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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HON. TUALA TEVAGA IOSEFO PONIFASIO, HON. ACTING PRIME MINISTER/ DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER/ ACTING MINISTER OF HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH WEEK – OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY (EFKS AAI-O-NIUE @ 3.30PM)

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    Rev. Efu Efu,

    Cabinet Ministers,

    Members of the Parliament,

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

    Heads of Governments and Non-Government Organizations,

    Members of the National Mental Health Committee

    Congregation,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I am humbled to stand before you today to address a topic that touches the very core of our society – mental health in Samoa. As we gather here today, we are united by a shared commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our people.

    In Samoa, our culture and sense of community – our ‘Fa’asamoa’ – are our greatest strengths. Our traditions of togetherness, family, and spirituality have sustained us through many challenges. Yet, mental health is a challenge that requires us to confront uncomfortable truths and break the silence that surrounds it.

    Starting today until the 10th of October is the Commemoration of the Mental Health Week in Samoa, with the main objective of raising awareness on mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This week’s celebration is parallel with the World Mental Health Day that is commemorated every year globally.

    The theme for this year’s Mental Health Week is– ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Workplaces’. It is an issue that is often overlooked but is increasingly essential in today’s world. We all know that our work plays a significant role in our lives. It is not only a source of income, but also a place where we spend much of our time, contribute to society, and build our identities. However, while we talk a lot about productivity, performance, and success in our workspaces, we don’t talk enough about something just as important, our mental health.

    In Samoa, mental health is often misunderstood or hidden. Many of our people suffer in silence, believing that mental illness is a sign of weakness or a curse. But mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, and stress, are not signs of personal failure – they are illnesses that require care and compassion. These mental health issues have become increasingly common in the workplace, yet many still go unaddressed. In fact, globally it is estimated that one in five employees will experience a mental health challenge in any given year. And yet, many people are hesitant to talk about their mental health at work for fear of being judged, overlooked, or even discriminated against.

    When workplaces neglect mental health, the consequences can be costly, not just in human terms, but financially as well. When an employee is struggling with mental health, their performance may suffer, leading to missed deadlines, errors, or conflicts with colleagues.

    Beyond the economic cost, the personal toll is immense. Employees who face mental health challenges in silence can feel isolated, stressed, and burnt out.

    Our country has seen rising rates of mental health issues, particularly among our youth. The pressures of modern life, unemployment, academic stress, and family conflicts contribute to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Suicide has tragically become a reality for too many of our young people. The fact that Samoa has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the Pacific should give us all pause. The recent reports stated that majority of people at risk of developing mental disorders are middle aged men living in urban areas and working. Other recent studies indicate that males of less that 30years who were unemployed and living in Apia urban area, were more likely to experience psychological distress due to contributing factors such as alcohol use. Young adults aged 18-29 years living in Apia urban area were more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress than those in other areas. Women were more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress compared to men. Therefore, most of us working and employed are at risk of developing mental disorders and psychological stress.

    Behind these statistics are real stories of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, whose lives could have been saved with better mental health support.

    We cannot talk about mental health in Samoa without addressing the stigma. Mental illness is often perceived through a lens of shame, leading many to avoid seeking help. In many cases, mental health conditions are seen as a spiritual or supernatural issue, which delays access to proper care. This stigma prevents open conversations, leaving people feeling alone in their suffering.

    Samoa has made significant strides in addressing mental health, recognizing it as a crucial component of public health. Mental health has been integrated into its national health strategy, reflecting a commitment to addressing mental health as a public health priority. One of the key efforts is the integration of mental health services into primary health care in ensuring that mental health is treated alongside physical health, allowing people to seek help within their local health facilities. The Samoa government and various NGOs launched public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage open discussions about mental health.

    Samoa works closely with international organizations such as the World Health Organization to enhance its mental health services. Some of the local organizations have launched suicide prevention programs, particularly focused on vulnerable groups such as youth. Treatment and care are provided through the Mental Unit at the main hospital in Apia which offers inpatient and outpatient care for those with severe mental health conditions. With extensive care of these patients, service is supported and provided by the GOSHEN Trust. Churches and other organizations such as the Salvation Army have played a pivotal role in promoting mental health particularly programs that focus on building resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping mechanisms. These programs aim to empower our people especially the youth to manage stress, anxiety and reducing the risk of more severe outcomes such as suicide.

    Despite these combined efforts, Samoa still faces several challenges in addressing mental health. These include the resource limitations including shortage of trained mental health professionals in Samoa. Mental Health services are often concentrated in urban areas. There are also geographical barriers and cultural stigma, making it hard for individuals to seek help openly.

    There is still much work to be done, particularly in expanding access to services and reducing stigma. Continued collaboration, investment, and community engagement will be essential to ensure that every Samoan can receive the mental health care they need.

    I would like to reiterate that there is no health without mental health. Therefore, I would like to invite everyone who is present here today, to show your support by joining the National Mental Health Committee and the Health Sector, to the Mental Health Parade. This will be held on Thursday 10th October, which starts from the Fire and Emergency Station and ends in-front of the government building, to end the activities of this important event.

    I acknowledge the support of all our development partners, churches, NGOs, civil society and the wider community towards the work of mental health in Samoa.

    SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

    SAUNOAGA AUTU ALE AFIOGA TUALA TEVAGA IOSEFO PONIFASIO

    AFIOGA ILE SUI PALEMIA / SUI MINISITA OLE SOIFUA MALOLOINA

    O LE POLOKALAME O LE “FA’ATAUAINA O LE SOIFUA MALOLOINA O LE MAFAUFAU”

    (EFKS, AAI-O-NIUE I LE 3:30 ILE AOAULI)

    Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga,

    Lau Susuga i le Faifeau Toeaina, Susuga i le Fa’afeagaiga

    o le EFKS i Aai-o-Niue nei, Rev. Efu Efu,

    Sui Mamalu o le Kapeneta,

    Le paia o Sui o Malo Aufaatasi,

    Ta’ita’i o Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga Eseese,

    Paaga uma a le Soifua Maloloina,

    Le mamalu o le Ekalesia nei i Aai-o-Niue, i ona tupu ma e’e faapea ma le potopotoga,

    O paia ma mamalu, o lā le Atua ia, aua o Samoa ua uma ona fa’ataotooto ana tofiga. Nu’unu’u atu ia fa’atini o tausala.

    Ua tala mai le lagi le mamalu o le Atua, o lē e ou vi’iga na sa’afi ma talatala i ai le susuga i le fa’afeagaiga toeaina. Mua ia le fa’apolo i le taliuta, aua o le Atua o Samoa ma lona vi’iga.

    E fia momoli le agaga fa’afetai i lau susuga i le toeaina, mo le taulaga osi o lenei aso, ma fa’anōnōmanū ai aua lenei fa’amoemoe taua. O le Atua pulepule tetele na te fa’afo’i le mau e tele i lau Susuga aua faiva o tapuaiga mo si o tatou atunu’u.

    O tausaga ta’itasi i le aso 10 Oketopa e fa’amanatuina ai e le lalolagi e aofia ai ma Samoa, le Aso Faapitoa o le “Fa’atauaina o le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau”.

    Ua tolu ai nei o tausaga, ua fa’amanatuina ai e Samoa lenei aso fa’apitoa i le vaiaso atoa. E amata atu nei e tau le Aso Tofi, 10 Oketopa, ua fa’ailogaina ai e Samoa lenei vaiaso taua. O le sini autu o lenei fa’amoemoe, ina ia fa’aauau ona tapisa ma talanoaina le taua o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    O le anavatau po’o le sini autū o lenei tausaga, ua ave le fa’amamafa i le ‘Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau i Totonu o Fale-faigaluega’. O le fale-faigaluega, o se nofoaga po’o se vaipanoa lea o lo’o tele ina mafuta ai tagata faigaluega i aso uma. E ave ai lana fa’amuamua ona o lo’o maua mai ai le alagātupe mo le tausiga o lona aiga. O lo’o mafai ona fa’aauauina ai le maua o tomai ma agava’a, ma toe si’itia ai le malamalama. E mafuta ma feiloa’i ai le tele o tagata eseese. O le nofoaga e tausi ina ia mamā lona si’osi’omaga, ma ia mautinoa o lo’o fa’atino galuega a le aufaigaluega ina ia si’itia tupe maua a le fale faigaluega.

    Ae pe’ita’i e tele ina galo ona talatala ma tali le fesili – “O a mai oe?” O tua atu o lenei fesili o lo’o afīfī ai i totonu le ‘anofale o le fale-faigaluega, o le mafaufau manuia o le tagata faigaluega. Po’o le a le lelei o le totogi, mautū ta’iala ma faigafa’avae, lelei le tino-i-fale o le fale-faigaluega, ae a a’afia le mafaufau o le tagata faigaluega, e faia fua le galuega. A la’ititi fo’i le totogi e le tusa ai ma le galuega fa’atino, e ono o’o ai ina a’afia le mafaufau, ona ua tele mea fai ae le lava le fa’asoa. Ona fa’asolo ai lava lea i le li’o lea, ma ono o’o ai ina le faigaluega le isi tagata, ona o a’afiaga o le mafaufau. O se fa’afitauli fa’amata e le o iloa atu, ae se’iloga ua talanoa ma fa’asoa ai, ona fa’atoa lagona lea e le tagata o le mea moni o lo’o tupu.

    Ua to’atele tagata ua a’afia le mafaufau ona o le tele o mafua’aga. O se mataupu e tele ina lē amana’ia ma leai se fa’amamafa. O le to’atele o tagata ua a’afia le mafaufau, fa’atoa iloa lava ona ua i ai foliga va’aia, ma ua o’o i o’oo’oga. Ae o le to’atele o lo’o a’afia, e le o mafai ona iloa ona o mafua’aga e pei o le; leai o se malamalama i āuga o le a’afia o le mafaufau, o le māasiasi ona o le tusitusilima ua le mafai ona alu e saili ai se fesoasoani, ua fai ma vaisū tu ma aga o lo’o mafua ai e pei o le tagofia o le ava malosi ma laau faasaina, ua leai se lagolago a aiga, matua, nu’u ma le ekalesia. I totonu o le fale-faigaluega ua leai se lagolago a le pule, o tagata faigaluega, faapea isi tagata.

    O le to’atele o lo’o noanoatia ma tutupu ai fa’afitauli e pei o le sauāina i totonu o aiga, nu’u po’o le fale-faigaluega. Ona tupu ai lea o le musuā e talanoa ma fa’asoa e saili fesoasoani. Ua sili atu le mā ma fefe e talanoa atu ona o le popole i le tusitusi lima, ma ua leai se fa’atuatuaga o nisi tagata e ono maua ai le fesoasoani. O nisi o āuga o le mafaufau ua a’afia, a tele galuega ona saili lea o le mea e mapu i ai e pei o le tagofia o le ava po’o laau fa’asaina e tua iai. Ae peita’i, o ī tonu o lo’o amata ai lava le vaisu ma le masani lea ma ono o’o ai i se tulaga ua le mafai ona tu’u, ma i’u ina a’afia ai le mafaufau.

    O fa’amaumauga lata mai i totonu o Samoa, o le toatele lava ua a’afia mafaufau e mafuli aga’i i tupulaga talavou. Ona o le tele o fesuiaiga o tu ma aga, o fa’alavelave i totonu o ā’oga, o āiga, fa’apea ma fale-faigaluega, o lo’o mafua ai le tele o a’afiaga o le mafaufau. O le to’atele o i latou ua maualuga le tulaga o le ono a’afia ai o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau e mafuli i le itupa o ali’i mai le vai-tausaga 30 aga’i luga le matutua. O le to’atele foi, e nonofo i nofoaga tu taulaga.

    O nisi o tupulaga talavou e i lalo ifo o le 30 tausaga le matutua o lo’o faamauina le a’afia o le mafaufau ona o le tagofia o le ava malosi, ma e le faigaluega. E tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga, o le to’atele o tinā ma tama’ita’i ua o’o le tulaga o le a’afia o le mafaufau pe a fa’atusa i ali’i. O le popolega, ona o nisi ua a’afia le mafaufau ua o’o ina a’afia ai le soifua, aemaise lava i le tulaga o le pule i le soifua.

    O nei fa’amaumauga, e fa’amausalīina ai le tatau ona una’ia ma ave le fa’amuamua i le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau. E le gata i ona a’afiaga, ae o mafua’aga fa’avae e ala ai ona fa’atino e tagata soifua tu ma aga ma o’o ai ina a’afia.

    Ua tele taumafaiga a le Malo o Samoa e tauala atu i le tatou Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina ma ana pa’aga galulue, ina ia una’ia le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau. E ui ua i ai ta’iala ma faigafa’avae e ta’ita’itama ai le galuega, o auaunaga e pei ona iai togafitiga ma fa’atalatalanoga, o fa’alauiloa ma polokalame i nu’u ma afio’aga. Ae peita’i, e le o mafai ona fa’aitiitia ai le tele o fa’afitauli.

    O le agaga maualuga, e manuia a tatou taumafaiga, pe afai e lalago fa’atasi tagata uma. O se mafaufau manuia e afua mai totonu o aiga, ekalesia, nu’u, fale-faigaluega ma le Malo. Ia tatou opogi fa’atasi ma fa’asoa, ia taofi le tusitusilima ma le fa’alumaluma, ia saili avanoa e lagolago ai so’o se tagata soifua. Ae aua le sili musa ia tatou ona toso i lalo le isi uso a tagata ma ana taumafaiga. Po’o totonu o le fale-faigaluega, o ekalesia, totonu o le aiga, e taua le galuega a ta’ita’i, o matua, o matai, fa’apea ma le lagolago a tagata ta’ito’atasi, ina ia manuia tagata uma, ma ia sapaia mea uma i le alofa. O le alofa lea o le Atua e lē fa’atuāoia.

    E momoli le fa’amālō i le lagolago a tatou pa’aga galulue, o ekalesia, o so’o se fa’alapotopotoga fa’apea nu’u ma alalafaga aua lenei fa’amoemoe taua.

    E tatalo atu ai i le paia ma le mamalu o le auvala’aulia, ina ia fa’ailoa lau lagolago e ala i lou auai i le “Savali mo le Mafaufau Manuia”, Aso Tofi, 10 Oketopa 2024, e amata atu luma o le Ofisa o Tinei Mu fa’asolo atu luma o le Maota o le Malo i Matagialalua i le 7.30 i le taeao.

    Manuia tele toe taimi o le Aso Sapati Paia o le Atua soifua. Faafetai

    Soifua ma ia manuia !!

    Ata Pueina – Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Healthcare system set for reform

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address that the Government will conduct a comprehensive review on the positioning and objectives of the healthcare system.

    “The review will cover the following areas: reforming the functions and division of work among the Hospital Authority (HA), the Department of Health and the Primary Healthcare Commission, strengthening health promotion and disease prevention in primary healthcare, and improving public healthcare services.

    “In parallel, we will reform private healthcare services in terms of their quality, cost effectiveness and price transparency.”

    Advancing primary healthcare development

    Elaborating on the measures, Mr Lee said primary healthcare development will be carried out in 10 ways:

    (1) formulating legislation to strengthen the regulatory framework of primary healthcare and authorise the Primary Healthcare Commission to set up quality assurance and monitoring mechanisms;

    (2) developing a community drug formulary and launching a community pharmacy programme to help the public obtain affordable, primary-healthcare drugs;

    (3) devising health promotion strategies by adopting a life course framework to formulate health management plans for the public according to age and health conditions;

    (4) revamping maternal and child health and family planning services to strengthen pre-pregnancy counselling and parental education and promote healthy fertility;

    (5) strengthening the Whole School Health Programme to recommend targeted school-based measures for physical activities, meals and other matters to improve students’ physical and psychological well-being;

    (6) upgrading more District Health Centre Expresses into District Health Centres, and expanding the service network, and integrating the services of Woman Health Centres and Elderly Health Centres;

    (7) expanding the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme to cover blood lipid testing; positioning the HA’s general out-patient services as the comprehensive, primary healthcare service providers for the underprivileged;

    (8) formulating risk-based screening programmes for prevalent cancers, and implementing hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer;

    (9) launching a Primary Dental Co-Care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents to encourage the prevention of dental diseases, as well as rolling out a Community Dental Support Programme to enhance dental services for underprivileged groups; and

    (10) continuing efforts in tobacco control.

    Enhancing healthcare services

    In his Policy Address, Mr Lee highlighted that the Government will strengthen the HA’s public healthcare services by the following means:

    (1) reviewing the structure and levels of the HA’s fees and charges to encourage prudent use of services and direct resources to patients who need them most, while increasing the support for patients with financial difficulties and strengthening the financial sustainability of the targeted subsidisation of public healthcare services;

    (2) strengthening the centralised procurement of drugs and medical devices by various clusters of the HA system in order to enhance their bargaining power and expedite the introduction of new drugs;

    (3) formulating a directory for inherited and rare diseases by using the Hong Kong Genome Institute’s genomic data, while supporting research and clinical trials to promote precision medicine;

    (4) fully integrating the paediatric services of various clusters at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and developing more advanced healthcare services to make the best use of the Children’s Hospital;

    (5) finalising the projects and timetable of the Second Hospital Development Plan to dovetail with the development of the Northern Metropolis and address local districts’ needs;

    (6) setting up the first stroke centre and the second chest pain centre;

    (7) enhancing the triage system and referral arrangements for specialist out-patient services, including setting up inter-specialty, integrated, out-patient clinics to avoid the need for multiple referrals; and

    (8) increasing the service capacity for cataract surgeries by at least 20%.

    As regards the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, the Chief Executive said that the Government will establish a professional platform for developing evidence-based clinical protocols and explore the feasibility of devising service quality and efficiency standards for public and private healthcare sectors.

    In addition, quality indicators will be developed for public and private healthcare systems.

    To enhance service efficiency and address the issue of medical inflation, the Government will explore legislating for private healthcare price transparency.

    Furthermore, the Government will seek amending relevant legislations to require all healthcare providers to deposit essential health data in the personal eHealth accounts of citizens, so that people can have more complete electronic health records and better continuity of medical care.

    Bringing in healthcare professionals

    The Government will promote the use of the legislation passed earlier to proactively admit more non-local doctors, nurses and dentists to enhance manpower, Mr Lee said, adding that a bill on the admission of qualified non-locally trained supplementary medical professionals will be introduced next year.

    Establishing third medical school

    The Chief Executive pointed out in the Policy Address that the Government supports the plan by local universities to establish a third medical school in Hong Kong.

    “A task group will be set up, inviting universities interested in establishing the new medical school to submit proposals. The Government will set aside sites in the Northern Metropolis Ngau Tam Mei to develop the new medical school campus and build an integrated medical teaching and research hospital.”

    Promoting development of Chinese medicine

    The Government will publish the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint next year to take forward measures that helps Hong Kong develop into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine (CM), Mr Lee said.

    One of the measures relates to exploring the application of big data to foster international research collaboration on herb-drug interaction to discover more evidence of clinical significance, promoting the internationalisation of CM.

    The blueprint will also promote the expansion of integrated Chinese-Western medicine services to cover more diseases in which CM has an advantage, including respiratory diseases and knee osteoarthritis, and to progressively extend the cancer care programme to all hospital clusters.

    Furthermore, the first Chinese Medicine Hospital and the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute are expected to be completed and begin phased operation next year, while the first edition of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Cultural Festival will be held, Mr Lee added.

    Promoting mental health

    The Chief Executive also outlined measures, based on a medical-educational-social collaboration model, to promote mental health.

    The Government will develop a stepped care model for mental health, which comprises a multi-disciplinary framework with tiers, from dealing with general emotional problems in the frontline to handling cases requiring follow up and more serious mental illnesses cases.

    “The framework sets out the roles of different professionals and their division of work in the provision of mental health services for cases in each tier, enabling them to work together and perform their respective roles smoothly,” Mr Lee explained.

    An annual promotional theme will be set for the Mental Health Workplace Charter, and recognition will be given to participating organisations for achieving targets. The 4Rs Mental Health Charter in schools will also be campaigned to promote the mental health of students, teaching staff and parents in a more holistic manner.

    The Government will extend and enhance the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism, and launch the Mental Health Literacy resource packages for senior secondary and lower primary levels. A real-time, online youth emotional support platform will be set up in the second quarter of next year.

    A Transitional Support Service Teams for Persons in Mental Recovery will be set up, offering support to discharged patients waitlisted for halfway house service. The Social Welfare Department will also launch an additional Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness.

    The Government will also strengthen teachers’ capacity in the early identification of, and support for, students with mental health needs, and assist parents in acquiring the knowledge and skills in addressing children’s mental health.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CHP retail crime task force recovers more than $8 million in stolen goods

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: In September, California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. Since inception, the task force has made 3,223 arrests, and recovered 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), continues its work to tamp down on organized retail theft operations statewide. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations statewide leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. 

    “California will continue to hold thieves accountable — helping to ensure the state’s historic low crime rates remain that way. I thank the California Highway Patrol for their work with local agencies throughout the state to protect our communities and businesses.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Since the inception of the task force in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 3,000 investigations leading to the arrest of 3,223 suspects and the recovery of over 880,276 stolen goods valued at nearly $46 million.

    “The California Highway Patrol commends our retail theft investigation teams for their exceptional work in dismantling organized theft rings and protecting businesses across the state,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “They prevent significant losses and ensure that those who target retailers are brought to justice. Their dedication, skill, and teamwork are critical in keeping our communities and economy safe.”

    In September alone, CHP recovered 1,995 stolen items worth more than $306,553.  

    This effort led by the CHP is part of Governor Newsom’s comprehensive approach to combat organized retail crime, which includes new measures to crack down on property crime and creates unprecedented funding for police and prosecutors in local communities.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Recently, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

     

    Local support to fight organized retail crime

    Governor Newsom has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. Today’s announcement demonstrates the success of the Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan – which focuses on strengthening local law enforcement response, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, and getting guns and drugs off our streets, including by increased deployment of California Highway Patrol to hot spots such as Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Francisco.

    The Governor announced that last year the state distributed $267 million to 55 local law enforcement agencies to help communities combat organized retail crime. These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects. In just the first six months of the grant cycles, local law enforcement agencies that received the grants reported more than 6,900 arrests for retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and cargo theft offenses.

    Last year, the California Highway Patrol reported an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW sets target to boost billion-dollar screen and digital games industries, supporting thousands of jobs

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 16 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for the Arts

    Supporting Australian storytelling, developing the next generation of creative talent, and a plan to grow the digital games sector are the key priorities of the new three-year screen and digital games strategy.

    The NSW screen industry added almost $1.1 billion to the state economy in 2021-22 and is currently home to 51% of Australia’s screen production, and 49% of post-production businesses. To ensure NSW remains the leading screen state, the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy will:

    Invest in developing local talent and audiences, including:

    • $1 million pilot program to address skills shortages will be developed and rolled out with TAFE, AFTRS and NIDA to fast-track entry level and mid-career below the line practitioners in the below the line workforce.
    • $200,000 IP option fund to give producers the ability to purchase IP rights to turn home-grown novels, non-fiction work and podcasts into screen and gaming content, so we have more Australian stories on screen.
    • $200,000 Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will support communities share the vibrancy of screen stories with audiences from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, by bringing them together to enjoy screen community film festivals.

    Role of Screen NSW

    • New film friendly legislation will be introducedto ensure a strengthened standard of working.
    • Address impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the sector: Screen NSW will convene an industry working group to help develop an Australian industry response to AI, and review funding guidelines.
    • Priority hotline: The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

    Supporting infrastructure

    • Addressing the critical shortage of filming infrastructure in NSW, the NSW Government will develop new partnerships with the private sector to explore alternate options for studio space, including a second studio and Callan Park.
    • Centre for Screen culture and digital innovation. Working with local government and industry partners, the NSW Government will support plans to establish a hub for creative workers across the industry.

    Focus on developing digital games industry

    The $466 billion global digital gaming industry is highlighted as an enormous opportunity. New incentives to support games production and increase NSW revenue for digital games to $406.39 million in 2027-28 include:

    • Reducing Digital Games Rebate NSW expenditure minimum from $500,000 down to $350,000. The Rebate is designed to nurture homegrown developers, attract and retain work and talent to the state, and accelerate growth in the NSW digital games sector. While many larger, established studios currently access the Rebate, the lowered threshold mean it will now be more accessible to a broader range of digital games companies in NSW, including many independent studios that currently operate in the state. 
    • Increased investment in the Digital Games Seed Development Program and Market Travel Programs. A flourishing games industry is one that includes large and small developers, an investment of$1.5 million over three years will support digital games producers to essential skills and build their industry networks and knowledge.

    Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

    “Our people, our stories, and our skills – these are the reasons why more than half of Australian screen production happens here in NSW. This strategy sets out how the government and the industry could work together to build on that.

    “While there has been a recent slowdown in global screen production, the Federal Government’s increased location offset will see Australia gain a greater share of that market. This strategy recognises the opportunities that brings, as well as the pressure that puts on NSW production facilities.

    “We have identified ways of cutting the red tape that has made NSW a ‘No’ state when it comes to attracting productions. Backed by the introduction of a NSW Screen and Digital Games Act, we aim to make NSW a ‘Yes’ state.

    “For the first time in NSW, we are putting digital gaming front and centre. This strategy sets out a ‘hothouse’ approach that backs existing high performing producers to support the ambitious target of 20% compound annual growth in the sector.”

    Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:

    “I am thrilled to be able to drive this strategy and provide a path forward for our sector, working towards a vibrant and sustainable future for all screen practitioners and game makers in NSW.

    “Storytelling has the power to unite and inspire, and as a state with such a rich depth of talent, we strive to be known as the place to create compelling stories. This is an exciting time for our sector as, while developing this strategy, we have taken stock of where the industry is at and looked forward to where we want to be in the next three years. This has informed our strategy and with this vital support we want to move forward with the industry and take it to new heights.

    “I am confident this strategy will provide assurance that Screen NSW are committed to supporting NSW stories and storytellers.”

    Background

    The strategy outlines four strategic priority focuses to support and sustainably grow the screen and digital games sector. These include:

    • Creating stories: We lead the way in making enriching, high calibre stories and cultural content for local and global audiences.
    • Building sustainable growth: Our businesses are globally recognised, connected and competitive. High quality, accessible spaces help them grow and create jobs that are future proofed and sustainable.
    • Improving capacity and capability: We set best practice standards to ensure workers have career pathways, are respected, safe, appropriately remunerated and supported in their career ambitions.
    • Developing audiences to increase demand: Local content finds and delights diverse audiences locally and around the world.

    New legislation: The strategy includes proposed new legislation to ensure screen friendly approaches across local councils and state government agencies.

    In 2025, the NSW Government will introduce the NSW Screen and Digital Games Act to strengthen NSW as a film-friendly jurisdiction, reduce red-tape and provide the highest level of cooperation across government with filmmakers to maximise opportunities for the sector. This will strengthen elements of the Making NSW Film Friendly Premier’s Memorandum and incorporate an updated Local Government Filming Protocol.

    Renewed Screen NSW agency: The strategy will provide Screen NSW with greater independence and will build its capacity to continue to strengthen and grow the industry. This will mean:

    • Shortening investment approval timeframes, contracting and payment terms.
    • Legislation will be introduced for the Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee to include digital games representation and renaming the board to reflect this update.
    • The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

    The full strategy available is here: Screen NSW – NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judge orders Pennsylvania contractor to pay $85K in wages, benefits, overtime owed to 6 workers on federal projects in New York, New Jersey

    Source: US Department of Labor

    NEW YORK – An administrative law judge has ordered a Pennsylvania-based federal contractor to pay $85,284 in back wages for failing to pay prevailing wages, fringe benefits and overtime pay owed to workers employed on multiple federal construction projects, after an investigation and litigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

    A decision by the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges found that JRW Service Group LLC and its owner, Jason Winters, violated the Davis-Bacon Act by classifying and paying six workers as laborers improperly when they did the work of carpenters, pipefitters and other trades at three worksites for the U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. Specifically, the work was performed at federal court buildings in Brooklyn and Central Islip and the U.S. Coast Guard training center in Cape May, New Jersey. The judge also found the company failed to pay workers fringe benefits, as required in federal contracts.

    In addition, the judge found the employer did not pay employees the required overtime rates for hours over 40 in a workweek at all three worksites in violation of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. The case was referred to the department’s Office of the Solicitor when JRW Service Group refused to pay the workers’ back wages. 

    “Employers who fail to pay required prevailing wages and fringe benefits because they classify employees improperly cause financial harm to workers on government-funded projects,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jorge Alvarez in New York. “The Wage and Hour Division is committed to ensuring that these employees are made whole using all available enforcement tools.”

    The order also debarred the company and its owner from working on future federal and federally funded construction projects for three years.

    “This decision and debarment should make clear that the U.S. Department of Labor will pursue all necessary legal actions to ensure that employers are held accountable when they violate federal prevailing wage laws,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Jeffrey S. Rogoff in New York. 

    The division’s New York City District Office conducted the investigation. Trial attorneys Susannah Kroeber, Susan Jacobs and Stacy Goldberg of the regional Office of the Solicitor in New York litigated the case.

    Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division and the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division and how to file an online complaint. Workers and employers can call the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) confidentially with questions, regardless of immigration status. The division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.

    Download the agency’s Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices – available in English and Spanish – to ensure hours and pay are accurate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minister of State for Communications inaugurates the International Conference of Telecom Regulators, being organized by TRAI

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 12:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Minister for State for Communication (MoSC) Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani inaugurated a one day International Conference of Telecom Regulators today in the presence of, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr. Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti Chairman TRAI.  While inaugurating the conference, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications Dr. Pemmasani highlighted the spectacular growth of ICT sector in the country, particularly the fastest deployment of 5G services and quick adoption of digital technologies in the country. He also shared about the growth of digital economy and conducive regulatory environment and related factors that contribute to such growth. 

    During the inaugural session, message of Minister of Communication, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia was read out by Shri Atul K. Chaudhary, Secretary, TRAI. In his message MoC  stressed that regulators hold a sacred responsibility to safeguard the interests of consumers, alongside their myriad duties. He further stated that Evolution of NTNs will unlock new vistas, expanding the horizons of communication technologies and fostering innovative use cases and applications across diverse sectors, ultimately serving the greater good of society and advancing our collective journey toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). He called upon regulators to deliberate issues related to craft frameworks for OTT communication.

    The speakers at the inaugural session included Ms. Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary General, ITU, Mr. Mats Granryd, DG, GSMA, Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI.  Earlier Mr. Atul Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary, TRAI welcomed all the delegates to the conference.   Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI mentioned in his address that TRAI has been proactively engaging in many international multilateral activities pertaining to ITU at global level and also at regional level through platforms like APT/SATRC, ASEAN etc. TRAI has hosted many conferences in collaboration with ITU, APT and with other international regulators both in India and abroad.

    This conference is being conducted in concurrence with ITU World Telecom Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) and India Mobile Congress (IMC-24) being organized in New Delhi. Delegates representing ITU member states, policy makers, regulators, and technology partners across the world besides other stakeholders have converged in New Delhi for attending these prestigious events.  Making best use of this opportunity, TRAI is hosting this one-day international conference. The theme of this conference is ‘Emerging Trends in Regulation’ and it is proposed to cover important topics such as Regulatory Perspective in Standardization, Regulatory Aspects of Satellite Communication, including other Non-Terrestrial Networks and Regulatory Outlook for OTT Communication Services. 

    During the inaugural session, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TRAI and the Communications, space and technology commission (CST), the regulator of Saudi Arabia.  Through signing of this bilateral agreement, both sides have formalized their long standing bi-lateral relations and shall initiate many collaborative activities in the days to come.  TRAI has more than 20 such bi-lateral agreements with international regulators/organizations which give opportunities for mutual consultations and collaborations on many regulatory issues. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admn/IR), TRAI. 

    For any clarification/ information, Ms. Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admn/IR) may be contacted on advadmn@trai.gov.in.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A high-level Indian delegation, led by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, participates in Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila, Philippines

    Source: Government of India

    A high-level Indian delegation, led by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, participates in Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila, Philippines

    India is committed to implement inclusive and proactive actions to mitigate the impact of disasters, in line with the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies

    Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative of India now has 47 member countries and is providing technical assistance and capacity-building for investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 12:31PM by PIB Delhi

    A high-level Indian delegation, led by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, participated in Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila, Philippines. The Conference was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Philippines, Mr. Bongbong Marcos. The conference under the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction” brought together Ministers and policymakers from across Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for reducing disaster risks in the face of increasing climate related challenges.

    In Ministerial Statement, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai acknowledged that disasters are undeniable reality, with increasing losses of lives, economies and overall development. He emphasised India’s commitment to implementing inclusive and proactive actions to mitigate the impact of disasters, in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies.

    The Minister focused on the key priorities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) viz. Early Warning System (EWS) and Early Action, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Financial Provisions for DRR. Minister of State emphasised on the modern technologies for EWS such as the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Cell Broadcast Systems, establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), which provides Tsunami advisories to 25 Indian Ocean countries for last- mile connectivity.

    Shri Nityanand Rai highlighted India’s leadership in promoting infrastructure resilience as a cornerstone of sustainable development and said Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative of India now has 47 member countries and is providing technical assistance and capacity-building for investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

     

    Minister of State for Home Affairs also informed that India is one of the few countries with dedicated financial provisions for DRR through institutional mechanisms and the 15th Finance Commission of India has allocated USD 30 billion for the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) for the financial cycle 2021-22 to 2025-26.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Pits for Prosperity – CCL Fish Farming for Community Empowerment

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) has transformed a number abandoned mine pits into thriving fish farms, promoting responsible use of natural resources and boosting local economy and biodiversity. CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is making remarkable progress in sustainable development by spearheading innovative pisciculture initiatives under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal.

    CCL’s pisciculture projects are designed to address multiple challenges—economic and environmental. The initiative primarily benefits the local communities by offering an additional source of income and also contributes to the state’s fish production.

    CCL has developed five abandoned mine pits for pisciculture, with impressive results in both community engagement and fish production:

    1. Religara Pisciculture Project, located in the Argada Area of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, spans across 9.71 Ha. A total of 20 fish cages have been installed, with an annual production of approximately 9.6 tonnes of fish. This project directly benefits around 100 residents from the nearby villages of Religara and Baskudra. It is also supported by the district administration.

    Religara Pisciculture project

    1. Gidi A Pisciculture Project, situated in the Argada Area in Jharkhand, covers an expansive 28 Ha. With the installation of 22 fish cages, the project yields an annual production of approximately 0.72 tonnes of fish in initial year. It benefits the residents of Tehratand, Kendiyatola, and Gidi Basti. The project is poised for further development, including beautification efforts involving support of ₹45 lakhs. Additionally, it is proposed for designation as a Ramsar site, underscoring its ecological importance.

    Gidi A Pisciculture project

    1. Bokaro OCP Pisciculture Project in Jharkhand spans 4.22 Ha, with 27 fish cages installed. This project produces an impressive 81 tonnes of fish annually, benefiting 30 local families. The fish species farmed include Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla, contributing to the local fish production and supporting the livelihoods of the surrounding community.
    2. Central Saunda Pisciculture Project in the Barkasayal Area in Jharkhand features 40 fish cages for Tilapia species, installed in November 2023. The project is expected to generate a significant output, directly benefiting around 250 local villagers, providing them with sustainable income opportunities and boosting the local economy.
    3. Karkatta A & Karkatta C Pisciculture Projects in the NK Area are key contributors to regional aquaculture. Karkatta A covers 1.80 Ha, with 15 fish cages, producing 200 tonnes of fish annually while Karkatta C, the larger of the two, spans 4.5 Ha, housing 50 fish cages and will yield an impressive 800 tonnes of fish annually. Together, these projects will benefit local villagers, providing significant production outputs that play a crucial role in supporting regional development and community welfare.

    Karkatta A & Karkatta C Pisciculture project

    CCL’s pisciculture projects have been a game-changer in revitalizing water filled mine pits, transforming them into sources of livelihood for local communities. These projects contribute to the overall economic upliftment of rural areas while promoting ecologically responsible water filled abandoned mine pits. With several projects slated for completion by 2025, CCL is setting an exemplary model for sustainable industrial practices in the coal sector.

    The progress of these pisciculture projects represents a significant leap towards addressing both the socio-economic and environmental needs of the region. Through this initiative, CCL is championing a balanced approach where community welfare and biodiversity conservation go hand in hand.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar to be the Chief Guest on the 31st Foundation Day of the National Human Rights Commission, India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar to be the Chief Guest on the 31st Foundation Day of the National Human Rights Commission, India

    More than 23 lakh cases resolved and Rs. 254 crore recommended as relief to the victims of human rights violations during its 31 years journey

    The Foundation Day celebrations will be followed by a day-long national conference on the “Rights of Older Persons”

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 2:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India is organizing a function to celebrate its 31st Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhawan on the 18th of October 2024. On the occasion, the Chief Guest, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice-President of India will address several national and international dignitaries in the presence of NHRC, India Acting Chairperson, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani and Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal and other senior officers of the Commission. The Foundation Day celebrations are a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.

    Following this, the Commission will also be organizing a day-long national conference on the ‘Rights of Older Persons’ under the theme- ‘Assessing the Structural Framework, Legal Safeguards, Security Rights, and Institutional Protection for India’s Elderly.’ The conference will address various concerns of older persons under three key technical sessions including ‘Addressing the Aging Population,’ ‘The Gendered Perspective of Aging,’ and ‘Evaluating the Healthcare Landscape-Impact on Healthy Living, Productivity, and Social Security.’ These sessions will be attended and addressed by various stakeholders including eminent experts and civil society representatives.

    The live YouTube and Webcast link of the Foundation Day and the National Conference may be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzxbGV2pGGU and https://webcast.gov.in/nhrc

    The NHRC, India, recognizes senior citizens as valuable assets to society. It is essential to honour their contributions to nation-building by promoting their overall welfare, respecting their rights, and encouraging meaningful engagement. The Commission has a core group on the Rights of older persons to discuss and suggest measures for their welfare. Recently, the Commission assessed the institutional responses and support available to them. It also issued an advisory to ensure the rights of elderly persons during Covid-19. Besides promoting awareness about the need to protect the rights of the elderly in the country, the NHRC has been emphasizing the proper implementation of policies and laws including the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act, 2007).

    In addition to the rights of older persons, the Commission has been working to promote and protect the rights of all segments of society, particularly those who belong to the vulnerable sections. During the 31 years of its journey since inception on 12thOctober, 1993 to 30thSeptember, 2024, the Commission has handled 2305194 (23 lakh 5 thousand and 194) cases including 2,873 cases of suo motu cognizance and recommended the payment of monetary relief of more than Rs. 254 crore in 8,731 cases to the victims of human rights violations.

    During the last one year w.e.f. 1st October, 2023 to 30th September, 2024, the Commission disposed of 68,867 cases and recommended more than Rs. 17.88 crore as monetary relief in 404 cases to the victims of human rights violations. It also registered 112 cases taking suo motu cognizance during this period. Besides, 19 spot inquiries were conducted into the allegations of human rights violations.

    The NHRC, India has conducted numerous spot investigations, open hearings, and camp sittings since its inception. Reviews of innumerable bills and laws, conferences and research projects, 31 Advisories, as well as more than 100 publications, including monthly newsletters, thousands of media reports, and engagements in international forums bear testimony to the work of the Commission towards the promotion and protection of human rights.

    The 31 advisories issued by the Commission including the recent, among others are Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), Rights of the Widows, people involved in begging, the Right to Food, Right to Health and mental Health, Rights of the Informal Workers, Upholding the Dignity of the Dead, Rights of Truck Drivers, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Advisory for ensuring the welfare of Transgender Persons, Advisory to mitigate Deliberate Self Harm and suicide attempts by prisoners and Advisory to Prevent, Minimize and Mitigate Ocular Trauma.

    The NHRC, India has designated 14 Special Rapporteurs to assess human rights conditions across various regions of the country. They conduct visits to shelter homes, prisons, observation homes, and similar institutions, compiling reports for the Commission that detail their observations and suggestions for future action. Additionally, the Commission has also appointed 21 Special Monitors tasked with overseeing specific thematic human rights issues and reporting their findings to the Commission. Throughout the year, they have visited several places to suggest improvements in human rights situations.

    The Commission has also proactively engaged with the NGOs and Human Rights Defenders. It has constituted 12 core groups on various thematic issues related to human rights to hold discussions with the domain experts and the concerned senior government functionaries representing different ministries from time to time to finalize its recommendations for the government. Besides these core group meetings, the Commission also organizes open house discussions with different stakeholders on various issues of human rights. The Commission during the last one year, w.e.f. 1st October, 2024 to 30th September, 2024 has organized 13 core group meetings and 06 open house discussions on varied themes of human rights and two national consultations.

    The NHRC, India is actively caring for all 47 Government mental health hospitals across the country. It continues to collaborate with central and state governments, parastatal organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, and human rights defenders to protect and promote human rights for all. Since last year, the Commission started a new program of sensitizing All India Services officers, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers. The goal is to equip officers with a deeper understanding of human rights, enabling them to share this knowledge within their respective organizations for imparting human rights training to the other personnel.

    The Commission has also collaborated with various institutions to conduct human rights awareness programmes. During the last one year w.e.f. 1st October, 2023 to 30th September, 2024, it organized 69 collaborative workshops and 08 moot court competitions with financial support of over Rs. 130 lakh to various institutions. Additionally, the Commission also organized on-site winter and summer internships and 06 online short-term internships which have benefitted hundreds of students from far-flung areas at zero costs on their travel expenses to help them evolve as human rights ambassadors. During this period, students and faculty from 45 institutions visited the Commission to learn about various aspects of human rights and the functioning of the NHRC. Besides, annual debate competitions for Central Para-military forces and State Police organizations on various aspects of human rights for sensitization of security personnel.

    The Commission has issued notices to various sports bodies to establish Cells to deal with cases of harassment of women in the workplace. It has been issuing regular directions to provide free housing to thousands of homeless persons as per the government scheme. Victims of communal riots and internal conflicts are compensated. The Commission constantly endeavours to rehabilitate persons displaced due to natural disasters, land acquisition, and other causes. In the cases of suicide by debt-ridden farmers, the Commission successfully intervened.

    Some of the other important interventions of the Commission include recommending amendments to 97 laws that discriminate against persons with Hansen’s disease. The Government has enhanced compensation for bonded labour based on NHRC advisory at the pre-trial stage.

    The Commission has also been playing an active role at international human rights forums including the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), and UN Human Rights Council, among others with the participation of the Chairperson, Members, and senior officers. Last month, it successfully hosted a two-day conference of the NHRIs of Asia Pacific.

    Twelve Thematic Core Groups involving various experts have helped the Commission to formulate mechanisms to evaluate the schemes initiated by the Govt. and make recommendations thereof. The Special Monitors and Special Rapporteurs who are the eyes and ears of the Commission are adding value to the mandate of the Commission.

    The Commission has taken several new initiatives to expand its outreach including linking its HRCNet Portal with all the State authorities and the majority of State Human Rights Commissions. Any person can file complaints directly through online mode in a fast and efficient manner and can track the real-time status of their complaint on the Commission’s portal. The online complaint filing system is also linked with over five lakh Common Service Centers and the National Government Services Portal.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA’s Banking Stakeholder Group elects its new Chair and Vice-Chairs

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The Banking Stakeholder Group (BSG) of the European Banking Authority (EBA) elected Christian Stiefmueller as new Chair during its meeting on 15 October 2024. Mr Stiefmueller, who represents consumers, will be supported by two Vice-Chairs, Julia Strau, and Edgar Loew, representing the financial institutions, and the independent top-ranking academics, respectively. Their mandates run for two years.

    Legal basis and background

    The BSG is set up according to Article 37 of the EBA Founding Regulation, to help facilitate dialogue and consultation with stakeholders on the work of the EBA.

    The BSG is composed of 30 members who serve for a period of four years with the possibility to be renewed for an additional term.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for Member States after extreme weather events (including rebuilding road and bridge infrastructure) – P-002024/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    11.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002024/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dariusz Joński (PPE)

    In response to the recent extreme weather events, including the floods that impacted many EU countries, particularly Poland, I would like to know what measures the Commission will take to help Member States rebuild their road and bridge infrastructure.

    The flooding caused severe damage in many regions, which is substantially impacting the safety and mobility of people living there and the functioning of the local economy. Rebuilding the damaged infrastructure will require action to be taken swiftly and promptly as well as substantial financial investment.

    In view of the above, could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.What financial support instruments will the Commission mobilise to help countries hit by the calamity (including Poland) rebuild their road and bridge infrastructure?
    • 2.Does the Commission envisage additional funds or the possibility of more flexibility in using existing mechanisms, such as the EU Solidarity Fund, to quickly repair the damage and rebuild?
    • 3.In view of the increasing threat, will action be taken to effectively prepare and safeguard transportation infrastructure from the effects of natural disasters?

    Submitted: 11.10.2024

    Last updated: 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for funding the maintenance of memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, establishing during World War II – P-002018/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002018/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR)

    Nazi Germany established its largest extermination camps in occupied Poland. For decades, the responsibility for preserving and maintaining these camps fell on the Polish people. To date, the cost of maintaining these sites has far exceeded the total compensation Germany paid to Polish victims of the Nazi-German occupation.

    Memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps and forced labour camps are currently funded by the budgets of the countries in which they are located, e.g. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, Treblinka, Sobibór, Gross-Rosen, Stutthof, Płaszów and many others. The victim states of World War II have the financial responsibility for preserving and maintaining these sites, despite them having been established by Nazi Germany.

    It seems unjust for the victim states to bear the entire cost of preserving these sites.

    In reference to Parliament’s resolution of 19 September 2019 on the importance of European remembrance for the future of Europe[1], specifically point 12, I would like to ask:

    • 1.Will the Commission support Poland and other World War II victim states in seeking funding to maintain the memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps from the states that established them?
    • 2.Can the Commission clarify its stance on this issue?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    • [1] OJ C 171, 6.5.2021, p. 25.
    Last updated: 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Make quality a centrestage of industry, a default setting in product manufacturing: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Make quality a centrestage of industry, a default setting in product manufacturing: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Shri Goyal urges industry captains to unite in adopting good quality standards

    Government supporting innovation and quality together for Viksit Bharat: Shri Goyal

    174 QCOs covering 732 products introduced in last decade to boost quality in manufacturing: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his valedictory speech at the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) Symposium today in New Delhi urged the industry captains and stakeholders in attendance to make quality the centrestage of the industry. He further urged the participants to make quality a default setting in product manufacturing and not an option for the customers.

    Shri Goyal praised IFQM for taking the industry-led initiative on quality and said that changing mindset is the largest impediment to India’s adoption of quality. Shri Goyal noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always put quality at the core of the Government’s efforts in building the nation. He added that the PM’s vision of ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’ has been at the forefront of his governance for the past two terms to make India a developed nation. He stressed that the sustainable manufacturing practices moving towards a green economy will be the defining catalyst towards the journey of becoming a Viksit Bharat. On the Rs 1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), he said that through this fund the Government will be supporting innovation for the industry to make it a prerequisite alongside quality for a Viksit Bharat. 

    Shri Goyal mentioned that till 2014 there were only 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products, while in the last decade the Government has expanded to 174 QCOs covering 732 products. Emphasising on the effect quality can have on toy manufacturing, the Minister stated that introducing quality control has led to an increase in exports. He also said that for India to be recognised as a brand at the world stage, quality has to be given foremost importance. If it is coming from India it has to have an imprint of quality, that should be our aspirational goal, Shri Goyal said.

    The Union Minister invited industry leaders to partner with the Government and take quality to the MSME sector through the QCO ecosystem. He further urged the industry captains to share their best practices and persuade companies with technical manpower for aiding the Government’s technical standards committees to align quality with global standards. He also called for a government, industry and academia partnership with the quality control regulators working to solve difficulties manufacturers have in adopting good quality standards.

    Shri Goyal also asked the participants to develop a sense of duty towards Viksit Bharat and said that the country’s export competitiveness will not come from subsidies rather an Atmanirbhar Bharat will come from a self-reliant India. Quality is not our job, it is our duty, he said.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine – A10-0006/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    (COM(2024)0426 – C10‑0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0426),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0106/2024),

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

    – having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 9 October 2024 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the letter from the Committee on Foreign Affairs,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0006/2024),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The ongoing war of aggression by Russia has significantly increased Ukraine’s financial needs. To address these challenges, both the European Union (EU) and the international community are being called upon to provide additional funding.

     

    In response, the European Commission has put forward a legislative proposal aligned with a G7 initiative. This proposal aims to utilize the extraordinary revenues from immobilized Russian assets to cover Ukraine’s urgent financial needs. Specifically, the proposal seeks to establish the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism (ULCM), which will enable Ukraine to service and repay loans of up to €45 billion. These loans will be repaid using the windfall profits generated from frozen Russian assets. The EU’s proposed macro-financial assistance (MFA) includes an amount of up to €35 billion, intended to support Ukraine’s immediate financing needs. This assistance will be delivered in a predictable, long-term, and timely manner.

     

    A key feature of this MFA is that Ukraine will not be required to repay the loan directly. Instead, repayments will be covered by windfall profits generated from interest accrued on immobilized Russian assets. Additionally, the terms of this loan will align with the conditions under the Ukraine Facility.

     

    The rapporteur emphasizes the importance of a swift procedure in order for the EU to adopt this proposal by the end of October 2024 to ensure that the MFA loan can be released by the end of 2024.

     

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

    Entity and/or person

    Bálint Ódor, Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, Council of the European Union

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

     

    BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT (11.10.2024)

    for the Committee on International Trade

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    (COM(2024)0426 – C10‑0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD))

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Janusz Lewandowski 

     

    The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2496 of 15 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[1],

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[2],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/792 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024 establishing the Ukraine Facility[3],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/2463 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing an instrument for providing support to Ukraine for 2023 (macro-financial assistance +)[4],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/335 of 28 February 2022 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[5],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/577 of 12 February 2024 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[6],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1470 of 21 May 2024 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[7],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[8],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[9],

    A. whereas the Commission proposed a draft amendment to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2496 that made it possible to allow contingent liabilities stemming from financial assistance to Ukraine for 2023 and 2024 only to be treated in the same manner as financial assistance for Member States;

    B. whereas there is a need for greater sustained budgetary support to Ukraine;

    C. whereas Ukraine’s financing needs are expected to significantly outstrip current IMF projections and total at least USD 38 billion for 2025, making the amounts available under previous rounds of macro-financial assistance (MFA), the Ukraine Facility and the current round of MFA insufficient to ensure the required level of support, particularly for 2026 and 2027;

    D. whereas Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/577 provides rules for allocating extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian state assets to the Ukraine Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility, considering that EUR 210 billion of Russian Central Bank assets are currently held by financial institutions in the EU;

    E. whereas the G7 leaders announced the launch of Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine, which would make USD 50 billion available to Ukraine and would be secured through immobilised Russian state assets;

    F. whereas the next tranche of the IMF’s loan to Ukraine is also linked to the entry into force of the proposed regulation;

    1. Takes note of the proposal for the creation of the new Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, which will provide non-repayable financial support with a view to assisting Ukraine to repay loans provided for its support and will be endowed mainly by the amounts transferred in accordance with Annex XLI to Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014[10], as well as by any potential amounts stemming from voluntary contributions from Member States, third countries or other sources, for up to EUR 45 billion;

    2. Takes note of the conditions and obligations that Ukraine must fulfil in order to receive and use the non-repayable financial support provided by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, particularly the obligation for the repayment of the principal, interest and any other costs of the MFA loan or eligible bilateral loans;

    3. Takes note of the proposal for the creation of a new MFA instrument for the benefit of Ukraine, providing support of up to EUR 35 billion, pending other contributions under the G7 agreement on Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine, over a duration of 45 years; takes note of the fact that the Commission’s proposal seems to be based on the assumption that the Russian state assets will remain immobilised for 45 years and on various assumptions regarding the future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilisation of Russian sovereign assets held in the EU;

    4. Takes note of the fact that there is no grace period for the repayment of the principal or interest for the MFA instrument;

    5. Takes note of the fact that the MFA instrument, unlike previous instruments, does not give Ukraine the option to request interest rate subsidies covered by Member States;

    6. Takes note of the preconditions for support, such as effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system and the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including for those of minorities, and takes note of the consequences of not meeting, or no longer meeting, these preconditions;

    7. Takes note of the future negotiation between the Commission and Ukraine on the Memorandum of Understanding containing the guidelines that will underpin all future disbursements to Ukraine and must be consistent with the qualitative and quantitative steps contained in the Annex to Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1447 of 14 May 2024 on the approval of the assessment of the Ukraine Plan[11] and any amendments thereto; takes note of the fact that the assessment criteria for the funds allocated through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism are aligned with the assessment criteria established in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 in order to guarantee effective support and optimal use of resources for Ukraine’s recovery and development; calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to consulting the Verkhovna Rada and involving relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations;

    8. Takes note of the derogation from Article 31(3), second sentence, of Regulation (EU) 2021/947[12], which implies that the External Action Guarantee will not be used to guarantee the borrowing of the amounts to be lent in the framework of this MFA and that, therefore, the guarantees for this MFA will be provisioned by the headroom; calls for caution in extending borrowing without a clear guarantee mechanism, with a view to ensuring that any additional borrowing does not jeopardise the Union’s financial stability;

    9. Takes note of the derogation from Article 214(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2509, preventing the establishment of a provisioning rate, because of the use of the headroom for the provisioning of guarantees;

    10. Recalls all the mandatory provisions to be included in the MFA Loan Agreement, particularly those related to the early repayment of the amounts borrowed should it be recognised that Ukraine has engaged in any act of fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity detrimental to the financial interests of the Union;

    11. Takes note of the repayment arrangements, and particularly of the waterfall structure to be established in the MFA Loan Agreement and the potential implications for the EU budget;

    12. Takes note of the provisions on the transmission of information to Parliament and the Council, as laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on good interinstitutional cooperation and governance and specifically within the framework of the annual budgetary procedure, ensuring full accountability and oversight of how funds are managed and disbursed; acknowledges the urgent need to implement the proposed regulation and calls for the relevant draft amending budget to include only the changes arising from the entry into force of the proposed regulation; expects the proposal to provide an update on the borrowing plan as per Article 52(1)(d)(iii), third indent, of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509; expects to be informed, in a timely manner, of the implementation of borrowing as per Article 223(4)(b) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, including of any potential early repayments and the construction of a buffer, if applicable;

    13. Takes note of the fact that, according to the financial legislative statement, the implementation of the proposal does not require any additional human resources or administrative expenditure; reiterates its understanding that new policy priorities or tasks must be accompanied by adequate resources and staff to properly implement them;

    14. Regrets the proposal’s lack of clarity about whether the Union budget has final liability, particularly in the framework of a loan guaranteed solely by the headroom, independently of the support from the Ukraine Loan Mechanism, for example in the event of significant changes to the sanctions regime underwriting the mechanism;

    15. Requests that the Commission clarify the potential interplay and complementarity in the funding provided by the Ukraine Facility, in particular under Pillar I for 2025, and by the MFA, and explain how the latter will be linked to relevant political and reform-related conditions that are consistent with and support the conditionality under the Ukraine Facility, in particular the Ukraine Plan;

    16. Requests that the Commission provide the budgetary authority with details of the aggregation of liabilities to the headroom, contingent on borrowing and lending operations;

    17. Recalls that a further amendment to the MFF, adopted by unanimity in the Council, would be required in order to extend the ability of the Union to treat the financial assistance to Ukraine in the same manner as financial assistance to Member States until the end of the current MFF;

    18. Regrets the urgency of this proposal, stemming partly from the lack of flexibility granted by the Commission proposal on the amendment of the MFF, and the subsequent Council decision pressuring Parliament to co-legislate in a very limited time frame;

    19. Calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend the approval of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

     

     

    LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (2.10.2024)

    Mr Bernd Lange

    Chair

    Committee on International Trade

    BRUSSELS

     

     

    Subject:  Opinion on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (COM/2024/426 final) (2024/0234(COD))

     

     

     

    Dear Mr Lange,

     

    Under the procedure referred to above, the Committee on Foreign Affairs has been asked to submit an opinion to your committee. By way of a written procedure, the committee Coordinators decided to send the opinion in the form of a letter. Due to the extreme urgency of the procedure, the committee Coordinators adopted the opinion at their meeting on 30 September 2024.

     

    Yours sincerely,

     

     

     

     

     

    David McAllister

     

     

      

    SUGGESTIONS

     

    The Committee on Foreign Affairs:

     

    1. Expresses its complete solidarity with the people of Ukraine, along with its full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders;

    2. Welcomes the commitments of the EU and its Member States to provide humanitarian assistance, military support, economic and financial aid and political support in every possible way until Ukraine’s victory;

    3. Commends the Commission’s proposal to establish the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, which contributes to answering Parliament’s call on the EU and its Member States to achieve the broadest possible international support for Ukraine, and builds upon the decision of the Council to direct extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian state assets to the Ukraine Assistance Fund and the Ukraine Facility as well as upon the G7’s decision to offer Ukraine a USD 50 billion loan secured through immobilised Russian state assets;

    4. Expresses its conviction that the new Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism is a substantive step towards making Russia financially compensate for the massive damage it continues to cause in Ukraine; insists that this should not preclude the establishment of a sound legal regime for the confiscation of Russian state assets frozen by the EU, to be used for the benefit of Ukraine; urges the Commission and the EEAS to step-up their work in that direction;

    5. Acknowledges that the Commission’s proposal is based on the assumption that Russian assets will remain immobilised until Russia definitively and irreversibly ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine.  Therefore urges the Council to adopt swiftly a decision to that effect;

    6. Invites the Commission, when evaluating whether Ukraine has met the precondition set out in Article 11 of the proposal, to apply the same standards it applies when it evaluates whether Ukraine has met the precondition set out in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 on the establishment of the Ukraine Facility; in particular, in its assessment, the Commission shall also take into account the context in Ukraine and the consequences of the application of martial law in Ukraine; invites the Commission to transmit its assessment simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council;

    7. Calls on the Commission to ensure that, when it agrees with Ukraine the policy conditions to be set out in the MoU pursuant to Article 12 of the proposal, it is satisfied that Ukraine has complied with (i) the provisions set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 and provided all the relevant explanations, as appropriate; and (ii) the qualitative and quantitative steps provided for in Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1447 and its annex. At the same time, calls on the Commission to make sure, when deciding on the release of funds pursuant to Article 13 of the proposal, that its assessment complies with Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 and, in particular, takes into account the criteria listed in paragraph 3 thereof, where relevant; urges the Commission, in that context, to make sure that all decisions adopted by Ukraine on the use of the funds allocated to it in the framework of the proposed regulation respect democratic procedures and are supported by meaningful consultations with all relevant institutions and stakeholders, including the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, anti-corruption institutions and representatives of the civil society;

    8. Calls on the Commission to transmit the MFA Loan Agreement to the European Parliament as soon as it will be signed;

    9. Requests that the Commission include by default in its yearly report on the implementation of the proposed Regulation a review of the adequacy of the arrangements contained in the Regulation itself.

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    References

    COM(2024)0426 – C10-0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD)

    Date submitted to Parliament

    20.9.2024

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    INTA

     

     

     

    Committees asked for opinions

     Date announced in plenary

    AFET

    10.10.2024

     

     

     

    Not delivering opinions

     Date of decision

    AFET

    27.9.2024

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Karin Karlsbro

    30.9.2024

     

     

     

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    30.9.2024

    Discussed in committee

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

     

    BUDG

    7.10.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    31

    4

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Brando Benifei, Lynn Boylan, Udo Bullmann, Raphaël Glucksmann, Bart Groothuis, Céline Imart, Karin Karlsbro, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Kruis, Bernd Lange, Ilia Lazarov, Thierry Mariani, Gabriel Mato, Ştefan Muşoiu, Daniele Polato, Majdouline Sbai, Francesco Torselli, Catarina Vieira, Jörgen Warborn, Iuliu Winkler, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Mika Aaltola, Dan Barna, Nina Carberry, Anna Cavazzini, Hana Jalloul Muro, Ľubica Karvašová, Marina Mesure, Branislav Ondruš, Pierre Pimpie, Jessika Van Leeuwen

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Peter Agius, Marie Dauchy, Elio Di Rupo, Virginie Joron

    Date tabled

    15.10.2024

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 611th Meeting of Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The 611th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India was held today in Bhubaneswar under the Chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor. The Board passed a condolence resolution in memory of Shri Ratan N. Tata, a former Director of the Central Board. The Central Board Members also took the Integrity pledge in observance of the ensuing Vigilance Awareness week 2024.

    The Board reviewed the current economic and financial situation, including challenges posed by evolving geopolitical conflicts. The Board also discussed the functioning of various Sub-Committees of the Central Board, the Ombudsman Scheme and activities of select Central Office Departments.

    Deputy Governors Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Shri Swaminathan J. and other Directors of the Central Board – Shri Satish K. Marathe, Smt. Revathy Iyer, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi and Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia – attended the meeting. Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, also attended the meeting.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1308

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Well-respected and high-performing’: Local Government Association gives positive review of city council

    Source: City of Winchester

    A recent peer review of Winchester City Council by the Local Government Association found the local authority to be a well-respected and high-performing organisation with a record of strong service delivery.

    All councils across the country are encouraged to take part in a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) to provide robust and credible challenge to support councils.

    In July this year, the city council invited a peer team to provide external feedback on how it was performing and how it could improve. For two and a half days the peer team, made up of councillors and officers from other councils, spent time with the city council taking a deep dive into how it’s run.

    The review examined five key areas, including the council’s local priorities and outcomes, its governance and culture, and its financial planning and management, with the peer team conducting a review of evidence that included analysing data, interviewing staff and councillors and speaking to key partners.

    In its feedback report, the CPC stated that the city council was a “well-respected and high-performing council, delivering for residents and partners”. The report continued: “The peer team heard positive feedback regarding the council’s performance and was satisfied that the city council is well-managed and benefits from a Leader and Chief Executive who are respected by staff, members and external stakeholders”.

    The report also highlighted a number of other areas of positive action from the city council, including its prudent financial management, the work it is doing to address climate change and its efforts to consult and engage with residents on important decisions.

    Speaking about the review, City Council Leader Cllr Martin Tod said:

    “It’s been very helpful to have people from other Councils and from the Local Government Association come in and review what we’re doing. It’s a really positive and helpful process and a very encouraging report. We are always looking for ways to improve how we serve our area’s residents and communities, so the recommendations are welcome. We’ll be acting on them and look forward to welcoming the team back next year to review our progress”.

    Nine recommendations were included in the report to help the council address future challenges, realise efficiencies and improve services, each of which have been addressed in a high-level action plan subsequently produced by the city council.

    The full feedback report, and Winchester City Council’s action plan, can be read on our website: https://www.winchester.gov.uk/about/corporate-peer-challenge

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution unveiled to the world on “AI Super Tuesday”

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

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 16, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • International exhibitors presented the most groundbreaking innovations helping shape the future of society and industry
    • “Cybersecurity Day” next up as world’s largest and best-rated tech event reaches halfway stage on Wednesday

    Hot on the heels of a memorable first day where GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4hlR7gj) opened the doors for its biggest-ever international edition, the entire global tech ecosystem experienced another action-packed agenda on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

    Taking place from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year – welcoming over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors alongside governments from more than 180 countries.

    With five themed days locked in across the 2024 event programme, a technology taking the world by storm was the focal point as “AI Super Tuesday” presented the most groundbreaking innovations helping shape the future of society and industry.

    A technology with vast transformative potential

    As AI takes centre stage in drug discovery, the world could soon witness the most significant shift in medicine since the advent of modern pharmaceuticals. But with such rapid advancements, a mesmerising Tuesday session – ‘The Next Leap in Medicine: Are we on the Edge of a Breakthrough?’ – saw experts discuss whether AI transformation is fast approaching or further away than some anticipate.

    Dr. Shameer Khader, Global Head and Executive Director – Computational Biology Cluster, Precision Medicine and Computational Biology at global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, gave AI an emphatic endorsement. He said: “Drug discovery on average takes 10-15 years and one project around $1.5-2 billion in cost. Is that something sustainable? The model must change, and we should harness AI capabilities and value across the ecosystem. We should optimise every single process to reduce development costs, streamline the drug discovery lifestyle, and build data disease models and infrastructure.”

    In a special case study, audiences became acquainted with ‘BabyX’ – an interactive simulation of a lifelike infant through AI. This virtual animated baby learns and reacts like a human infant with a built-in virtual brain with detailed likeness to that of a human. Functioning through biological AI and an operating system called Brain Language, stimulated neurochemical reactions help BabyX decide how she will react – something that could prove revolutionary in the future AI economy.

    Elaborating on the significance of BabyX, Dr. Mark Sagar, its creator who co-founded New Zealand-based Soul Machines, pointed out the defining difference between human and AI intelligence, adding: “As humans, we learn from a young age though exploring the world and experimenting. Play is such a key part of making intelligence open-ended and inventive, but it’s one thing what’s missing from current AI. If we’re ever going to regulate general AI intelligence, we need to build cognitive architecture that yields intelligent behaviour through a comprehensive approach.”

    A catalyst for forward-facing collaboration

    Alongside the profound transformative potential of AI, GITEX GLOBAL’s status as a catalyst for collaboration and forward-facing projects was on full display. A number of exciting high-profile partnerships were officially unveiled at the world’s largest and best-rated tech event, with one involved KAOUN – the world-leading organiser of business events and trade fairs, leading all GITEX events outside the UAE.

    Tuesday saw KAOUN sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Digital Dubai Authority to grow the GITEX ecosystem, support Dubai’s internationalisation strategy, and explore new partnership opportunities. Additionally, AWS and e& entered into a $1 billion-plus agreement as part of new strategic alliance to deliver cloud solutions and supporting AI deployment and digital transformation across the region. 

    Tuesday casts spotlight on AI’s cross-sector impact and demands

    Elsewhere on the Super AI Tuesday agenda, another applauded show illustrated how high-performance computing is steering humanity’s quest for the next generation of aircraft. During ‘Quantum Maturation: Introducing The “Quantum Mobility Quest”’, companies were urged to move beyond the physical limits of present-day computing today and scale up future-focused solutions to unlock aviation’s vast potential.

    Isabell Gradert, Vice President of Central Research & Technology, Airbus, Germany, said: “Aviation is embedded in the tapestry of our global-leading industries and is one with the highest computation needs. Quantum computing is seen as the next big gamechanger in the aviation industry and has the potential to solve the most complex aerospace challenges and create a paradigm shift in the way aircrafts are built and flown. This is a very exciting time.”

    Additionally, audiences familiarised themselves with a wide of services and solutions being showcased by GITEX GLOBAL exhibitors. UAE-based Presight, the region’s leading big data analytics company powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), unveiled its Intelli Platform, an AI-powered management and operations platform that lets cities, transport, energy, and infrastructure organisations immediately use Generative AI.

    AWS also cast a spotlight on AWS Bedrock, a fully managed service that enables enterprises to easily build, customise, and deploy generative AI applications using foundation models from top AI providers, all through the AWS platform.

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Wednesday as “Cybersecurity Day” welcomes an ensemble cast of thought leaders and experts to explore the emerging threats landscape, counter-infringement strategies, and tools organisations require in an increasingly digital world.

    GITEX Editions (https://apo-opa.co/4h8xBn9) also presents Intelligent Connectivity (https://apo-opa.co/4hayjAy) with visitors set to explore how industry leaders can bridge digital divides and harness emerging technology to drive innovation and economic growth. The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit (https://apo-opa.co/4hlR8kn) also continues with another star-studded cast of world-renowned experts and innovative minds.  

    GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with the world’s largest network of tech events, including GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.

    More information on GITEX GLOBAL, please visit http://www.GITEX.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: German balance of payments in August 2024

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Current account surplus down
    Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €14.4 billion in August 2024, down €3.3 billion on the previous month’s level. This was chiefly attributable to a smaller goods account surplus.
    In August, the surplus in the goods account fell by €3.5 billion to €17.6 billion because receipts recorded a sharper decline than expenditure. The deficit in invisible current transactions decreased slightly by €0.2 billion to €3.2 billion. Small changes were also recorded in the sub-account balances. Net receipts in primary income rose by €0.5 billion to €12.9 billion. In the secondary income account, the deficit narrowed somewhat to €5.2 billion. In both sub-accounts, the individual sub-items changed only slightly, with declines predominating and expenditure falling somewhat more sharply than receipts on balance. The deficit in the services account widened by €0.5 billion to stand at €10.9 billion. Here, too, receipts were down overall, with receipts from other business services and charges for the use of intellectual property decreasing above all. Although declines in these areas in particular as well as lower expenditure on computer services also depressed the expenditure side, the increase in travel expenditure – typical for this time of year – contributed substantially to expenditure narrowing less strongly than receipts on balance.
    Portfolio investment sees net capital imports
    Germany’s cross-border portfolio investment recorded net capital imports of €28.6 billion in August, after net capital exports of €8.7 billion in July. Foreign investors acquired German securities worth €48.4 billion net, purchasing bonds in particular (€39.7 billion), which were roughly split evenly between instruments issued by the public and private sectors. In addition, they bought money market paper (€7.8 billion) and, to a lesser extent, mutual fund shares (€0.6 billion) and shares (€0.3 billion). Domestic investors acquired foreign securities to the tune of €19.8 billion net, adding foreign bonds (€10.8 billion), mutual fund shares (€9.8 billion) and shares (€0.7 billion) to their portfolios, but disposing of money market paper (€1.5 billion).
    In August, transactions in financial derivatives resulted in net outflows of €7.5 billion (€5.9 billion in July).
    Direct investment generated net capital imports of €5.7 billion in August, up from €1.0 billion in July. German enterprises decreased their direct investment funds abroad by €10.3 billion. Although they increased their equity capital abroad by €1.2 billion, redemptions predominated in intra-group credit transactions (€11.5 billion). Non-resident enterprises, meanwhile, withdrew €4.6 billion in direct investment from Germany. This was chiefly attributable to redemptions in intra-group credit transactions (€5.9 billion), which more than offset inflows in the form of equity capital (€1.3 billion).
    Other statistically recorded investment – which comprises loans and trade credits (where these do not constitute direct investment), bank deposits and other investments – registered net outflows of capital amounting to €12.3 billion in August (following €28.8 billion in July). The higher net claims of monetary financial institutions amounting to €16.4 billion made a particularly large contribution to this figure. The Bundesbank’s net external claims also rose (€8.3 billion), due to TARGET claims on the ECB rising by €26.8 billion. However, the Bundesbank’s external liabilities in the form of currency and deposits also increased at the same time. Enterprises and households (€11.4 billion) and general government (€1.0 billion) recorded net capital imports in August.
    The Bundesbank’s reserve assets declined – at transaction values – by €0.6 billion in August.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economies

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Fraser Institute published the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report (2024 Report) today (October 16). Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economies among 165 economies, up by one place from last year. Among the five areas of assessment in the 2024 Report, Hong Kong ranks top in “Freedom to trade internationally” and “Regulation”, and its ranking in “Sound money” rises to third globally. 
          
         A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “For long, Hong Kong has fully leveraged the advantages of a free market, and maintained a free, open, effective and fair business environment. The ranking fully reflects the international recognition of these advantages.”
          
         “Hong Kong’s free market and premier business environment are attributable to our distinctive institutional strengths of the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, including the practice of the common law system, robust rule of law, a judiciary that exercises powers independently, free flow of goods and factors of production such as capital, talent, and information, a simple tax system and low tax rates, a conducive business environment as well as efficient and transparent markets, a regulatory regime that adheres to international standards, among others. These factors have made Hong Kong an ideal city for doing business.
          
         “Indeed, over 9 000 overseas and Mainland companies have chosen Hong Kong as their base to fully leverage Hong Kong’s roles and functions as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’. The current-term HKSAR Government has been proactively attracting enterprises to settle in Hong Kong and talent to come to Hong Kong for development, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the end of 2022, more than 100 prominent innovation and technology enterprises from around the world have decided to establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. These enterprises would invest a total of more than $50 billion in the city, creating more than 15 000 jobs. In the first nine months this year, Invest Hong Kong also assisted 470 Mainland and overseas enterprises to establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong, up by around 57 per cent from the same period last year. In terms of attracting talent, from the end of 2022 to September this year, over 380 000 applications were received under various talent schemes, of which nearly 240 000 were approved, and around 160 000 people have arrived in Hong Kong. These figures underscore Hong Kong’s strong appeal to both overseas and Mainland enterprises and talent.
          
         “Looking forward, with the staunch support of the country, we will proactively integrate into the overall national development, align with national development strategies, maintain and improve a free and open business environment, and continue to serve as a two-way springboard for attracting international enterprises to Hong Kong and supporting Mainland enterprises to ‘go global’. The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive today has set out clear directions, as well as specific and impactful policies and measures to reinforce and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, build itself into an international hub for high-calibre talent, develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and foster collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, so as to further enhance Hong Kong’s development momentum, and promote the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.
          
         As to references on Hong Kong’s economic and other freedoms in the 2024 Report, the spokesman emphasised, “The HKSAR Government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the interests of enterprises and investors are also fully safeguarded in accordance with the law. According to various surveys, foreign businesses in Hong Kong generally have confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law. The HKSAR Government hopes that future assessments in Economic Freedom of the World can fully reflect the relevant facts.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General welcomes Sweden’s plans to boost defence spending

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (October 16), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to discuss the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence and NATO’s increased support to Ukraine.

    Since joining NATO in March this year, “Sweden’s membership has made NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and all of us more secure,” said the Secretary General. He commended the Swedish government for its recent proposals to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence, including with ”troops for NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia, combat aircraft for NATO’s air policing mission, and vessels for NATO’s Standing Naval Forces.” The Secretary General thanked Sweden for its offer to lead the new NATO battlegroup to be established in Finland. He noted that Sweden spends more than 2 percent of GDP on defence and welcomed the country’s plans to further boost its defence spending in 2025.

    The Secretary General also noted Sweden’s steadfast support to Ukraine. “On a per capita basis, Sweden is a top supporter of Ukraine. Providing over 4 billion euros in military assistance,” he said. He reiterated that Allies are working hard to deliver on the commitments made during the Washington Summit on support for Ukraine, including “a new Command to coordinate security assistance and training, and a financial pledge of 40 billion euros as a minimum baseline in the coming year.”

    Secretary General Rutte stressed that Ukraine’s path to membership is irreversible. “Every nation has the right to choose its own path. No one outside NATO or outside that particular country has a veto or a vote on this. Sweden’s seat at the NATO table shows exactly that,” he concluded.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Duclos to make announcement concerning cultural organization in Québec

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Government of Canada supports Quebec music scene.

    QUÉBEC – The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Quebec Lieutenant and Member of Parliament (Québec), will announce financial support on Thursday, which will help a cultural organization in Québec acquire and renovate creative spaces as well as produce and distribute its work. He will make the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.

    Journalists looking to attend the announcement in person must confirm their attendance by sending their full name and the name of the media organization they represent to media@pch.gc.ca by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16.

    Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

    The details are as follows:

    DATE:
    Thursday October 17, 2024

    TIME:
    9:30 a.m.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD to Report Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced today that it will report fiscal third quarter 2024 financial results on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, after the close of market. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call via the AMD Investor Relations website ir.amd.com.

    About AMD
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn, Facebook and X pages.

    AMD, the AMD Arrow logo and the combination thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact
    Drew Prairie
    AMD Communications
    512-602-4425
    drew.prairie@amd.com

    Mitch Haws
    AMD Investor Relations
    408-749-3124
    mitch.haws@amd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Appoints Former Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy, John G. Vonglis as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board for Strategic Initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing portable, clean energy solutions, is proud to announce today that it has appointed The Honorable John G. Vonglis, former Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Acting Director of DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, as the Chairman of NANO Nuclear’s Executive Advisory Board for Strategic Initiatives.

    Mr. Vonglis joins a growing, world-class, bipartisan Executive Advisory Board comprised of high ranking and distinguished military, political and scientific leaders which is assisting NANO Nuclear by leveraging their professional networks and relationships to connect the Company with key industry stakeholders, potential partners, clients and other valuable contacts.

    “It is a pleasure to join NANO Nuclear’s advisory team and leverage my expertise in navigating a myriad of DOE and private energy-related projects to advance the development of the Company’s microreactor and other nuclear technology solutions,” said John G. Vonglis, Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Strategic Initiatives of NANO Nuclear Energy. “During my time with the Department of Energy, I was exposed to numerous high-impact inventions, and I believe that technologies such as NANO Nuclear’s ‘ZEUS’ and ‘ODIN’ microreactors represent the innovative spirit of the United States at an important moment for nuclear energy.”

    Mr. Vonglis served as the Senate-confirmed Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer of the DOE from 2017 to 2019. As Chief Financia Officer, Mr. Vonglis oversaw all financial matters for the DOE. He was also appointed by the President as Acting Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), a federal agency focused on advancing early-stage, high-potential, high-impact energy technologies while minimizing risk to taxpayers.

    Prior to his tenure at the DOE, Mr. Vonglis held several key roles at the U.S. Department of Defense from 2002 to 2009, initially as Director of Management Initiatives for the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness (P&R) and lastly as Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, where he also served as the first Chief Management Officer, performing the duties of the Under Secretary.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Appoints Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Department of Energy (DOE) John G. Vonglis as its Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board for Strategic Initiatives.

    Mr. Vonglis’ private sector experience includes senior financial and operational roles at prominent advisory, aerospace/defense, financial services, and high-technology firms. Mr. Vonglis is a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel with 34 years’ experience in Army and Joint special operations, where he also advised ‘SOFWERX’ and the Army Cyber Institute at West Point. He holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from Fordham University and a Master’s in International Public Policy from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

    “Attracting an exemplary leader like John to serve on our Executive Advisory Board, with his years of experience on the inside of complex government processes and working on cutting edge innovations, is a validation of our vision and mission for NANO Nuclear,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “John’s addition brings credibility, valuable insight and a multitude of important contacts to NANO Nuclear and allows us to better position our company to fully capitalize on the significant momentum within the nuclear energy industry. We are honored to welcome him to the team.”

    “We are confident that John’s contribution as an Executive Advisory Board member for NANO Nuclear will be invaluable as we continue to progress our microreactor and other technology solutions through design, testing, regulatory processes and ultimately to market,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Recent natural disaster events, such as the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, highlight the critical need for reliable and portable energy solutions. Our portable nuclear microreactors, ‘ZEUS’ and ‘ODIN,’ are designed to provide power for rescue operations and shelters in the aftermath of such natural disasters. We are committed to advancing these technologies to market and delivering cutting-edge solutions to those who need them most.”

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across four business lines: (i) cutting edge portable microreactor technology, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation and (iv) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s products in technical development are “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy TWITTER

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release or related events contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements (including statements related to the anticipated benefits of Mr. Vonglis joining the Company’ Executive Advisory Board) related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the business of a start-up business operating a highly regulated industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and the NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tenable Announces Date for its Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenable®, the exposure management company, today announced it will release its financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2024 after the U.S. market close on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Tenable will host a conference call that day at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results.

    A live webcast of the event will be available on the Tenable Investor Relations website at https://investors.tenable.com. A live dial-in will be available domestically at 1-877-407-9716 or internationally at 1-201-493-6779. A webcast replay will be available after the call through Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

    About Tenable
    Tenable® is the exposure management company, exposing and closing the cybersecurity gaps that erode business value, reputation and trust. The company’s AI-powered exposure management platform radically unifies security visibility, insight and action across the attack surface, equipping modern organizations to protect against attacks from IT infrastructure to cloud environments to critical infrastructure and everywhere in between. By protecting enterprises from security exposure, Tenable reduces business risk for approximately 44,000 customers around the globe. Learn more at tenable.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Tenable
    investors@tenable.com

    Media Contact:
    Tenable
    tenablepr@tenable.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Usio, Inc. Chosen by ClassWallet to Process ACH Payments and Power Digital Payments Disbursement Programs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Usio, Inc. (NASDAQ:USIO), a leading FinTech company that operates a full stack of integrated, cloud-based electronic payment and embedded financial solutions, today announced the continued expansion of its partnership with ClassWallet, the leading purchasing and reimbursement platform for public funds.

    “Usio and ClassWallet’s strong partnership continues to create innovative new solutions for an ever-widening array of prepaid and funds disbursement applications,” said Houston Frost, Usio’s Chief Product Officer. “Building on their existing integration of our electronic payments technology, ClassWallet is now adding industry-leading ACH and proprietary remote authorization capabilities into its digital wallet technology platform. These new solutions address the need to both offer a robust payments platform and enable the building of innovative payment solutions demanded by its customers. We are extremely pleased to provide an integral element of ClassWallet’s various digital electronic payments solutions, and we look forward to supporting their growth objectives.”

    The partnership creates a comprehensive ecosystem of payments technology ClassWallet can use to accelerate the pace of innovation to bring new products to market. The partnership also enhances the payment process for ClassWallet’s service provider vendors, resulting in efficiencies for more predictable and faster vendor payments.

    Jamie Rosenberg, ClassWallet founder and CEO, noted that the expanded partnership also provides ClassWallet with a wealth of data. This data can be mined by ClassWallet’s agency customers to better understand program outcomes so that these agencies can improve the impact of their programs on the people they serve.

    “Our partnership with Usio helps further the ClassWallet mission, and creates opportunities for everyone involved, most importantly our clients and end users,” Rosenberg said. “Together, we are presenting ClassWallet client organizations with secure, digital wallet innovation that unlocks the full potential of these public funds and maximizes program efficiency and outcomes for all recipients.”

    About Usio, Inc.

    Usio, Inc. (Nasdaq: USIO), is a leading Fintech that operates a full stack of proprietary, cloud-based integrated payment and embedded financial solutions in a single ecosystem to a wide range of merchants, billers, banks, service bureaus and card issuers. The Company operates credit/debit and ACH payment processing platforms, as well as a turn-key card issuing platform to deliver convenient, world-class payment solutions and services to their clients. The company, through its Usio Output Solutions division offers services relating to electronic bill presentment, document composition, document decomposition and printing and mailing services. The strength of the Company lies in its ability to provide tailored solutions for card issuance, payment acceptance, and bill payments as well as its unique technology in the prepaid sector. Usio is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has a development office in Austin, Texas.

    Websites: http://www.usio.com , http://www.akimbocard.com and http://www.usiooutput.com. Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook® and Twitter.

    About ClassWallet

    ClassWallet is the leading digital wallet for public funds. A pioneer in financial and government technology, ClassWallet’s technology is used by public agencies across 35 states to maximize the positive impact of public funding on people’s lives. Since 2014, the ClassWallet platform has been used to deliver more than $4 billion in public funds to millions of citizens and has helped clients achieve the highest standards of program integrity and efficiency. With customer loyalty and satisfaction exceeding some of the world’s largest brands, ClassWallet was recognized by J.D. Power in 2024 for providing “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience” for Phone Support. ClassWallet is headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, and ranks as the 88th fastest-growing software company on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list.

    Company Contact

    Paul Manley
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
    Paul.Manley@usio.com
    612-834-1804

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SIMPPLE Ltd. Announces $1.0 Million Sale of Multi-functional Robots in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIMPPLE Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPPL) (“SIMPPLE” or “the Company”), a leading technology provider and innovator in the facilities management (FM) sector, today announced the initial sale, for an aggregate of about $1.0 million, of the Company’s proprietary 3-in-1 multifunctional robots and modular robot heads across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

    Photo Comparison of Gemini (multifunctional robot) and cleaning robot in a retail mall

    Brand-named Gemini, the A.I. video-analytics robots are the first to perform security, digital concierge, and cleaning services in a facilities management setting. These modular robot heads can be retrofitted on traditional cleaning robots, thus converting them to 3-in-1 units with the same A.I. video-analytics capabilities.

    In Singapore, Gemini robots have been deployed at retail malls, commercial office buildings, and healthcare institutions. In Malaysia and Thailand, SIMPPLE’s Gemini heads have been retrofitted to existing cleaning robots and utilized at commercial office buildings.

    According to SIMPPLE chief executive officer Norman Schroeder, Gemini is a “game-changer” in the field of service robotics. The robot can swiftly, accurately, and intelligently conduct security patrols, engage with lost or distressed personnels seeking security assistance, engage in two-way video calls, interface remotely with facility managers, and perform a wide variety of routine cleaning tasks including scrubbing or vacuuming.

    “Gemini can operate independently or in concert with existing CCTV camera systems,” he added, allowing those systems to identify situations needing resolution and task Gemini to resolve them. In so doing, Gemini provides “significant savings and convenience” to facility management companies and integrated services operators, said the CEO.

    “The deployment of Gemini across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand,” he said, “further validates the commercial viability of our end-to-end facilities management solution including integrated robotics and artificial intelligence.”

    Additional Gemini sales to customers in Australia, New Zealand, and other markets are expected “in the coming months,” said Mr. Schroeder.

    The development of Gemini was supported by three Singapore government agencies, one of which, in 2019 and 2022, awarded SIMPPLE grants totalling about $380,000 to develop multi-functional robots. In 2024, Gemini was then included in the Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) grant scheme supported by Singapore’s InfoComm Media Development Authority (IMDA), thus facilitating SIMPPLE’s aggregate $1.0 million Gemini sale described above.

    According to a May 2024 report by Technavio, the global service robotics market is projected to grow by a CAGR of 30.25%, or $90.4 billion, from 2024 to 2028. This rapid growth, said Technavio, will be driven by the continuing integration of advanced technologies such as IoT, A.I., and natural language processing into service robots, and by world governments pouring significant investment into these technologies. Technological advancements in machine learning, adaptive computing, and vision systems will also make service robots increasingly suitable for commercial tasks, said the report.

    Close-up photo of Gemini modular security head at a premium retail mall in Singapore

    About SIMPPLE LTD.

    Headquartered in Singapore, SIMPPLE LTD. is an advanced technology solution provider in the emerging PropTech space, focused on helping facilities owners and managers manage facilities autonomously. Founded in 2016, the Company has a strong foothold in the Singapore facilities management market, serving over 60 clients in both the public and private sectors and extending out of Singapore into Australia and the Middle East. The Company has developed its proprietary SIMPPLE Ecosystem, to create an automated workforce management tool for building maintenance, surveillance and cleaning comprised of a mix of software and hardware solutions such as robotics (both cleaning and security) and Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) devices. 

    For more information on SIMPPLE, please visit: https://www.simpple.ai

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition Photo of Gemini robot within an institution, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

    Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

    For investor and media queries, please contact:
    SIMPPLE LTD.
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: ir@simpple.ai

    Visit the Investor Relation Website: https://www.investor.simpple.ai/

    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Scott Powell, President
    1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
    New York, NY 10036
    Tel: (646) 893-5835
    Email: info@skylineccg.com  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Eight Financial Advisors in Florida

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, announced today that a group of advisors in St. Petersburg, Fla., have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. They reported having served approximately $450 million in advisory and brokerage assets* and join LPL from Raymond James.

    Financial advisors Michael Collins, Jim Spicer, Ryan Roy, Gary Hummel, Robert Torris, David Zaccagnino, Steven Laesser and Mark Wolf, along with his son Logan Wolf, a registered assistant, operate independently while leveraging shared office space, best practices and approaches to client services. They offer a comprehensive suite of financial services that spans portfolio management, retirement income, tax planning, education funding, estate planning and more.

    The transition to LPL was motivated by a desire to better serve their clients and to gain more control over their future. The advisors said LPL’s flexible platform and customizable solutions were key factors in their decision to move.

    “We were seeking a partner that could help us elevate our service offering so we can continue to give clients what they need and deserve,” said Collins, who previously served as branch manager. “With LPL, we have access to a wide range of innovative capabilities and strategic resources, along with an expanded suite of products that will greatly enhance client experiences. We are now empowered to decide what tools we want to use without corporate influence or mandates. This move will be a positive change that will help position us for long-term sustainability and growth.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Mike, Jim, Ryan, Gary, Mark, Logan, Robert, David and Steven to the LPL community and congratulate them on the next chapter of their business. As a committed partner, LPL will provide powerful capabilities, innovative technology and robust business solutions to help increase efficiency and create even better client experiences. We look forward to supporting this group for years to come.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. The advisors named in this release and LPL Financial are separate entities. LPL Financial does not offer tax advice or tax related service.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #642587

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Car Rental Company Renews Contract with Urgently for Roadside Assistance Technology and Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urgent.ly, Inc. (Nasdaq: ULY) (“Urgently”), a U.S.-based leading provider of digital roadside and mobility assistance technology and services, today announced a two-year customer partner contract renewal with one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies. With this renewal, the relationship, which began in 2022, will extend to 2026.

    This latest renewal, which was driven, in part, by Urgently’s customer experience benefits and electronic vehicle expertise, continues Urgently’s record of successfully retaining all customer partner contracts since the beginning of the second quarter of 2024. Urgently believes this is an indication of the company’s commitment to delivering customer value through exceptional service, cutting edge technology and a prioritization of safety.

    “Our recent contract renewals reflect Urgently’s ability to foster growth, stability and collaboration across our existing client base,” said Matt Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Urgently. “Each renewal underscores our clients’ satisfaction and trust in our mobility assistance platform. We look forward to deepening our relationships with each of our customer partners and remain dedicated to supporting their long-term success.”

    With this renewal, Urgently’s connected assistance platform will continue to power the vehicle rental company’s roadside assistance program, enabling exceptional mobility assistance experiences, including knowledgeable support for electric vehicles (EVs).

    For more information about Urgently’s roadside and mobility assistance solutions visit https://www.geturgently.com/industry-solutions.

    About Urgently

    Urgently is focused on helping everyone move safely, without disruption, by safeguarding drivers, promptly assisting their journey, and employing technology to proactively avert possible issues. The company’s digitally native software platform combines location-based services, real-time data, AI and machine-to-machine communication to power roadside assistance solutions for leading brands across automotive, insurance, telematics and other transportation-focused verticals. Urgently fulfills the demand for connected roadside assistance services, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional user experiences that drive high customer satisfaction and loyalty, by delivering innovative, transparent and exceptional connected mobility assistance experiences on a global scale. For more information, visit http://www.geturgently.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Urgently’s future financial or operating performance. Such statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations of management of Urgently in light of historical results and trends, current conditions and potential future developments, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates and expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “project,” “predict,” “target,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate” or “expect” or the negative of these words or other words, terms and phrases of similar nature are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements, other than historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding Urgently’s customer partner contract renewal, are based on the current assumptions of Urgently’s management and are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve a significant number of factors that may cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from any future performance or achievements stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, please see the risks and uncertainties detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 29, 202, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on August 13, 2024, and other filings and reports that we may file from time to time with the SEC. All forward-looking statements reflect Urgently’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Urgently undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    Contacts:
    For Press: media@geturgently.com
    For Investors: investorrelations@geturgently.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada supports tourism development in Rocher-Percé

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    MRC du Rocher-Percé receives over $1.5M in financial assistance from CED to expand and modernize its air terminal.

    MRC du Rocher-Percé receives over $1.5M in financial assistance from CED to expand and modernize its air terminal.

    Grande-Rivière, Quebec, October 16, 2024 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

    Since the start of the pandemic, tourism organizations have demonstrated resilience, creativity and adaptability. They are vectors for diversification and major economic development, and the Government of Canada recognizes their contribution to economic development in Quebec’s regions.

    That is why the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, is today announcing, on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, a non‑repayable contribution of $1,541,750 for the MRC du Rocher-Percé to help initiate improvements to its air terminal, a tourism product in Rocher-Percé.

    This CED support has enabled the regional county municipality (RCM) to proceed with work to expand, fit out and complete outdoor renovations and indoor leasehold improvements to offer a safe environment adapted to users and staff. By supporting this project, CED is not only contributing to local economic development, but also helping to strengthen the tourism sector in Rocher-Percé, to the benefit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

    Founded in 1986, the Aéroport du Rocher-Percé, owned by the RCM, specializes in the transportation of people and goods by air. It serves the MRC du Rocher-Percé region, providing mainly medical transportation and business and tourism flights. This essential service plays a key role in regional economic development. The proposed improvements under this project will now enable the RCM to meet its tourism development targets aimed at attracting tourists to the region, including through the travel packages it offers.

    The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec’s economic recovery relies, among other things, on a strong tourism industry with organizations that have deep roots in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener and more just economy for all.

    Quotes

    “The CED support announced today clearly illustrates our willingness to boost players in the tourism industry. The financial contribution provided for the project to expand and modernize the Aérogare de Grande-Rivière is very good news for the MRC du Rocher-Percé and its appeal. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s investments in the tourism industry, we are ensuring we are ready to welcome travellers and tourists from home and abroad!”

    The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie‒Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

    “Our government is committed to supporting tourism businesses and organizations. Thanks to the funding announced today, we are helping to strengthen economic growth in the MRC du Rocher-Percé. Our assistance represents an important step in the efforts being made to attract tourists from Quebec, Canada and around the world so they can all discover the best tourism experiences our country has to offer.”

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED

    “A functional airport is essential to ensure efficient service for air ambulance flights, thereby enabling our residents to quickly receive emergency medical care in major centres. The airport and its facilities also represent a major development tool for our economy and for the tourism sector.”

    Samuel Parisé, Warden of the MRC du Rocher-Percé

    Quick facts

    • The funds have been granted under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program. This program aims to help communities seize economic development and diversification opportunities that are promising for the future.
    • In Quebec, SMEs account for 99.7% of the province’s businesses and 50% of its GDP.
    • CED is the key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.

    Associated links

    Information

    Media Relations
    Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
    media@dec-ced.gc.ca

    Marie-Justine Torres
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
    Cell: 613-327-5918
    marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Follow CED on social media
    Consult CED’s news

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting culture and tourism growth in western Newfoundland

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Community organizations receive federal and provincial support for local attractions

    October 16, 2024 · Benoit’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are making significant investments to support projects that will further enhance the visitor experience in the region.

    Federal and provincial investments boost region’s tourism potential

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total federal investments of $1,075,973 for 10 tourism-related projects in western Newfoundland. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador also announced a total contribution of $376,145 for these projects.

    These investments will improve infrastructure and accessibility at tourism attractions in the region; assist with the cost of trail construction; support local cultural and art programs, including Indigenous traditions, music, and festivals; and enhance marketing strategies to attract more tourists to the region.

    For the full list of projects, please see the Backgrounder.

    Tourism and culture play a vital role in the economy and identity of Newfoundland and Labrador. Initiatives like these support local businesses, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in rural and urban areas alike. By celebrating and preserving the province’s cultural heritage, Newfoundland and Labrador fosters a deep sense of pride among its people, while showcasing its distinct history and traditions to a global audience.

    Quotes

    “Investing in our tourism and cultural sectors is not just about boosting our economy today, it is creating opportunities for future generations too. Your federal government’s support ensures that our vibrant communities continue to thrive and that the stories and traditions that define us are celebrated and shared with the world.”

    –        The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA


    “Western Newfoundland has already developed a well-earned reputation for its outdoor attractions and unique cultural offerings. Our support for these projects will help preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage while also encouraging visitors to stay and explore our communities, advancing tourism offerings and stimulating economic growth in the region.”

          –    The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology  

    Quick facts

    • The Newfoundland and Labrador tourism industry contributes $1.14 billion annually to the local economy. Tourism is helping many people earn a living, and creating a great place to live, visit, and invest in the province’s future.

    • The Government of Canada contributions announced today are delivered through several programs and initiatives with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), including the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and Tourism Growth Program (TGP).

    • The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investments are delivered through the departments of Industry, Energy and Technology and Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Connor Burton

    Press Secretary

    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Paul McGrath

    Director of Communications

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    709-689-5731

    Paul.Mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Lesley Clarke

    Media Relations Manager

    Industry, Energy and Technology

    709-729-5777, 709-699-2910

    lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –