomes the interest of and remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles, namely: preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards; a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments; and recognition that decisions are dependent on the consensus of the CPTPP Membership.
    23. This commitment to regional economic integration and the rules-based global trading system is reflected in Australia and New Zealand’s continued collaboration via the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ministers looked forward to the forthcoming entry into force of the upgraded AANZFTA with enhanced rules and opportunities in services, investment and digital trdae. Ministers celebrated the continuing success of Australia and New Zealand’s co-funded Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative to support AANZFTA and RCEP implementation in partnership with ASEAN Member States.
    24. Ministers acknowledged Australia and New Zealand continue to work closely together to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). They reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations of the IPEF Trade Agreement as expeditiously as possible and welcomed recent meetings to operationalise key bodies under the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. They welcomed New Zealand’s ratification of the IPEF Agreements on Supply Chains, the Clean Economy and the Fair Economy, and Australia’s substantial progress towards completing ratification. Ministers emphasised the importance of tangible outcomes on IPEF to support a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
    25. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific. This year, alongside the bilateral meeting, Ministers invited Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon Manoa Kamikamica for trilateral talks to discuss priority trade issues, including PACER Plus. Australia and New Zealand see PACER Plus, the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in the Pacific region, as an important mechanism for working with our partners to deepen economic integration and resilience across the Pacific.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand hostage released

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is pleased to announce that New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, taken hostage in Papua, Indonesia, is now safe.

     

    Mr Mehrtens was taken while working as a pilot at a remote airstrip in Paro, Papua on 7 February 2023.

     

    “We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to talk with his family. This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones,” Mr Peters says.

     

    Mr Peters says for the last 19 and a half months a wide range of Government agencies has been working with Indonesian authorities and others towards securing Mr Mehrtens’ release. 

     

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with staff in both Indonesia and Wellington, has led a sustained whole-of-Government effort to secure Phillip Mehrtens’ release, and has also been supporting his family, Mr Peters says.

     

    Mr Peters also wanted to acknowledge the cooperation and restraint showed by many media outlets in relation to this case. 

     

    “The case has taken a toll on the Mehrtens family, who have asked for privacy. We ask media outlets to respect their wishes and therefore we have no further comment at this stage.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Photo exhibition on China-Mongolia friendship opens in Ulan Bator

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

    ULAN BATOR, Sept. 20 — A photo exhibition marking a long-standing friendship between China and Mongolia opened here in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Friday.

    The event, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and the Mongolia-China Friendship Association, was part of a series of activities of the China-Mongolia Friendship Week, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    A total of 75 photographs showcasing significant events in the history of bilateral relations over the past 75 years were on display at the exhibition.

    Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan said at the opening ceremony that the exhibition reminded all of a deep friendship between the two countries, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation will yield more fruits in the years to come.

    The exhibition will run through Sept. 27.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation to power China growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.

    Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.

    Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.

    Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.

    “The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.

    A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.

    China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.

    Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.

    “China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.

    Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.

    “China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.

    Confidence emphasized

    Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.

    “As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.

    However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.

    Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.

    Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.

    The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.

    According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa: experts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Peace [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Peace+16+Aug+24/3246503_MSG+SG+INT+DAY+OF+PEACE+16+AUG+24.mp4

    Everywhere we look, peace is under attack.

    From Gaza, to Sudan, to Ukraine and beyond we see:

    Civilians in the firing line;

    Homes blown apart;

    Traumatised, terrified populations who have lost everything – and sometimes everyone.

    This catalogue of human misery must stop.

    Our world needs peace.

    Peace is the ultimate prize for all humanity.

    And as this International Day of Peace reminds us – the solutions are in our hands.  

    Cultivating a culture of peace means replacing division, disempowerment, and despair with justice, equality and hope for all.

    It means focusing on preventing conflict;
     
    Propelling the Sustainable Development Goals;

    Promoting human rights.

    And tackling all forms of discrimination and hate.

    This month’s Summit of the Future is a vital opportunity to advance these aims.

    Let’s seize it.

    Together, let’s lay the groundwork for peace.

    And let’s nurture a culture where equality, peace and justice thrive.

    Thank you.
    ***
    La paix est assaillie de toutes parts.

    À Gaza, au Soudan, en Ukraine, et au-delà, nous voyons :

    Des civils dans la ligne de mire.

    Des maisons anéanties.

    Des populations entières traumatisées et terrifiées. Des gens qui ont tout perdu, qui n’ont parfois plus personne.

    Il faut en finir avec ce cortège de misères humaines.

    Notre monde a besoin de paix.

    La paix est le but ultime de l’humanité.

    Et comme nous le rappelle cette Journée internationale de la paix, les solutions sont entre nos mains.

    Cultiver une culture de la paix, c’est remplacer la désunion, l’exclusion et le désespoir par la justice, l’égalité et l’espoir pour toutes et tous.

    C’est donner la priorité à la prévention des conflits ;

    Accélérer les Objectifs de développement durable ;

    Promouvoir les droits humains ;

    Et lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de haine.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir qui se tiendra ce mois-ci est une occasion vitale d’avancer dans cette voie.

    Saisissons-la.

    Ensemble, jetons les bases de la paix.

    Et faisons prospérer une culture de l’égalité, de la paix et de la justice.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Insurance Sector – Lower hikes in fire service levies welcomed

    Source: Insurance Council of NZ

    The Government’s decision to set levy increases at a lower rate to fund fire and emergency services will provide some relief to New Zealanders struggling with the cost of living crisis, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) says.
    Earlier this year, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) had publicly consulted on a 5.2% hike from July 2026, on top of a hike of 12.8% in July this year. The rate increase was revised downwards to 2.2% after the Minister of Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Welden expressed doubt that the initial increase was justified.
    The Government also lowered a proposed flat charge on vehicle insurance from $40.12 to $25. Currently, the levy sits at $9.53. The Minister has also asked FENZ to deliver savings of $60 million by the end of the three-year period.
    “We welcome the Minister’s decision to set levy increases at a lower rate after asking FENZ to have another look at the proposed levy increases,” ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said.
    “We know that New Zealanders are finding it tough dealing with the cost-of-living crisis and we support the Government’s move to ensure Kiwi’s don’t pay anything more than they have to.
    “We acknowledge the important work that FENZ does in responding to fire and other emergencies and promoting safety. FENZ’s funding comes almost entirely from levies added to insurance policies covering property and motor vehicles.
    “The Government has struck the right balance between FENZ having the appropriate resources to do their job while ensuring that the funding via insurance premiums is affordable and sustainable.
    “Insurance premiums are driven by a number of factors, some of which are out of our control such as reinsurance rates and taxes and levies. Insurers are looking at ways to help their customers manage their cover as cost-effectively as possible.
    “We have previously expressed our concern about the ongoing sustainability of FENZ funding as it is only funded from those who purchase insurance. If fewer New Zealanders take out insurance, then FENZ funding will reduce, requiring levies on insurance to increase further and making insurance even less affordable.
    “The insurance Industry will be working with both the Department of Internal Affairs and FENZ over the coming months to work through some of the details of the levy applications to insured property.
    “We want to ensure the changes can be implemented easily in the time frames set down by the Government and in a cost effective way that doesn’t add to the regulatory burden which will ultimately be borne by New Zealanders,” Kris Faafoi said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, SH6, Whangamoa

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 6, Whangamoa, near Kokorua Road, is closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

    Police were called to the single-vehicle crash at around 5pm.

    Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit will be attending.

    Motorists are advised to take care and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 29th AEM- CER Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today attended the 29th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) Consultation, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the entry into force of the 2nd Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which aims to promote economic cooperation between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand, with a particular focus on MSMEs to engage with and take full advantage of AANZFTA’s provisions.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 29th AEM- CER Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Peace [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:
    https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Peace+16+Aug+24/3246503_MSG+SG+INT+DAY+OF+PEACE+16+AUG+24.mp4

    Everywhere we look, peace is under attack.

    From Gaza, to Sudan, to Ukraine and beyond we see:

    Civilians in the firing line;

    Homes blown apart;

    Traumatised, terrified populations who have lost everything – and sometimes everyone.

    This catalogue of human misery must stop.

    Our world needs peace.

    Peace is the ultimate prize for all humanity.

    And as this International Day of Peace reminds us – the solutions are in our hands.  

    Cultivating a culture of peace means replacing division, disempowerment, and despair with justice, equality and hope for all.

    It means focusing on preventing conflict;
     
    Propelling the Sustainable Development Goals;

    Promoting human rights.

    And tackling all forms of discrimination and hate.

    This month’s Summit of the Future is a vital opportunity to advance these aims.

    Let’s seize it.

    Together, let’s lay the groundwork for peace.

    And let’s nurture a culture where equality, peace and justice thrive.

    Thank you.
    ***
    La paix est assaillie de toutes parts.

    À Gaza, au Soudan, en Ukraine, et au-delà, nous voyons :

    Des civils dans la ligne de mire.

    Des maisons anéanties.

    Des populations entières traumatisées et terrifiées. Des gens qui ont tout perdu, qui n’ont parfois plus personne.

    Il faut en finir avec ce cortège de misères humaines.

    Notre monde a besoin de paix.

    La paix est le but ultime de l’humanité.

    Et comme nous le rappelle cette Journée internationale de la paix, les solutions sont entre nos mains.

    Cultiver une culture de la paix, c’est remplacer la désunion, l’exclusion et le désespoir par la justice, l’égalité et l’espoir pour toutes et tous.

    C’est donner la priorité à la prévention des conflits ;

    Accélérer les Objectifs de développement durable ;

    Promouvoir les droits humains ;

    Et lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de haine.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir qui se tiendra ce mois-ci est une occasion vitale d’avancer dans cette voie.

    Saisissons-la.

    Ensemble, jetons les bases de la paix.

    Et faisons prospérer une culture de l’égalité, de la paix et de la justice.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 30th AEM- METI Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended the 30th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry  (AEM-METI) Consultation,  held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Meeting discussed ways to advance ASEAN-Japan economic relations, including through the continued implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement. The Meeting also discussed collaborative initiatives to foster ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation, with an emphasis on digital economy, sustainability, and private sector collaboration.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 30th AEM- METI Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific shoplifter in Greenwich sentenced for almost 100 offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Local teams within the Met have worked tirelessly to bring a prolific shoplifter to justice for stealing more than £14,100 worth of goods.

    Martin Jackson (20.09.1983) of Frobisher Road, Erith, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 19 September for 98 offences, including theft and breaches of a restraining order.

    Jackson has also had a restraining order updated, meaning he’s banned for five years from entering a Boots store and bp service station on Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, from which he stole thousands of pounds worth of goods.

    He was previously handed a Criminal Behaviour Order with conditions including not to enter those two stores. However, he continued to visit the shops and steal food, alcohol, toiletries and other goods.

    Officers scoured hours of CCTV after Jackson was arrested and charged back in July, and built a significant evidence package which showed him brazenly stealing in broad daylight.

    The weight of their evidence led to Jackson’s guilty plea to all offences in court on Monday, 2 September.

    Acting Superintendent, Rav Pathania, who oversees neighbourhood policing in Greenwich, said:

    “At the heart of our plan for London is focusing on the things that our communities, including our business communities, are most concerned about. Over the course of many months Jackson caused misery to businesses in Greenwich, that’s why we have been determined to get him off our streets and put behind bars.

    “We’ve worked hard to build closer relationships with businesses in our area, and build their confidence in our ability to tackle their concerns. I hope this goes some way in demonstrating we are listening and taking action on local issues.

    “I’m grateful to the support bp and Boots in particular provided to this investigation, which was central to us achieving justice for Jackson’s crimes.”

    Iona Blake, Europe mobility & convenience security manager, bp, said:

    “Safety comes first at bp, always. Nothing is more important. We want our colleagues to feel safe at work and our customers to have a great experience when visiting us. This is another great example of how collaboration can help us – and the sector – combat crime at our stores”.

    As part of the New Met for London strategy, officers are taking a precise and proactive community –first approach to tackling local crime and anti-social behaviour.

    More information on how to spot and report a shoplifter is available on the Met website. Meanwhile, Shopwatch is a community-based crime prevention scheme that promotes communication between retailers and local police to reduce crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta’s Sponsored Bill to Protect Children from Social Media Addiction, Adverse Health Effects, Signed into Law

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, September 20, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after Senate Bill 976 (SB 976) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), SB 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, interrupts the ability of social media companies and other website operators to use addictive algorithmic feeds, notifications, and other addictive design features to coerce children and teens to spend hours and hours on their platforms. The law will require parental consent for these features, empowering families to create healthy boundaries around kids’ social media use. 

    “Kids use the internet to find community and learn about themselves and the world. We must protect their ability to do this safely,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Social media companies have shown us time and time again that for profit, they are willing to use addictive design features, including algorithmic feeds and notifications at all hours of the day and night, to target children and teens. SB 976 changes this and puts families in control.”

    “Social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially our kids. Studies show that once a young person has a social media addiction, they experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicide. But social media companies have been unwilling to voluntarily change their practices,” said Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), author of SB 976. “With the passage of SB 976, the California Legislature has sent a clear message: When social media companies won’t act, it’s our responsibility to protect our kids.”

    SB 976 would give parents and guardians the choice of whether users under the age of 18 would receive an algorithmically determined feed of content on social media platforms and other websites. The law does not restrict content in any way, and young users could still search for content, follow or block content from specific sources, and see a chronological feed of posts and content. Algorithmic feeds can be addictive and heavy social media is associated with harms to the mental health of young users. Some social media companies knowingly design platforms in a way that contributes to social isolation and loneliness and harms kids’ mental health during a time that is critically important for brain development.

    SB 976 prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. to users who are not established to be over age 18 unless a parent or guardian has provided consent.

    The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act also requires social media platforms to provide parents and guardians the ability to: 

    • Prevent notifications during other hours – for example, when the child should be at school or doing homework.
    • Limit the child’s access to any addictive feed from the platform to a length of time per day determined by the parent or guardian, with a default of one hour per day.
    • Limit the visibility of likes and other engagement metrics that contribute to an addictive social media experience.
    • Select a private mode, where only the user’s connections can view or respond to content posted by the child.
    • Select a feed that’s not recommended, selected, or prioritized based on information collected from that child. 

    SB 976 requires the majority of the above safeguards to be turned on by default because safety should always be the default.

    The text of the legislation is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the participants, organizers and guests of the Congress of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the XX International Muslim Forum

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dear friends!

    I welcome the participants, organizers and guests of the Congress of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the XX International Muslim Forum.

    It is symbolic that these events are being held in the year of the 40th anniversary of the spiritual service of the outstanding religious figure, Mufti Ravil Gainutdin, whose spiritual authority is recognized not only among Russian Muslims, but also beyond the borders of our country.

    Russia is a multinational and multi-confessional state, where the religions of all nations are treated with unwavering respect. Islam is one of the traditional religions of our country, an integral part of the historical heritage.

    For many years, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation has made an invaluable contribution to the improvement of interreligious dialogue and constructive state-confessional cooperation.

    Thanks to the active work of the muftiate, mutual understanding between peoples, civil peace and interethnic harmony in society are strengthened. And relations between Russia and the Islamic world are also successfully developing. It is important that special attention is paid to charitable and educational projects, the development of Islamic education, and the training of imams and theologians.

    The forum will provide a unique opportunity to expand the exchange of experience and best practices between Muslims from different countries and discuss current issues of the role of spiritual leaders in the modern world.

    I wish you interesting discussions and constructive work.

    M. Mishustin

    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://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52759/

    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: Denis Manturov visited one of the largest elevator manufacturing companies in Russia

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited the Moscow enterprise “MEL”.

    MEL has been manufacturing lifting and transport equipment for over 70 years and today specializes in the production of elevators, including high-speed elevators, transformer substations and electrical equipment. Today, the company manufactures elevators with a lifting speed of up to 4 meters per second and is one of the five largest elevator manufacturers, and by the end of this year it is planned to receive a certificate for elevators with a speed of up to 7 meters per second. Russian elevator manufacturers were able to increase production volumes and master new competencies after Western manufacturers left the country: over the past two years, the volume of elevators introduced by MEL has more than doubled.

    “Guaranteed demand for Russian elevator products, including those manufactured by this site, is provided by the elevator replacement program supervised by the Ministry of Construction. Our manufacturers have room to grow, and they are trying not to miss this opportunity, occupying the vacant niches in the market. The state provides them with all the necessary support in this,” Denis Manturov noted.

    In particular, the support measures offered by the Moscow government help industrialists implement innovative projects, develop new products, expand enterprises and meet market needs. Thus, as part of a large-scale investment project, the MEL plant opened the production of high-speed elevators with a speed of up to 4 meters per second and received a certificate for serial production of this equipment in early 2024. The new workshop will allow the enterprise to increase the annual volume of manufactured products by almost 1.5 times – from 2.7 thousand to 4 thousand units. In addition, 85 people will be able to find employment here.

    During the visit, issues of industry development were discussed, including those related to the protection of the domestic market. According to the company’s management, it is necessary so that the Russian elevator-building industry can fully reveal its potential and implement all planned investment projects.

    Today, the plant is among the top 5 domestic elevator manufacturers. About 65% of the company’s products are supplied to the Moscow region, the remaining 35% – to other regions of the country. In April 2023, the city assigned the plant the status of an industrial complex, which gives the right to tax benefits. Thanks to this support measure, the company’s annual savings can reach 33.1 million rubles. The company can invest the proceeds in its own development, expansion of the product range and the acquisition of modern equipment.

    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://government.ru/nevs/52764/

    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: Tatyana Golikova: There are already over 400 thousand donors in the bone marrow donor registry

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed participants of the donor movement with a video greeting on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    Dear friends!

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to participants of the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day

    9 hours ago

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I congratulate all participants in the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    In our country, more than a thousand patients require unrelated bone marrow transplantation every year.

    On September 1, 2022, on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Federal Registry of Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donors began operating. The authority to maintain and develop the registry has been assigned to the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, which has extensive experience and expertise in this area.

    With the support of the Government, funding has been increased for the typing of donors entering the register to timely expand the donor base. This has led to significant results. Thus, if in 2021 it was possible to provide bone marrow transplantation only to every second patient and doctors were forced to search for a donor in international databases, then by the end of 2023 we have already reached 75% of unrelated transplants from Russian donors.

    Since 2024, federal funding has provided for the full cycle of work – from donor recruitment to bone marrow procurement.

    In addition, the Government has initiated the issue and, since 2024, federal funding has been provided for the search for donors from international registries and the import of donor bone marrow into Russia, which completely removes the issue of providing our citizens with transplant material.

    Thanks to the availability of information about bone marrow donation, citizens are actively joining the registry in all regions of the country. There are now more than 400 thousand donors in it. And their number is increasing every day.

    I sincerely thank all donors of Russia and the world. Your mercy inspires, your noble act gives a chance for life to seriously ill patients, including children.

    I would especially like to note that donation unites complete strangers, groups, charitable organizations, volunteers, representatives of government and commercial structures and gives everyone the opportunity to show compassion and solidarity.

    I also congratulate the blood service specialists, volunteers, and partners of the donor movement. You are doing a great job by telling about the importance of bone marrow donation and involving others in this good mission.

    Let the donor movement continue to develop successfully, making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the citizens of our country. Happy holiday!

    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://government.ru/nevs/52752/

    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 Asia-Pac: Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Labour Department (LD) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) today (September 21) held the National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event in D·PARK, Tsuen Wan, with 750 participants taking part, setting a new record for the “Largest resistance band demonstration/class” in the Guinness World Records.     Officiating and speaking at the event, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that this event aims to raise employees’ awareness of doing stretching exercises and promote occupational health. He explained that timely stretching exercises can reduce employees’ muscle ache and risk of injury, improve work performance and create a healthier and more efficient work environment.           Guided by fitness instructors, 750 participants performed a 30-minute resistance band stretching exercise together during the event, setting a world record as a tribute to the motherland, and to demonstrate the unity and collective effort of the Government and various sectors in raising public awareness of occupational health.           The stretching exercise event is one of the key events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Another highlight is a two-day occupational health carnival being held today and tomorrow (September 21 and 22) by the LD and the OSHC at the same venue. It offers a diverse range of activities, apart from a variety of performances, booth games, occupational health talks as well as photo corners. Health risk assessment stations will also be available, where registered nurses will offer complimentary health checks to enhance public awareness of occupational health.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 14:20

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses cultivating more high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed cultivating more loyal, upright, responsible and high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction, which was read out at a symposium held on Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of a training program for ethnic cadres in Xinjiang under the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The Twenty-Ninth AEM-Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER Consultation was held on 21 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Consultation was cochaired by H.E. Malaithong KOMMASITH, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR; Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade, Australia; and the Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade, New Zealand. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.The Meeting noted that the economies of ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total two-way trade between ASEAN and Australia reached a total value of USD 121.9 billion in 2023, based on Australia’s data. The Meeting also noted that the total two-way trade between New Zealand and ASEAN reached a total value of USD 16.54 billion in 2023, based on New Zealand’s data. According to Australia’s and New Zealand’s data, Australia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to ASEAN in 2023 amounted at USD 243 million, while New Zealand’s FDI flow to ASEAN for the same year was valued at USD 61.54 million.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Asylum: sharp decline in the number of applicants from the Maghreb in federal centres

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    State Secretariat for Migration

    Bern-Wabern, 21.09.2024 – Since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of asylum seekers from the Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the federal asylum centres. Thanks to the new procedures, the average time to obtain an asylum decision at first instance has been reduced from 52 days to 17 days. This significantly reduces the pressure on the Confederation’s asylum structures. The number of security incidents in the federal asylum centres has also fallen by 42%.

    Since the end of April 2024, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has been processing asylum applications filed by applicants from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya under the 24-hour procedure. The main stages of the procedure are completed within 24 hours, with free legal protection remaining guaranteed at all times. This procedure also allows asylum seekers to consult a health professional at very short notice, which makes it possible to quickly identify vulnerable people. Given that the majority of people from these countries have already been registered in other European states, the SEM can request their readmission under the Dublin Agreement much more quickly than before; once this request has been accepted, repatriation can be carried out.

    Half of asylum decisions are made within 11 days

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced on a trial basis in the Zurich Region in mid-November 2023 for asylum seekers from countries with very low asylum grant rates, the number of applicants from Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the Confederation’s structures. This decline has even reached 64% in the Zurich Region. Since the introduction of the new procedures, it takes an average of 17 days to obtain an asylum decision at first instance, and 50% of procedures are completed within 11 days, compared to an average of 52 days previously. Once the SEM has completed the procedural steps, it still has to wait for a response, within a given period, from the Dublin States concerned.

    In parallel with the acceleration of procedures, the average length of stay of Maghrebi asylum seekers in the CFA has decreased from 32 nights between May and August 2023 to 21 nights between May and August 2024, a decrease of 34%. As a result, the SEM has more beds available and supervisory staff at its disposal for asylum seekers from other States who can claim a situation of persecution.

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of security incidents – including altercations of all kinds – has also decreased by 42% in all CFAs. The security situation has therefore improved significantly. In 2023 and 2024, around two thirds of security incidents were mainly attributable to asylum seekers from the Maghreb, even though this group accounted for less than 15% of overnight stays.

    Federal Administrative Court supports SEM decisions

    The 24-hour procedure is a normal asylum procedure in which the steps follow one another at a fast pace. Free legal protection is guaranteed at all times. To date, the SEM has decided on more than 900 asylum applications under this procedure, and 37 appeals have been filed with the Federal Administrative Court (FAC) against its decisions. In 31 cases, the FAC supported the SEM’s decision; the remaining cases have not yet been decided.

    The 24-hour procedure includes registration, fingerprinting, initial medical consultation, absconding hearing or Dublin interview, application to other Dublin states and decision in the Dublin procedure or asylum procedure.

    Increase in the number of registered asylum applications

    The number of asylum applications filed by persons from the Maghreb States has barely changed compared to the previous year. However, since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure, the SEM has been registering these applications immediately after the persons’ arrival at the CFA, whereas previously it only did so when fingerprints were taken, which was often several days later. However, many of the persons concerned had already left by that time and therefore did not appear as asylum seekers in the asylum statistics.

    Address for sending questions

    SEM Press Service, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Author

    State Secretariat for Migrationhttps://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/fr/home.html

    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: SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    ****************************************

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart tomorrow (September 22) for a visit to three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, and enhance co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and ASEAN.     In Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Mr Lam will call on relevant government officials and engage with the local legal and dispute resolution sectors to enhance ties and collaboration between the two places with a view to exploring further legal co-operation opportunities. This visit follows the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam last year.     Mr Lam will then lead a delegation comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association and alternative dispute resolution organisations to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. They will meet with representatives of local authorities and legal and dispute resolution sectors to discuss and exchange views on various areas of legal co-operation.     During the visit, Mr Lam and the delegates will also address the local legal and business sectors in Ho Chi Minh City at a forum and a networking dinner, and in Kuala Lumpur at a seminar and a networking reception, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services.     Mr Lam will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong on September 28. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets board chair of Roche Group

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Severin Schwan, chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche Group, in Beijing on Friday evening.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is implementing the reform measures of the third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening up, further relaxing market access, including for biopharmaceuticals, and creating a better business environment.

    China’s super-large market advantages will certainly provide more and better development opportunities for foreign enterprises, He noted.

    Schwan said that as a world-renowned pharmaceutical company, Roche Group is full of confidence in China’s economic prospects and business environment, and is willing to continue deepening investment cooperation in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and UK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

    Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as the heads of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, and other advanced sectors.

    In Madrid, from September 22 to 25, he will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises and meet members of the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a business lunch organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong’s advantages, particularly its burgeoning I&T ecosystem.

    In London, from September 25 to 28, Mr Chan will participate in the plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council, a Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Trade Development Council, a lunch organised by the Hong Kong Association, and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House.

    He will speak on these occasions about Hong Kong’s latest developments and its advantages and meet members of the local political, business and financial communities.

    In the two European capitals, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport and startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with institutions, and members of venture capital funds and I&T circles, seeking opportunities for co-operation.

    During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s team to attend the 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China, on 23-26 September 2024. Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st CAEXPO and will take part in several related events during the visit, which include China-ASEAN Business Leaders’ Forum, ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, China-ASEAN Young Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, and the visit to CAEXPO Pavilion, among others. Dr. Kao will also take the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector and the media to further promote the work of ASEAN as well as to explore ways to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in China, Dr. Kao will also present a special lecture to a group of students and scholars at the Guangxi University on “Fostering Friendship and Cooperation: The Role of People-to-People Connections and Exchanges in ASEAN-China Relations,” in order to promote ASEAN diplomacy and enrich the knowledge of ASEAN among the youths. 
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial services growing apace

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

    In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted 40 companies in the financial sector in setting up or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Half of these companies are from Mainland China, followed by the US, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Malaysia, and five other economies.

    The scope of the companies covers a broad spectrum, but a sizeable 14 among them provide asset management services. This aligns with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading asset and wealth management hub and offers further demonstration that the city remains the region’s premier global financial centre.

    Hong Kong’s unique geographical location and the advantages it enjoys under “one country, two systems” are hugely appealing to investors and companies.

    Mr Ng noted an increasing trend among Mainland companies of using Hong Kong as a platform to expand their global reach. Complementing this, he said, firms from overseas markets continue to leverage Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market, particularly that of the Greater Bay Area.

    “Through our international network, we are exploring strategies to help Mainland or overseas companies already established in Hong Kong tap into emerging markets, such as the Middle East and countries along the Belt & Road Initiative.”

    Wealth management hub

    Hong Kong’s capital markets, boasting a total market capitalisation of about US$5 trillion, are among the most vibrant and liquid in the world. The city is also Asia’s biggest global offshore wealth management centre, and the second largest in the world behind Switzerland.

    Furthermore, it has the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) of any Asian city. 

    Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business was worth HK$31.2 trillion at the end of 2023. Mr Ng said it now stands as the second largest cross-border wealth management centre globally, and is poised to become the largest booking centre for wealth management business by 2027.

    Noting that investors across the globe are seeking better returns by allocating capital to alternative asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds and more, he added that alternative investments in Hong Kong are experiencing extraordinary growth.

    Outside of the Mainland, Hong Kong has the largest number of hedge funds and the biggest private equity market in Asia.

    Hong Kong also serves as the largest offshore renminbi centre, and its RMB liquidity pool, exceeding RMB600 billion, is the world’s largest outside of the Mainland.

    Enabling growth

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to attracting global investment through various initiatives, including tax concessions for private equity funds and relaxed listing rules for pre-revenue biotech and specialist technology companies.

    Hamilton Lane, a distinguished leader in alternative asset management, has announced the establishment of its first Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund, further solidifying its presence in Asia. The company manages approximately US$130 billion in discretionary assets and US$810 billion in non-discretionary assets.

    Having opened its inaugural Asian office in Hong Kong in 2009, Hamilton Lane is poised to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the region this month.

    Shannon Chow, Managing Director and Head of Greater China Client Solutions at Hamilton Lane, remarked: “Our Hong Kong office has operations in asset management and client solutions. If you ask me whether Hong Kong is our inaugural office in Asia, the answer is yes. We are very pleased to have this office in the heart of Hong Kong to expand our business further in Asia.”

    Ms Chow also expressed her admiration for the InvestHK team, acknowledging its dedication and strenuous efforts in promoting the family office sector, and praised the Hong Kong SAR Government’s successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s talent pool.

    According to Ms Chow, one of Hong Kong’s key advantages is its low tax rates, which underpin the development of alternative investment companies and other industries.

    She stated: “Hong Kong is renowned for having some of the lowest tax rates in the global market, which significantly helps in the development of these sectors.”

    Furthermore, she noted, “Hong Kong possesses a robust and skilled talent pool, which is vital for our operations.”

    The Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms Chow highlighted, has launched various initiatives to attract talent, fostering an environment that draws professionals from around the world.

    “These programmes allow overseas individuals and those from Mainland China to work in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong their home.”

    In addition to Mainland talent moving to Hong Kong, many businesses from the Mainland are also choosing to expand their operations in the city. A notable example is Guolian Securities International, which is headquartered in Jiangsu Province. The company established a presence in Hong Kong in 2019, and engages in both wealth management and investment banking.

    Franklin Yang, CEO of Guolian Securities International, highlighted the numerous advantages Hong Kong offers, stating: “There are many benefits to operating in Hong Kong, both from a policy-making perspective and in terms of the advantages it provides within Greater China.”

    He also stressed that the city’s commendable education system contributes to a pool of graduates proficient in both English and Mandarin, making it easier to attract top talent for larger-scale deals.

    Mr Yang emphasised Hong Kong’s unique position in the financial industry, remarking: “Guolian takes full advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a financial capital. We attract many reputable companies from Mainland China, who either list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or engage in merger and acquisition activities here.”

    He added, with optimism: “I believe Guolian can bring more capital into these markets.”

    As Hamilton Lane continues to expand its operations and Guolian Securities International consolidates its offerings, Hong Kong remains a pivotal hub for financial services in the region, attracting businesses and talent alike.

    Targeting wealthy individuals

    To draw UHNWIs to the city, the Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced measures to enhance offerings for global wealth owners and promote the development of family offices.

    “Hong Kong’s family office sector is flourishing, with more than 2,700 single-family offices,” Mr Ng explained.

    Over the past year, facilitating measures have been implemented to support the business development of family offices.

    “As of end-May this year, we have assisted 89 family offices to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong and more than 130 family offices indicated that they had decided or were preparing to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.”

    The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is another vital initiative that is contributing to Hong Kong’s status as a leading financial hub. Under the scheme, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) can settle in the city if they invest a minimum of HK$30 million here, with a portion being directed towards companies and projects with a Hong Kong nexus.

    “When HNWIs choose to invest through the New CIES, they create a demand for financial services, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a premier destination for wealth management and investment.”

    Highlighting the scheme’s appeal, Mr Ng said that since its launch in March, the scheme had received over 5,000 enquiries and more than 500 applications.

    The insurance sector is another important pillar of Hong Kong’s financial industry, with the city housing around 160 authorised insurers, including six of the world’s top 10, as of July. Hong Kong has also achieved exceptional insurance density, ranking first in Asia and second globally for insurance premiums per capita as of the end of last year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East Sep 21, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East
    Sep 21, 2024

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios Sep 20, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios
    Sep 20, 2024

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) delivers 33.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    In its largest air cargo shipment to the African region this year, World Health Organization (WHO) today delivered 33.5 metric tonnes of emergency medical supplies and equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce mpox outbreak response.

    Today’s delivery follows an initial shipment of more than 14 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to the country two weeks ago to support infection prevention and control, and clinical care measures in the ongoing outbreak. The two shipments will contribute significantly to infection prevention and treatment services in the country for the next three months.

    In addition to reinforcing the mpox outbreak response, the medical equipment and supplies will also be delivered to laboratories as well as district and referral health facilities to provide care for other medical conditions.

    “We’re intensifying our support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in all critical areas of the mpox outbreak response, ensuring adequate testing, prevention and effective clinical care to stop the spread of this virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We’re grateful to our partners for the important collaboration in strengthening the ongoing national efforts to bring this outbreak to an end.”

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for about 90% of the more than 31 000 suspected mpox cases reported so far this year from 14 countries in the African region. WHO is working closely with partners and the government to enhance capacity, expertise and outbreak response measures.

    The spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attributed to two distinct main outbreaks: the spread of mpox clade Ia in the western Equateur and other provinces of the country where the disease is endemic, including spread to and outbreaks in the capital Kinshasa; and the spread of clade Ib in North and South Kivu provinces in the east, with a few cases in Kinshasa.

    As part of increased support to the mpox outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is expanding its operational capacity in the field, with more than 300 disease surveillance and outbreak response experts from WHO’s polio response programme recently integrated into mpox outbreak control efforts.

    In collaboration with national health authorities and partners, WHO experts are also working closely with communities to raise awareness about mpox, promote preventive measures and encourage reporting of cases.

    Efforts are also being ramped up to strengthen national diagnostic capacities by providing testing kits, reagents and machines to decentralize testing in eight laboratories. On 19 September 2024, WHO dispatched 3500 GeneXpert cartridges to provincial laboratories to ensure adequate testing for effective clinical care, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development.

    In readiness for mpox vaccine rollout, WHO is working with countries to ramp up measures to ensure effective introduction of the vaccines. WHO has developed an mpox vaccine roadmap and readiness tool and is supporting countries to develop national vaccine deployment plans that target those populations at highest risk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MIL OSI Africa –