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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health and Social Care Secretary speech on health inequalities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Health and Social Care Secretary speech on health inequalities

    Wes Streeting spoke at Blackpool Football club on reducing health inequalities.

    Thank you very much, Simon. And thanks to all of you for coming to join us this morning here at Bloomfield Road. 

    I just want to echo, first of all, what Simon said about the club and about the impact it has through the trust of people in the community, particularly in terms of the work it does with young people, giving people opportunities or better life chances. 

    It’s a reminder that it’s something that government has to do, and I believe very strongly we can’t do without a good and active government. 

    But it’s also a reminder that whether we’re talking about creating health or education and life chances, the government can’t do it on our own. 

    And if we try to, we won’t have as much impact as if we work with partners. 

    So I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone here at the club for the work that you do as a proper community-rooted club. 

    This is a town that occupies a special place in my heart through a lot of happy memories from visits to Pleasure Beach as a kid. 

    I’ve got family up the road in Preston, too. And National Union of Students conferences in Winter Gardens during my student years, some of which I can still remember. 

    But as Health and Social Care Secretary, Blackpool is on my mind for less happy reasons: its health outcomes, which are not only poor, but unjust.   

    England is not an especially large nation. Yet the inequalities between us are huge.  

    Travel 30 miles down the road to Ribble Valley and men live for 8 years longer. 

    A baby girl born here in Blackpool will live 7 years less than one born in Wokingham.

    She will fall into ill health 18 years earlier in life. 

    As the report by the Chief Medical Officer on health in coastal communities puts it, in many working-class towns like this one, people are growing old before their time.  

    [Political content removed] 

    And the gap between the health of the poorest and wealthiest parts of our country have widened. 

    These stark health inequalities are not just down to the health service alone.  

    They are also caused by poverty, a lack of good work, damp housing, dirty air, and the sporting, travel and cultural opportunities which are afforded to the privileged few being denied to the many. 

    It is why I have been driving the NHS so hard to reform, improve productivity and cut waste.  

    Because every pound spent on diagnosing and treating illness is a pound that can’t be spent on tackling the causes of ill health.  

    In the coming days, we will be publishing our 10 year plan, which will set out how this mission-driven government will tackle illness, keep disease at bay, and reduce the health inequalities that shame our society.  

    Our 10 year plan will not just be a plan for the NHS, but a plan for health.  

    It will tackle illness at source through a whole-society approach, with a shift in focus from treating sickness to preventing it in the first place. 

    Already this government is taking action. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, is rolling out primary school breakfast clubs and free school lunches to millions of children, so they walk into the classroom with hungry minds not hungry bellies.  

    Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, is building a new generation of homes, and along with our Business Secretary, Jonny Reynolds, introducing sick pay from day one in the job. 

    The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has given workers on the minimum wage a £1,400 pay rise this year. 

    The Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, is giving disabled people the right to work, so they can take up a job opportunity, knowing if things go wrong they can go back to the support they had before without the jeopardy or fear of missing out or being back to square one.   

    Our Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, is extending the Warm Home Discount, helping keep millions more households warm this winter. 

    And our Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, is cleaning up our rivers and seas from sewage. 

    So, you can see that just those steps we’ve already taken less than a year in office that Keir Starmer’s government is determined to lift people out of poverty, tackle inequality and improve the health of our society. 

    [political content removed] 

    Today, I want to set out how our reforms to the NHS will fundamentally improve the health of working-class communities. 

    NHS founded on principle of equity 

    The National Health Service was founded to end grotesque inequality in access to healthcare.  

    Before 1948, working people avoided the doctor unless they absolutely needed to see one, because of the costs being so prohibitive.  

    Diseases such as rickets, scurvy and diphtheria were common amongst children. 

    The solution was revolutionary – universal healthcare, publicly funded, free at the point of need.  

    And as the NHS’s founder, my predecessor, Nye Bevan, promised, the NHS lifted the shadow from millions of homes and eradicated the fear of illness from people’s hearts.  

    It has been one of the great levellers of our society. The greatest institution this country has ever built. 

    But as the NHS was neglected and left to decline after 2010, it contributed toward the widening gap between rich and poor. 

    Two-tier healthcare 

    Waiting times soared, and a 2-tier healthcare system emerged, where those who can afford it pay to go private, and everyone else was being left behind. 

    [political content removed] 

    The NHS was never intended to just be a safety net for those who cannot afford to pay.  

    Such a system would be doomed to ever-declining quality care. 

    Taxpayers would question why they continue to pay for a service they don’t use.  

    Inevitably, the NHS would become a poor service for poor people. 

    Since its foundation, we have always aspired to an NHS that is universal in provision so that everyone receives high-quality care.  

    [Political content removed] 

    With our Plan for Change, the NHS is on the road to recovery. Since the general election, we have: 

    • recruited an extra 1,700 GPs to the frontline 

    • delivered an extra 3.6 million appointments for planned care and delivered on our promised 2 million in our first year 

    • diagnosed an extra 187,000 suspected cancer patients on time 

    • cut waiting lists in the month of April for the first time in 17 years 

    • cut waiting lists to their lowest level in 2 years 

    • cut waiting lists by almost a quarter of a million patients

    Each one of those patients we have taken off the waiting list is free from pain and in some cases disability, because of the decisions this government has taken. 

    I’m not here to do victory laps. I know that for the almost a quarter of a million people who have received faster treatment, there are more than 7 million cases still waiting.  

    We’ve done a lot but there’s so much more to do. Especially for towns like Blackpool. 

    Tackling inequalities 

    While there are so many social determinants of ill-health that need to be addressed, the fact is that the NHS doesn’t do enough to address the unjust, unequal way in which illness presents itself in our country.  

    In fact, it sometimes entrenches it. 

    General practice was neglected and declined across the board for more than a decade [political content removed].  

    But that doesn’t explain why there are 300 more patients per GP in the poorest communities, compared with the richest. 

    As I spoke about on Monday, far too many parents and their babies have been failed by maternity services.  

    But failing services don’t explain why Black women are almost 3 times more likely to die from childbirth than White women. 

    Black men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer than White men.  

    But given we know the risk is greater, and given we know how to catch cancer early, that doesn’t explain these sorts of inequalities given the evidence is there. 

    For those in greatest need often receive the worst-quality healthcare.  

    This fact flies in the face of the values upon which the NHS was founded.  

    A core ambition of our 10 year plan is to restore the promise of the NHS, to provide first class healthcare for everyone in our country. 

    Whoever you are, whatever your background, wherever you live. 

    NHS solutions 

    [Political content removed] 

    It has fallen to this government to rebuild the NHS for all of us.  

    We are starting where the need is greatest. 

    [Political content removed] 

    We’ve sent crack teams of top clinicians to hospitals around the country, where the highest numbers of people are off work, off sick, to help them cut waiting lists faster. Therefore, getting people not just back to health but back to work. 

    We are delivering on our manifesto commitment to fill in dental deserts, by paying dentists extra to come to work in underserved areas. 

    And today I can announce that we will go further. 

    In recent years, billions of pounds have been put aside for NHS trusts who let their spending get out of control and run up deficits.  

    It’s essentially a bailout fund for poor financial management.  

    I am working with Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of the NHS, to end that culture of rewards for failure. 

    Thanks to the reforms we’ve made to bear down on wasteful spending, the fund will not go to trusts which run deficits this year. 

    We can reinvest that money in the frontline, so it isn’t spent on rewarding poor performance but to improving poor health. 

    The £2.2 billion will fund more effective care – such as innovative medicines, modern technology and services that keep people out of hospital – all going to the places where they are most needed. 

    GP practices serving more deprived areas receive 10% less funding per needs-adjusted patient than poorer parts of our country and have 300 more patients per GP as a result.  

    So, working with the British Medical Association, we will review how health need is reflected in funding for general practice (known to the wonks in the room as the Carr-Hill formula), with a sharp focus on money following need. 

    Where health needs are greatest and GPs fewest, we will prioritise investment to rebuild your NHS and rebuild the health of your community. 

    NHS as anchor institution 

    I said in my first week in this job, the NHS has a part to play in dragging our country out of the sluggish growth and low productivity the government inherited. 

    It is the biggest employer in many towns in England.  

    In coastal towns like Blackpool, where far more people are off work due to long-term sickness, the NHS has a dual role to play.  

    Not just getting patients off waiting lists and back to work, although we are doing that. 

    The health service should also act as an engine of local economic growth, giving opportunities in training and work to local people. 

    Working in the NHS is rightly seen as a high status, secure job.  

    But many people see it as unachievable and out of their reach. 

    On a visit to King George Hospital in my own neck of the woods, I saw first-hand a brilliant programme, Project SEARCH, that supports 17 to 19 year olds who are learning disabled and/or autistic, with internships that give them experience of a wide range of paying jobs, as well as coaching on things like preparing a CV and interview skills.  

    One of them, Muhammed Patel, shared with me how much he had loved the experience and hoped for a career in the NHS.  

    Months later, he messaged me on Instagram to tell me he’s got a job.  

    He’s not the only one.  

    Project SEARCH aims to get every young person on their programme a job in the NHS or with another employer and is succeeding.  

    So today we are launching a new pilot, backed by £5 million, to help recruit an additional 1,000 people to the NHS from areas worst hit by unemployment. 

    The programme will offer a ladder into the world of work for people who find it hardest to break out of unemployment, including over 50s, unpaid carers and disabled people. 

    They will gain the skills needed in health and care, alongside support with job applications and work placements, kickstarting what will hopefully be a long-term and rewarding career in our health and care sectors, where they will more than repay the investment we’re making in them today. 

    Patient power revolution 

    Finally, our 10 year plan will address one of the starkest health inequalities, which is often written out of this conversation. 

    It is the unequal access in our society to information, choice and control over our own healthcare. 

    When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, colleagues in Parliament asked where I was being treated and who my surgeon was.  

    They just wanted to make sure I was receiving the best possible care.  

    Luckily, the NHS had already assigned me a world-class surgeon who saved my life.  

    But those are questions that my mum, a cleaner here in Lancashire, would never think to ask and would certainly never ask. 

    When the wealthy receive a diagnosis, they already know the best surgeons and can push to get the best care.  

    But working-class people can’t.  

    If the wealthy are told to wait months for treatment, they can shop around. But working-class people can’t.  

    And if the wealthy want instant information about their own health, they can pay for an app that allows them to speak to a doctor over the phone, 24/7.  

    But working-class people can’t. 

    This is not just grossly unfair. It presents an existential risk to the health service. 

    More than any other age group, this generation of young people are prepared to opt-out of the NHS.  

    Last year the biggest increase in private hospital admissions was for people under the age of 40.  

    Almost half of young people say they would consider going private if they needed care.  

    The NHS feels increasingly slow and outdated to the generation that organises their lives at the touch of a button.  

    If you get annoyed at Deliveroo not getting your dinner to you in less than an hour, how will you feel being told to wait a year for a knee operation? 

    A failure to modernise risks this generation walking away from the NHS, first for their healthcare and then with their taxes.  

    People won’t accept paying higher and higher taxes to fund a health service that no longer meets their needs. 

    And the lack of control people feel over their own lives is made worse by an analogue, ‘computer says no’, NHS. 

    We can only close this inequality and shut down this risk to the NHS’s future through a revolution in patient power.  

    The ambition of our 10 year plan is nothing less than to provide NHS patients with the same ease, convenience, power, choice and control that’s afforded to private patients. 

    The good news is that technology gives us the opportunity to democratise healthcare in a way never before possible.  

    It can empower patients with choice and control and make managing our healthcare as convenient as doing our shopping or banking online.  

    Technology can be the great leveller. 

    Look at what Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, has done for personal finances.  

    For ordinary people who sign up to his newsletter – and I’m one of them – who could never afford their own financial adviser, it is simple and easy to make your hard-earned money go further – if you’ve got access to the right advice.  

    Our 10 year plan for health will do the same for NHS patients, giving them easy access to information to help them improve their health. 

    We will introduce a tool on the NHS App called My Companion.  

    It will provide all patients with information about their health condition, if they have one, or their procedure, if they need one.  

    It will get patients answers to questions they forgot or felt too embarrassed to ask in a face-to-face appointment.  

    So, the next time you’re at an appointment and you’re told something that doesn’t sound right, you will have at your fingertips the information you need to speak up confidently. 

    And we will give every patient meaningful choice, through a new tool called My Choices.  

    It will show patients everything from their nearest pharmacy to the best hospital for heart surgery across the country, with patients able to choose based on their preference.  

    If NHS providers know that their waiting times, health outcomes of their patients, and patient satisfaction ratings will all be publicly available, they will be inspired to respond to patient choice, raise their game and deliver services that patients value. 

    Not everyone will want a choice.  

    Many just want their local hospital.  

    That’s fine and will always be a default option.  

    But we know that at the root of many inequalities in health outcomes is a failure to listen to patients.  

    A ‘one size fits all’ approach often misses the distinct needs of women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds or people living in rural communities.  

    And we will only deal with the grotesque health inequalities in our society by empowering all patients. 

    Conclusion 

    In the months leading up to the founding of the NHS, Nye Bevan said: 

    For a while it may appear that everything is going wrong.  

    As a matter of fact, everything will be going right because people will be able to complain.  

    They complain now, but no one hears about it. 

    He promised that a National Health Service would put a “megaphone to the mouth of every complainant, so that it can be heard all over the country.”

    [political content removed] 

    We have always believed that public services exist to serve the interests of the pupil, the passenger, the patient above all else.    

    And the driving force behind the work this government does every day is the principle that whatever class you come from, everyone deserves world-class services. 

    We expect nothing less from what we expect for ourselves, and that is why we’re determined to get our NHS back on its feet, to make sure it’s fit for the future and put power in the hands of every patient. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Launches 2025 Report on African Trade in a Shifting Global Financial Landscape

    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) today launched its flagship African Trade Report 2025, themed “African Trade in a Changing Global Financial Architecture”, during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja.

    Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/3FY7kKJ

    The report looks at the performance of Africa’s trade in a challenging global environment charaterised by rising geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers, and financial uncertainty—and analyses how the continent could leverage these challenges into opportunities to enhance its resilience and navigate the evolving landscape.

    Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said: “This year’s report provides a compelling roadmap for Africa to reposition itself in a volatile global economy. From strengthening trade finance systems to accelerating the AfCFTA, the message is clear: Africa must turn global fragmentation into an opportunity for industrialisation, digital progress, and greater control over its financial systems.”

    Dr. Yemi Kale, Afreximbank’s Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research, added: “Despite global headwinds, Africa’s trade rebounded strongly in 2024, with trade between African countries growing by 12.4% to reach US$220.3 billion, from a contraction of 5.9% in 2023. This shows the tangible benefits of AfCFTA implementation, even as the continent contends with rising inflation, sovereign debt risks, and a persistent trade finance gap.”

    The report shows that Africa’s total merchandise trade recovered, surging by 13.9% in 2024, to US$1.5 trillion, following a 5.4% contraction in 2023. However, Africa still makes up only 3.3% of global exports. That’s a clear signal. The continent must do more by moving away from commodity exports and accelerating its industrialisation process if it is to enhance its integration into global value chains and boost intra-African trade. It also needs better access to trade finance to bridge the gap estimated at about US$100 billion.

    While the global economy slowed to 3.3% growth in 2024 and is expected to dip further in 2025, Africa held steady. The continent’s economy grew by 3.2%, helped by strong commodity prices and better public finances. Still, growth remains uneven across the continent.

    Afreximbank’s African Trade Report 2025 emphasises the importance of advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is becoming a foundation for trade resilience across the region. It also highlights the expanding use of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which is helping to reduce reliance on foreign currencies and making cross-border trade more efficient.

    In addition, the report offers practical guidance on making trade rules and regulations more consistent across countries, unlocking investment from African institutions like pension funds and sovereign funds, and using Africa’s new seat in the G20 to push for overdue global reforms. This includes ensuring a fairer share of global financial resources, such as Special Drawing Rights, an international reserve currency created by the IMF and increasing access to climate finance. It also calls for changes in credit ratings to better reflect the strength and potential of African economies.

    The report highlights the growing significance of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), as it is increasing funding for development and helping to rebuild a financial ecosystem that works better for Africans. In 2024, Afreximbank alone disbursed more than US$17.5 billion in trade finance. It plans to increase that amount to US$40 billion by 2026.

    As Africa faces a rapidly changing global environment, the report offers more than just analysis. It provides a clear and practical plan for building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient African economy, driven from within the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Oando Posts 172% Growth in Gross Profit in Q1 2025 Financial Report as Crude Oil Production Increases 132%


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    Oando (www.OandoPLC.com), one of Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions providers, has ended the first quarter of the year on a high with the publication of ₦933 billion revenue in its Q1 2025 unaudited results. This performance comes in the wake of its recent release of its 2024 FY Audited Financial Statement, where it reported a 44% year-on-year revenue increase to ₦4.1 trillion compared to ₦2.9 trillion in FY 2023 and a 267% increase in Profit-After-Tax to ₦220 billion.

    Oando, like a few indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria, who keyed into the International Oil Companies (IOCs) divestment of onshore assets, has begun reaping the gains of its acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian oil giant, Eni.

    An analysis of Oando’s financials shows that the company’s turnover grew by 2% year-on-year to ₦933 billion in Q1 2025 compared to ₦915 billion in Q1 2024. Additionally, the company posted a 172% increase of ₦85 billion in Gross Profit in Q1 2025 compared to ₦31 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting stronger E & P margins. In its upstream business, crude oil production rose 132% to 11,369 bopd, gas volumes grew by 56% to 25,185 boepd, and NGL production increased 30% to 1,040 bpd. The company recorded zero lost-time injuries (LTIs) and 12.3 million LTI-free hours, underscoring continued HSE excellence. In addition, the company achieved average daily production of 37,595 boepd (within guidance), up 72% year-on-year, driven by the full consolidation of NAOC assets and well reactivations. The company was awarded operatorship of Block KON 13 in Angola, marking its strategic entry into the Kwanza Basin, Angola and expanding Oando’s African upstream footprint.

    Speaking on the Q1, 2025 financial results, Wale Tinubu CON, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC remarks  “Q1 2025 marked a strong start to the year for us, with a 72% year-on-year increase in production volumes as a result of the successful integration of the NAOC assets into our portfolio, improved asset reliability and the reactivation of shut-in wells, reflecting early wins from our focus on operational efficiency and disciplined execution.

    Beyond Nigeria, we have expanded our regional presence with our entry into Angola’s Kwanza Basin marking a major milestone in scaling our upstream footprint across Africa. Similarly, being named preferred bidder for the Guaracara Refinery in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates the strength of our integrated business model, our growing role in the Afro-Caribbean landscape, and a reflection of our evolution into a more geographically diversified energy company.”

    There is evidence of a trend in the upward financial trajectory in the industry, as Seplat recorded revenues of N1.228 trillion, a 350% increase. Similarly, Aradel reported revenues of ₦199.9 billion, up 97.6%, and Profit after Tax of ₦34.2 billion, up 55.3%.

    In its downstream trading business, Oando Trading reported six (6) crude oil cargos (5.96 MMbbl) traded in Q1 2025, up from four (4) cargos (4.86 MMbbl) in Q1 2024, driven by stronger offtake execution.

    In its renewable energy business, Oando Clean Energy (OCEL) recorded 53,941 EV rides in Q1 2025 and 42,779 kg of CO₂ emissions averted through two (2) operational e-buses under the electric mobility programme operating in Lagos.  It also successfully published Nigeria’s National Wind Resource Capacity Report, identifying state-level wind potential across the country.

    Speaking on the outlook for 2025, Wale Tinubu CON, commented “Following a transformative 2024, our priority is to maximize the value of our expanded upstream portfolio through targeted infrastructure upgrades, rig-less well interventions and an extensive drilling programme in the second half of the year. These activities are now enabled by the working capital we have secured, giving us financial flexibility to accelerate execution. We are also taking decisive action to restructure our balance sheet towards restoring financial resilience.”

    Oando is targeting a full-year production of 30–40 kboepd maintained, driven by a balanced capital programme of three (3) new wells, nine (9) workovers, and six (6) rig-less interventions. The company is also projecting capex of $250–270 million focused on drilling, infrastructure, and ESG projects, with a 20% cost reduction goal. The company has set a trading guidance for its Trading subsidiary of 25 – 35 MMbbl crude oil; 750,000 – 1,000,000 MT refined products. For its renewable energy arm, Oando targets the deployment of 50 electric buses and progress its solar PV module assembly plant toward Final Investment Decision (FID).

    These plans are strengthened by the company’s recent announcement of the successful upsizing of its reserve-based lending (“RBL2”) facility to $375 million. This critical financing will significantly improve the Company’s ability to achieve its production target of 100,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 1.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas per day by the end of 2029.

    These Q1 2025 results reinforce the growing momentum among indigenous operators in Nigeria’s upstream sector, who are beginning to demonstrate operational efficiency and financial resilience following recent asset acquisitions. With a 2% rise in revenue, a remarkable 172% surge in gross profit to ₦85 billion, and a 72% increase in average daily production, all within guidance, Oando’s performance signals not just the viability of the transition from IOC to indigenous ownership, but also the increasing capacity of local players to deliver value and drive long-term growth in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Oando PLC.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China has confidence, capability to mitigate external economic shocks: official

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

    BEIJING, June 26 — A Chinese official said on Thursday that the country has the confidence and capability to mitigate the adverse impacts of external shocks on its economy and sustain sound economic development.

    The external environment is growing more complex, severe and uncertain, posing challenges to the stable growth of the global economy and trade, all of which may impact the steady operation of China’s economy, said Li Chao, spokesperson with the National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top economic planner.

    China’s economy grew by 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, up from the 5 percent full-year growth rate recorded in 2024. It is targeting full-year economic growth of about 5 percent this year.

    With existing supportive policies continuing to take effect while new measures being rolled out, “we have the confidence and capability to mitigate the uncertainties and adverse impacts of external shocks, and sustain sound economic growth,” Li told a press conference.

    In particular, Li said, the country’s large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs have played a growing role in stabilizing investment, stimulating consumption, promoting economic transformation and improving people’s livelihood.

    Boosted by the consumer goods trade-in program, sales of household appliances, furniture and communication devices have registered rapid growth, with sales related to trade-ins surpassing 1.4 trillion yuan (about 195.48 billion U.S. dollars) so far this year, she said.

    The country has earmarked 300 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds to support the program in 2025, with the first two tranches of the funding, totaling 162 billion yuan, issued in January and April. The third batch of the funding will be allocated in July to support the implementation of the program, Li said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing highlights successes on National Low-Carbon Day

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

    A themed event was held in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 13th National Low-Carbon Day, highlighting the city’s thriving carbon market and leadership in green development.

    The carbon market serves as a crucial tool in addressing climate change and accelerating a green, low-carbon transformation of the economy.

    Beijing began piloting a carbon emissions trading scheme in 2013, putting in place a regulatory framework supported by local laws, government guidelines and technical standards.

    At the event, officials noted that major emitters, particularly those with significant carbon output, have achieved substantial reductions.  

    Companies in Beijing now receive about 0.06 yuan in compensation from the carbon market for every kilowatt-hour of green electricity consumed, delivering clear economic benefits.

    Driven by these incentives, green electricity consumption by key emitters continues to grow. In 2024, over 140 companies participated in green electricity trading, representing nearly 70% of all transactions in the city’s carbon market.

    Five low-carbon projects from Beijing were named among the nation’s outstanding initiatives during the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s non-financial ODI up 2.3% in first five months

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

    China’s non-financial outbound direct investment (ODI) rose 2.3 percent year on year in the first five months this year, official data showed Thursday.

    Total non-financial ODI of the country amounted to 61.6 billion U.S. dollars during the period, according to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today  
         The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; representatives of the eight social service organisations under the eConnect Employment Network, the supporting organisation of the job fair, namely the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, the Hong Kong Blind Union, the Hong Kong PHAB Association, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong, SideBySide, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf; the Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the LWB, Mr Fletch Chan; and the Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Employment Services), Ms Jade Wong, officiated at the ceremony. Representatives of various participating organisations also attended. More than 40 organisations, ranging from small and medium enterprises to large-scale corporations, participated in the two-day job fair, offering over 700 job vacancies from various industries covering information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social welfare, providing employment opportunities to various types of persons with disabilities.
     
         Speaking at the appreciation ceremony, Mr Ho expected that the two-day inclusive job fair could provide a convenient platform for talent and job matching, opening up new means for employers to recruit talent and allowing job seekers with disabilities to connect directly with diverse industries and showcase their talents. He also appealed to the community to actively participate in and support the “Caring Employer” medal under the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme, to promote workplace inclusion and enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
     
         To commend employers who actively engage and support persons with disabilities and foster inclusive workplaces, the LWB has launched the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme on the basis of the existing Talent-Wise Employment Charter, and collaborated with the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to jointly take forward the “Caring Employer” medal. The medal features different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, social enterprises/public organisations, and more. The medal is open for application until July 4. Details and application methods have been uploaded to the LWB’s website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/highlights/charter_scheme/s4.htmlIssued at HKT 16:34

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today  
         The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; representatives of the eight social service organisations under the eConnect Employment Network, the supporting organisation of the job fair, namely the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, the Hong Kong Blind Union, the Hong Kong PHAB Association, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong, SideBySide, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf; the Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the LWB, Mr Fletch Chan; and the Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Employment Services), Ms Jade Wong, officiated at the ceremony. Representatives of various participating organisations also attended. More than 40 organisations, ranging from small and medium enterprises to large-scale corporations, participated in the two-day job fair, offering over 700 job vacancies from various industries covering information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social welfare, providing employment opportunities to various types of persons with disabilities.
     
         Speaking at the appreciation ceremony, Mr Ho expected that the two-day inclusive job fair could provide a convenient platform for talent and job matching, opening up new means for employers to recruit talent and allowing job seekers with disabilities to connect directly with diverse industries and showcase their talents. He also appealed to the community to actively participate in and support the “Caring Employer” medal under the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme, to promote workplace inclusion and enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
     
         To commend employers who actively engage and support persons with disabilities and foster inclusive workplaces, the LWB has launched the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme on the basis of the existing Talent-Wise Employment Charter, and collaborated with the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to jointly take forward the “Caring Employer” medal. The medal features different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, social enterprises/public organisations, and more. The medal is open for application until July 4. Details and application methods have been uploaded to the LWB’s website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/highlights/charter_scheme/s4.htmlIssued at HKT 16:34

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Synergy of Practice and Science: IPMET at the Main Economic Forum of the Country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Teachers, scientists, postgraduates and students of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade took an active part in the work of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Polytechnic representatives conducted professional examinations, spoke at panel sessions, attended open lectures, master classes and platforms of industrial partners.

    IPMEiT employees worked as accredited experts of the Roscongress Foundation. Dmitry Rodionov, Director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, acted as an expert in two sections that were in the sphere of professional and scientific interests of VIES: “Development of Russian Regions: Partnership between the State and Business to Achieve National Goals?” and “Universities on the Path to a New Model of Higher Education”. Analytical expertise of discussions related to strengthening the financial culture in terms of long-term savings, as well as ensuring the development of technological leadership in cooperation between universities and industry, was carried out by VIES Associate Professor Daria Krasnova. Olga Kalinina, Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management, worked as an expert in the specialized sections “Cooperation of Universities and Industries to Achieve Technological Leadership Goals” and “Modern Labor Market: Search for Answers to Global Challenges”.

    SPIEF gives the university a key advantage – an exit from the academic environment into the real sector. Collaborations are born here that translate theoretical research into the practical plane, – notes VIES Director Dmitry Rodionov.

    A regular participant of the SPIEF, director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technologies and Business Analysis of Gazprom Neft, and professor at VIESH Irina Rudskaya noted that participation in the forum for the university is not just a status event, but a strategic opportunity.

    The forum allows us not only to evaluate our competencies, but also to integrate into the global expert-business agenda, find practical application for scientific developments and form long-term partnerships with industry leaders, says Irina Andreevna.

    Head of the System Dynamics Research Laboratory Angi Skhvediani conducted expert work in the sections “Bioeconomics in the global agenda” and “Artificial intelligence: from discussion to implementation”. Professor Tatyana Kudryavtseva carried out expertise in sections devoted to the digitalization of the contract system of Russia and discussion of forms of financing infrastructure projects necessary to maintain economic growth. Senior researcher of the laboratory Valeria Arteyeva acted as an expert in sections where the current state of the labor market and prospects for the emergence of new professions were discussed.

    During the work at the forum, we identified relevant and promising areas for conducting fundamental and applied research in areas such as the implementation of AI, analysis and forecasting of the labor market, and the development of the public procurement system. This knowledge will make the results of the laboratory’s work more in demand both in the academic and business environments, – comments the head of the Scientific Research Laboratory “System Dynamics” Angi Skhvediani.

    Professor of the Higher School of Service and Trade Sergey Barykin worked as an expert in two sections: “Cross-border electronic trade: launching new rules” and “Cyclic industries in the Russian economy and its development”.

    The results of the examinations will be published in the Roscongress Information and Analytical System, as well as on other information resources of the Roscongress Foundation and public publications.

    Director of the Higher School of Political Science Olga Kalinina and Associate Professor of the Higher School of Economics Daria Krasnova took part in the panel discussion as experts from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) with the aim of collecting feedback on the main substantive and organizational aspects of the forum, where they shared their experience of conducting examinations, and also conducted an analysis of the activity and demand for visiting youth sections.

    Professor of the Higher School of Service and Trade Sergey Barykin took part in the session of the section “Neoethics in the era of neurotechnology” with the aim of developing theoretical approaches for socio-economic development based on neural network technologies for the development of the scientific school of the Higher School of Service and Trade “Socio-economic forecasting and improving the quality of life of the population”. He took part in the discussion about the importance of robotics for improving the quality of life of the population at the stand of the Association of Data Processing Centers, and also took part in the meeting with the delegation of Turkmenistan on the issue of expanding international cooperation of the scientific and pedagogical school of the Higher School of Service and Trade.

    Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics and Technology for work with students, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Economics and Technology Maxim Ivanov took part in several events of the SPIEF as part of the development of cooperation between the university and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SPbCCI) and the city’s executive authorities.

    For the forum, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry prepared a special issue of the magazine “Guide to Russian Business in St. Petersburg”, which was distributed throughout the event at the St. Petersburg stand. In the special issue “St. Petersburg: City of Meanings, Solutions and the Future”, the authors of the Polytechnic University, including Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova, Director of the Higher School of Management Olga Kalinina, Deputy Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology Maxim Ivanov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Management Tamara Selentyeva and Professor of the UNESCO Department “Quality Management in Education for Sustainable Development”, Chairman of the Human Resources Committee of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladislav Raskovalov prepared a publication “The Role of Mentoring at the University for the Development of the Region’s Human Resource Potential”, which revealed the main trends in the formation of the mentoring institution at the university level and its impact on the sustainable socio-economic development of the region.

    IPMEiT also actively participated in the International Youth Economic Forum “Day of the Future”, held as part of SPIEF-2025. The delegation of the Higher School of Industrial Management, consisting of Director Olga Kalinina, teachers Victoria Vilken, Anton Shaban, Anna Timofeeva, Artem Ivaschenko and twenty students and postgraduates, visited the exhibition stands of the largest companies, got acquainted with new technologies and initiatives in the field of digital economy, sustainable development and regional entrepreneurship. Of particular interest were the discussion sessions: “Marketplaces as a factor in sustainable economic development of regions” and “Hype Economy: Trends vs. Strategies”, where students not only broadened their horizons, but were also able to ask questions to market experts.

    Such events are more than just a forum. They are an environment in which the thinking of future managers is formed. We see how quickly the economic agenda is changing, and it is important that our students are not observers, but active participants in these changes. We are confident that each member of our team took away from the forum new ideas, contacts and motivation for development, – comment GSPM teachers Victoria Vilken and Anton Shaban.

    The Higher School of Business Engineering was represented by Master’s students in the Business Informatics program, Zhasurbek Toshkanov and Alexander Shtern. The students passed the competitive selection at Roscogress and got to the SPIEF as part of the business program “EAEU Model”, the sessions “Dialogue without Borders: Youth Cooperation for the Future” and “Formation of Personal Brand Value: New Tools with the Support of RWB”.

    The forum atmosphere charged us with motivation and inspired us to develop further, opening up new perspectives on personal growth and opportunities! We can confidently say that such events provide a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, make new contacts and get a fresh look at current issues of business development and international cooperation, – note Zhasurbek and Alexander.

    Bachelors of the Higher School of Business Engineering in the Business Informatics program also took part in various events of the forum: Ivan Golikov became a participant of the SPIEF and a resident of the SPIEF Academy, Elena Novokhatskaya took part in the youth day, including the session “Business does not sleep: 360 reviews”, Andrey Shestopalov was a forum employee, and Daria Dolgushina took part in the youth day as part of the Severstal delegation.

    Students of the Higher School of Public Administration also took part in the Youth Day of the forum.

    Participation in SPIEF has become an invaluable experience for me and a real driver of development! This is a unique platform where I was able to immerse myself in the atmosphere of large-scale discussions, meet leading experts and top managers, representatives of business and government, – Arina Shikhova, a master’s student in the direction of “State and Municipal Administration”, shares her impressions.

    Students of the Higher School of Service and Trade, majoring in Trade: Alexander Goncharenko participated in the work of the negotiation rooms, and Alexander Dronov participated in open dialogues at youth meetings.

    The organizers of the SPbPU Case Club, students of the “State and Municipal Administration” and “Management” programs Daria Tomishinetz and Tatyana Izidorova, worked in the sections “Industrial City of the Future: How the Young Can Change Reality” and “Youth Communities as a Tool of HR Policy”. Activists of the “Keen On” conversation club, led by the head of the club, a student of the “Management” program Elina Goricheva, attended the events “Lessons Learned: Successes and Failures in the Business Environment”, “Business Doesn’t Sleep: 360 Analysis” and others.

    Students of IPMEiT also took part for the first time in the SPIEF Academy project, a special platform for students aimed at developing professional skills and leadership potential, as well as creating a dialogue between young professionals and representatives of government, business, culture, sports and other areas.

    For our students, participation in the events of the SPIEF Youth Day becomes an important event every year. This is not just an opportunity to see large-scale business processes from the inside, but also a chance to prove yourself, to communicate with professionals from all over the country and the world. It is important to note that the participation of final-year students opens up additional prospects for employment and professional growth for them, – emphasizes Tamerlan Tuganov, responsible for work with youth and graduates of IPMET.

    Our institute annually takes part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. We approach this event systematically in order to conduct high-quality expert assessment work, speak at panel discussions, and prepare our students and postgraduates for the Youth Day. Students’ interest in the forum is growing from year to year. The forum events have truly become a point of attraction for proactive and talented young people who strive to realize themselves in economics, management, technology, sustainable development, and international cooperation. I would also like to note that the active participation of all Higher Schools indicates high professional interest and demand for the events held at SPIEF-2025. For our institute, the forum has also become a platform for establishing contacts with representatives of business, specialized communities, and government bodies, — Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the IPMEiT, summed up the results of the institute’s participation in the forum.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s prime minister and Cambodia’s influential former premier are visiting different parts of their disputed land border on Thursday as tensions simmer between the two neighbours over a territorial dispute and the Thai government teeters on the brink of collapse.

    The deterioration of relations was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area late last month that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

    What followed were a series of tit-for-tat measures by both countries including troop mobilisations, Cambodia’s suspension of all fuel and gas imports from its neighbour, and the partial closure of checkpoints by Thailand along the 817 km (508 miles) land border.

    The conflict has added fuel to a crisis facing Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and scrambling to keep a fragile coalition together in the face of protests as well as a parliamentary no confidence vote.

    As she arrived on Thursday morning at the Thai bordertown of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, opposite Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was greeted by a crowd of supporters, with several of them holding a large sign saying “Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn”.

    The Prime Minister said the purpose of her visit was to survey the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and gauge the impact of border restrictions, which saw Thailand halting all vehicles, tourists and traders from all land border crossings into Cambodia.

    “We want to see the impact from this policy and what the government can do to help, this is our main goal for the visit today,” Paetongtarn said in a meeting with officials.

    The Thai Prime Minister earlier this week linked the proliferation of illegal online scam centres to Cambodia, but Cambodian authorities have denied involvement.

    Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Cambodia’s government of “deliberately ignoring” abuses by cybercrime gangs who have trafficked people from across the world, including children, into slavery at brutal scam compounds.

    Amnesty said in a report that it had identified 53 scam centres and dozens more suspected sites across the country, including in the capital Phnom Penh.

    A Cambodian government spokesman said the country rejected allegations of inaction.

    CONTROVERSIAL CALL

    At another part of the border, former Cambodian premier Hun Sen on Thursday morning visited troops and officials in Oddar Meanchey province, opposite the Thai province of Surin.

    Local media footage showed Hun Sen, in military fatigues, arriving by helicopter and meeting with officials in the area.

    Hun Sen, the president of the country’s senate and father of incumbent premier Hun Manet, still wields enormous clout in Cambodian politics.

    The veteran Cambodian politician and the Thai premier until recently enjoyed warm personal ties, helped by the close relationship between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn’s influential father, Thailand’s former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

    But in a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn was heard denigrating a Thai military commander – a red line in a country in which the military holds significant clout – piling political pressure on the Thai government.

    The prime minister has since apologised over the leaked call but the incident was used as a justification by the Bhumjaithai party to leave the government coalition last week.

    Bhumjaithai said earlier this week that it will seek a parliamentary no confidence vote against Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her cabinet over the leaked call.

    Paetongtarn is also facing judicial scrutiny after a group of senators gave the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body a wide remit to investigate her conduct. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.

    Anti-government groups are also planning a street protest starting Saturday, demanding her resignation.

    (Reuters)

     

    June 26, 2025

  • Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s prime minister and Cambodia’s influential former premier are visiting different parts of their disputed land border on Thursday as tensions simmer between the two neighbours over a territorial dispute and the Thai government teeters on the brink of collapse.

    The deterioration of relations was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area late last month that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

    What followed were a series of tit-for-tat measures by both countries including troop mobilisations, Cambodia’s suspension of all fuel and gas imports from its neighbour, and the partial closure of checkpoints by Thailand along the 817 km (508 miles) land border.

    The conflict has added fuel to a crisis facing Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and scrambling to keep a fragile coalition together in the face of protests as well as a parliamentary no confidence vote.

    As she arrived on Thursday morning at the Thai bordertown of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, opposite Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was greeted by a crowd of supporters, with several of them holding a large sign saying “Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn”.

    The Prime Minister said the purpose of her visit was to survey the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and gauge the impact of border restrictions, which saw Thailand halting all vehicles, tourists and traders from all land border crossings into Cambodia.

    “We want to see the impact from this policy and what the government can do to help, this is our main goal for the visit today,” Paetongtarn said in a meeting with officials.

    The Thai Prime Minister earlier this week linked the proliferation of illegal online scam centres to Cambodia, but Cambodian authorities have denied involvement.

    Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Cambodia’s government of “deliberately ignoring” abuses by cybercrime gangs who have trafficked people from across the world, including children, into slavery at brutal scam compounds.

    Amnesty said in a report that it had identified 53 scam centres and dozens more suspected sites across the country, including in the capital Phnom Penh.

    A Cambodian government spokesman said the country rejected allegations of inaction.

    CONTROVERSIAL CALL

    At another part of the border, former Cambodian premier Hun Sen on Thursday morning visited troops and officials in Oddar Meanchey province, opposite the Thai province of Surin.

    Local media footage showed Hun Sen, in military fatigues, arriving by helicopter and meeting with officials in the area.

    Hun Sen, the president of the country’s senate and father of incumbent premier Hun Manet, still wields enormous clout in Cambodian politics.

    The veteran Cambodian politician and the Thai premier until recently enjoyed warm personal ties, helped by the close relationship between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn’s influential father, Thailand’s former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

    But in a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn was heard denigrating a Thai military commander – a red line in a country in which the military holds significant clout – piling political pressure on the Thai government.

    The prime minister has since apologised over the leaked call but the incident was used as a justification by the Bhumjaithai party to leave the government coalition last week.

    Bhumjaithai said earlier this week that it will seek a parliamentary no confidence vote against Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her cabinet over the leaked call.

    Paetongtarn is also facing judicial scrutiny after a group of senators gave the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body a wide remit to investigate her conduct. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.

    Anti-government groups are also planning a street protest starting Saturday, demanding her resignation.

    (Reuters)

     

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Graduation of the Presidential Program: Polytechnic University Trained 60 Top Managers for Russian Industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A ceremony of awarding diplomas to graduates of the Presidential Program for training management personnel for organizations of the national economy of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg was held in Smolny. This program is implemented by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University on the basis of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of SPbPU, which is part of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” (AES).

    The program is conducted in leading Russian universities on the terms of co-financing from the state budget and is aimed at achieving the key goals of the national project of the Russian Federation “Digital Economy” to ensure technological independence in the field of end-to-end digital technologies that are competitive at the global level, and national security. Students are enrolled based on the results of a competitive selection within the framework of regional quotas. The customer of the program on the part of the state is the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the executor is the Federal Resource Center subordinate to it.

    This year, the program’s graduates included 60 heads of research centers and large companies from St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region and Samara, such as Sberbank, Fuel and Energy Complex of St. Petersburg, Rosseti Lenenergo, Gazprom Transgaz Samara, Concern TsNII Elektropribor, Central Marine Design Bureau Almaz, Gazstroyproekt, Central Research Institute Electron, National Research Center Kurchatov Institute – PNPI, Krylov State Research Center, Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, Corporate University of St. Petersburg, etc.

    Training at SPbPU within the framework of the Presidential program is conducted in two areas: “Enterprise Management in the Context of Digital Transformation” for senior and middle managers implementing large-scale projects, and “Innovation Management in the Context of the Digital Economy” for specialists and managers implementing operational management of enterprise activities.

    The main objectives of the program: development of skills for implementing innovations in the context of the digital economy and managing the digital transformation of a company, their adaptation to the requirements of the digital industry and digital production, the formation of a system of knowledge on the use of end-to-end digital technologies, a relevant individual leadership style, and management thinking of the 21st century.

    Throughout training period Since September 2024, students have been acquiring new knowledge through lectures and practical classes, trainings, and also participated in meetings with representatives of the real business sector, completed practical training in the laboratories of the SPbPU PISh and at leading enterprises in St. Petersburg. The educational process widely used modern hardware and software, interactive technologies, including the use of computer business simulators “New Industrial Challenge” and “Lean Manufacturing”. Classes were held in modern classrooms, fully equipped for video conferencing and training.

    These digital simulators are included ina range of innovative tools for training and assessment of competencies, developed by the SPbPU PISh on the CML-Bench®.EDU Digital Platform, which represents a separate educational direction Digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®. Since its launch, the developed digital simulators have been highly appreciated by experts and have received a number of awards and prizes. Thus, on December 12, 2024, the computer business simulator “New Industrial Challenge” won the All-Russian competition of best practices in management education among business schools. The jury members noted the digital simulator in the nomination “Development of Leaders” under the Presidential Program.

    The educational process took place in a convenient percentage ratio of three formats for the students: in-person, distance and mixed. The program participants also improved their skills in configuring management and project teams, developed projects relevant to specific organizations aimed at solving business problems.

    Graduates received diplomas of professional retraining of the established form, which give the right to engage in management activities regardless of basic education, and badges of SPbPU graduates. The best graduates were awarded memorable gifts from the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. After training in the Presidential Program, managers can undergo an internship at leading enterprises in Russia and in foreign companies of the EAEU, SCO and BRICS countries. This is an opportunity to apply new competencies in practice, study best practices and establish new business contacts.

    The head of the Presidential Program at the Polytechnic University, professor of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh Olga Kolosova summed up the results of the training:

    This academic year, a new mandatory requirement was introduced for the participants of the Presidential Program: their individual projects must be related to the main priorities of the development of the Russian Federation. The students had to create socially significant projects aimed at achieving technological leadership of our country. I would like to emphasize that SPbPU graduates successfully coped with this difficult task. In addition, I thank our graduates for their active life position, responsibility towards the business, society and themselves personally. This year, despite being scattered across the regions, you managed to unite into a team of like-minded people, professionals in their field. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you further success!

    The students thanked the teachers and developers of the Presidential Program for the Training of Management Personnel at the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh and shared their impressions.

    “The main result of the program was the formation of a systemic approach to management activities,” said Alexander Yazhuk, Head of the Interplant Cooperation Department of the Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics. “No less valuable were the new professional contacts and friendly connections acquired at lectures, seminars and practical classes. The presidential program became for me not only a source of knowledge and skills, but also a platform for forming a professional community. It taught me to think strategically, manage effectively, build communication and use modern tools. I would recommend this program to anyone who strives for professional growth and is ready to actively develop. The program gives a powerful boost to a career, expands horizons and opens up new opportunities, and also allows you to find like-minded people and make valuable acquaintances, which was very important for me personally. This is an investment in yourself, which pays off not only in knowledge, but also in new connections and opportunities.”

    The program was also mastered by representatives of the departments of the Ecosystem of Technological Development of SPbPU. Head of the Intellectual Property Management Department SPbPU Technology Transfer Center Ismail Kadiev spoke about his training under the Presidential Program in the direction of “Innovation Management in the Digital Economy”, during which he worked on a project to develop a digital mechanism for managing intellectual property:

    The project is a step-by-step substantiated plan for the implementation of a digital platform for intellectual property management in higher education institutions. The main objective of the project is to digitalize the processes of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and commercialization of rights to intellectual property of SPbPU. The implementation of the platform will speed up the process of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and increase the receipt of funds for the commercialization of rights to intellectual property. I would like to express my gratitude to the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU and my academic supervisor, SPbPU professor Olga Vladimirovna Kolosova, for her mentoring and professionalism, and to the entire teaching staff for their assistance in preparing the project and their attention and support throughout the training.

    Letters of gratitude for active participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program from the Committee on Labor and Employment of the Population of the Leningrad Region were received by the employees of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh: the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU, Professor Olga Kolosova, Acting Director Artur Kireev, as well as the leading manager, associate professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Olesya Leonova. In addition, Olga Kolosova received gratitude from the Federal Resource Center. The Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg noted with a letter of gratitude the contribution of the senior lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Vladislav Tereshchenko to the training of students of the Presidential Program.

    Specialists from other Polytechnic departments also received awards for their participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Public Administration of SPbPU Tamara Selentyeva was awarded a letter of thanks from the Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg. The Corporate University of St. Petersburg awarded the Director of the Center for Corporate and Network Additional Professional Programs of SPbPU Tatyana Savekina and the Head of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs of SPbPU Nadezhda Grashchenko.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /China Focus/ 2025 Summer Davos Discusses Interaction of Sustainable Development and AI in Global Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TIANJIN, June 26 (Xinhua) — Summer Davos 2025, a leading barometer of global economic trends and industrial transformation, has attracted a record number of participants in recent years, with more than 1,700 representatives from around the world.

    Its popularity is a testament to both the influence of the forum, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, and the unprecedented appeal of China’s mega-market.

    The forum, also known as the 16th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of emerging global leaders, is being held this year under the theme “Entrepreneurial Spirit for a New Era”.

    “This theme, which has been at the core of the meeting’s DNA since its inception, places particular emphasis on how innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement can unlock the potential for growth, competitiveness and productivity,” WEF Managing Director Mirek Dušek said at the forum’s opening press conference on Tuesday.

    This year’s event focuses on five key areas: interpreting the global economy, China’s prospects, industries in a changing world, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.

    Unlike the WEF’s annual meeting in January in Davos, Switzerland, “Summer Davos” focuses more on the future of business and technological progress. This year’s forum not only showcases China’s achievements in high-quality economic development and its strong commitment to high-level opening up to the outside world, but also serves as a platform for actively sharing the opportunities and dividends of its development with the rest of the world.

    GREEN TRANSFORMATION

    On the roof of the Tianjin National Exhibition and Convention Center, where Summer Davos is being held for the first time, solar panels provide a continuous supply of clean energy to power the event site.

    According to State Grid Corporation of China, the forum achieved 100 percent green power supply for its facilities, using a total of 800,000 kWh of renewable electricity, equivalent to saving about 300 tons of standard fuel and reducing carbon emissions by about 600 tons.

    The event venue uses photovoltaic energy generation and sponge city technologies to replace traditional energy sources with renewable ones, reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure and significantly improve the efficiency of energy, water and materials use.

    Sustainability is at the heart of WEF events, said Severin Podolak, Head of Event Management at WEF, adding that sofas and other furniture at venues are made from materials recycled in 2023, and some of the paint used in decoration comes from renewable resources such as fishing nets.

    In addition, a fleet of hundreds of electric vehicles from six leading car manufacturers, including Audi FAW, provides clean and low-carbon transportation for forum participants, contributing to the event’s carbon neutrality goals.

    The concept of green development was carefully and comprehensively integrated everywhere: from the design of the venues to the brochure with the forum agenda, where key topics such as Asian carbon markets and further steps in climate change adaptation became central points of discussions directly related to sustainable development.

    Green nitrogen fixation has been included in the WEF’s “Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025” list, alongside innovations such as participatory sensing and autonomous biosensing, further highlighting the trend towards sustainable development becoming a global priority.

    Today, China is the world leader in renewable energy investment and has pioneered transformative technologies in batteries and electric vehicles, creating millions of quality jobs in these promising sectors, said WEF Managing Director Jim Hui Neo.

    “I think there is huge potential in this area to learn from the Chinese experience, where constructive partnerships can be formed between China and other parts of the world to support the global energy transition,” she said, adding that “the climate emergency and the planetary crisis cannot be resolved unless everyone is united in this journey.”

    AI REVOLUTION

    The futuristic exhibition area has become a major attraction, where cutting-edge AI products such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and fully autonomous drone inspection systems attract numerous visitors. These innovations vividly showcase the technological breakthroughs of Chinese enterprises and the pioneering application of AI.

    “China may have found the key to restarting global economic growth – its ‘AI Plus’ strategy,” said Liu Gang, chief economist at the China Institute of Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies.

    He explained that the integration of artificial intelligence with the real sector of the economy provides remarkable economic advantages. For example, his team’s research shows that the use of AI in the development of new materials can increase efficiency by 100-1000 times.

    Discussions on AI are unfolding with unusual intensity across the various sessions at Summer Davos 2025, mirroring the heated debates at other leading global forums. Notably, a special session on “Understanding China’s Approach to AI” will be convened, highlighting the growing international recognition of China’s key role in global AI development.

    “It will be like an industrial revolution,” former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, speaking about new technologies at the forum. Countries that embrace it go up, and countries that don’t go down, he said.

    “I think understanding, harnessing and using the technological revolution is the greatest government challenge of the 21st century,” he said.

    GLOBAL SYNERGY

    Global growth forecasts are at their lowest in decades, according to the WEF. Reviving the spirit of cooperation will require unprecedented commitment and creativity.

    Nankai University Professor Tong Jiadong, who has long led the China Agenda Research Team for the Tianjin Summer Davos, noted that the event has evolved from a leading global summit of thought leaders into a dynamic platform for promoting international exchange and cooperation.

    Zhao Yan, Chairman and CEO of China’s Bloomage Biotech, is a regular participant in Summer Davos. Over the years, the company has built a global supply network in more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

    “Despite complex uncertainties, the enterprise has never resorted to isolationism, but instead strives to reformat the global rules of competition through open innovation,” Zhao Yan said.

    In the first five months of this year, China’s total import and export volume of goods grew by 2.5 percent year on year, and the consumption enthusiasm of foreign visitors to China increased significantly.

    “We value our cooperation with China very much. We are seeing increasing interest and engagement here,” said WEF President Borge Brende. “I am relatively optimistic about the Chinese economy in both the medium and long term,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Norway: Staff Concluding Statement for the 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 26, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Norway’s economy has shown resilience amid global uncertainty, supported by strong fiscal buffers and credible policy frameworks. Mainland real GDP growth is forecast to increase to 1.5 percent in 2025 (from 0.6 percent in 2024) and is projected to remain steady at around that level over the medium term. The labor market has held firm. Despite contractionary monetary policy, inflation remains above target; bringing inflation back to target is the most pressing near-term policy priority. The financial system is sound, and buffers are robust, but systemic vulnerabilities remain elevated, reflecting high levels of household debt and concentrated exposures to real estate. At the same time, macroprudential policy settings have been eased with the increase in the loan-to-value limit for mortgages earlier this year. Risks to the growth outlook are to the downside, driven by rising global policy and trade uncertainty; risks to the inflation outlook are balanced. The IMF staff’s main policy recommendations are: i) maintain the restrictive monetary policy stance until there is additional evidence that the recent easing of inflation has fully solidified; ii) do not ease macroprudential policy settings further, as financial stability risks could increase if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize; iii) move towards a broadly neutral fiscal stance to enhance the coherence of the macroeconomic policy mix and lower the burden on monetary policy; and iv) continue advancing structural reforms aimed at increasing labor supply and inclusion.

    Context

    Norway’s economy has remained resilient despite tight financial conditions and ongoing global uncertainty. GDP continued to expand moderately last year, supported by high employment and supportive fiscal policy. Inflation has declined, though it remains above target, and financial stability risks, while elevated due to high household debt levels and concentrated exposures to the real estate sector, remain contained.

    Recent developments, outlook, and risks

    Economic activity strengthened in 2024. Overall real GDP grew by 2.1 percent, driven by record-high natural gas extraction. Mainland GDP expanded by 0.6 percent, primarily due to increased public spending, as activity in the construction and fishing sectors contracted, reflecting high borrowing costs and sector-specific challenges. Employment and hours worked increased, although the unemployment rate edged up to 4 percent. National accounts data and high frequency survey indicators point to resilient activity in the first part of 2025. Mainland GDP growth is forecast to rise to 1.5 percent in 2025, supported by easing financial conditions, an expansionary fiscal stance, and recovering real incomes. Over the medium-term, mainland GDP growth is expected to remain around its potential (1.5 percent).

    Inflation, despite a steady decline, remains above target. Services inflation and wage pressures have contributed to keeping inflation above the 2 percent target. However, recent developments point to slower-than-expected momentum in both headline and core inflation, partly due to one-off and base effects. Fiscal measures—such as those to stabilize electricity prices and reduce childcare costs—could lower inflation in the second half of the year. Under staff’s baseline scenario, headline and core inflation will fall to 2.2 and 2.6 percent by end-2025 and return to target by 2027. After holding the policy rate steady at 4.5 percent from January 2024, Norges Bank began normalizing monetary policy by lowering the rate to 4.25 percent in June and signaled that the policy rate will be reduced further in the course of 2025.

    The fiscal stance has become increasingly expansionary. While additional support to Ukraine in the revised budget is not expected to provide stimulus to the economy, overall, the 2025 budget implies a significant fiscal impulse. The structural non-oil deficit is projected to reach about 13 percent of trend mainland GDP, even as withdrawals from the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) are expected to remain below the fiscal rule’s 3 percent guideline (at around 2.7 percent of the GPFG’s 2024 market value). The government has also signaled alignment with NATO discussions to progressively increase defense spending toward 5 percent of GDP over the medium term.

    Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, while inflation risks are balanced. On growth, global tensions, including higher trade tariffs, could weigh on exports and investment, and continued tight financial conditions could further pressure highly indebted households and firms at a time when financial risks are elevated. Over the longer term, demographic headwinds and the expected structural erosion of oil-related revenues will weigh on economic resilience. Inflation could take longer to converge to target if domestic demand recovers faster than expected or higher oil prices put pressure on headline inflation. By contrast, further currency appreciation and higher productivity gains (e.g., from a faster-than-anticipated uptake of AI or automation) could bring inflation back to target more rapidly.   

    Policy recommendations

    Norges Bank should proceed cautiously with monetary policy normalization, ensuring there is further evidence that underlying inflation is firmly on a path back to target. Under staff’s baseline scenario, the current restrictive monetary policy is broadly appropriate to bring core inflation to target by 2027, even as medium-term inflation expectations and underlying inflation remain above target. The output gap is broadly closed, and inflation risks are balanced. While recent inflation developments are encouraging, further evidence of a decline in the trend of underlying inflation is needed to continue with the normalization of monetary policy.

    Norway’s strong monetary policy framework has served the economy well. After the adoption of inflation targeting in 2001, Norges Bank has operated with a high level of credibility and ranks among the most transparent central banks in the world. However, the current highly uncertain global outlook can present challenges for monetary policy formulation and implementation. Navigating rapidly evolving global developments and volatile data may require enhancements to the policy process. This could include expanding the use of scenario analysis—an approach Norges Bank has employed in the past—and refining communication strategies to maintain well-anchored expectations.

    The recent relaxation of the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for mortgages could increase financial vulnerabilities. Although households’ debt burden has stabilized, it remains high. A higher LTV limit may fuel further increases in house prices and household indebtedness, contributing to higher financial stability risks, particularly if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize. Lasting improvements in housing affordability will require structural measures to address factors that keep prices elevated, including a relatively small rental market, limited land availability in urban areas, high construction costs, and a tax system that encourages mortgage debt. Gradually phasing-out mortgage interest deductibility (starting with a cap on income-tax deductions) would help curb speculative housing demand and enhance tax efficiency. Tightening eligibility for subsidized mortgages would also help manage housing demand and public spending.

    The financial system is sound with strong buffers, but further macroprudential easing should wait until systemic risks recede or financial disintermediation risks emerge. Continued close financial system monitoring is essential. Participation in the initiative to undertake a Nordic-Baltic regional stress test exercise would enhance the assessment of cross-border financial interlinkages and risks. Measures to address increased bank reliance on covered bonds are also welcome and would help mitigate interconnectedness risks. The current countercyclical capital buffer setting remains appropriate, but Norges Bank should be prepared to raise it if cyclical vulnerabilities increase. Priority should be given to preserving capital buffers, including by ensuring that banks’ models properly reflect credit risks and to strengthening contingency planning amid continued pressure on the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. Over the medium term, broadening the toolkit for CRE vulnerabilities could help address these in a more targeted manner during future upswings, and borrower-based-measures on CRE lending, as well as sector-specific capital surcharges to address risks from the insurance sector’s CRE exposures could be considered. Work to address the findings of the 2024 Nordic-Baltic crisis management exercise and the 2020 FSAP recommendations should continue.

    Moving towards a broadly neutral fiscal policy stance would support the disinflation effort and improve the coherence of the overall macroeconomic policy mix. The 2025 budget further expands the fiscal stimulus, with an estimated fiscal impulse of about 2.5 percent of trend mainland GDP. While the impact on domestic activity may be dampened by the composition of spending (including through imports and transfers abroad), the stimulus is still expected to provide a significant boost to the domestic economy.

    Enhancements to Norway’s robust fiscal framework would help ensure continued delivery of strong economic and social outcomes. Reinforcing countercyclicality and spending discipline would enhance fiscal resilience. Complementing the fiscal rule with explicit medium-term expenditure limits could reduce exposure to volatility from market-driven changes in the large and growing value of the GPFG and improve fiscal planning. Strengthening multi-year budgeting, improving public investment management, conducting more systematic spending reviews and setting efficiency targets would support more strategic resource allocation and enhance public service delivery. Benchmarking the setup of the Advisory Panel on Fiscal Policy Analysis against best international practices for independent fiscal councils and expanding its mandate would help further enhance the fiscal framework.

    Advancing fiscal reforms is essential to bolster resilience and support long-term growth. Tax reforms aimed at improving efficiency and broadening the revenue base remain a priority. Consolidating multiple VAT rates and enhancing incentives for work and investment would improve resilience of the tax system. Further measures to reform disability and sickness benefits, along the lines of past IMF recommendations, are needed to reduce work disincentives, increase labor force participation, and contain long-term fiscal costs. Sustained reform efforts are crucial to ensure long-term sustainability of fiscal policy in the face of rising structural spending pressures.

    A broad and ambitious reform agenda is essential to accelerate productivity growth and mitigate the effects of geoeconomic fragmentation. Advancing the “reinforced work line” agenda would reduce reliance on disability benefits, raise labor force participation among underrepresented groups—including youth and immigrants—and increase total hours worked. Strengthening education-to-work transitions, promoting full-time employment, and accelerating digitalization would further support productivity. Finally, further measures are likely to be needed to achieve Norway’s 2035 emission reduction targets.

    The IMF team thanks the Norwegian authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and the constructive and insightful discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva-Maria Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/norway-staff-concluding-statement-for-the-2025-article-iv-consultation-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Futu Announces Investment Grade Rating Reaffirmed by S&P Global Ratings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Futu Holdings Limited (“Futu” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FUTU), a leading tech-driven online brokerage and wealth management platform, today announced that S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) maintained stable outlook on the long-term rating and reaffirmed the Company’s long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-”. Futu group, including the Company and all its subsidiaries, has a stand-alone credit profile of “bbb”.

    According to S&P, Futu demonstrates strong market positioning in Hong Kong and benefits from its substantial capital base and effective risk control mechanisms. S&P expects Futu to maintain steady growth in its overseas business by leveraging its robust brand equity, superior user experience, and cutting-edge technology infrastructure. Additionally, Futu will continue to uphold an adequate funding profile to support its business growth.

    About Futu Holdings Limited

    Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU) is an advanced technology company transforming the investing experience by offering fully digitalized financial services. Through its proprietary digital platforms, Futubull and moomoo, the Company provides a full range of investment services, including trade execution and clearing, margin financing and securities lending, and wealth management. The Company has embedded social media tools to create a network centered around its users and provide connectivity to users, investors, companies, analysts, media and key opinion leaders. The Company also provides corporate services, including IPO distribution, investor relations and ESOP solution services.

    Investor Contact

    Investor Relations
    Futu Holdings Limited
    ir@futuholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Futu Announces Investment Grade Rating Reaffirmed by S&P Global Ratings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Futu Holdings Limited (“Futu” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FUTU), a leading tech-driven online brokerage and wealth management platform, today announced that S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) maintained stable outlook on the long-term rating and reaffirmed the Company’s long-term issuer credit rating at “BBB-”. Futu group, including the Company and all its subsidiaries, has a stand-alone credit profile of “bbb”.

    According to S&P, Futu demonstrates strong market positioning in Hong Kong and benefits from its substantial capital base and effective risk control mechanisms. S&P expects Futu to maintain steady growth in its overseas business by leveraging its robust brand equity, superior user experience, and cutting-edge technology infrastructure. Additionally, Futu will continue to uphold an adequate funding profile to support its business growth.

    About Futu Holdings Limited

    Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU) is an advanced technology company transforming the investing experience by offering fully digitalized financial services. Through its proprietary digital platforms, Futubull and moomoo, the Company provides a full range of investment services, including trade execution and clearing, margin financing and securities lending, and wealth management. The Company has embedded social media tools to create a network centered around its users and provide connectivity to users, investors, companies, analysts, media and key opinion leaders. The Company also provides corporate services, including IPO distribution, investor relations and ESOP solution services.

    Investor Contact

    Investor Relations
    Futu Holdings Limited
    ir@futuholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Funds Agree to Sell MAFTEC to Advantage Partners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO and NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that funds managed by its affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) have agreed to sell their interest in MAFTEC Group Co., Ltd. (“MAFTEC” or the “Company”), a Japan based global leader in ultra-high temperature heat insulating solutions serving the automotive and industrial end-markets, to funds managed by Advantage Partners.

    MAFTEC was formed through the separation of Mitsubishi Chemical’s Thermal and Emission Control Materials business, which was acquired by the Apollo Funds in March 2022. As a strategic partner, the Apollo team played a pivotal role in supporting the design and launch of the MAFTEC™ product suite, which helped to form the Company’s foundation in the marketplace and drove significant EBITDA expansion over the past three years.

    “We are proud to have supported MAFTEC’s launch as a standalone company and of the strong results the management team has achieved during our funds’ ownership. Driven by innovative material processing technology, the Company has developed leading new products and delivered significant growth and profitability in a challenging global business environment. We are confident that MAFTEC is well-positioned for long-term growth, and we wish the entire team continued success in its next chapter,” said Tetsuji Okamoto, Lead Partner, Japan, and Head of Private Equity – Asia Pacific at Apollo.

    Kosuke Matsuzaki, Representative Director and CEO of MAFTEC, said, “Apollo’s industry and operational expertise were instrumental to successfully executing MAFTEC’s separation from Mitsubishi Chemical and its standalone strategy, and we thank the Apollo team for their unfailing support and world-class partnership. I look forward to working with the Advantage Partners team to continue building our business in a way that benefits our customers, our employees and our investors.”

    The Apollo Funds’ investment in MAFTEC showcases Apollo’s track record as a solution provider and strategic partner of choice to some of Japan’s leading conglomerates. Apollo Funds’ private equity investments in Japan include Panasonic Automotive Systems and Altemira, the holding company for Resonac and Mitsubishi Materials’ aluminum beverage can business.

    The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • India’s strategic partnership with G7 to boost world trade: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A strategic collaboration in areas including clean and renewable energy, climate finance, Digital Public Infrastructure, trade and supply chain resilience, as well as, healthcare and pharma will drive a mutually beneficial growth trajectory between India and the G7 advanced countries, according to a study released on Thursday.

    The study released by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry also mentioned the importance of maritime and Indo-Pacific security as a strategic factor that further cements the relationship between India and the G7 countries.

    The report highlighted that India’s merchandise trade with G7 countries has surged by 61 per cent, rising from $154 billion in FY 2020–21 to $248 billion in FY 2024–25, maintaining a steady trade surplus. This reflects India’s growing export competitiveness as indicated by the commodity net export price index, bolstering its external sector resilience, the report pointed out.

    “India’s consistent real GDP growth makes the country a key growth driver for the world economy. The transformative reforms, including GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Act, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, growing digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI) and ‘Make in India’ are strengthening India’s ascendancy in the World,” said Hemant Jain, president, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    With an average real GDP growth of more than 8 per cent from 2021 to 2024, India has consistently outpaced all G7 members. IMF’s 2025 projections indicate that India will maintain an average growth trajectory above 6 per cent through 2029, supported by robust domestic demand, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, and its demographic dividend.

    In terms of purchasing-power-parity (PPP) terms, India’s share in global GDP has surged from 7 per cent in 2020 to 8.3 per cent in 2024, and is anticipated to exceed 9 per cent by 2029, the report points out.

    A crucial underlying factor is the demographic divergence between India and the G7. India’s working-age population (15–64 years) is projected to increase in the coming years, with over 68 per cent of its population currently between 15-64 years. This demographic dividend supports labour supply expansion, boosts domestic consumption, and enhances the innovation ecosystem through a vibrant startup culture and rising tertiary education enrolment, the report states.

    Further, India’s share of the total population aged 65 and above constitutes less than 5 per cent (2025). Conversely, G7 nations are confronting demographic headwinds as their share is more than 10 per cent, highlighting rapidly ageing populations, shrinking labour pools, and rising old-age dependency ratios.

    By 2030, this share is expected to double or more than double for the G7 economies. This is likely to slow potential output, reduce consumer demand, and increase fiscal burdens related to pensions and healthcare, the report further states.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the G7 summit, underscored India’s leadership in clean energy transition, climate action, and digital innovation. Key global initiatives led by India – the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, and the Global Biofuels Alliance – are shaping a greener, more inclusive world.

    In the technology and digital governance space, India highlighted its commitment to a human-centric and ethical approach to AI, showcasing initiatives like BHASHINI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as global models, he said.

    The Prime Minister urged for global cooperation on AI governance, resilient tech supply chains, and curbing the misuse of emerging technologies.

    (With inputs from IANS)

    June 26, 2025

  • India’s strategic partnership with G7 to boost world trade: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A strategic collaboration in areas including clean and renewable energy, climate finance, Digital Public Infrastructure, trade and supply chain resilience, as well as, healthcare and pharma will drive a mutually beneficial growth trajectory between India and the G7 advanced countries, according to a study released on Thursday.

    The study released by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry also mentioned the importance of maritime and Indo-Pacific security as a strategic factor that further cements the relationship between India and the G7 countries.

    The report highlighted that India’s merchandise trade with G7 countries has surged by 61 per cent, rising from $154 billion in FY 2020–21 to $248 billion in FY 2024–25, maintaining a steady trade surplus. This reflects India’s growing export competitiveness as indicated by the commodity net export price index, bolstering its external sector resilience, the report pointed out.

    “India’s consistent real GDP growth makes the country a key growth driver for the world economy. The transformative reforms, including GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Act, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, growing digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI) and ‘Make in India’ are strengthening India’s ascendancy in the World,” said Hemant Jain, president, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    With an average real GDP growth of more than 8 per cent from 2021 to 2024, India has consistently outpaced all G7 members. IMF’s 2025 projections indicate that India will maintain an average growth trajectory above 6 per cent through 2029, supported by robust domestic demand, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, and its demographic dividend.

    In terms of purchasing-power-parity (PPP) terms, India’s share in global GDP has surged from 7 per cent in 2020 to 8.3 per cent in 2024, and is anticipated to exceed 9 per cent by 2029, the report points out.

    A crucial underlying factor is the demographic divergence between India and the G7. India’s working-age population (15–64 years) is projected to increase in the coming years, with over 68 per cent of its population currently between 15-64 years. This demographic dividend supports labour supply expansion, boosts domestic consumption, and enhances the innovation ecosystem through a vibrant startup culture and rising tertiary education enrolment, the report states.

    Further, India’s share of the total population aged 65 and above constitutes less than 5 per cent (2025). Conversely, G7 nations are confronting demographic headwinds as their share is more than 10 per cent, highlighting rapidly ageing populations, shrinking labour pools, and rising old-age dependency ratios.

    By 2030, this share is expected to double or more than double for the G7 economies. This is likely to slow potential output, reduce consumer demand, and increase fiscal burdens related to pensions and healthcare, the report further states.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the G7 summit, underscored India’s leadership in clean energy transition, climate action, and digital innovation. Key global initiatives led by India – the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, and the Global Biofuels Alliance – are shaping a greener, more inclusive world.

    In the technology and digital governance space, India highlighted its commitment to a human-centric and ethical approach to AI, showcasing initiatives like BHASHINI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as global models, he said.

    The Prime Minister urged for global cooperation on AI governance, resilient tech supply chains, and curbing the misuse of emerging technologies.

    (With inputs from IANS)

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCED at US Independence Day reception (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the United States of America (US) Independence Day reception today (June 26):
     
    Consul General May (Consul General of the US in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Gregory May), ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good afternoon. I am pleased to join you all today. This is a special occasion to acknowledge the deeply rooted ties between Hong Kong and the US. In fact, this year marks the 182nd anniversary of the US’s diplomatic presence in Hong Kong. The longstanding ties that connect Hong Kong and the US, in the fields of economics, trade, culture, and many more, are very important.
     
    In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness rises by another two places to third globally. And in the 2025 Business Sentiment Survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham), 75 per cent of respondents viewed Hong Kong as highly competitive or competitive as an international business hub. Hong Kong adds value to US enterprises and business people, their services and their future.
     
    In the area of trade, over the past decade alone, the US has enjoyed a trade surplus of US$271.5 billion with Hong Kong, one of the highest among the US’s trading partners. Also, in 2024, the number of US regional headquarters, regional offices and local branches in Hong Kong has increased from around 1 200 to 1 390. According to AmCham, the US’s trade in goods with Hong Kong supports about 140 000 jobs in the US, covering a wide range of sectors from agriculture to fashion and manufacturing. The US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong.
     
    The figures I just outlined speak for the fact that free trade unimpeded by protectionist measures, including the so-called reciprocal tariff, is the formula for growth and mutual benefits. As the freest economy in the world, we have all along supported and practised free trade. We strongly disapprove of the additional duty imposed by the US on products from Hong Kong, which is illogical given Hong Kong’s status as a free port. It harms the interests of both sides and is inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules. We call for the early rectification of these unfair and unjustified trade-impeding measures.
     
    Notwithstanding the challenges brought by an uncertain global economic outlook and the impact of geopolitics, we remain firmly committed to the rules-based multilateral trading system and free trade. The continued implementation of free trade policies and zero-customs tariffs provides the much needed certainties for businesses in Hong Kong. We will continue to strengthen our international ties and open up more overseas markets.
     
    In 2024, Invest Hong Kong assisted 539 enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing an increase of over 40 per cent as compared with the full year figure of 2023. Apart from the Mainland being the largest place of origin, the US ranked second. I would like to assure all of you that Hong Kong welcomes all sorts of overseas investments including those from the US, and we remain your trusted partner and the preferred platform for collaboration in international trade and businesses.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, the shared interests between Hong Kong and the US have allowed us to develop a multifaceted and longstanding relationship over the past 182 years. Though there are differences, we may set our eyes on our shared interests based on the principles of mutual respect and fairness, which are instrumental in the mutual success of Hong Kong and the US. We hope our friends in the US will share this thought and join us to navigate the Hong Kong-US relationship into a better future.
     
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Northern Markets Arms Investors for Volatile Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northern Markets, a global investment firm, has launched its new “Volatility Toolkit” to help traders handle unpredictable market conditions. The new tools are designed to support faster, more focused decisions when markets are moving quickly.

    With market swings becoming more common, many investors are struggling to manage risks. Northern Markets says the new toolkit offers practical features that give users better control and awareness during uncertain times.

    Helping Traders Stay Focused in Fast Markets

    The Volatility Toolkit includes real-time market indicators, new risk control settings, and simpler access to hedging tools. All features are built directly into the platform dashboard. This makes it easier for users to track market changes without needing extra software or switching screens.

    Northern Markets says these tools don’t predict the market but are made to help users stay clear-headed and organized when prices move suddenly.

    “When things get wild, people just want clear info and quick options,” the spokesperson added. “We built these tools to cut the noise and help users stay calm and make smarter choices.”

    The features are available to traders across all asset classes, including crypto, stocks, indices, and commodities. The toolkit works for both beginners and experienced users.

    Real-Time Alerts and Better Visibility

    The upgrade includes real-time notifications that notify users of sudden changes in the market or in risk levels, in addition to the basic features. With the aid of these notifications, investors may take swift action without spending all day staring at charts.

    The platform’s chart system has also been upgraded to respond faster, even during busy trading hours. This means less delay and better visibility during critical moments.

    “This update is really about staying in the loop,” the spokesperson said. “When markets go crazy, emotions take over. This gives people a way to stay focused and avoid panic.”

    The company clarified that although the toolkit is beneficial, it does not make losses inevitable. Its primary aim is to make the investors remain vigilant and make sound choices in difficult circumstances.

    Listening to What Traders Want

    Northern Markets says the new toolkit was shaped by direct feedback from users. Many traders asked for simpler tools and quicker access to key market signals. The company took that feedback and built features that respond to those needs.

    “A lot of traders told us they feel overwhelmed when markets shift fast,” said the spokesperson. “We really listened. This update is about giving people what they actually asked for.”

    The company says more updates are planned to improve the toolkit based on ongoing feedback.

    Looking Ahead

    Northern Markets will collect user feedback over the next few weeks to see how the toolkit performs. Future updates may include custom alerts and more tools to help users build better strategies.

    The company says this launch is part of a larger plan to create a smoother trading experience, no matter what the market looks like. More upgrades are expected later this year.

    About Northern Markets

    Northern Markets is a global investment firm offering access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. Known for its data-driven approach and personalized account management, Northern Markets empowers clients with tools, insights, and support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory alignment, the company continues to be a trusted resource for modern investors worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Name: Daniel Simon
    Email: support@northmarkets.email
    Website: https://northmarkets.io/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Northern Markets. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Northern Markets Arms Investors for Volatile Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northern Markets, a global investment firm, has launched its new “Volatility Toolkit” to help traders handle unpredictable market conditions. The new tools are designed to support faster, more focused decisions when markets are moving quickly.

    With market swings becoming more common, many investors are struggling to manage risks. Northern Markets says the new toolkit offers practical features that give users better control and awareness during uncertain times.

    Helping Traders Stay Focused in Fast Markets

    The Volatility Toolkit includes real-time market indicators, new risk control settings, and simpler access to hedging tools. All features are built directly into the platform dashboard. This makes it easier for users to track market changes without needing extra software or switching screens.

    Northern Markets says these tools don’t predict the market but are made to help users stay clear-headed and organized when prices move suddenly.

    “When things get wild, people just want clear info and quick options,” the spokesperson added. “We built these tools to cut the noise and help users stay calm and make smarter choices.”

    The features are available to traders across all asset classes, including crypto, stocks, indices, and commodities. The toolkit works for both beginners and experienced users.

    Real-Time Alerts and Better Visibility

    The upgrade includes real-time notifications that notify users of sudden changes in the market or in risk levels, in addition to the basic features. With the aid of these notifications, investors may take swift action without spending all day staring at charts.

    The platform’s chart system has also been upgraded to respond faster, even during busy trading hours. This means less delay and better visibility during critical moments.

    “This update is really about staying in the loop,” the spokesperson said. “When markets go crazy, emotions take over. This gives people a way to stay focused and avoid panic.”

    The company clarified that although the toolkit is beneficial, it does not make losses inevitable. Its primary aim is to make the investors remain vigilant and make sound choices in difficult circumstances.

    Listening to What Traders Want

    Northern Markets says the new toolkit was shaped by direct feedback from users. Many traders asked for simpler tools and quicker access to key market signals. The company took that feedback and built features that respond to those needs.

    “A lot of traders told us they feel overwhelmed when markets shift fast,” said the spokesperson. “We really listened. This update is about giving people what they actually asked for.”

    The company says more updates are planned to improve the toolkit based on ongoing feedback.

    Looking Ahead

    Northern Markets will collect user feedback over the next few weeks to see how the toolkit performs. Future updates may include custom alerts and more tools to help users build better strategies.

    The company says this launch is part of a larger plan to create a smoother trading experience, no matter what the market looks like. More upgrades are expected later this year.

    About Northern Markets

    Northern Markets is a global investment firm offering access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. Known for its data-driven approach and personalized account management, Northern Markets empowers clients with tools, insights, and support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory alignment, the company continues to be a trusted resource for modern investors worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Name: Daniel Simon
    Email: support@northmarkets.email
    Website: https://northmarkets.io/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Northern Markets. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Northern Markets Introduces Planning Tools for Smarter Investing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northern Markets, an international investment firm, has introduced a new collection of planning tools that assist investors in managing their portfolios in contemporary unstable markets. These tools are aimed at facilitating the process where the users can plan their strategies and respond to global financial changes with more comfort.

    The new strategic planning frameworks are part of the firm’s efforts to support clients beyond just trading access. As market conditions become more unpredictable, Northern Markets is offering structured tools to help clients stay organized and think ahead.

    A company spokesperson shared how this development came to be. “A common sentiment among our clients is a sense of unease regarding the continuous shifts in the market,” the spokesperson commented. “They require more effective approaches to inform their strategic choices, and these resources are provided to furnish a clear bedrock for sustained foresight.”

    The planning tools include simple models and checklists focused on setting goals, managing risks, and adjusting for market events. They are made to be easy to use and flexible enough for different investment styles and levels of experience.

    Helping Investors Make Better Decisions

    The tools aim to support a growing group of investors who are new to financial markets. Many users want more control over their money but aren’t sure how to build a plan. The company says these frameworks were shaped by feedback from users in different regions who want clearer, more practical ways to plan.

    “Our objective was to maintain simplicity,” stated the company’s expert. “While it’s easy to be swayed by immediate headlines or short-term market fluctuations, individuals require a method to gain perspective on their financial decisions. These tools are designed to facilitate that critical evaluation.”

    The frameworks are compatible with the existing platform of the firm and accessible to all clients. They do not substitute what the professionals can offer; however, they provide the users with an opportunity to arrange and sort out their thoughts and design their own strategies.

    Designed for Daily Use and Long-Term Goals

    According to Northern Markets, customers are using these tools for both routine check-ins and long-term planning. The idea is to provide people with more assurance about their future, particularly in times of market uncertainty.

    “Clients that are currently exploring and using these tools are already providing us with feedback,” the spokesperson stated. “Many say their goals are now clearer, and some are using the tools to do in-depth strategic research. The first reaction has been really positive.”

    The firm also mentioned that more tools will be added in the future. Plans include features for retirement planning, sector focus, and tracking investor sentiment. These updates will be based on how clients use the current tools and the feedback they share.

    Keeping It Simple in a Complex Market

    Northern Markets says one of its main goals is to help investors cut through the noise. The company believes that making long-term planning more approachable is a possibility by providing such tools that are not difficult to comprehend.

    “Our customers desire user-friendly financial management solutions that do not necessitate a deep understanding of finance,” commented the company spokesperson. “We are committed to delivering highly functional and practical tools to meet this demand.”

    As the financial world keeps changing, the firm says it will keep building tools that help investors stay focused and better prepared for whatever comes next.

    About Northern Markets

    Northern Markets is a global investment firm offering access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. Known for its data-driven approach and personalized account management, Northern Markets empowers clients with tools, insights, and support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory alignment, the company continues to be a trusted resource for modern investors worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Name: Daniel Simon
    Email: support@northmarkets.email
    Website: https://northmarkets.io/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Northern Markets. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni Welcomes Former Opposition Youth To National Resistance Movement (NRM), Commends Them For The Wise Decision


    Download logo

    The converts from the districts of Mubende, Kassanda and Mityana have been undergoing a two-week ideological training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.

    The 2025/2026 cohort of youth converts comprised 145 males and 46 females.  They were introduced to the principles of the NRM, its ideology, and other patriotic values.

    During a meeting held at State House Entebbe, the President commended the youth for making what he called a wise and courageous decision.

    President Museveni also pledged Shs 100m to support their SACCO as a token of encouragement and empowerment.

    He also lauded the converts for abandoning political factions that, according to him, have long misled the youth and discouraged them from engaging in government programs meant to fight poverty and foster economic transformation.

    “Those opposition groups are merciless. They use you for foreign-funded agendas and then tell you to shun government programs,” the President remarked.

    “When we were giving out coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation, they said the seedlings wouldn’t help them, but you have made the right choice, and I congratulate and welcome you.”

    President Museveni further drew on his own political journey, sharing that he too was once an opposition supporter.

    “I was in the Democratic Party from 1960 to 1970. Even though UPC rigged the elections in 1962, I told my fellow DP supporters, Obote may have stolen votes, but he didn’t steal your food. We had to be smart and take full advantage of the government’s programs,” he said.

    He commended the youth instructors for equipping the converts with a strong understanding of NRM’s core principles particularly the third mission: socio-economic transformation.

    “I am happy that your instructors taught you the mission of socio-economic transformation. As Africans, we must move from subsistence living to the money economy,” he said.

    Modernizing African Livelihoods:

    The President illustrated how daily life for most Africans still relies on outdated practices that need urgent modernization.

    “In developed countries, machines fetch water. Here, our girls still carry jerry cans on their heads. We cook with firewood while others use gas or electricity. That’s what the NRM seeks to change,” he said.

    The President also emphasized education as a key driver of transformation, highlighting the role of the government’s Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) programs as well as the Presidential Skilling Hubs.

    “The skilling hub in Kassanda is proof that youth can access quality training for free. If we fully embrace free education, it will play a major role in changing lives.”

    President Museveni further revisited his Four-Acre Model, a strategy he first introduced in the 1996 NRM Manifesto to guide smallholder farmers towards profitable and calculated farming.

    “If you have only two acres and grow cotton or tobacco, you’ll remain poor. But if you plan well, with ekibalo (calculation) you can generate serious income,” he explained.

    For those with four acres, the President advised; One acre for coffee (earning up to Shs15 million per year), one for fruits, one for pasture to support up to eight cows, and one for food crops.

    He added that backyard farming activities like poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming could generate even more income.

    “Fish farming, for instance, can bring in up to Shs 80 million a year from one acre of ponds,” President Museveni revealed.

    Industrialization and ICT as Game Changers:

    He also pointed to Uganda’s manufacturing sector, which now employs over 1.2 million people, more than double the public service sector’s 480,000.

    “From small dairy coolers to big factories, manufacturing has become a major source of jobs and wealth,” he said.

    The President also praised growth in the services sector particularly tourism, transport, professional services, and religious work which employs about four million Ugandans.

    Finally, he underscored the transformative potential of ICT, especially in business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

    “With our strong internet and telecom infrastructure, Ugandans can now work for international companies and earn globally competitive salaries right from here,” President Museveni noted.

    Ms. Hellen Seku, the Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), expressed gratitude to President Museveni for hosting the youth converts from parishes, villages, and sub-counties in the three districts.

    “We thank Your Excellency for welcoming these young people, many of whom were once leaders in the opposition. This meeting marks a turning point in their journey of transformation,” Ms. Seku said.

    “These youth have been receiving ideological training focused on civic duty, patriotism, and the core principles of the NRM. The goal has been to equip them to become responsible, value-driven citizens who contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she explained.

    Ms. Seku also emphasized that the training covered key themes such as teamwork, peacebuilding, national unity, embracing government programs, and serving the country with loyalty and discipline.

    “We have taught them the pillars of society, how to protect the peace we have, and the importance of working together as one. These young people are now prepared to return home and help drive progress in their areas,” she added.

    She further urged the youth to be responsible citizens and take care of both the environment and their personal health.

    “Go back and plant trees in your communities. Let us care for our environment. Above all, maintain discipline in your health. HIV/AIDS has become rampant in our societies. Guard yourselves. It is spreading like wildfire, and we must stop it,” she advised.

    On his part, Col. Okei Rukogota, the Director of NALI expressed his appreciation to President Museveni for his unwavering efforts in empowering young people through anti-poverty programs.

    “Your Excellency, I thank you for your tireless fight against poverty among the youth. Your leadership continues to create opportunities for transformation,” Col. Rukogota said.

    He also commended the NALI team for their dedication and commitment in organizing and facilitating the ideological training for the youth.

    “To the entire NALI team, thank you. Without your hard work and support, this success would not have been possible,” he added.

    Col. Rukogota further applauded the converts for their commitment to learning and embracing the values and principles taught during the retreat.

    “I also thank the youth converts. Your willingness to learn and change is a sign of true patriotism. Uganda needs you,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Mutumba Byakatonda, a youth representative and councilor from Mubende Municipal Council, said the converts were once affiliated with opposition political parties but have now decided to cross to the NRM.

    “Your Excellency, I personally crossed to the opposition after you commissioned the Mubende Central Market. However, today, I stand before you as a proud convert back to the NRM,” he said.

    “Your Excellency, for a while, many of us were misled by opposition narratives. We were persuaded into ideologies that alienated us from government programs aimed at creating wealth and improving livelihoods,” Mr. Byakatonda explained.

    “We sincerely thank the Director and entire staff at NALI for the training, mentorship, and welfare support. Through lessons on the principles and ideology of the NRM, we have experienced a complete mindset change.”

    He thanked the President for his continued facilitation, time, and attention, saying: “We are deeply grateful for your support and for sparing time out of your busy schedule to meet us today. We do not take it for granted.”

    As part of their next steps, the group expressed interest in registering a Youth Converts SACCO across their districts.

    “We plan to form a SACCO where we can access funds at low interest rates and start small businesses. Your Excellency, we also humbly request coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation to help us kick-start our income-generating activities and contribute to the national development agenda,” Mr. Byakatonda said.

    He concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the NRM government.

    “We are ready to enroll fully into the NRM and support you in building a transformed and prosperous Uganda,” he added.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Employment and Labour Committee Welcomes Presentations on 2025-2030 Strategic and 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans of the Compensation Fund and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)


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    The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed presentations on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget estimates of the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

    The Compensation Fund and UIF are entities of the Department of Employment and Labour. The committee encouraged them to work in a coordinated manner together with sister entities within the portfolio, such as the Supported Employment Enterprises.

    The committee believes that there is a minimal impact when the department and its entities work in silos on skills training and programmes to empower people living with disabilities.

    The committee has directed the UIF to put measures in place to monitor and evaluate the impact made through its Labour Activation Programme. This programme is the department’s initiative to minimise unemployment and stimulate job creation through skills development and financial assistance to employers and employees through the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS); it is implemented through the UIF.

    The committee has encouraged the Compensation Fund and UIF to strengthen their ICT infrastructure to improve the turnaround time on benefit payments and minimise queues at service centres.

    Having been briefed on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and the medium-term expenditure framework of the department and its entities, the committee will now meet on Friday, 27 June 2025, to consider its 2025 budget vote report.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • NMDC invites applications for tribal education schemes in Chhattisgarh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, has invited applications for two fully sponsored educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. These initiatives — the Balika Shiksha Yojana and the newly introduced Medical Technology Program — are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and social development under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
     
    The Balika Shiksha Yojana is designed specifically for tribal girls belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur. Through this scheme, NMDC is offering full financial support for professional nursing education. A total of 200 seats are available across two programs — 110 seats for the four-year B.Sc. Nursing course and 90 seats for the three-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course. These courses will be conducted at reputed institutes such as the Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing, all located in Hyderabad.
     
    The initiative will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, hostel accommodation, and academic costs, with an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the ST category and come from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹72,000. The application deadline for this programme is June 28, 2025.
     
    NMDC has also launched a Medical Technology Program in partnership with Apollo University, Chittoor. This fully sponsored programme is open to ST students from the Dantewada and Bastar districts. A total of 90 seats are being offered, with 60 percent reserved for girls and 40 percent for boys.
     
    Under this initiative, selected students will receive full sponsorship to pursue specialized B.Sc. programmes in Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technician, Imaging Technology, Physician Assistant, and Renal Dialysis Technology. Like the nursing programme, this initiative also carries an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student and covers all educational and residential expenses. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
     
    For more than six decades, NMDC has played a key role in the development of Chhattisgarh through its mining operations and community-focused initiatives. These latest educational programmes are expected to open new career pathways for tribal youth, enabling them to acquire professional qualifications and build sustainable livelihoods.
    June 26, 2025

  • NMDC invites applications for tribal education schemes in Chhattisgarh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, has invited applications for two fully sponsored educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. These initiatives — the Balika Shiksha Yojana and the newly introduced Medical Technology Program — are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and social development under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
     
    The Balika Shiksha Yojana is designed specifically for tribal girls belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur. Through this scheme, NMDC is offering full financial support for professional nursing education. A total of 200 seats are available across two programs — 110 seats for the four-year B.Sc. Nursing course and 90 seats for the three-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course. These courses will be conducted at reputed institutes such as the Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing, all located in Hyderabad.
     
    The initiative will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, hostel accommodation, and academic costs, with an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the ST category and come from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹72,000. The application deadline for this programme is June 28, 2025.
     
    NMDC has also launched a Medical Technology Program in partnership with Apollo University, Chittoor. This fully sponsored programme is open to ST students from the Dantewada and Bastar districts. A total of 90 seats are being offered, with 60 percent reserved for girls and 40 percent for boys.
     
    Under this initiative, selected students will receive full sponsorship to pursue specialized B.Sc. programmes in Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technician, Imaging Technology, Physician Assistant, and Renal Dialysis Technology. Like the nursing programme, this initiative also carries an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student and covers all educational and residential expenses. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
     
    For more than six decades, NMDC has played a key role in the development of Chhattisgarh through its mining operations and community-focused initiatives. These latest educational programmes are expected to open new career pathways for tribal youth, enabling them to acquire professional qualifications and build sustainable livelihoods.
    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Investment mission takes off to Singapore and Malaysia

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    In April, the Albanese Labor Government pledged to send five new trade and investment missions to priority markets. I am pleased this week to see the third mission get underway with a delegation visiting Singapore and Malaysia.

    Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid economic growth, and Singapore and Malaysia serve as vital gateways to access these markets for Australian exporters, investors and businesses.

    Delegates on this investment mission will gain firsthand insights into Singapore’s role as a regional industrial and investment hub and Malaysia’s emergence as a key industrial and trade gateway in Southeast Asia.

    The mission brings together representatives from 16 leading Australian companies. It is led by Shayne Elliott, Australia’s Business Champion to Singapore and former CEO of ANZ Bank, and Tony Lombardo, Business Champion for Malaysia and Group CEO of Lendlease.

    Since the launch of our government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, the $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, and the deployment of dedicated Investment Deal Teams, engagement with the region has surged.

    Australian businesses supported by Austrade recorded more than $1 billion in trade outcomes across Southeast Asia last year, a 45% increase on previous years.

    When Australian businesses grow their footprint in Southeast Asia, the benefits flow back home creating jobs, opening markets, and strengthening our economy.

    MIL OSI News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Capital companies are increasing production of paper products

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the first four months of this year, the production of paper products in Moscow increased by 10 percent compared to the same period last year. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.

    “In Moscow, over 700 companies produce paper and cardboard products, packaging, books and other products that are in demand in many industries. With the city’s support, enterprises regularly increase production and shipment volumes, and expand their product range. In January-April 2025, companies increased their paper product output by 10 percent year-on-year, shipments increased by 2.2 percent and amounted to more than 17 billion rubles,” Anatoly Garbuzov emphasized.

    For example, one of the leading Russian manufacturers of packaging products, PJSC Lambumiz, produces over 600 million units of goods annually. The range includes cardboard and flexible packaging, laminated cardboard of different densities and formats, and disposable tableware made of white and kraft cardboard. The company has recently begun to develop the production of aseptic packaging with a long shelf life for dairy products and juices.

    This year, the company received the status of an industrial complex and the right to tax benefits provided by Moscow legislation. Now the real estate tax for it is 50 percent of the calculated amount, the land tax is 20 percent of the calculated amount, and the land lease rate is 0.3 percent of the cadastral value of the plot.

    Sobyanin awarded industrial complex status to one of the leading packaging manufacturersThe capital’s industrial complex received a land lease benefit from the city

    According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company Sergey Botvin, the tax benefits provided are not just an economic benefit for the enterprise, but also a powerful incentive for further development and modernization of production, creation of jobs and increasing competitiveness in the Russian and international markets. The status of an industrial complex is also a great responsibility. The company will continue to make a significant contribution to the economy of Moscow, developing innovative technologies in the packaging industry and creating high-quality products for consumers.

    Another capital company, ISBC, produces RFID products for various industries and the economy. Thus, the paper smart cards issued by the enterprise are widely used in the field of transport. In addition, they are used to create gift cards, tickets and business cards with NFC.

    A comfortable investment climate has been created in Moscow to develop production potential. More than 20 comprehensive support measures are available to enterprises. These include preferential investment loans, the opportunity to lease land from the city at a preferential rate when building an enterprise as part of large-scale investment projects, the assignment of special statuses, and other tools.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155849073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Admissions campaign begins in capital colleges

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital has begun accepting applications for study at city colleges. Applicants can choose five specialties at one educational institution or distribute them among several colleges. Documents can be submitted atelectronically via the mos.ru portal, reported Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “The admissions campaign has begun in Moscow colleges. Graduates will have to take an important step in life – decide on their future profession. The city continues to develop the system of secondary vocational education, making it more accessible, effective and focused on the needs of the modern economy. This year, we increased the number of budget places in Moscow colleges for Moscow ninth-graders to a record 43 thousand. Moreover, we focused on the most popular areas: IT, medicine, pedagogy, transport, hospitality, law enforcement, fire safety and many other specialties that the city’s economy needs. Applicants can choose from more than 150 professions and specialties in all sectors of the city’s economy. Moscow ninth-graders who graduated from school this year will be able to submit an application until July 26. Applications for areas with entrance examinations will be accepted until July 20,” said Anastasia Rakova.

    From June 26 to August 15, capital city graduates of ninth grades of previous years and Moscow eleventh graders can submit documents to colleges. In addition, documents from out-of-town applicants will be accepted during this period. Applications for specialties that require entrance examinations can be submitted until August 10.

    Moscow and out-of-town ninth-grade graduates, including those from previous years, will be enrolled in colleges based on the sum of the initial points of the state final assessment (GIA) in Russian language and mathematics. Moscow and out-of-town 11th-grade graduates are admitted based on a certificate competition.

    Anyone over 14 years of age who has an account on the mos.ru portal can apply for admission to the college, the Moscow Department of Information Technology noted. Moscow graduates do not need to attach a scanned copy of their certificate: all the necessary data is already available in the system. Registration of the application takes place within one working day. Information about the change in status will be available in your personal account and in a notification that will be sent by e-mail. Residents of the regions and foreign citizens will also be able to submit applications for enrollment electronically during this admissions campaign.

    This year, you can submit an application electronically on the mos.ru portal not only for training, but also choose its form.

    You can get advice on admission issues by calling the single hotline for Moscow colleges: 7 495 568-00-88.

    This year, Moscow, along with two other regions, is implementing a law on expanding the availability of secondary vocational education. The capital’s ninth-graders now have the opportunity to pass two subjects at the State Final Examination (GIA) instead of four — only Russian and mathematics — to receive a certificate. More than a third of the capital’s schoolchildren took advantage of this opportunity this year.

    You can learn more about popular areas of study at open days at the capital’s colleges. You can see their schedule and register for events on the website Moscow Center for the Development of Professional Education.

    Detailed information about in-demand professions and specialties taught in the capital’s colleges is available on the website “Colleges of Moscow”, in the telegram channel of the same name andcommunity on the social network VKontakte.

    How capital colleges teach professions of the future in the tourism industryHow Moscow Colleges Train In-Demand Welding SpecialistsMore than 13 thousand students are mastering medical professions in the capital’s colleges

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155872073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025
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