Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Participates in the National Workshop for the United Nations (UN) “Convergence” Initiative on Integrating Health and Food Systems with Climate Action

    Source: APO


    .

    H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, delivered an opening speech at the National Workshop of the UN “Convergence” Initiative, which focuses on linking health and food systems with climate action.

    This initiative was launched by the UN Secretary-General during COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to align the transformation of food systems with climate action to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the goals of the Paris Agreement.

    The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub is responsible for its implementation.

    In her speech, delivered via video, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s keenness to enhance its leadership in linking food systems, nutrition, and the climate agenda, within the ambitious vision of the UN initiative.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the UN Secretary-General’s statement, which indicated that while the midpoint towards 2030 has been reached, more than half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are still lagging. She added that despite this, the future of food systems and the future of climate action are not parallel paths but are deeply interconnected.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that Egypt has chosen a different path based on integration, innovation, and investment. Egypt has taken bold steps to become one of the first in the region to conduct a comprehensive national dialogue on food systems, bringing together government, private sector, civil society, and academia to reimagine how food systems function. This dialogue formed the foundation for the national pathway.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also underscored the launch of the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which reflects Egypt’s belief that food security and climate resilience are two sides of the same coin. She also noted the launch of the “NWFE” platform (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy), not merely as a tool for development, but as a genuine investment tool linking planning with capital.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat mentioned that through “NWFE,” Egypt is mobilizing over $14.7 billion in climate-aligned investment opportunities, clarifying that the United Nations and various institutions have praised the platform as a model for converting national climate commitments into investable projects, particularly in the areas of food and water security. She affirmed that Egypt is currently transitioning from the planning stage to partnerships, and from policies to implementation.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that through the UN initiative for the convergence of food systems and climate action, further steps will be taken on the path of integration. When food policies align with climate goals, and when nutrition is treated as a foundation for development rather than a secondary matter, it strengthens resilience in national policies and the economy.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that according to global estimates, every dollar invested in reducing malnutrition can yield a return of up to $16 through improved health, productivity, and economic growth. She referred to the “Golden Thousand Days” initiative, which represents a crucial window for achieving human development, ensuring that today’s investments bear fruit for decades to come.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined the vital role of the private sector in this process, noting that with agriculture contributing 11% of Egypt’s GDP and 28% of total employment, this sector remains a key pillar for both economic growth and rural livelihoods. She stressed that opening up to private investment and innovation across food value chains will be key to achieving long-term sustainability.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat concluded by referencing the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) estimates showing that food and agriculture systems account for one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, yet receive less than 10% of climate finance. She explained that through “NWFE” and initiatives like the current workshop, Egypt is working to bridge this gap by advancing the ability of projects that achieve development and climate goals to attract investment.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    UPDATE July 15, 2025

    In the first-of-its-kind deal, Apple and MP Materials will launch an all-new recycling facility for processing recycled rare earth elements

    Today Apple announced a new commitment of $500 million with MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the United States. With this multiyear deal, Apple is committed to buying American-made rare earth magnets developed at MP Materials’ flagship Independence facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The two companies will also work together to establish a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and develop novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies to enhance magnet performance. The commitment is part of Apple’s pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, and builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation recycling technologies.

    “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of American manufacturing, and we will continue to invest in the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of the American people.”

    Apple and MP Materials will build out the state-of-the-art Texas factory with a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. The new equipment and technical capacity will allow MP Materials to significantly boost its overall production. Once built, the American-made magnets will be shipped across the country and all over the world, helping to meet increasing global demand for the material. The increased production will support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. The two companies will provide extensive training to develop the workforce, building an entirely new pool of U.S. talent and expertise in magnet manufacturing.

    When complete, the new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California will enable MP Materials to take in recycled rare earth feedstock — including material from used electronics and post-industrial scrap — and reprocess it for use in Apple products. For nearly five years, Apple and MP Materials have been piloting advanced recycling technology that enables recycled rare earth magnets to be processed into material that meets Apple’s exacting standards for performance and design. The companies will continue to innovate together to improve magnet production, as well as end-of-life recovery.

    Apple pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics, first introducing them in the Taptic Engine of iPhone 11 in 2019. Today, nearly all magnets across Apple devices are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The collaboration with MP Materials will help secure domestic supply of this critical material, strengthen the U.S. rare earth industry’s capabilities to capture more raw material, and advance environmental progress with innovative recycling methods.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    UPDATE July 15, 2025

    In the first-of-its-kind deal, Apple and MP Materials will launch an all-new recycling facility for processing recycled rare earth elements

    Today Apple announced a new commitment of $500 million with MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the United States. With this multiyear deal, Apple is committed to buying American-made rare earth magnets developed at MP Materials’ flagship Independence facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The two companies will also work together to establish a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and develop novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies to enhance magnet performance. The commitment is part of Apple’s pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, and builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation recycling technologies.

    “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of American manufacturing, and we will continue to invest in the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of the American people.”

    Apple and MP Materials will build out the state-of-the-art Texas factory with a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. The new equipment and technical capacity will allow MP Materials to significantly boost its overall production. Once built, the American-made magnets will be shipped across the country and all over the world, helping to meet increasing global demand for the material. The increased production will support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. The two companies will provide extensive training to develop the workforce, building an entirely new pool of U.S. talent and expertise in magnet manufacturing.

    When complete, the new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California will enable MP Materials to take in recycled rare earth feedstock — including material from used electronics and post-industrial scrap — and reprocess it for use in Apple products. For nearly five years, Apple and MP Materials have been piloting advanced recycling technology that enables recycled rare earth magnets to be processed into material that meets Apple’s exacting standards for performance and design. The companies will continue to innovate together to improve magnet production, as well as end-of-life recovery.

    Apple pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics, first introducing them in the Taptic Engine of iPhone 11 in 2019. Today, nearly all magnets across Apple devices are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The collaboration with MP Materials will help secure domestic supply of this critical material, strengthen the U.S. rare earth industry’s capabilities to capture more raw material, and advance environmental progress with innovative recycling methods.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    UPDATE July 15, 2025

    In the first-of-its-kind deal, Apple and MP Materials will launch an all-new recycling facility for processing recycled rare earth elements

    Today Apple announced a new commitment of $500 million with MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the United States. With this multiyear deal, Apple is committed to buying American-made rare earth magnets developed at MP Materials’ flagship Independence facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The two companies will also work together to establish a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and develop novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies to enhance magnet performance. The commitment is part of Apple’s pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, and builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation recycling technologies.

    “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of American manufacturing, and we will continue to invest in the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of the American people.”

    Apple and MP Materials will build out the state-of-the-art Texas factory with a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. The new equipment and technical capacity will allow MP Materials to significantly boost its overall production. Once built, the American-made magnets will be shipped across the country and all over the world, helping to meet increasing global demand for the material. The increased production will support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. The two companies will provide extensive training to develop the workforce, building an entirely new pool of U.S. talent and expertise in magnet manufacturing.

    When complete, the new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California will enable MP Materials to take in recycled rare earth feedstock — including material from used electronics and post-industrial scrap — and reprocess it for use in Apple products. For nearly five years, Apple and MP Materials have been piloting advanced recycling technology that enables recycled rare earth magnets to be processed into material that meets Apple’s exacting standards for performance and design. The companies will continue to innovate together to improve magnet production, as well as end-of-life recovery.

    Apple pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics, first introducing them in the Taptic Engine of iPhone 11 in 2019. Today, nearly all magnets across Apple devices are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The collaboration with MP Materials will help secure domestic supply of this critical material, strengthen the U.S. rare earth industry’s capabilities to capture more raw material, and advance environmental progress with innovative recycling methods.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple expands U.S. supply chain with $500 million commitment

    UPDATE July 15, 2025

    In the first-of-its-kind deal, Apple and MP Materials will launch an all-new recycling facility for processing recycled rare earth elements

    Today Apple announced a new commitment of $500 million with MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the United States. With this multiyear deal, Apple is committed to buying American-made rare earth magnets developed at MP Materials’ flagship Independence facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The two companies will also work together to establish a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and develop novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies to enhance magnet performance. The commitment is part of Apple’s pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, and builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation recycling technologies.

    “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of American manufacturing, and we will continue to invest in the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of the American people.”

    Apple and MP Materials will build out the state-of-the-art Texas factory with a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. The new equipment and technical capacity will allow MP Materials to significantly boost its overall production. Once built, the American-made magnets will be shipped across the country and all over the world, helping to meet increasing global demand for the material. The increased production will support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. The two companies will provide extensive training to develop the workforce, building an entirely new pool of U.S. talent and expertise in magnet manufacturing.

    When complete, the new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California will enable MP Materials to take in recycled rare earth feedstock — including material from used electronics and post-industrial scrap — and reprocess it for use in Apple products. For nearly five years, Apple and MP Materials have been piloting advanced recycling technology that enables recycled rare earth magnets to be processed into material that meets Apple’s exacting standards for performance and design. The companies will continue to innovate together to improve magnet production, as well as end-of-life recovery.

    Apple pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics, first introducing them in the Taptic Engine of iPhone 11 in 2019. Today, nearly all magnets across Apple devices are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The collaboration with MP Materials will help secure domestic supply of this critical material, strengthen the U.S. rare earth industry’s capabilities to capture more raw material, and advance environmental progress with innovative recycling methods.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government launches “Good Food Cycle” to transform Britain’s food system 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government launches “Good Food Cycle” to transform Britain’s food system 

    New “Good Food Cycle” framework serves up healthier eating, stronger food security and greener supply chains  

    Getty images

    The government has served up its new “Good Food Cycle” today (15 July) – a recipe aimed at driving a generational change in the nation’s relationship with food.   

    The Good Food Cycle identifies ten priority outcomes needed to build a thriving food sector while tackling challenges from rising obesity rates to climate change impacts on production, representing a pivotal milestone in the government’s work to develop a comprehensive food strategy      

    Key outcomes to create a good food cycle include:   

    • An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales    

    • Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options     

    • Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains     

    This fresh approach sets out the government’s vision for a modern food system, that sits at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change, tackling multiple critical challenges at once and helping to put more money back in people’s pockets.   

    Building stronger, more resilient food supply chains protects Britain from potential disruptions and strengthens our national security. Making sure everyone can afford healthy food drives our health mission by helping people stay well and reducing pressure on the NHS. We’re also working to give children the nutritious start they need to thrive at school and beyond to give every child the best possible start in life, whatever their background.  

    Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner, said:    

    Food security is national security – we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food.   

    The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better.   

    This isn’t just about what’s on our plates today, it’s about building a stronger food system for generations to come, supporting economic growth, health and opportunity as part of our Plan for Change. 

    The ten outcomes have been informed by expert advice from departments across government, the Food Strategy Advisory Board, workshops with interested charities and businesses, as well as members of the public from a Citizen Advisory Council to ensure everyone stands to benefit from a nutritious, sustainable and resilient food system, as part of the Plan for Change.    

    The Good Food Cycle builds on recent government measures to curb diet-related health problems. Fresh partnerships with big food companies will see them share data on healthy food sales, creating more transparency and a level playing field across the industry.   

    With two-thirds of adults in England currently overweight or living with obesity and costing the NHS over £11.4 billion annually, the new approach will help make sure healthier choices don’t get squeezed off supermarket shelves by less nutritious options.   

    Minister for Health Ashley Dalton, said:  

    We want to make sure all families have the option of healthy, high-quality food – not least because it helps tackle the epidemic of obesity, which costs our NHS over £11 billion a year.  

    The Good Food Cycle will be good for the health of our communities and help us curb the rising tide of cost and demand on the NHS.  

    This builds on measures in our new 10 Year Health Plan to make the healthy choice the easy choice, including launching a world-first partnership with food manufacturers and retailers.

    Evidence shows that children living in poverty are far less likely to have enough nutritious food to eat, with almost 1 in 5 living in food insecurity, affecting their health and attainment at school. The Good Food Cycle will improve access to healthy, affordable food for families and give them the skills and support to cook and eat healthily.  

    This is a key part of the Government’s wider action to tackle child poverty and support families with the cost of essential goods. It builds on the expansion of Free School Meals to an additional 500,000 children and the rollout of free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils and will form part of the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy published in the Autumn.  

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, who sits on the Ministerial Food Strategy Group and the Child Poverty Taskforce, said:   

    It’s unacceptable that children in Britain are growing up without access to healthy and affordable food – holding back their learning and development.  

    Along with making over half a million more children eligible for free school meals and rolling out breakfast clubs to all primary schools, the Good Food Cycle will ensure the next generation are well fed and ready to reach their full potential.  

    This framework marks an important step in our mission to tackle child poverty, to support families and give all children the very best start in life.  

    Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner announced the strategy at Darley Street Market in Bradford as part of their 2025 City of Culture celebrations.    

    Cities like Bradford are already pioneering the kind of community-focused food initiatives that the Good Food Cycle strategy aims to scale up nationwide.    

    Bradford’s plans include ensuring primary school pupils get hands-on experience with growing, cooking and eating fresh food – directly supporting the strategy’s goal of giving children the best start in life through better nutrition and food education. The city is also backing venues where citizens of all ages can cook and eat together, creating the kind of inclusive food spaces that help build stronger communities while celebrating local food culture.   

    Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for Healthy People and Places, said:     

    We’re delighted to welcome Minister Zeichner to our new Darley Street Market today to launch the Good Food Cycle.   

    Having a clear direction on food policy is vital if we are to tackle some of the key issues that affect communities in our district, such as food poverty and obesity while also supporting our food producers and protecting our environment.  This is why we worked closely with the district’s Sustainable Food Partnership to launch our own food strategy last year which sets out our plans to support residents with healthy and sustainable food, and to reduce health inequalities.  

    It is really fitting to launch this important national framework here in Bradford. Our district has a proud food culture and history which we want to build on. Backing our local producers so they can provide quality, nutritious food to local people is a key part of part of our ambition and why we have invested in this new market.  

    Additional quotes   

    Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said:  

    At Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, we’re proud to celebrate our district’s rich cultural identity through its diverse culinary traditions. Whether it’s family recipes passed down through generations, a commemorative biscuit tin containing heritage stories, or even a curry festival; these all offer a unique lens into Bradford’s history, creativity and community spirit. We’re delighted that Bradford has been chosen to launch the [Good Food Cycle] at the new Darley Street Market, full of independent local traders to help showcase the city’s dynamic contemporary culture to the world.  

    Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said:  

    We welcome the ambitions set out in the Good Food Cycle today and support the outcomes it describes.  

    We continue to work closely with other departments in the delivery of the strategy, playing our part to make it easier for consumers to access food that is healthier and more sustainable. 

    Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD, said:   

    As co-secretariat of the FSAB, we partnered with the Defra team earlier this year to host multi-stakeholder workshops, engaging over 150 organisations across the agri-food supply chain. Their insights have directly shaped the Good Food Cycle’s ambition to build a food system that works for everyone. A powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration.

    Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC, said:  

    Retailers welcome the ambition and direction of the framework. They know customers want more British food, sustainably produced and with clear healthy choices; something we believe this approach can help to deliver. 

    Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:   

    Hospitality is a central cog in our food system – serving Britain with great food and drink 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The food supply chain shares the Government’s ambitions to create a healthier, more sustainable food system, and it’s critical the Government works with businesses to do that in a pragmatic and achievable way.    

    Diverse and vibrant food cultures are part of what makes our communities thrive, and we look forward to working with the Government to develop a food strategy that recognises hospitality’s vital importance to the food system, economy and society.

    Dalton Philips, CEO of Greencore plc, said:    

    The Good Food Cycle is a bold and timely step toward a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system. It sets the right direction for industry, government and communities to work together to drive lasting change.   

    Tim J Smith CBE, Chairman of Cranswick, said:     

    As we mark the launch of the Good Food Cycle today and as a member of the Food Strategy Advisory Board I would like to commend the government for its progress on establishing a set of priorities which we can all get behind. This matters for everyone. Wherever we live, whoever we are, we’re all connected to the food system. Food matters. The pace at which this work has developed has been remarkable as has the very unusual cross-government working needed to get us to this point: where our food system is closer to being healthier, more sustainable and affordable and where that system is fair for all.  

    Balwinder Dhoot, Director of Sustainability and Growth, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:   

    From the everyday staples found in kitchen cupboards, fridges and freezers, like oats, yoghurts, tins of beans and frozen vegetables, to ready meals, confectionary and new healthier snacks, UK food and drink manufacturers help the nation have a balanced and varied diet, amid busy lifestyles.   

    We welcome this strategy’s holistic view that considers all of the factors affecting our sector – from creating the right conditions to drive investment in new healthier products, through to removing barriers to trade and ensuring we have the skilled workers we need. We’re pleased to see government acknowledge the importance of our industry to achieving a resilient, sustainable and healthy food system for the UK and look forward to working together to develop this ambitious Food Strategy.

    Citizens Advisory Council: 

    Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation, said:   

    The Food Strategy is an opportunity to reset the rules governing the food system so we start winning the fight against diet related disease and unlock progress  in delivering our nature and climate targets. The wellbeing of citizens must be at the heart of these changes, with food businesses now being encouraged to sell and promote healthier options. This should also be a signal to investors that British food companies making nutritious foods hold the keys to future growth and productivity.  Most importantly it holds the promise of getting our children back on track for long, healthy and fruitful lives.  

    Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, said:     

    What’s exciting about this approach is that citizens don’t want to see a strategy gathering dust on a shelf. They are really interested in how it will be delivered – and the difference it will make to their everyday lives. They want to see healthy food, sustainably produced, easily available to everyone everywhere. Citizens tend to cut to the chase. They’re interested in what works, and where it is working already, around the UK and elsewhere in the world. They want to make sure that government focuses on making a real difference – for health, for nature, for climate and for a fairer food system for everyone.

    Citizens Advisory Council members:  

    “I think it’s very important to get out and speak to people from different corners of the UK and from all different social aspects and social standings, to understand what the real problems are at the ground level.” – Kevin Robson, Tyne & Wear  

    “I’d love it if we end up in a place where providing healthy, good food for your family becomes a little less confusing. At the moment, I think lots of citizens do find it confusing. It shouldn’t be a struggle to provide healthy food for a family.” – David Njoku, Berkshire  

    “I think what I’m really looking for is change. Defra have been really vocal that they want to hear us and they want to centre citizen voices as a key part of their strategy.” – Emmanuela Kumi, London

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Electric Car Grant launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Written statement to Parliament

    Electric Car Grant launched

    Car manufacturers can apply for vehicle eligibility for the grant from 16 July 2025.

    The government is making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. Today (15 July 2025), the government has launched an Electric Car Grant to support the transition to zero emission vehicles and incentivise sustainable automotive manufacturing. This intervention gives clarity about the government’s commitment to the zero emission vehicle transition, at a time of unprecedented uncertainty for the automotive sector.

    £650 million of grant funding will be available to purchase new zero emission cars priced at or under £37,000. Grants of £1,500 or £3,750 will make these cars more affordable and enable even more people to access the savings associated with driving electric. The grant will help unlock potential further savings of up to £1,500 a year in running costs for drivers, it will back UK and other manufacturers, with eligibility dependent on the highest manufacturing sustainability standards, driving growth in our automotive and charging sectors.

    Grants are available from tomorrow (16 July 2025), subject to confirmation of vehicle eligibility by the Department for Transport. A list of eligible vehicles will be updated on the department website as vehicles are approved. The scheme has funding available until financial year 2028 to 2029. The closure date will remain under review and the scheme will be subject to amendment or early closure, with no notice, should funds become exhausted.

    The Electric Car Grant has 2 bands. £3,750 for the most sustainably produced cars and £1,500 for cars that meet some environmental criteria. This is in recognition of the need to address embedded carbon emissions across a vehicle’s lifetime, as well as tailpipe emissions. Vehicles that do not meet minimum sustainability standards will not be eligible for a grant.

    The minimum environmental criterion is for manufacturers to hold a verified science based target. Science based targets are commitments corporate entities make to reduce their environmental impact, in line with the UK’s international climate commitments, which are verified by the independent Science Based Targets Initiative. The amount of grant available per vehicle will depend on the level of emissions associated with production of the vehicle. Emissions from vehicle production are assessed against the carbon intensity of the electricity grid in the country where vehicle assembly and battery production are located.

    The government has also announced a wider package of measures to support the continued deployment of charging infrastructure. These include £25 million of funding to deliver cross-pavement charging channels, £30 million grant funding to install chargepoints at depots for vans, coaches and HGVs, supporting the transition of the road freight and coach sectors, £8 million of funding to install chargers at NHS sites and changes to allow EV hubs to be signed from major roads. All of these measures will support the more than £6 billion of private funding already in the pipeline to further boost the UK’s chargepoint roll-out by 2030.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: RSF supported 15 projects of young scientists from HSE

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Russian Science Foundation has summed up the results of the 2025 youth competitions for grants. Based on the results of the competition of initiative projects of young scientists, 14 projects of the Higher School of Economics were supported. Based on the results of the competition of scientific groups led by young scientists, one university project was supported.

    The competitions are part of the Presidential Program of research projects implemented by leading scientists, including young scientists, a priority area of the RSF activity “Support for young scientists”. The goal of the presented project should be to solve specific problems within the framework of one of the priorities defined in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation.

    Competition of initiative projects of young scientists

    Grants are allocated for the implementation of fundamental and exploratory scientific research in 2025–2027 to researchers aged up to and including 33 years who have a PhD degree.

    Following the results of the competition, 14 HSE projects were supported in the following areas: Mathematics, informatics and systems sciences, Physics and space sciences, Humanities and social sciences:

    “Assessing Impact Effects in Economic Research Using Synthesis of Econometric Models and Machine Learning Methods” (headed by Bogdan Potanin, Faculty of Economic Sciences);

    “Trace Operator in Non-Lipschitz Domains and the Steklov Problem” (supervised by Alexander Menovshchikov, Faculty of Mathematics);

    “Solution of the inverse phaseless scattering problem for the Helmholtz equation using the phase reconstruction method” (supervisor Vladimir Sivkin, Faculty of Mathematics);

    “Automorphisms of algebraic monoids” (supervised by Anton Shafarevich, Faculty of Computer Science);

    “Localization and its destruction in one-dimensional disordered quantum multiparticle systems” (head Murod Bakhovadinov, International Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics);

    “Hessian and locally conformal Hessian manifolds” (supervised by Pavel Osipov, International Laboratory of Mirror Symmetry and Automorphic Forms);

    “Socio-psychological factors of perception of socio-economic inequality: from social comparison to subjective well-being” (headed by Irina Prusova, Faculty of Social Sciences);

    “Industrial postgraduate studies in Russia: practices, barriers and effects of employers’ participation in the training of postgraduate students” (headed by Svetlana Zhuchkova, Institute of Education);

    “‘Gentle’ employment: practices for adapting forms and conditions of employment against the backdrop of deteriorating health in older age groups in Russia” (headed by Anna Chervyakova, Institute of Social Policy);

    “Dynamical systems on direct and oblique products of manifolds” (supervisor Marina Barinova, HSE University – Nizhny Novgorod);

    “Knowledge and Management on the Imperial Outskirts: Experts and Mediators in the Russian North and Far East in the Post-Reform Russian Empire” (headed by Evgeny Egorov, HSE University – Saint Petersburg);

    “At the start of academic careers: student participation in scientific communities and initiatives as a vector for the development of national science” (headed by Irina Lisovskaya, HSE University – St. Petersburg);

    “Socio-psychological and cognitive factors of trust in AI-social agents and AI-generated information in the field of health” (headed by Yadviga Sinyavskaya, HSE University – St. Petersburg);

    “Asymmetrical radiation output from a microdisk laser using a conjugated photonic crystal” (headed by Konstantin Ivanov, HSE University – St. Petersburg).

    Competition of scientific groups led by young scientists

    Within the framework of the competition, grants are allocated for conducting fundamental and exploratory scientific research in 2025–2028 to researchers aged up to and including 35 years, who have a candidate or doctoral degree.

    Based on the results of the competition, the project “Integrable sigma models and conformal field theories” (supervisor Mikhail Alfimov, Faculty of Mathematics) was supported.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Monsoon remains central to India’s economy, culture, climate resilience

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As India braces for another active monsoon season, experts are once again highlighting the monsoon’s critical role in shaping the country’s economic and cultural life. Often referred to as the lifeline of India, the monsoon rains impact agriculture, water availability, power generation, and the livelihoods of millions across the nation.

    The Indian monsoon system, driven by the seasonal reversal of winds due to differences in land and sea temperatures, brings two distinct rainy seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October–December). The former contributes nearly 75% of the country’s total annual rainfall and is essential for the kharif crop season, which includes staples like rice, cotton, and sugarcane.

    “The onset of the southwest monsoon in early June triggers a cycle of activity that supports farming, replenishes rivers and lakes, and powers hydroelectric plants,” said a senior official from the India Meteorological Department. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal spread across the country, delivering rain as they rise over mountain ranges like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.

    The northeast monsoon, while shorter and more localized, plays a crucial role for the southeastern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, which receive most of their rainfall during this period.

    India’s dependence on monsoon rainfall remains high — with about 55% of the country’s cultivated land is irrigated — leaving the rest farmland part dependent on timely and adequate rain. With nearly two-thirds of the population engaged in agriculture, the economy is highly sensitive to monsoon variability. A good monsoon boosts rural incomes, food production, and national GDP, while a weak or erratic one can lead to droughts, crop losses, and inflation.

    Uneven rainfall, intensified by climate change, is already affecting crop cycles. Delayed rains, excessive downpours, or prolonged dry spells can result in soil erosion, reduced farm productivity, and rural distress. Even winter rains brought by western disturbances are vital for rabi crops like wheat in northern India.

    Beyond the economy, the monsoon is deeply woven into India’s cultural identity. From ancient poetry and classical music to festivals and daily traditions, the monsoon influences food, clothing, architecture, and societal rhythms.

    With changing climate patterns making monsoons more unpredictable, understanding and adapting to these shifts has become increasingly important. Experts stress the need for improved forecasting, better water management, and increased irrigation coverage to ensure long-term agricultural and economic stability.

     

  • Monsoon remains central to India’s economy, culture, climate resilience

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As India braces for another active monsoon season, experts are once again highlighting the monsoon’s critical role in shaping the country’s economic and cultural life. Often referred to as the lifeline of India, the monsoon rains impact agriculture, water availability, power generation, and the livelihoods of millions across the nation.

    The Indian monsoon system, driven by the seasonal reversal of winds due to differences in land and sea temperatures, brings two distinct rainy seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October–December). The former contributes nearly 75% of the country’s total annual rainfall and is essential for the kharif crop season, which includes staples like rice, cotton, and sugarcane.

    “The onset of the southwest monsoon in early June triggers a cycle of activity that supports farming, replenishes rivers and lakes, and powers hydroelectric plants,” said a senior official from the India Meteorological Department. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal spread across the country, delivering rain as they rise over mountain ranges like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.

    The northeast monsoon, while shorter and more localized, plays a crucial role for the southeastern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, which receive most of their rainfall during this period.

    India’s dependence on monsoon rainfall remains high — with about 55% of the country’s cultivated land is irrigated — leaving the rest farmland part dependent on timely and adequate rain. With nearly two-thirds of the population engaged in agriculture, the economy is highly sensitive to monsoon variability. A good monsoon boosts rural incomes, food production, and national GDP, while a weak or erratic one can lead to droughts, crop losses, and inflation.

    Uneven rainfall, intensified by climate change, is already affecting crop cycles. Delayed rains, excessive downpours, or prolonged dry spells can result in soil erosion, reduced farm productivity, and rural distress. Even winter rains brought by western disturbances are vital for rabi crops like wheat in northern India.

    Beyond the economy, the monsoon is deeply woven into India’s cultural identity. From ancient poetry and classical music to festivals and daily traditions, the monsoon influences food, clothing, architecture, and societal rhythms.

    With changing climate patterns making monsoons more unpredictable, understanding and adapting to these shifts has become increasingly important. Experts stress the need for improved forecasting, better water management, and increased irrigation coverage to ensure long-term agricultural and economic stability.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government launches SEPs Consultation to Boost UK Innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government launches SEPs Consultation to Boost UK Innovation

    Businesses and stakeholders invited to respond by 7 October 2025

    Further details:

    • Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) are building blocks of our connected future, enabling our devices to communicate seamlessly. They help power our connected economy and deliver real technological change for real people

    • the Government is seeking views on proposed Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) measures to support the UK’s technology-driven economic growth

    • proposals aim to address challenges in transparency, dispute resolution and licensing efficiency

    • further evidence sought on ways to address knowledge and information gaps between parties in SEPs negotiations, helping avoid complex and costly litigation

    • interested parties from across the SEP ecosystem are invited to submit views and evidence by 7 October 2025

    The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has today launched a consultation on potential measures to address challenges in the UK’s Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) ecosystem.

    A patent that protects technology which is essential to implementing a technical standard (such as 5G) is known as a Standard Essential Patent (SEP). SEPs help our devices to communicate seamlessly – from smartphones to electric vehicles, smart manufacturing to innovations in healthcare. They are the building blocks of our connected future and help deliver real technological change.

    However, available evidence points to inefficiencies in the UK’s SEP ecosystem that may create barriers to innovation – particularly for smaller businesses when seeking to implement standardised technologies.

    These challenges include knowledge and information gaps between SEP holders and implementers, a lack of transparency in the SEPs licensing process, and a costly and often complex dispute resolution environment. Resolving disputes can be costly and time-consuming – one recently reported case cost £31.5 million.

    The Government is consulting on policy options to ensure the UK’s SEP framework operates more efficiently, supporting both patent holders and technology implementers. The proposals aim to reduce frictions in licensing, achieve greater efficiency in dispute resolution, and more effectively deal with knowledge and information gaps between parties.

    The proposed measures aim to enable businesses of all sizes, including start-ups and scale-ups, to navigate the SEP framework more confidently.

    Proposed measures include

    Specialist rate determination track: Introducing a specialist track to provide licence rates for SEP portfolios on a case-by-case basis. This could increase consistency and transparency in SEP pricing. It could give businesses of all sizes a more efficient and cost–effective route to obtain a SEP licence rate.

    Mandatory provision of searchable information: Requiring patent holders to disclose standard-related patent information to the IPO. This would help address the current lack of transparency around SEPs and licensing obligations.

    We are gathering further evidence on

    The use of pre-action protocols: We are seeking further evidence on pre-action protocols to establish if they work well in SEPs negotiations, by encouraging early disclosure of relevant information.  This will help establish if a specialist SEP pre-action protocol may be needed in cases where negotiations are less likely to reach agreement and may move towards litigation.

    Essentiality checking solutions: Conducting a landscape review of essentiality checking solutions, to establish whether they are accessible for all parties, and establish if there is a case for government to introduce an essentiality determination opinion service.

    SEP remedies:  We are seeking to better understand whether the patent framework provides adequate remedies for SEP disputes.

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) measures: We are also looking to understand the current provision of ADR services that can resolve SEP disputes, and the extent to which they are used and accessible for all businesses, especially smaller businesses.

    Minister for Intellectual Property Feryal Clark MP said:

    Intellectual property is central to the Government’s growth mission and underpins the technologies that power our connected future, from 5G and electric vehicles to smart manufacturing and healthcare.

    This consultation will help make the licensing of these technologies more straight forward and accessible – driving innovation, reducing costly litigation, and helping UK firms lead in developing the technologies of tomorrow.

    President of the IP Federation Sarah Vaughan said:

    The IP Federation welcomes the Government’s open and evidence-based approach in launching this consultation on standard essential patents (SEPs). As long-standing advocates for a balanced and effective IP framework, we support measures that enhance transparency, facilitate timely and fair licensing negotiations, and promote efficient dispute resolution.

    President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) Bobby Mukherjee said:

    The UK patent profession is one of the most skilled and experienced in the world in the SEP arena and we welcome the IPO’s energy and vision in initiating activity in a vital support area for our market leading offering. CIPA members welcome the opportunity to participate in this evidence-led consultation openly, reflecting the spectrum of views from SEP rights holders to implementers.

    Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office Adam Williams said:

    This consultation is a critical opportunity for all stakeholders to help build a SEP ecosystem that works for everyone. We particularly want to hear from businesses developing or using standardised technologies about how proposed measures could affect their innovation, investment and growth plans.

    The proposals outlined seek to address the diverse needs within our innovation ecosystem and take a balanced approach. By combining possible regulatory interventions with market-driven solutions, we want to create a framework that enhances the UK’s competitiveness while ensuring fairness and transparency across the technology value chain.

    The Government is encouraging responses from interested parties across the SEP ecosystem.  These include patent holders and innovators who develop standard-essential technologies, technology implementers who incorporate SEPs into their products, legal services and academia. We are also encouraging views from start-ups and scale-ups who may face particular challenges with the current licensing system.

    Industry bodies and standards organisations, intellectual property experts and research institutions involved in standardized technologies, and consumer groups representing end-users of SEP-enabled technologies are also encouraged to share their views.

    The evidence and insights gathered will help ensure our proposed measures address a broad set of needs across the innovation ecosystem and support balanced growth across the UK economy.

    The consultation is open until 7 October 2025. Full details and response information are available at the consultation page.

    END

    Additional information:

    1. The consultation document is available on GOV UK.

    2. A technical standard is an agreed or established technical description of an idea, product, service, or way of doing things, which enables the sharing of knowledge. Standards can encourage innovation, enable jobs and growth, and ensure the interoperability, safety and quality of products.

    3. The number of patents declared as essential (SEPs) worldwide has been estimated to have more than tripled over the last decade, growing from 82,000 in 2010 to around 305,000 in 2021.

    4. This number is expected to continue to increase. Standard development organisations (SDOs), like ETSI, publish thousands of new technical standard specifications every year. Standards are currently being developed for emerging technologies, such as 6G and artificial intelligence, to support interoperability.

    5. The telecommunications sector alone adds over £40 billion annually to UK GDP, with SEP-dependent technologies playing an essential role.

    6. The consultation follows extensive research since 2021 to establish if the current system of licensing SEPs is functioning effectively.

    7. In July 2024, the IPO launched the world’s first SEP resource hub to help UK businesses navigate the SEP ecosystem more confidently.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRUMP: Swinney meeting with extremist President is out of step with Scotland’s values

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Later this month when convicted criminal Donald Trump visits Scotland he will meet with SNP First Minister John Swinney in a move described as “out of step with Scotland’s values” by the Scottish Greens.

    The US President was found guilty of 34 felonies in 2023 relating to falsified business records, after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. Trump also has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s. Since his return to power he has pursued a dangerous and increasingly far right agenda.

    The Scottish Greens have long called for an investigation into Donald Trump’s finances in Scotland through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).

    A UWO is a power held by the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of politically active individuals who have gained wealth through suspicious means. Given Donald Trump’s Menie Estate golf course, which he is set to visit this month, was cited in one of his felony charges, it’s now clearer than ever that a UWO must be used.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “Donald Trump is a convicted criminal and political extremist, there can be no excuses for trying to cosy up to his increasingly fascist political agenda.

    “We’ve all watched in recent months as the US President has sent troops to threaten their own citizens on the streets of Los Angeles, kidnapped innocent people under the guise of mass deportations and now they are constructing a concentration camp in Florida.

    “This is a man who has a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America, and whose climate denial threatens everyone around the world.

    “The SNPs decision to meet with this convicted felon is a tragic one, and is out of step with Scotland’s values. Appeasing political extremists like Trump won’t save us from his misinformation and toxic rhetoric. His Vice President has already attacked our parliament by lying to international media about a bill passed by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

    “If the Scottish Government won’t make it clear to Trump, then I’m sure the people of Scotland on the streets protesting his every move will make it loud and clear. Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham fraudster spent part of Covid loan funds at safari park, restaurants and paying off personal credit card debt

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Birmingham fraudster spent part of Covid loan funds at safari park, restaurants and paying off personal credit card debt

    Money from the loans was only supposed to be used for the economic benefit of the business

    • Fitness company owner Junaid Dar dishonestly obtained £45,500 in Covid Bounce Back Loans during 2020 

    • Dar used some of the funds for legitimate purposes, but he also used money for personal spending at retailers, restaurants and leisure attractions 

    • The 34-year-old was handed a suspended sentence following investigations by the Insolvency Service 

    A Birmingham fraudster who secured three Covid loans for his company when businesses were only entitled to one used some of the funds for personal spending at restaurants and a safari park. 

    Junaid Dar, 34, made fraudulent applications to three separate banks for Bounce Back Loans worth a combined total of £45,500 during 2020 for his JDARPT Ltd fitness company. 

    Dar, of Stratford Road, Birmingham, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 10 July. 

    He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 180 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £2,400. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Junaid Dar deliberately made false representations to fraudulently receive three Bounce Back Loans when businesses were only entitled to one.  

    Instead of using this money to support his fitness business through the pandemic as intended, he diverted significant sums for personal spending.  

    Bounce Back Loans were designed to provide quick and simple financial support to businesses genuinely affected by Covid. The Insolvency Service will not tolerate abuse of the public purse and will continue to pursue fraudsters who exploited schemes designed to help legitimate businesses during a national crisis.

    JDAPRT was incorporated in March 2017 with Dar as its sole director. The company’s trading activities were recorded as fitness facilities on Companies House. 

    Dar’s first fraudulent application was for a £13,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020.  

    In the application, Dar claimed JDAPRT’s turnover was £55,000. 

    Just two days later, Dar made a second application to a different bank for a Bounce Back Loan of £15,000.  

    In this application, Dar said his company’s turnover was now £60,000. 

    Dar’s third and final fraudulent application in September 2020 was for a Bounce Back Loan of £17,500.  

    This time, Dar falsely claimed his company’s turnover was £70,000. Insolvency Service analysis of the bank account revealed the company’s turnover was closer to £61,000. 

    Dar used some of the Bounce Back Loan funds for legitimate purposes. However, several transactions were recorded which Insolvency Service investigators found to be for personal use. 

    Payments were made to Amazon and Argos, along with spending at restaurants and meat stores. Further spending was identified at West Midlands Safari Park and making credit card payments. 

    JDARPT went into liquidation in July 2021. 

    Dar was also disqualified as a company director for 11 years from April 2022 for his misconduct at JDARPT. 

    Further information  

    About us 

    The Insolvency Service is a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors. 

    The Insolvency Service is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade

    Read more about what we do 

    Press Office 

    Journalists with enquiries can call the Insolvency Service Press Office on 0303 003 1743 or email press.office@insolvency.gov.uk (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). 

    Out of hours 

    For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) newsdesk on 020 7215 2000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritius’ Economy Depends on Sustainable Public Finances

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The island of Mauritius was once the native habitat of the dodo—a striking, flightless bird that went extinct in the face of unsustainable hunting by sailors. Today, the dodo is a national symbol for the country, representing the importance of conservation and sustainability efforts.  

    Economies are also shaped by human action, including fiscal policy. Mauritius has a strong policy track record that has engendered a transition from an agricultural economy to a diversified upper-middle-income country. 

    However, Mauritius now faces challenges from high public debt, significant public investment needs, low productivity, and an ageing society. To address them, fiscal policy would need to be recalibrated to preserve today’s dodo: inclusive economic prosperity.

    Fiscal sustainability measures 

    The Mauritian authorities recently announced their 2025-26 budget, which prioritizes reforms to support sustainable fiscal policy. These reforms aim to increase tax revenue by over two percent of GDP in 2025-26, while reducing government spending by over one percent of GDP in the same period. Overall, the authorities expect to reduce government debt from 87 percent of GDP in 2024 to 75 percent in 2030.  

    Our recent annual economic health check of the island nation—our Article IV Staff Report and Selected Issues Papers—offers policy options to achieve sustainable fiscal policy in Mauritius, including (i) strengthening revenue mobilization, (ii) reforming the pension system, and (iii) increasing spending efficiency. The announced budget is in line with many of our proposed policy options. 

    Increasing fiscal revenue 

    Given that tax exemptions are high—they accounted for 4.6 percent of GDP in 2024-25—the new budget aims to discontinue selected exemptions from VAT and excise duties, such as those for construction, real estate, and electric vehicles. The budget also lowers tax payment thresholds and raises new taxes. The implementation and sequencing of these reforms would need to limit any potential adverse impact on economic growth, while also protecting the most vulnerable.  

    Reforming pensions 

    On the expenditure side, there is room to make pension spending more sustainable. Benefits paid to individuals through the Basic Retirement Pension program (BRP)—received by all Mauritians aged 60 and older—have more than doubled since 2019. On top of higher benefits, fiscal pressures are mounting from a relative increase in the number of pensioners. As society ages, Mauritius is expected to face a doubling in the old-age dependency ratio over the next thirty years, resulting in a fast-growing pension bill.  

    Maintaining the present system would imply significant intergenerational redistribution from younger to older generations, as the (relatively small) younger cohort would likely face higher taxes to finance pensions for the (larger) older one. An option to help contain the growing cost of the BRP is a gradual alignment of the eligibility age from 60 to the official retirement age of 65. Given demographic trends, the alignment in the BRP eligibility age would help make the pension system more sustainable, while containing intergenerational inequalities and protecting the most vulnerable. The announced budget is a step in this direction.

    Spending efficiently 

    There is also scope for streamlining broadly targeted and regressive fiscal transfers. Social subsidies in Mauritius, in many cases, reach relatively few poor individuals. For example, only 11 percent of beneficiaries of the social aid program are defined as poor. The announced budget proposes savings by gradually unwinding some broadly targeted subsidies. The resulting savings will help create fiscal space to finance targeted schemes for the most vulnerable, while making fiscal policy more sustainable.  

    Unlike the dodo, now extinct, Mauritius’ economy will continue to thrive so long as fiscal sustainability is secured.

    – on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on DraftKings, Inc. (DKNG)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax® DKNG Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: DRAY)

    DRAY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on DraftKings, Inc. (“DKNG”). DRAY is managed by Tidal Financial Group. DRAY does not invest directly in DKNG.

    DRAY is the newest member of the YieldMax® ETF family and like all YieldMax® ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, DRAY will be a Group C ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on August 20, 2025.

    Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax® ETFs.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 33.04% 0.04% 100.0%
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 32.65% 0.00% 100.0%
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 62.17% 0.00% 100.0%
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 22.37% 0.00% 100.0%
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 33.92% 1.65% 100.0%
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 16.11% 0.07% 100.0%
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly 79.49% 0.00% 100.0%
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 42.80% 63.17% 90.5%
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 50.44% 82.40% 95.4%
    BIGY YieldMax® Target 12® Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly 11.35% 0.07% 99.28%
    RNTY YieldMax® Target 12® Real Estate Option Income ETF Monthly 12.07% 0.05% 53.01%
    SOXY YieldMax® Target 12® Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly 12.67% 2.16% 93.72%
    ABNY YieldMax® ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 35.21% 2.85% 92.90%
    AIYY YieldMax® AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 46.98% 3.46% 93.73%
    AMDY YieldMax® AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 72.42% 2.82% 96.14%
    AMZY YieldMax® AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 47.42% 2.86% 94.61%
    APLY YieldMax® AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 27.20% 3.38% 87.98%
    BABO YieldMax® BABA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 38.87% 3.22% 91.85%
    BRKC YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 35.53%
    CONY YieldMax® COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 69.74% 2.93% 96.71%
    CRSH YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 62.69% 3.08% 91.57%
    CVNY YieldMax® CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.69% 2.71% 96.68%
    DIPS YieldMax® Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 52.24% 3.59% 93.01%
    DISO YieldMax® DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 38.51% 2.97% 93.52%
    FBY YieldMax® META Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 41.34% 2.87% 93.05%
    FEAT YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 51.31% 52.99% 0.00%
    FIAT YieldMax® Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 65.40% 4.73% 92.85%
    FIVY YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 33.17% 35.26% 0.00%
    GDXY YieldMax® Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 73.19% 3.22% 95.87%
    GOOY YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 33.00% 3.29% 0.00%
    HOOY YieldMax® HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 116.73% 1.43% 99.92%
    JPMO YieldMax® JPM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 21.19% 2.70% 87.32%
    MARO YieldMax® MARA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 62.54% 3.09% 96.21%
    MRNY YieldMax® MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 92.24% 3.07% 97.17%
    MSFO YieldMax® MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 35.03% 2.97% 92.03%
    MSTY YieldMax® MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 71.21% 1.80% 96.86%
    NFLY YieldMax® NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 30.60% 2.80% 90.80%
    NVDY YieldMax® NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.52% 2.78% 95.30%
    OARK YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.31% 2.88% 95.16%
    PLTY YieldMax® PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 61.93% 2.99% 96.50%
    PYPY YieldMax® PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 34.10% 3.48% 92.95%
    SMCY YieldMax® SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 103.53% 3.09% 97.25%
    SNOY YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 37.92% 2.27% 62.42%
    TSLY YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 64.59% 2.76% 82.33%
    TSMY YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 52.10% 2.87% 95.76%
    WNTR YieldMax® Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 79.34% 3.19% 96.58%
    XOMO YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 37.52% 3.62% 92.57%
    XYZY YieldMax® XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 58.52% 2.57% 97.95%
    YBIT YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 45.25% 1.54% 87.99%
    YQQQ YieldMax® Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 21.80% 3.41% 84.56%


    Standardized Performance & Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at
    www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1. All YieldMax®ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax®ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on July 14, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended June 30, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

    High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B, DKNG), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Subsidiary askROI Surpasses 590,000 App Downloads on Apple App Store and Google Play

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data,” or the “Company”), today announced that the app of its wholly owned indirect subsidiary askROI, Inc. (“askROI”), has surpassed 590,000 cumulative app downloads between the Apple App Store and Google Play.

    “We believe that surpassing a half million downloads is a validation of the askROI platform and the demand for accessible, artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools,” stated Milton “Todd” Ault III, Founder and Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. “We are proud of the momentum and excited to continue expanding askROI’s capabilities to serve more users across multiple industries.”

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data currently expects to divest itself of ACG (the “Divestiture”) on or about December 31, 2025, though there can be no assurance that the Divestiture will be completed during 2025. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to operate in the digital asset space as described in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Release Second Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on July 29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ADDISON, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its second quarter of 2025 financial results on July 29, 2025, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ox29vy4b

    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI97d5b1d01e0d42ad9f05df63ff2dda73

    A replay to the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets globally through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications in power generation, petrochemical processing, refining, midstream gas transport and treatment, electric vehicle and battery production, metals and mineral processing, polysilicon production, battery recycling, beverage can production, and produced and oily water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other industrial applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
            
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has today announced the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Wealth Fund.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has today announced the appointment of Oliver Holbourn as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Wealth Fund, to lead it through its next chapter.

    Oliver brings more than 25 years of experience across banking, strategy, and public financial investments including CEO roles at RBS International and, formerly, UK Financial Investments.

    The National Wealth Fund is the government’s principal investor and policy bank. It is at the forefront of investing public money and mobilising private capital to help deliver on the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

    Since its launch in October 2024, the National Wealth Fund has committed £2.5 billion, supporting 10,700 jobs. It also has expanded firepower, with £5.8 billion of additional capital to deploy. The NWF’s economic capital limit has been increased allowing it to take on greater risk, providing greater flexibility over its investments to support more projects to access private finance.

    The Chancellor recently set this government’s Strategic Priorities for the National Wealth Fund over this Parliament. Under Oliver Holbourn’s leadership, the National Wealth Fund will enter a new phase of delivering these priorities: significantly increasing the amount of capital it deploys; expanding into new sectors; and trialling Strategic Partnerships with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to develop richer pipelines for regional investment.

    This appointment followed a fair and open recruitment process, and he is expected to take up his post on 1 November.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    I would like to congratulate Oliver on his appointment as CEO of the National Wealth Fund.

    Oliver brings a wealth of private sector expertise and public service experience to this critical role. His expertise will be instrumental in delivering the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

    I would like to thank John Flint for his leadership in successfully transforming the UK Infrastructure Bank into the National Wealth Fund and for laying a strong foundation for its future growth.

    Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund, Oliver Holbourn said:

    The National Wealth Fund has an important role to play in the economic success of the UK; so I am deeply honoured to be taking the reins as Chief Executive at such a pivotal time.

    I am excited to get to work – using the NWF’s expertise and resources to partner with businesses, investors, mayoral combined and local authorities, and ministers and stakeholders to mobilise private investment alongside public sector finance. This will help drive sustainable economic growth across the UK and support the clean energy transition.

    Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg said:

    Oliver is the ideal person to lead the Fund into our next phase. He is passionately committed to our mission, brings a rare combination of senior leadership across both the public and private sectors, and has a background in banking, which is at the heart of what we do. 

    I look forward to working with Oliver to realise the full potential of our expanded mandate, delivering the Government’s ambitions for growth and clean energy, underpinned by the new Industrial Strategy.

    Biography

    Oliver Holbourn was until very recently the CEO of RBS International Holdings, a subsidiary of the NatWest Group, where he was on the Group Executive Committee for over four years.

    With over 25 years of experience across investment banking, government investments, and strategic leadership. Oliver brings deep expertise in managing capital to deliver public value having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of UK Financial Investments (UKFI), where he was responsible for managing the government’s shareholdings in RBS, Lloyds and UK Asset Resolution, overseeing complex, high-value shareholdings on behalf of the UK taxpayer.

    Earlier in his career, Oliver spent over a decade at Bank of America, latterly as Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets for the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. His career has been defined by a strong track record in financial leadership, capital markets, and public sector engagement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana: Finance Minister Inaugurates New Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Board

    Source: APO


    .

    The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a seven-member Board for the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

    The new Board members are:

    • Mr. Mike Kofi Afflu – Chairperson
    • Mr. Albert Kwadwo Twum Boafo – Chief Executive
    • Ms. Grace Mbrokoh-Ewoal – Ministry of Finance/Member
    • Ms. Elizabeth Ama Yankah – National Security/member
    • Dr. Kwasi Osei Yeboah – Member
    • A representative from the Ministry of the Interior (Senior Police Officer)
    • A representative from the Attorney-General’s Department

    The Board has been tasked with supporting Ghana’s fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes.

    The FIC plays a crucial role in protecting Ghana’s financial system, especially as fraud and financial crimes become more sophisticated.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Bank Report Highlights Gender Dynamics and Opportunities in Botswana

    Source: APO


    .

    The World Bank has released a comprehensive report, Trends and Opportunities to Advance Gender Equality in Botswana”, analyzing gender dynamics across life-cycle stages to guide policymakers, the civil society, and development partners on key challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality. It reveals how structural barriers in education access, financial inclusion, and labor market participation disproportionately affect women and young Batswana and provides recommendations to address these barriers.

    “This report offers important insights to accelerate our ongoing efforts to create a more equitable Botswana. By addressing systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, skills gaps, and societal norms, we can unlock the full potential of youth, women, and men as drivers of economic growth. We are committed to fostering inclusivity while emphasizing various roles in advancing gender equality. The Government remains steadfast in promoting equal opportunities for all Batswana,” said Honourable Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, at the report’s launch in Gaborone.

    The report outlines five strategic priorities to address critical challenges:

    (i)       Increase women’s participation in decision-making at local and national levels and strengthen gender equality under the law.

    (ii)      Strengthen capacity for all-of-government gender mainstreaming.

    (iii)     Reduce high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and improve access to justice and to integrated GBV survivor support services.

    (iv)     Support girls and boys to reach their full potential of human capital; and

    (v)      Close wage and productivity gender gaps in entrepreneurship and employment.

    “Women now account for 57% of university graduates, and Botswana has significantly expanded access to maternal health services, with most births taking place in health facilities. However, persistent gaps in women’s economic participation limit the country’s growth potential,” says World Bank Country Director for Botswana, Satu Kahkonen. The World Bank will continue to support Botswana’s efforts to achieve gender equality and youth empowerment.  Ww have committed to do so globally in our Gender Strategy 2024–2030.”

    The assessment identifies gender disparities in three key areas: human capital (health, education, social protection), economic inclusion, voice and agency. Boys face higher rates of childhood stunting and lower early childhood education access, while 1 in 10 girls becomes pregnant before the age of 20, making it the leading cause of school dropout for young women. Maternal mortality, though improved, remains high at 131 deaths per 100,000 live births, and HIV continues to disproportionately affects women, with a 26% prevalence – nearly twice that of men.

    Despite educational gains, women in Botswana have lower labor force participation (63% vs 73% for men), earn less, and are concentrated in informal, vulnerable jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these disparities, with women accounting for over half of all job losses. Rural and informal women workers are especially vulnerable to climate and economic shocks, underlining the need for inclusive, resilient economic systems. Despite advancements in the legal framework for gender equality, social norms and informal barriers still limit women’s full economic inclusion. Women-are more likely to run informal businesses, have less access to finance and remain underrepresented in political leadership and traditional leadership. High rates of gender-based violence, especially among marginalized groups, are worsened by weak institutional coordination and fragmented support systems.

    The assessment was conducted in consultation with the Government of Botswana, development partners, and civil society organizations, and benefits from prior research and reports.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cameroon’s Economic Update: Harnessing Forests and Natural Wealth for Sustainable Growth

    Source: APO


    .

    The World Bank Group today launched the 2025 Cameroon Economic Update, titled ‘’Cameroon’s Green Gold: Unlocking the Value of Forests and Natural Capital’’. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s recent economic developments, medium-term outlook, and the critical role of wealth accounting in assessing the country’s economic performance. The report places a special emphasis on the importance of sustainable forests and natural resources management as drivers of inclusive and resilient development.

    According to the report, Cameroon’s GDP grew by 3.5% in 2024, up from 3.2% in 2023, driven by rising cocoa prices, enhanced cotton yields, and improved power supply. Average inflation declined sharply from 7.4% to 4.5% between 2023 and 2024, thanks to tighter monetary policy, price controls, and reduced import inflation. The current account deficit narrowed from 4.1% to 3.4% of GDP%, mainly due to the cocoa price surge. However, the overall fiscal deficit widened to 1.5% of GDP, compared to 0.7% of GDP in 2023, due to a slippage in current expenditures and weaker-than-expected revenues. Public debt rose slightly from 46.1% to 46.8% of GDP, with most of this increase in the form of external debt.

    The medium-term outlook is moderately positive, with an anticipated average real GDP growth of 3.9% from 2025 to 2028, supported by improved power generation and increased public investment – particularly in the construction sector. Average inflation is expected to decline further, reaching the 3% CEMAC convergence criteria by 2027. However, the current account deficit is expected to increase at around 4.0% of GDP over the medium term, due to declining oil production and prices, mixed results from government industrial policies, and increased inputs as a result of higher public and private investment. While Cameroon’s external and overall public debt are expected to remain sustainable, the country faces a high risk of debt distress due to liquidity issues.

    Cameroon’s economy has demonstrated resilience amidst external shocks, yet multiple structural weaknesses – particularly infrastructure gaps – impede its potential,” said Robert Utz, World Bank Lead Country Economist and one of the report’s authors. ‘’A bold fiscal reform agenda is imperative to bridge those gaps and boost economy-wide productivity.”

    The report also introduces national wealth accounting as a critical tool for policy makers to better understand Cameroon’s economic capacity to generate future income and sustain development. Although total national wealth grew from $311 billion in 1995 to $553 billion in 2020, national wealth per capita declined by 11% over the same period. Adjusted net savings (ANS) – a broader picture of a nation’s economic sustainability – was moderately negative between 2010 and 2020, suggesting that Cameroon is depleting its wealth slightly faster than it is accumulating new assets. Forest depletion accelerated dramatically after 2010, with the conversion of lowland forests for agricultural use between 2010 and 2020, five times the rate of the previous decade. At the same time, the ecological condition of Cameroon’s forests has deteriorated significantly, with satellite data showing declines in tree height, canopy cover, forest connectivity, and landscape naturalness

    To minimize the environmental impact of growth and preserve natural wealth, Cameroon could prioritize its high-value, vulnerable ecosystems and transition to a forest-based service economy, leveraging ecotourism, medicinal services with its unique flora, and forest-based knowledge,” said Cheick F. Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    The report underscores that to achieve its goal of becoming an emerging economy by 2035, Cameroon must diversify beyond primary commodities. With one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems, a competitive tourism sector could become a key driver of growth and employment—leveraging natural capital that few other countries can match.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Posted on Jul 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

    KA ʻOIHANA PONO LIMAHANA

    JADE T. BUTAY

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Hawai‘i Projects 41,000 New Jobs by 2032, Led by Health Care and Food Services

     

    News Release 2025-07

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 14, 2025

     

    HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office has released its latest statewide employment projections for industries and occupations. The projections are based on 2022 employment data and forecast trends through 2032. Statewide projections are published in even-numbered years, while county-specific projections are issued in odd-numbered years.

    Key Highlights:

    Hawai‘i’s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next decade, increasing from 671,010 jobs in 2022 to 712,200 by 2032 — an addition of 41,190 jobs. Each year, the state is expected to see approximately 83,050 job openings. These openings will primarily result from workers changing jobs (55%) and exiting the labor force (40%), while just 5% will stem from actual job growth. This breakdown highlights the importance of workforce replacement and job mobility in the state’s labor market.

    Top Growing Industries:

    • Health care and social assistance is forecast to be the fastest-growing and largest contributor to job creation, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all new positions.
    • The sector is projected to grow by 12.7%, with particularly strong demand in social assistance services.
    • The food services and drinking places industry will follow closely, with an 11.9% growth rate, driven by Hawai‘i’s strong hospitality sector.
    • The accommodation industry is also forecast to increase by 10.2%, while creating 3,750 positions.
    • The self-employed sector, bolstered by the post-pandemic gig economy, is expected to reach 58,150 workers by 2032.

     

    In contrast, government and retail trade employment are projected to decline, influenced by federal policies and continuing shift toward e-commerce.

    The projections are a valuable tool for:

    • Students and jobseekers exploring career options
    • Education and training providers developing programs
    • Job placement specialists and career counselors guiding individuals toward employment
    • Program managers and policymakers shaping workforce strategies
    • Employers planning for growth or relocation

    Key highlights, comprehensive data tables and other Labor Market Information (LMI) tools — such as Best Job Opportunities to 2032 — can be accessed on the Employment Projections page of the Hawai‘i Workforce Infonet (HIWI): www.hiwi.org.

    Detailed narrative reports will be available by the end of July.

    This effort is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, through the Workforce and Labor Market Information Grants to States (WIGS) program, with a total award of $321,585 for Program Year 2024.

    # # #

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
    Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
    TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for 808-586-8842

    View DLIR news releases:

    http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/

    Media Contact:

    Chavonnie Ramos

    Public Information Officer, State of Hawai‘i

    Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

    Phone: 808-586-9720

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The “Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS)” is a grassroots youth-serving Non-Governmental Organisation in Nigeria. YEDIS promotes entrepreneurship education, youth employment, gender equality, and sustainable community development. It introduces the youth to enterprises, encourages innovation, and inspires underserved young people to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and develop the required business skills for the economy, peace, and prosperity.

    DRR activities

    YEDIS DRR activities include capacity building workshop and education programs for youth and women-led Small and Medium-Size Enterprises on waste management, water management, climate resilience, and environmental protection. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS) is a pioneering organisation driving the green economy, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, energy transition, social impact business, climate resilience, climate solutions, technology, governance, investment, sustainable development and green innovation across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

    The GXS Network focuses on empowering local businesses and communities, building collaborative networks for sustainable living and development. Its primary activities include promoting green economy initiatives, fostering circular economy practices, and implementing climate and sustainable solutions that align with the Vietnamese government and international commitments

    DRR activities

    the Making Cities Resilience 2030 program by UNDRR. It fosters policy, technology, and capacity building in disaster risk reduction for Vietnamese authorities and businesses. GXS founder Son Nguyen has completed some UNDRR training courses in the 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale signs an agreement with the State of Cameroon to sell its subsidiary Société Générale Cameroun

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOCIETE GENERALE SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CAMEROON TO SELL ITS SUBSIDIARY SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE CAMEROUN

    Press release
    Paris, 15 July 2025

    Societe Generale has signed an agreement with the State of Cameroon which provides for the total sale of the group’s shares (58.08%) in Société Générale Cameroun. The State of Cameroon, already a shareholder, would thus hold 83.68% of the shares of Société Générale Cameroun. According to the commitments made, the State of Cameroon would take over all the activities operated by this subsidiary, as well as all the client portfolios and all the employees of this entity.

    This transaction would have a positive impact of around 6 basis points on the Group’s CET1 ratio, on the expected completion date which could take place by the end of 2025. (1)

    This divestment project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and the validation of the relevant financial and regulatory authorities.

    (1)Unaudited figures

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00 _ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com  
    Amandine Grison_+33 1 41 45 92 40_ amandine.grison@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK

    New changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works to benefit businesses across the four nations.

    • New reforms will ensure businesses can trade smoothly across the UK’s four nations, helping them operate more efficiently and with greater certainty. 
    • Changes respond directly to business feedback and are a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to unlock investment and jobs, raise living standards and drive long-term growth.
    • Devolved governments will have greater flexibility to set rules that reflect local priorities, while protecting the UK’s internal market, worth £129bn a year, and supporting a more collaborative approach.

    Businesses trading across the UK’s four nations will benefit from clearer and more certain rules, following government changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works today [15 July]. 

    Following extensive feedback from businesses – including calls for greater clarity, consistency, and collaboration – the UK Government has completed a review of the Act ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless trading between the nations. 

    The updated approach puts business needs at the forefront, while also enabling devolved governments to shape laws which align with their own priorities. A transparent and well-managed internal market will help to minimise the risk of unnecessary trade barriers, providing certainty for businesses to invest, boosting growth and raising living standards as the government delivers on its Plan for Change. 

    In response to businesses’ asks, the rules will now be made in a way that is more transparent, streamlined, and considers a broader evidence base, encouraging open conversations between governments and making it easier for businesses to engage with and understand how decisions are made and applied across the UK. 

    Protecting the environment and public health will be taken into account alongside economic factors when a government proposes excluding an area from the UK Internal Market Act. In addition, if a proposed change has only a limited economic impact, this can now be agreed through a streamlined process. 

    This updated approach will better enable all four governments to agree shared rules across a wide range of areas including chemicals and pesticides and provide more flexibility to legislate. 

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said: 

    “A thriving internal market is essential to the UK’s economic success, so we’ve listened to what businesses want — and we’re acting ahead of schedule.

    “These reforms will keep trade flowing, reduce friction, and unlock growth across all four nations.

    “We’ve also worked closely with devolved governments to ensure they can deliver on their priorities.”

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

    “Trade between the nations of the UK is vital to the health of our overall economy and a key driver of growth. Businesses want to see devolved and UK governments working together to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the flows of goods and services between us.

    “The UK Internal Market Act is key to this, setting the foundations which underpin over £100bn of trade. This new streamlined approach to rulemaking will give businesses the certainty they need so they can grow, invest, and prosper.” 

    This is just another example of how we’re making things better for business, alongside cutting regulation and reducing administrative costs to boost businesses and growth across the country for big and small firms.

    The UK internal market supported over £129 billion of trade between the four nations in 2019 — equivalent to around 6% of the UK economy. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sales to the rest of the UK make up a major share of their external sales — typically around 60%. The reforms published today aim to protect and grow that vital trade, ensuring businesses can operate with confidence and certainty.  

    This announcement follows a wide-ranging consultation launched in January 2025 and a statutory review announced in December 2024. The consultation received almost a hundred responses, from businesses, academics, environmental groups and the devolved governments. The improvements made to the operation of the Act are a result of those responses. 

    Together, these steps mark a shift toward a more business-led, cooperative approach to managing the internal market — one that supports economic growth while respecting devolved powers.   

    Notes to editors: 

    • The UK government is required by law to review elements of the UK Internal Market Act by December 2025. 
    • These changes do not affect provisions relating to Northern Ireland, which are tied to the Windsor Framework. 
    • The UK Government continues to be committed to the Common Frameworks programme and improving transparency and collaboration between the four governments of the UK, which is clearly demonstrated by the outcomes of this review.
    • Further details can be found on the consultation outcome page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: S7 Group and Novosibirsk State University Agree on HR Partnership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    S7 Group and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) have signed a cooperation agreement. The parties will join forces to train specialists in various fields: business informatics, economics and management.

    Under the signed agreement, NSU will prepare students in its educational programs, taking into account the needs of S7 Group. In the future, university graduates may be employed by S7 Group in the Novosibirsk Region and other cities.

    — We are pleased to start a strategic partnership with NSU, which will allow us to develop highly qualified specialists for the aviation industry. Joint training of personnel is an investment in the future of our industry and the region as a whole. We are confident that our cooperation will become an example of a successful partnership between business and education, — noted Evgeny Chernyshev, General Representative of S7 Airlines in Tolmachevo.

    NSU will develop and implement educational programs and scientific projects together with S7 Group. S7 Group will provide students with the opportunity to do practical training at its sites and will support the development of campus innovations to create comfortable conditions for living and studying. The company will also organize various events at its enterprises: open days, hackathons, lectures – and will take part in the process of attracting applicants to NSU programs.

    — This is a historic event for our university. Cooperation with the leader of the aviation industry will open new horizons for our students and strengthen NSU’s position as a center for training specialized specialists. Thanks to our cooperation, graduates will receive in-demand skills and good employment opportunities, — emphasized NSU Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.

    S7 Airlines (brand of Siberia Airlines, VBV.S7.ru) is a Russian private airline. The airline has a wide network of domestic routes, built on the basis of air transport hubs in Moscow (Domodedovo), Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo) and Irkutsk. In 2007, the airline received official IATA notification of inclusion in the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) operator register and became the second air carrier in Russia to successfully pass the full international audit procedure for compliance with operational safety standards. In 2024, S7 Airlines carried 12.9 million passengers on almost 100 thousand flights.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: EU proposes new countermeasures amid trade dispute with US

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

    This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.

    EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”

    He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”

    Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.

    “We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.

    In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”

    “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”

    In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.

    The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.

    “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

    The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.

    Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.

    On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.

    SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.

    “Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.

    “A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: EU proposes new countermeasures amid trade dispute with US

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

    This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.

    EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”

    He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”

    Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.

    “We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.

    In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”

    “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”

    In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.

    The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.

    “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

    The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.

    Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.

    On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.

    SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.

    “Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.

    “A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (July 15) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”. This issue provides a brief overview of hydrogen energy development strategies in Hong Kong, the edges of promoting the hydrogen energy industry, the latest progress of improving relevant legislation by the Government, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.

         LegCo will resume the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 tomorrow (July 16). The Bill seeks to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel to ensure the safe application of hydrogen fuel. It also empowers the Government to introduce new subsidiary legislation to ensure the flexibility of updating the regulatory requirements. The Government intends to introduce subsidiary legislation in 2026 to cover the entire supply chain of hydrogen as fuel. 

         The Policy Pulse highlights that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government actively promotes the development of hydrogen energy, and promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong last year. Setting out four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market and advancing with prudence, the Strategy aims to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in an orderly manner, so as to make preparations for the wider application of hydrogen energy in the future.

         With a “zero carbon emissions” feature, hydrogen is a new energy with significant decarbonisation potential. Our country is the largest hydrogen producer in the world, and strives to achieve the “dual carbon” goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The SAR Government also targets to cut carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Policy Pulse points out that, with its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as the strengths in scientific research, robust legislation and energy infrastructure, Hong Kong has very great potential to become a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country, and facilitate the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Belt and Road region and other overseas places. In addition, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong can help enterprises with their green transformation by providing green financing and professional services.

         The Policy Pulse also introduces a number of measures by the SAR Government to support research and innovation in the hydrogen energy technology. These include setting up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate the efforts in promoting the local use of hydrogen energy and initiate relevant trial projects. Meanwhile, the Government has launched several funding schemes that cover the research and development of hydrogen energy technology, and actively promotes talent training, technological exchange and application in relevant scientific and technological fields, so as to cultivate professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the safe application of hydrogen energy technology.

         LegCo Members have long attached great importance to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. In March 2023, LegCo passed a motion advocating the SAR Government to comprehensively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry in Hong Kong. The LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs also visited hydrogen projects during its duty visit to Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area) in August of the same year, and has been following up on issues related to hydrogen energy. The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members on hydrogen energy development. These include capitalising on the strengths of Hong Kong’s financial services industry to attract capital investment in the city’s hydrogen energy industry and reserve land for development. Furthermore, the Government should take the lead in developing green industries and make use of new development areas as a springboard to bring in quality hydrogen energy industries; formulate relevant policies on hydrogen energy pricing to stimulate demand for hydrogen energy; promote carbon index certification to include hydrogen energy into Hong Kong’s carbon emissions trading market; and actively research and develop local hydrogen production technology, among others.

         The Policy Pulse points out that hydrogen energy is an integral component of the country’s future energy system. Members urge the Government to collaborate with other cities in the Greater Bay Area on the joint research, development and promotion of hydrogen energy development projects to facilitate exchanges and co-operation between the two places across the hydrogen energy industrial chain, with a view to promoting the alignment of the safety monitoring and quality testing standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Members also advise the Government to speed up the development of a set of internationally recognised hydrogen energy certification standards, so as to assist the Greater Bay Area and even the entire hydrogen industry in the country to enter the international market.

         The detailed content of “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the Council Business Divisions of the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics and offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarised discussions in LegCo.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News