Category: Economy

MIL-OSI China: British 2025 GDP growth forecast cut in half to 1%

Source: China State Council Information Office

Britain’s economy is expected to grow by only one percent in 2025, half of the previous forecast of 2 percent, said the country’s finance minister on Wednesday.

Britain’s public finance watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), has revised down its 2025 growth forecasts in the latest publication, confirmed British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in her Spring Statement in the House of Commons.

“Around one-third of the lower growth this year reflects what appears to be structural weakness. This is concentrated in productivity,” said the OBR. “The remaining two-thirds is due to what appear to be cyclical, temporary factors including higher interest rate expectations, increases in gas prices, and elevated uncertainty.”

Highlighting the current significant uncertainty, the OBR said: “If global trade disputes escalate to include 20 percentage point rises in tariffs between the USA and the rest of the world, this could reduce UK GDP (gross domestic product) by a peak of 1 percent.”

Britain’s annual CPI inflation is also projected to increase from 2.5 percent in 2024 to 3.2 percent in 2025, 0.6 percentage points higher than the October forecast, said the independent watchdog.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Foreign aid cuts could mean 10 million more HIV infections by 2030 – and almost 3 million extra deaths

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rowan Martin-Hughes, Senior Research Fellow, Burnet Institute

CI Photos/Shutterstock

In January, the Trump administration ordered a broad pause on all US funding for foreign aid.

Among other issues, this has significant effects on US funding for HIV. The United States has been the world’s biggest donor to international HIV assistance, providing 73% of funding in 2023.

A large part of this is the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which oversees programs in low- and middle-income countries to prevent, diagnose and treat the virus. These programs have been significantly disrupted.

What’s more, recent funding cuts for international HIV assistance go beyond the US. Five countries that provide the largest amount of foreign aid for HIV – the US, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Netherlands – have announced cuts of between 8% and 70% to international aid in 2025 and 2026.

Together, this may mean a 24% reduction in international HIV spending, in addition to the US foreign aid pause.

We wanted to know how these cuts might affect HIV infections and deaths in the years to come. In a new study, we found the worst-case scenario could see more than 10 million extra infections than what we’d otherwise anticipate in the next five years, and almost 3 million additional deaths.

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. HIV can be transmitted at birth, during unprotected sex or thorough blood-to-blood contact such as shared needles.

If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition in which the immune system is severely damaged, and which can be fatal.

HIV was the world’s deadliest infectious disease in the early 1990s. There’s still no cure for HIV, but modern treatments allow the virus to be suppressed with a daily pill. People with HIV who continue treatment can live without symptoms and don’t risk infecting others.

A sustained global effort towards awareness, prevention, testing and treatment has reduced annual new HIV infections by 39% (from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2023), and annual deaths by 51% (from 1.3 million to 630,000).

Most of that drop happened in sub-Saharan Africa, where the epidemic was worst. Today, nearly two-thirds of people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, and nearly all live in low- and middle-income countries.

HIV can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.
MaryBeth Semosky/Shutterstock

Our study

We wanted to estimate the impact of recent funding cuts from the US, UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands on HIV infections and deaths. To do this, we used our mathematical model for 26 low- and middle-income countries. The model includes data on international HIV spending as well as data on HIV cases and deaths.

These 26 countries represent roughly half of all people living with HIV in low- and middle income countries, and half of international HIV spending. We set up each country model in collaboration with national HIV/AIDS teams, so the data sources reflected the best available local knowledge. We then extrapolated our findings from the 26 countries we modelled to all low- and middle-income countries.

For each country, we first projected the number of new HIV infections and deaths that would occur if HIV spending stayed the same.

Second, we modelled scenarios for anticipated cuts based on a 24% reduction in international HIV funding for each country.

Finally, we modelled scenarios for the possible immediate discontinuation of PEPFAR in addition to other anticipated cuts.

With the 24% cuts and PEPFAR discontinued, we estimated there could be 4.43 million to 10.75 million additional HIV infections between 2025 and 2030, and 770,000 to 2.93 million extra HIV-related deaths. Most of these would be because of cuts to treatment. For children, there could be up to an additional 882,400 infections and 119,000 deaths.

In the more optimistic scenario in which PEPFAR continues but 24% is still cut from international HIV funding, we estimated there could be 70,000 to 1.73 million extra new HIV infections and 5,000 to 61,000 additional deaths between 2025 and 2030. This would still be 50% higher than if current spending were to continue.

The wide range in our estimates reflects low- and middle-income countries committing to far more domestic funding for HIV in the best case, or broader health system dysfunction and a sustained gap in funding for HIV treatment in the worst case.

Some funding for HIV treatment may be saved by taking that money from HIV prevention efforts, but this would have other consequences.

The range also reflects limitations in the available data, and uncertainty within our analysis. But most of our assumptions were cautious, so these results likely underestimate the true impacts of funding cuts to HIV programs globally.

Sending progress backwards

If funding cuts continue, the world could face higher rates of annual new HIV infections by 2030 (up to 3.4 million) than at the peak of the global epidemic in 1995 (3.3 million).

Sub-Saharan Africa will experience by far the greatest effects due to the high proportion of HIV treatment that has relied on international funding.

In other regions, we estimate vulnerable groups such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and trans and gender diverse people may experience increases in new HIV infections that are 1.3 to 6 times greater than the general population.

The Asia-Pacific received US$591 million in international funding for HIV in 2023, which is the second highest after sub-Saharan Africa. So this region would likely experience a substantial rise in HIV as a result of anticipated funding cuts.

Notably, more than 10% of new HIV infections among people born in Australia are estimated to have been acquired overseas. More HIV in the region is likely to mean more HIV in Australia.

But concern is greatest for countries that are most acutely affected by HIV and AIDS, many of which will be most affected by international funding cuts.

Rowan Martin-Hughes receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. He has previously received funding to conduct HIV modelling studies from the Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care, Gates Foundation, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, World Bank and World Health Organization.

Debra ten Brink has previously received funding to conduct HIV modelling studies from the Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care, Gates Foundation, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, World Bank and World Health Organization.

Nick Scott receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. He has previously received funding to conduct HIV modelling studies from the Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care, Gates Foundation, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, World Bank and World Health Organization.

– ref. Foreign aid cuts could mean 10 million more HIV infections by 2030 – and almost 3 million extra deaths – https://theconversation.com/foreign-aid-cuts-could-mean-10-million-more-hiv-infections-by-2030-and-almost-3-million-extra-deaths-253017

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Category 2C homes in Māngere

Source: Auckland Council

Homes across Auckland that were impacted by the 2023 storms are being assessed for their future flood and landslide risk.

Based on the government’s risk categories framework, the assessments are focused on identifying where there is an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future flooding or landslides, and whether anything can be done to reduce that risk. Any support aims to help address the risk, or where that’s not possible – to help whānau move out of harm’s way.

About Category 2C

A ‘Category 2C’ is given to homes that meet the threshold of intolerable risk to life, but where Auckland Council is planning a community stormwater project that will reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Māngere is the first community to receive priority funding for flood resilience projects, which includes $53 million for the rapid delivery of stormwater projects at Harania Creek and Te Ararata Creek in Māngere. The projects are expected to start in April 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.

Not all homes in these areas will be assigned a Category 2C – each home’s category depends on the unique level of risk and whether these projects or a construction solution at the home can reduce that risk. This is why confirming categories in the two project areas takes more care. Properties given a Category 2C will have their risk reduced to a reasonable level when the project in their neighbourhood is complete in mid-2026.

Category 2C Homeowners Guide

Preparing your home, tenants and whānau

The risk assessments we carry out are based on an extreme event with a one per cent chance of happening or being exceeded in any year. While they are uncommon, it is very hard to predict if, or when, another large storm may happen again.

So until the projects are complete it’s especially important you take steps at home to reduce your flood risk, while having an emergency plan in place in case another major storm hits.

We expect homeowners to have open communication with their tenants about the property category and any risks, as well as ensuring they have information about emergency preparedness.

More information about preparing for flooding is available in the Category 2C Homeowners Guide and via the link below.

Preparing your property and whānau for flooding

Category 2C FAQs

What support am I eligible for as a 2C homeowner?

Your property has been confirmed as Category 2C because an upcoming stormwater project in your neighbourhood will reduce the future risk to life at your home to a safe level. This means you will be able to continue living in your community and will not need to carry out construction solutions to reduce the risk at your home. Because of this you won’t have access to buy-out or construction grant support. However, you will continue to have access to our Storm Recovery Navigator Service connecting you to wellbeing, financial and accommodation support where relevant. If you don’t have a navigator and would like one, please email navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

What if I have more questions or disagree with my category?

If you have questions about your report and how your category was assigned, we have a technical expert that can meet with you to discuss your questions. You can continue using this technical helpdesk service for any other questions about your report.

If you still disagree with your Category 2C, you can raise a dispute through the formal dispute process. You’ll also have the option to seek a further external review if you are unhappy with that decision.

Outside of technical helpdesk support, your Navigator will continue doing their best to support your wider wellbeing needs and can help you navigate these next steps.

What about the risk levels while the projects are underway?

Local stormwater systems are built to international standards, to manage a good amount of rainfall. The categorisation risk assessments we carry out are based on an extreme event with a one per cent chance of this happening or being exceeded in any year. While they are uncommon, it is very hard to predict if, or when, another large storm may happen again.

A local stormwater project will reduce the risk to life at Category 2C homes, but the full risk reduction benefits will only be realised when the project is fully completed in mid-2026.

So, while Auckland Council is working on this major project, it is also prioritising stormwater monitoring, maintenance and catchpits in your neighbourhood.

At home, there are also important things you can do to reduce your flooding risk and prepare in case one of these extreme storms happens again. We have provided some general information in our 2C homeowner guide about preparing for major storms, and a community-level plan is being finalised for each local board area.

Can you guarantee these stormwater projects will stop flooding at my home?

The specific purpose of the limited categorisation programme is to address situations where there is an intolerable risk to life – not to protect property. The projects will reduce this risk to life at Category 2C homes to a safe level, while also reducing the flooding risk at the property.

It isn’t possible to stop all flooding, but these projects will significantly reduce the risk of flooding to residential properties around the stream. Any remaining flooding in residential areas will happen at a lower level and less often.

What if I have tenants?

We expect homeowners to have open communication with their tenants about the property category and any risks, as well as ensuring they have information about emergency preparedness. You can visit our page, Supporting tenants through storm recovery and information about preparing for flooding is available in the Category 2C Homeowners Guide or via the links above.

Will my Category 2C home still be insurable?

We have been working closely with the insurance industry since the floods. They have told us that 2C homeowners will still be able to get insurance cover, but ultimately this is up to individual insurance companies.

Auckland Council has to disclose property categories to the insurance industry because they use official information requests to ask for this information. This means your insurance company will know what your property category is. We recommend you speak to your own insurer to understand if there is an impact on your insurance policy.

If your insurer makes a decision to stop providing flood cover, or they increase your premiums, we recommend you speak to other insurance companies as you may find another company will provide a better policy for you.

What goes on my LIM?

A notation will be added to your LIM to explain that your home has been categorised as 2C. This notation will be removed at the completion of the flood infrastructure project. Outside of categorisation, general council information on natural hazards will continue to be disclosed on all LIMs, including homes that were not categorised.

What are the stormwater projects in Māngere?

Māngere is the first community to receive priority funding for flood resilience projects which includes $53 million for the rapid delivery of flood resilience projects at Harania Creek and Te Ararata Creek in Māngere. The projects are expected to start in April 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.

For more information on each project visit:

Information about key impacts is available on the project webpages and you can contact the project team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

How does Auckland Council measure ‘intolerable risk to life’ from flooding risk?

For flooding, an intolerable risk to life is where there is a high risk to life for vulnerable people in a flood event that has a one per cent chance of happening or being exceeded in any one year (an existing 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event).

To determine the risk to life from floods on a property, Auckland Council completes a ‘flood danger risk assessment’ and assigns a ‘danger rating’ that indicates the threat to people’s lives from flooding inside or outside the home.

More information is available in the Category 3 Homeowners Guide or on our guide to flood risk assessments.

What are the risk categories?

Category 1	These properties do not meet the threshold for intolerable risk to life. They are not eligible for a buy-out or other financial support from the council but can access wellbeing and other support.
Category 2P	Category 2P means there is intolerable risk to life at the property, but changes to the property can be made to reduce the risk to life from future weather events. Homeowners can apply for a grant to make these changes so that the property is safe to live in.
Category 2C	Category 2C means that there is intolerable risk to life at the property, but community-level measures (or interventions) will be developed to reduce the risk to life at a property.
Category 3	Category 3 means there is intolerable risk to life at the property, and changes to the property are not feasible. Category 3 properties can opt-in to the voluntary buyout by the council.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI China: China to accelerate construction of intl consumption centers

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Consumers select blind boxes at a Pop Mart store in Xidan Joy City, a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s State Council on Wednesday released a document formulated by the Ministry of Commerce to accelerate the transformation of certain cities into international consumption centers.
The document states that China will expedite the transformation of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing into such centers. It also aims to create a globally attractive consumption environment, expand domestic demand and promote high-standard opening-up.
China will actively promote the debut economy. For example, it will work to attract global high-quality brands to open flagship stores, set up R&D design centers and establish regional headquarters, thus perfecting the debut economy’s ecosystem.
The country will expand its unilateral visa-free travel policy in an orderly manner, improve its consumption environment, and better leverage the role of duty-free stores and the national tax-refund-upon-departure policy.
It also plans to organize various large-scale consumption promotion activities, support the hosting of more high-level international sports events and performance shows, and increase the supply of high-quality goods and services.
Additionally, it will deepen economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchange, according to the document.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Strengthening safety and quality in early childhood education and care
Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

As we work to build the universal early childhood education and care system that works for families and gives children the best start in life, children’s wellbeing and quality early education and care is the top priority.

The Albanese Labor Government is taking action to crack down on unscrupulous early childhood education and care providers and strengthen integrity across the care economy.

Overwhelmingly, children in early childhood education and care are well looked after and the vast majority of providers prioritising child safety and wellbeing.

However, we know that there are a very small number of providers doing the wrong thing – and when it comes to children’s best interests one dodgy operator is too many.

While state and territory governments are responsible for ensuring early childhood providers are meeting minimum standards and operating within the Education and Care National Law, the Commonwealth is able to leverage its significant investment in the sector to improve quality and penalise the small number of providers doing the wrong thing.

The Albanese Government will strengthen Commonwealth regulatory and enforcement powers to deal with providers that put profit over quality and child safety at risk by exploring measures to:
- Prevent providers who persistently fail to meet minimum standards and repetitively breach the National Law from opening new Child Care Subsidy approved services.
- Take compliance action against existing providers with egregious and continued breaches, including the option to cut off access to Child Care Subsidy funding where appropriate.
- Strengthen powers to deal with providers that pose an integrity risk.
The Albanese Government will consult closely with the sector and with states and territories to ensure these changes don’t negatively impact families and quality providers, only targeting the small number of providers doing the wrong thing.

Unfortunately, when a dodgy operator is detected and removed from one part of the national care economy they sometimes pop up as an operator in another care sector.

To stamp this out the Albanese Labor Government will also investigate stronger cross-sector banning order arrangements to stop people who have breached safety and quality standards in one part of the care economy from operating in other care sectors.

The Commonwealth will work closely with state and territory governments to put these strengthened arrangements in place.

The Albanese Labor Government is undertaking significant reform across the early childhood education and care sector to build a system where children have universal access to high quality early learning.

These reforms are being informed by a number or reports and reviews, along with input from families, the sector and experts.

To learn more about these reforms visit education.gov.au/early-childhood/announcements/building-universal-early-education-and-care-system

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

“There’s no room for any dodgy operators in our early childhood education and care sector or in any part of the care sector.

“We’re taking swift and divisive action to ensure child safety and improve quality and in the early childhood education sector. I expect state and territory governments to fulfill their regulatory obligations and ensure early childhood education services in their jurisdictions are meeting our world leading quality standards.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of services and people in the sector do the right thing, but if you’re failing to deliver quality and safe early childhood education you shouldn’t have access to government funding and you shouldn’t be working in the sector.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

“If you’ve done the wrong thing in one part of the care sector, we are going to stop you taking advantage of people in any other area.

“We don’t want to see dodgy providers in the care economy simply pop up in another.

“Cross-sector banning orders will help enable coordination and flexibility in preventing banned entities from operating in other parts of the care economy and I look forward to working with states and territories to make them a reality.”

MIL OSI News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Hosts Office Hours on Importance of Protecting SNAP and Food Security Benefits as Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans Plan for Cuts

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Massachusetts receives $2.6 billion in SNAP annually

Washington (March 26, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today hosted a virtual meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), advocates from Mass Law Reform Institute, Project Bread, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Greater Boston Food Bank, Worcester County Food Bank, Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Merrimack Valley Food Bank, and hundreds of constituents on the importance of protecting SNAP and other essential food security benefits for people in Massachusetts. Last month, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans in Congress advanced their plan to cut billions from SNAP, school meals, food banks, and farmers markets after stripping funding for programs that help schools purchase locally grown food.

Massachusetts receives $220 million in federal funding for food security monthly, reaching families in every city and town in the Commonwealth. SNAP helps one in six Massachusetts residents, or about 670,000 families, put food on their table, but nearly 20 percent of families in Massachusetts still report struggling with food access. Families across the Commonwealth are seeing their purchasing power decrease as food costs increase at the sixth-highest rate in the country.

“Food is essential—it is how we feed our families and sustain ourselves; how children get the nutrition they need to learn; and how we share our cultures and build our community. SNAP is a critical lifeline in uplifting millions of families to put food on their table,” said Senator Markey. “I heard stories from early educators, community college students, food bank leaders, and advocates that I can use to show Republicans what cuts to food security benefits will mean. If they want to make these cuts, I’m going to make sure every American knows that Republicans are taking food from people’s dinner tables to fuel billionaires’ tax breaks.”

“The proposed twenty percent cuts to SNAP pose a significant threat to food insecurity here in the Commonwealth,” said Catherine D’Amato, President, and CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank. “GBFB estimates that the proposed reduction in SNAP benefits equal 118 million meals lost throughout the state. To put that in perspective, imagine a packed Gillette Stadium with around 65,000 fans. If each person there needed three meals a day, 118 million meals could feed a sold-out crowd every day for over 600 days—almost two years! The already overburdened emergency food system here in Massachusetts will not be able to bridge this gap without significant philanthropic support and policy interventions.”

“MLRI is grateful to Senator Markey and our entire delegation for their work to protect SNAP, Medicaid, and our safety-net,” said Vicky Negus, Benefits Policy Advocate at the Mass Law Reform Institute. “SNAP is our country’s most effective anti-poverty program – helping 1 in 6 MA residents put food on the table. Cutting SNAP would harm families struggling to get by for generations to come, worsen hunger, and harm health and our local economies.”

“Each month, SNAP benefits support approximately 194,000 individuals in Western Massachusetts, bringing in around $35 million in federal dollars to the region,” said Christina Maxwell, Director of Programs at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “Reducing SNAP benefits will not only increase hunger but also hurt farmers, local economies, and small businesses that depend on these federal dollars.”

“The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the very foundation and source of nutritious food for 42 million children, older adults, and hard-working adults in every community in the United States. People who are constituents of every Senator and Representative in Congress. We applaud Senator Markey and the entire MA delegation for their vigorous and vigilant protection of SNAP. It is immoral for elected officials to take money from SNAP, which is food for their constituents, to free billions of dollars for tax cuts for billionaires. Food Banks and food pantries cannot fill the food gap created by a reduction in federal financial support. The federal budget is the people’s budget, and Congress should ensure that SNAP thrives,” said Jean McMurray, CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank.

“The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative appreciates Senator Ed Markey’s leadership in supporting SNAP and the federal grant programs that help make Massachusetts farms more sustainable and feed hungry residents. At a time of heightened food insecurity, proposed cuts to SNAP will only put more pressure on the emergency food system, force families to make impossible choices between food and rent, increase diet-related illness, and take dollars out of the local economy. Massachusetts farmers are facing significant cuts to grant programs that helped feed more food insecure residents and provided expanded market channels, and cuts to SNAP will further destabilize the local food system,” said Rebecca Miller, Policy Director at the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative.

“SNAP is the most effective solution we have in the fight against hunger,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. “We need to strengthen and expand SNAP’s impact to support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, instead of cutting into a critical lifeline for over 1 million Massachusetts residents. We are asking Congress to reject cuts to SNAP and reject the harm that would impact our communities nationwide.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China to accelerate construction of international consumption centers

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

China’s State Council on Wednesday released a document formulated by the Ministry of Commerce to accelerate the transformation of certain cities into international consumption centers.
The document states that China will expedite the transformation of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing into such centers. It also aims to create a globally attractive consumption environment, expand domestic demand and promote high-standard opening-up.
China will actively promote the debut economy. For example, it will work to attract global high-quality brands to open flagship stores, set up R&D design centers and establish regional headquarters, thus perfecting the debut economy’s ecosystem.
The country will expand its unilateral visa-free travel policy in an orderly manner, improve its consumption environment, and better leverage the role of duty-free stores and the national tax-refund-upon-departure policy.
It also plans to organize various large-scale consumption promotion activities, support the hosting of more high-level international sports events and performance shows, and increase the supply of high-quality goods and services.
Additionally, it will deepen economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchange, according to the document.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Japanese researcher donates WWII documents on Japan’s crimes in HK

Source: China State Council Information Office

Seiya Matsuno, a Japanese researcher at the International Peace Research Institute of Meiji Gakuin University in Japan, donated a collection of rare Japanese wartime documents to the Guangdong Provincial Archives on Tuesday, disclosing new evidence of the counterfeit currency war waged by Japanese invaders in Hong Kong during World War II.

The materials, including classified military telegrams and documents written in Japanese, provide details on how the Japanese invaders orchestrated the mass counterfeiting of the then-Nationalist government’s fiat currency in Hong Kong, according to the Guangdong Provincial Archives in Guangzhou, the capital of south China’s Guangdong Province.

The documents record specifics such as counterfeiting quantities, manufacturing locations and processes, distribution channels, and guidelines for the use of the fake money.

Matsuno has made multiple previous donations to the Chinese mainland, including historical evidence of Japan’s infamous Unit 731 and chemical warfare in China.

These donations have also showed that there were precedent uses of counterfeit money by the invading Japanese army, meaning the Japanese officials at the time were accustomed to their army’s shameless practice of currency counterfeiting to steal the wealth of the Chinese people and disrupt China’s economic and financial order, according to the Guangdong Provincial Archives.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost the American Mining Workforce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to bolster America’s mining workforce. The Mining Schools Act will establish a grant program for use by higher education institutions to recruit students and carry out research projects related to mineral production.
“Nevada is on the forefront of the growing critical mineral industry,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This legislation will provide needed resources to universities in the Silver State to prepare young Nevadans for good-paying jobs that support our state’s economy and promote green energy production.”
The Mining Schools Act of 2025 would establish a grant program for mining schools to receive funds in order to recruit students and carry out studies, research projects, or demonstration projects related to the production of minerals. In addition to the grant program, the Act would establish the Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to evaluate applications and recommend recipients to the Secretary of Energy, as well as conduct oversight to ensure that grant funds are appropriately used. University of Nevada, Reno’s Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering is one such mining school that would qualify for funding under this act.
Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to support Nevada’s mining industry, protecting more than 83,000 local jobs and paving the way for Nevada to power the clean energy economy. She has consistently blocked burdensome taxes on mining and wrote important provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Nevada’s critical mineral supply chain and fund battery recycling programs in the state. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Delegation Hails AIDEA’s Coastal Plain Court Victory

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
03.26.25
Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled that the Biden administration illegally canceled seven leases in the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of ANWR in 2023. The leases were bid on, won, and held by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), which filed the successful court challenge.
“As we wrote the Coastal Plain program in 2017, we adopted a legal framework substantially similar to the one in place for the NPR-A. After the first Trump administration developed a good program and AIDEA secured seven leases, the Biden administration spent four years attempting to turn the program on its head. From their initial pause and then the cancelation of these leases, to the arbitrary closure of 74 percent of the program area and a lease sale that was designed to fail, I can’t think of a single lawful thing the last administration did on the Coastal Plain,” Senator Murkowski said. “While we lost years of development to their willful intransigence, this decision is an important step to getting things back on track. I appreciate Judge Gleason’s clear-eyed reading of the law we wrote and congratulate AIDEA on their victory. I hope their leases are immediately reinstated and thank them for persevering in their effort to help develop our state’s abundant resources for the benefit of all Alaskans.”
“I’ve said for years that not only were President Biden’s 70 executive orders and actions shutting down Alaska harmful to our state and working families, but many of them were also illegal,” said Senator Dan Sullivan. “The District Court ruled yesterday that the administration’s cancellation of ANWR leases was a ‘serious’ error that violated ‘congressionally mandated procedures.’ That is an important rebuke, but I don’t believe that this was an honest mistake. President Biden’s lawyers likely knew this cancellation was illegal, but they did it anyway in order to have a chilling impact on future Coastal Plain lease sales and to kill hundreds, if not thousands of jobs for Alaskans. But it is a new day for our state. We now have an administration that is committed to unleashing our extraordinary resources, growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs for hardworking Alaskans.”
“The Biden Administration’s illegal cancellation of leases in ANWR was a reckless act of overreach that hurt Alaska families and threatened America’s path to energy security,” said Congressman Begich. “The law could not be more clear: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed by Congress in 2017 and signed into law by President Trump mandates the responsible development of ANWR. This ruling brings us one step closer to restoring the promise of ANWR and putting Alaska back on the map as a cornerstone of America’s energy dominance.”
In September 2023, the Department of the Interior canceled all seven of AIDEA’s leases on the Coastal Plain. AIDEA sued the Department the following month. In her opinion finding for AIDEA, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason wrote that, “Federal Defendants’ cancellation of AIDEA’s leases was not in accordance with law because it failed to seek a court order…The Court finds that vacatur is appropriate. DOI’s error is serious: DOI cancelled AIDEA’s leases without following the congressionally-mandated procedure for doing so… DOI’s Lease Cancellation Decision of AIDEA’s ANWR leases is VACATED.”
Judge Gleason has sent the matter back to the Department of the Interior for further action.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Warnock Reintroduce Bill Supporting Forest Landowners Following Natural Disasters

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) reintroduced legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Disaster Reforestation Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.
“Louisianans know too well the importance of natural disaster relief,” said Dr. Cassidy. “When their lives and communities are torn apart by storms, they need a tax fix like this.”
“Our rural communities need all the help they can get after a disaster like Hurricane Helene devastates farmland and forests. The bipartisan Disaster Reforestation Act will help lessen the burden on forest owners during a recovery process following a natural disaster,” said Senator Warnock. “The forestry industry is central to Georgia’s economy and ecology, and I’m happy to work alongside Senator Cassidy in this.”
“Landowners currently have no tools to recover after a disaster destroys their forests,” said Scott Jones CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “The Disaster Reforestation Act is not a handout or a subsidy—it simply corrects the casualty loss deduction so landowners can claim the true value of their damaged timber. This is a necessary step to ensure family forestry businesses can survive future disasters and keep our working forests intact.”
“Natural disasters create havoc on forest resources but more importantly on the lives of people who manage them. Often when disasters hit it is financially overwhelming for a landowner to get back on their feet and begin the recovery process. The Disaster Reforestation Act offers a helping hand to the landowner to get their land back into production as quickly as possible. The Louisiana Forestry Association supports this effort on behalf of all forest landowners throughout Louisiana and the nation,” said C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, Louisiana Forestry Association.
The Disaster Reforestation Act is supported by: Alabama Forestry Association, American Forest Foundation, Arkansas Forestry Association, Association of Consulting Foresters, California Forestry Association, Florida Forestry Association, Forest Resources Association, Forestry Association of South Carolina, Georgia Forestry Association, Hardwood Federation, Iowa Coalition For Trees and Forests, Iowa Woodland Owners, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Louisiana Forestry Association, Massachusetts Forest Alliance, Mississippi Forestry Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Foresters, National Woodlands Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, Ohio Forestry Association, Oklahoma Forestry Association, Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Group of State Foresters, Tennessee Forestry Association, Texas Forestry Association, The Carbon Fund, Trees Forever, Virginia Forestry Association, Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington Forest Protection Association, and Wildlife Mississippi.
“The introduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act by Senator Cassidy and Senator Warnock is a crucial step in ensuring that private forest landowners have the resources needed to recover and reforest after catastrophic events. Timber is a long-term investment, and without the certainty this legislation provides—especially as natural disasters become more frequent—the health of our forests and the stability of our wood products sector are at risk. This bipartisan bill offers a much-needed solution, recognizing the essential role private forests play in strengthening rural economies, sustaining wildlife habitats, improving air quality, and securing a reliable domestic supply of timber and wood products. We urge Congress to act swiftly on this legislation to protect these critical resources for future generations,” said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association.
“All of agriculture is risky and subject to Mother Nature. Forestry and timber production are no exception. Senator Cassidy and Louisiana Farm Bureau recognize that. Our members are grateful that he and Senator Warnock are once again imploring Congress to recognize it too. The Disaster Reforestation Act would give forest landowners some sign of hope when a disaster strikes. It is only right to provide these hardworking folks some relief when they’ve been knocked down. This bill would go a long way in doing just that,” said Richard Fontenot, President, Louisiana Farm Bureau.
Louisiana timberland play a critical role in the state’s economy, communities, and environment. There are 15 million acres of private forest in Louisiana producing enough oxygen for 148 million residents to breathe every year and sequester the emissions of 2.5 million cars annually driven on Louisiana’s roads. According to the Forest Landowners Association, they provide an impact of $13 billion on the Louisiana economy. 48,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by forestry providing $1 billion in salaries and wages and $328 million in state taxes.
Background
Previous disaster relief policies and programs provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers, however, they do not provide any economic relief for farmers whose timber crops were destroyed. The Disaster Reforestation Act allows landowners to deduct the full value of timber destroyed during disaster events in the same way the tax code treats other crops.
In the case of the loss of uncut timber from fire, storm, other casualty, or theft, the basis used for determining the amount of the deduction may not be less than the excess of (1) the appraised value of the uncut timber determined immediately before the loss was sustained, over (2) the salvage value of the timber.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces Legislation to Reform Dietary Guidelines for Americans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025, legislation that will amend the National Nutrition Monitoring & Related Research Act of 1990 and modernize the development of federal dietary guidelines with up-to-date, evidence-based nutritional information.
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory (DGAC) Committee makes dietary recommendations for tens of millions of Americans, and this bill will provide more transparency and public input to ensure positive nutrition outcomes for all. DGAC guides recommendations for federal food package programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which has a massive participation of nearly 30 million school children. In addition to advising federal meal programs, the DGAC report also serves as a guide for nutrition education programs such as MyPlate and the Healthy Eating Index.
“Despite decades of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our citizens have only become sicker and more obese, while taxpayer dollars continue to fund this chaotic and broken process,” Senator Marshall said. “The Dietary Guidelines Reform Act brings much-needed transparency and scientific integrity to the dietary guidelines process, restores public trust, and aims for healthier outcomes by ensuring the recommendations truly serve the American people.”
U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) introduced the House companion version of the bill.
“The Biden administration has weaponized the dietary guidelines to push a partisan agenda instead of sound nutritional science,” Representative Ronny Jackson said. “My bill will ensure these dietary guidelines are based on transparent, evidence-based research – not political ideologies – so Americans can trust they are getting real, science-backed recommendations that support their health and well-being.”
Specifically, the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025:

Reforms the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) drafting process and adds transparency by subjecting the report to the federal rulemaking process.
Expands the DGA report timeline from every fix to every ten years and requires public notice and comment rulemaking to finalize the DGA report.
Requires members of the DGAC to provide full disclosure of all relevant financial and nonfinancial conflicts of interest.
Establishes a bipartisan panel of experts to draft scientific questions intended to direct the work of the DGAC as they draft the DGA report.
Designs dietary guidelines to improve long-term health outcomes and advance nutritional adequacy by addressing current, high-priority health concerns.

Click HERE to read the full bill text.
Background:

Senator Marshall has long been an advocate for food as medicine, working with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure Americans have improved access to whole, nutrient-dense food.
Nutrition plays a critical role in long-term health outcomes and in preventing chronic illness, making access to accurate and accessible dietary guidelines vital to Americans’ health.
America is facing a chronic disease epidemic, with poor diet serving as the primary culprit for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Over 60% of Americans have at least one chronic illness, with over 40% suffering from at least two.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Apple boosts China presence, partners on green initiatives, AI

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. tech giant Apple on Wednesday announced it is accelerating its support for the next generation of developers in China with a new 30 million yuan (about 4.18 million U.S. dollars) donation to Zhejiang University.

“We believe coding is a powerful tool that empowers people to create, communicate, and solve problems in entirely new ways,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook while visiting the university in east China on the same day.

“We are proud to expand our decade-long partnership with Zhejiang University to support the next generation of coders with the skills to create innovative apps and build dynamic businesses,” he said.

The fund will connect students with industry leaders and investors through workshops, internships, and mentorships, providing more business-related training for students to succeed in the growing iOS app economy and beyond, the company said in a statement.

In collaboration with Apple, Zhejiang University will establish the Apple App Incubation Fund to offer training in the latest technologies, with specialized curricula in app development, product design, marketing, and business operations.

The new donation follows Apple’s decade of support for the Mobile Application Innovation Contest organized by Zhejiang University, which has benefited some 30,000 participants from nearly 1,000 universities across the country.

The donation followed a new clean energy fund worth 720 million yuan set up in China by Apple on Monday, amid Cook’s latest visit to China, during which he attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum in Beijing.

The investment fund seeks to create an additional annual wind and solar energy generation capacity of approximately 550,000 megawatt-hours for China’s power grid, with the figure expected to increase as more investors join, the tech firm said in a statement.

Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams visited the company’s suppliers in east China’s Jiangsu and Shandong provinces on Monday and Tuesday.

“China is a central part of our critical supply chain and we’ve been investing here for 30 years,” said Williams. “We will continue to invest in China in a big way.”

“What I consistently see here in China is this attitude of trying to figure out how to do what’s next. It really is inspiring to me,” Williams said.

During his visit, he also paid close attention to the impact of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) on smart manufacturing.

Whether it’s something as simple as glue dispensing or cosmetic inspection, it can now be done with AI in a way that is much more efficient and also much more effective than what a human can do, Williams said. “We’re seeing the growth of AI and its importance in our supply chain.”

Apple began business operations in China in 1993. Currently, over 80 percent of its top 200 global suppliers maintain manufacturing facilities in China. The company said that over the past five years, it has invested 20 billion U.S. dollars in China, focusing on smart manufacturing and green initiatives.

Some 59,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China last year, reflecting an increase of 9.9 percent. Over the past five years, the rate of return on foreign direct investment in China has averaged approximately 9 percent, ranking among the highest globally.

While meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing on Monday, Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to increasing investments in sectors such as supply chains, research and development, and social responsibility in China. He also emphasized the company’s readiness to play an active role in promoting the stable, healthy development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Center for Financial, Monetary Systems Symposium debuts in HK

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Center for Financial and Monetary Systems 2025 Symposium kicked off here Wednesday, marking the first time the symposium was held in Hong Kong.

Co-hosted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the symposium welcomed business leaders, tech pioneers and academics from around the world to discuss global themes and megatrends that are particularly relevant to Asia today, including emerging technologies, fintech, growth financing and sustainability.

Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said at the symposium that Hong Kong will continue to serve as a gateway for international investors to explore development opportunities in the Chinese mainland as well as in Asia.

Chan called on international investors to seize the opportunities and invest in China, noting the Chinese mainland and the Asia-Pacific region will remain the global growth engine over the next decade.

Matthew Blake, head of the Center for Financial and Monetary Systems, World Economic Forum, said that with the world today facing significant uncertainty due to geopolitical, technological, and economic shifts, it is essential that leaders in financial services come together to address these challenges.

Bonnie Chan, chief executive officer of HKEX, said that as a key financial market infrastructure, HKEX is committed to connecting global capital with the region’s opportunities, which is more important than ever in the rapidly changing world. HKEX looked forward to working closely with the WEF to bring global conversations to Asia and driving sustainable progress in the financial services sector.

The WEF is an unofficial international organization dedicated to researching and addressing issues in the global economic sphere, as well as promoting international economic cooperation and exchanges.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Canadian government looking for possible retaliation against US auto tariffs

Source: China State Council Information Office

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday said his government will be looking at its options for possible retaliation against the U.S. auto tariffs, local media reported.

The liberal leader on his election campaign tour said the tariffs are “a direct attack” against Canadian workers, regardless of how they are applied, according to CBC News.

“We have anticipated this possibility,” he was quoted as saying. “We will take the steps that are in the interests of Canadian workers, of Canada. We’re going to stand up for Canada. We’re going to be united.”

Previously Carney announced a “strategic response fund” which is valued at 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster the country’s auto industry.

Carney said the money would be used to boost the auto sector’s competitiveness, protect manufacturing jobs, help workers gain expertise and build “a fortified Canadian supply chain.”

Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball.

Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

“In the new world, that will be an advantage,” he was quoted as saying. “That will help insulate us from President Trump’s trade threats and it will grow the economy.”

If elected on April 28, Carney said his government would also prioritize and procure Canadian-built vehicles, reported CBC News.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Wednesday for a 25-percent tariff on all vehicles not made in the United States as of April 2.

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reducing debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers

Source: New Zealand Government

New Crown lending facilities and a loan guarantee scheme will support the growth of the Community Housing Provider (CHP) sector and put CHPs on a more level playing field with Kāinga Ora, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“This Government believes in social housing. We are working hard to deliver better housing to those who need support, including by assisting the CHP sector to expand and grow.

“Currently, CHPs account for 16 percent of our social homes – around 13,000 houses. The government has funded an additional 1,500 social houses in Budget 2024, 1,000 of which are to be delivered by CHPs from June this year.

“Our ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

“We call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora will be the way to go.

“While KO’s borrowing is done through the Crown, CHPs currently access debt from the private market at higher rates. We have further work to do to better align KO and CHP access to, and costs of, finance.

“The Government is moving to level the playing field between Kāinga Ora and CHPs by establishing Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA). CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and pools financing requirements for CHPs, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of CHP housing.

“The Government is working closely with CHFA and will provide them an interim lending facility in early April to support their immediate financing needs, with the final liquidity facility up and running later this year.

“This will lay the foundation for CHFA to borrow hundreds of millions or billions of dollars, supporting not just the delivery of social housing, but also CHPs’ broader affordable housing portfolios.

“We are also exploring the appetite of banks to participate in a loan guarantee scheme for CHPs, aligned to the principles of previous initiatives like the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme, and the North Island Weather Events Loan Guarantee Scheme.

“A loan guarantee scheme is where the Government takes on some proportion of the loan’s default risk, meaning lenders won’t need to hold as much capital to cover the debt and can use the capital elsewhere. This will likely enable lenders to pass on reduced interest rates to borrowers.

“I expect that this scheme will encourage greater participation by banks in the sector and enable them to pass on meaningfully reduced interest rates and other lending accommodations to CHPs.

“If banks see merit in a CHP loan guarantee scheme, the Minister of Finance will finalise its design and work towards a go-live date later this year.

“Together, these two initiatives will increase the scale at which CHPs can access lower cost debt financing, enabling them to grow.

“This is a really exciting day for the CHP sector in New Zealand. The changes are complex but important and will do a lot to allow the CHP sector to grow and deliver more warm dry houses for people in need.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to KangaNews Debt Capital Markets Forum

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening
Good afternoon. I’m excited to be here at the KangaNews Debt Capital Markets Forum.
It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you – investors, financial institutions, and wholesale market participants who play a vital role in unlocking New Zealand’s economic future.
I’d like to thank ANZ for hosting this event and for inviting me to speak.
Debt capital markets are fundamental to the success of the Government’s plan to go for growth.
Capital is like water to a seed – it enables New Zealanders, businesses, government, and NGOs to action and grow their bright-ideas, ambitions, and aspirations.
The deeper our capital markets get, the more opportunities our country will have to thrive.
Today, I want to discuss how the Government is unlocking growth and overcoming funding and financing challenges in housing and infrastructure in a fiscally constrained environment.
I will also be announcing actions Cabinet has recently agreed to that will reduce debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers.
Unlocking growth
New Zealanders have said that inflation and the economy are in the top three issues facing the country.
The only sustainable way to fix the cost-of-living crisis is to ensure wages grow faster than inflation.
That means growing the economy through more high-paying jobs, increased productivity, greater innovation, and more investment.
The best thing the Government can do to support this is:

one ensuring systems, regulations, and laws are growth-enabling – like the Resource Management Act, and
two getting interest rates lower.

Now, the Government doesn’t set the Official Cash Rate (OCR) – that’s the Reserve Bank’s job – but we can help support lower interest rates through responsible fiscal management, getting the government’s books back in order, and investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure.
That’s what we have been doing, and since we came into Government the OCR has dropped 175 basis points.
In Budget 2024, we found $5.9 billion on average in annual operating savings and revenue, and $3.1 billion in capital savings and revenue over the forecast period. We reprioritised savings to fund tax relief and cost pressures in Health, and to support other growth-enabling initiatives.
For us, it’s about ensuring every public dollar goes to its best use. Greater value for money means we can provide more and higher quality services that people need.
Budget 2025 will be no different.
Without swerving too far into the Minister of Finance’s lane – I can say that Budget 2025 will focus on four areas:

Lifting economic growth through measures to tackle New Zealand’s long-term productivity challenges,
Using a social investment approach to improve life outcomes for people with high needs,
Keeping tight control of government spending, while funding high-priority commitments and cost pressures, and
Developing a pipeline of long-term infrastructure investments.

In terms of infrastructure, this Government has and will continue to invest a record amount. More than $68 billion in capital is forecast to be spent by central government on infrastructure over the next five years.
For comparison from 2019 to 2023, $50.8 billion in capital was spent on infrastructure.
Infrastructure Investment Summit
However, we know achieving economic growth is not all about government. We can’t unlock New Zealand’s potential without the private sector.
So, we are also focused on attracting long-term private capital, capacity, and capability into our economy.
To do this, earlier this month, the Prime Minister and I hosted the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland, which was attended by over 100 world-leading institutional investors, private investment firms, and construction companies.
It was a huge win for our country, and it was good to see some of you there.
During the Summit, we reaffirmed New Zealand’s position as being open for business, and as a safe and strong country to invest in.
Overall, we focused on three areas:

First, New Zealand’s infrastructure vision and upcoming public infrastructure opportunities,
Second, changes to policy, regulation, and legislation to make it easier to do business here, and
Third, other investment opportunities in growth sectors and the Māori economy.

I just want to briefly touch on the first area.
It was great to get investable and developable opportunities in public infrastructure to market, including Christchurch Men’s Prison PPP and the Northland RoNS PPP.
But as Minister for Infrastructure, I think showcasing our long-term infrastructure pipeline made the biggest impression.
This is what will give the private sector confidence to stay here and invest in people and equipment.
Firms just want to know: What’s next.
For example, the Italian tunnelling company Ghella was preparing to leave New Zealand after completing the 16.2-kilometre Central Interceptor tunnel in Auckland. But following presentations on the pipeline and the positivity of the Summit, Ghella have decided to keep their workers, expertise, and tens of millions of dollars of plant, equipment, and associated services here.
Similarly, Plenary, an infrastructure investment firm managing more than $100 billion in assets has also committed to opening an office in New Zealand and to bidding on at least five PPPs over the next five years due to the PPP pipeline.
Many global firms showed an interest in New Zealand.
When Guido Cacciaguerra of Webuild, a multinational construction and civil engineering firm, said “the Italians are coming back”, all I could think was – yes, that’s fantastic.
These guys helped us construct tunnels for the Tongariro hydro scheme in the 1960s.
It’s partnerships like these we need to help us close our infrastructure deficit, and we are committed to keep this momentum going.
Overcoming funding and financing challenges in infrastructure and housing
Now, let’s move onto overcoming funding and financing challenges in infrastructure and housing.
Public infrastructure in New Zealand has historically been primarily funded by taxpayers or ratepayers.
But our heavy reliance on this blunt approach is not serving us well and has led to perverse outcomes including congestion, run-down assets, and the unresponsive provision infrastructure – contributing to unaffordable housing.
The scale of New Zealand’s infrastructure challenge means we cannot continue the status quo – we need to leverage private capital and alternative funding and financing tools.
I want to outline several pieces of work that interact with debt capital markets, including:

The establishment of the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd– or NIFFCo,
Treasury’s new Funding and Financing Framework,
The refresh of the Government’s PPP policies, and
New funding and financing tools for infrastructure to support growth.

Establishment of NIFFCo
Let’s start with NIFFCo.
On 1 December 2024, we established NIFFCo to carry out three key functions:

Its first function is to act as the Crown’s ‘shopfront’ to facilitate private sector investment and interest in infrastructure – this includes receiving and evaluating any Market Led Proposals, or Unsolicited Bids.
Its second function is to partner with agencies, and in some cases, local government, to provide expertise on projects involving complex procurement, alternative funding mechanisms and private finance – including PPPs and IFF Act transactions.
Its third function is to administer central government infrastructure funds.

When you decide to join us in transforming New Zealand’s infrastructure, you will likely work with NIFFCo.
Overall, I expect NIFFCo will help unlock access to capital for infrastructure and give the private sector a clear and knowledgeable Government-side partner to work with on projects and transactions.
So, if you want to put forward a project, are looking for an opportunity to invest in New Zealand infrastructure or want to partner with Government – NIFFCo is open for business.
NIFFCo will also lift the government’s commercial capability and help us be a better client of infrastructure. It will do this by deploying expertise into agencies that are working on projects involving private finance and alternative funding mechanisms.
This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving traditional loans, equity investments, PPPs, developer levies, beneficiary levies, concessions, or other value uplift mechanisms.
Funding and Financing Framework
Now, let’s talk about Treasury’s new Funding and Financing Framework.
Last year, Treasury released this Framework to broaden the funding base for Crown investments, and to utilise private capital where efficient.
It provides guidance to agencies that they should, in the first instance, seek user or beneficiary pays to fund new infrastructure projects rather than defaulting to taxpayer money.
I expect proposals from sectors like transport, water, energy, housing, and adaptation to demonstrate how user or beneficiary pays can contribute towards funding.
More utilisation of user- and beneficiary-pays will provide greater opportunities for the private sector, including debt capital markets, to participate in public investments.
We want to use the government’s balance sheet more strategically and apply good commercial disciplines when deciding how to financially support a proposal – essentially providing “just enough support” to make proposals feasible.
This will mean we can deliver more projects, and channel support to sectors where it is appropriate for the Crown to be the primary funder, like in health and education.
PPP Framework and other guidance
To match our more commercial Funding and Financing Framework – we also needed to modernise the Crown’s policies and contracts, particularly in the PPP space.
After extensive engagement, in November last year, we released a Blueprint outlining how the government will approach future PPPs.
There are several key elements in the refreshed Blueprint that will foster a more appealing market for all participants:

A more practical approach to risk transfer,
Guidance for agencies on bid cost recognition,
Enhancing the Interactive Tender Process,
Allowing reasonable price validation to occur during the procurement process,
Improving the process for managing claims and dispute resolution, and
Increasing the capability and resourcing of the Crown so that we can be a better client.

Our approach is to be smart about private capital and use it in a way that unlocks investment, enhances incentives for on-time on-budget delivery, and brings more maturity to the design, build, and maintenance of projects.
The new PPP Blueprint sits alongside new Strategic Leasing Guidance, and Guideline for Market Led Proposals.
New infrastructure funding and financing tools to get more houses built
Let’s move onto new infrastructure funding and financing tools to get more houses built.
As Minister of Housing, I am committed to – well, more accurately obsessed with – fixing our housing crisis.
We are not a small country by land mass, but our restrictive planning system, particularly restrictions on the supply of urban land, has created a scorching hot land and housing market driven by artificial scarcity.
We are changing that by allowing our cities to grow up and out. But this won’t be enough on its own. We also need to enable the timely provision of enabling infrastructure.
Put simply, you can’t have housing without water, transport, and community facilities.
However, under current settings councils, infrastructure providers, and developers face significant challenges to fund and finance enabling infrastructure for housing.
We want to move to a future state where funding and financing tools enable the responsive supply of infrastructure where it is commercially viable to build new houses.
This will shift market expectations of future scarcity, bring down the cost of land for new housing, and improve incentives to develop land sooner instead of land banking.
To achieve this future, our overarching approach is that growth pays for growth.
Last month, I announced five changes to our infrastructure funding and financing toolkit to support urban growth.
I won’t cover all of these. But the most relevant to you are changes to the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act (IFF) Act.
The IFF Act allows the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle to raise finance for projects, where the cost is repaid through a levy charged to properties that benefit from a project over a period of about 20 to 30 years.
We are making several remedial amendments to improve the effectiveness of the Act, particularly for developer-led projects, which will make the process simpler and cheaper.
We are also broadening the Act to enable levies to be charged for major transport projects – a gamechanger in New Zealand for funding city-shaping projects.
These changes will lead to the Act being more effective, efficient, and utilised more often.
I expect, private capital will have far more opportunity to support public infrastructure projects.
Reducing debt financing barriers for CHPs
Now, I would like to move onto actions the Government is taking to reduce debt financing barriers for Community Housing Providers, or CHPs.
As I noted earlier, we are fixing the housing crisis by getting the underlying market fundamentals right. This is the single best thing we can do to make housing more affordable.
At the same time, I recognise that these changes will take some time and that there will always be New Zealanders who need housing support.
This Government believes in social housing, and we believe the CHP sector and private capital have a greater role to play in this space.
Currently, CHPs account for 16% of our social homes – or around 13,000 houses.
My ambition for the social housing system is to create a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora.
I’m obsessed with building houses across the housing continuum for people who need them. But I am agnostic as to whether those houses are delivered by CHPs or by the government.
I call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora is the way to go.
However, we don’t have competitive neutrality right now.
As I am sure you are aware, Kāinga Ora can borrow at a small margin above the Crown’s cost of financing, while CHPs effectively get access to finance at commercial rates.
Update on last year’s announcement
In November last year, I outlined three actions we are taking to help CHPs access borrowing to deliver housing:
The first was making $70 million of Operating Supplement available upfront, unlocking equity CHPs need to raise debt.
The second was making changes to IRRS contracts that makes the revenue stream more attractive for financiers.
And the third was to review the use of leasing to provide social housing.
I’ll just give you a quick update on where those are at.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are implementing updated criteria for providing Operating Supplement upfront to support delivery of the 1,500 CHP places committed through Budget 2024.
The updated criteria will focus on the basics – strategic alignment, value for money, deliverability, and whether upfront funding is really needed to unlock financing. We are also removing unhelpful eligibility requirements and allowing larger CHPs and projects in urban areas to access upfront funding, where appropriate.
On updates to the IRRS contracts, HUD are making the following changes that will be in place for the contracting of places from late May onwards:

Additional compensation where the Termination for Convenience clause is exercised on Build to Lease projects,
Limiting the ‘step-in’ period to six months, and
Providing a Financier Direct Deed when requested on all Build to Own projects.

These changes will go some way to reducing real and perceived risk to financiers, although I acknowledge that there is more work to do.
On the use of leasing to provide social housing, HUD has moved to an ownership-agnostic approach.
Leasing could be useful where CHPs want to leverage their local expertise in managing social housing, while partnering with developers who could leverage their larger balance sheets to access finance that a small CHP could not.
CHP credit enhancement
Last year, I also announced that the Government would explore a credit enhancement intervention for CHPs, so that they can access suitable debt.
I am pleased to announce today that Cabinet has agreed to establish Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) to cover:

an interim lending facility to be provided in early April to support CHFA’s immediate financing needs, and
a final liquidity facility.

In addition to this, the Minister of Finance intends to offer a loan guarantee scheme to banks to support their CHP lending.
Both of these interventions align with our market-led approach to fixing our housing crisis, and our transition to more efficient and effective Crown investment.
The liquidity facility and loan guarantee scheme will provide critical support whilst we get the system right.
Let’s start with CHFA –
CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and aggregates the finance requirements for CHPs around New Zealand, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of social housing.
The CHFA is largest lender to CHPs in New Zealand already indicating they are providing lending solutions highly valued by the sector.
A Crown liquidity facility and credit rating will allow CHFA to lend to more CHPs on a much larger scale.
This will lay the foundation for CHFA to borrow billions of dollars, supporting not just the delivery of social housing, but also CHPs’ broader affordable housing portfolios.
Housing Australia has a similar model – the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA).
Since its inception in 2018, Housing Australia has approved around $4.5 billion in AHBA loans to support the development of more than 18,800 social and affordable homes.
The AHBA loans have helped the sector save an estimated $800 million in interest and fees.
I want this for New Zealand too.
Finally, on the loan guarantee scheme, the Minister of Finance and I have endorsed key design criteria as a starting point for Government’s engagement with banks.
I don’t want to get into too much detail, I will leave that to officials –
But, at a high-level, I expect that this scheme will encourage participation among banks and enable them to pass on meaningfully reduced interest rates and other lending accommodations to CHPs.
Relatedly, last year, the Minister of Finance wrote to the Reserve Bank asking them to look further at the risk weights for lending to CHPs. The Bank intends to consult on potential changes in the middle of 2025. This process may also lead to a meaningful reduction in borrowing costs for CHPs.
Overall, I am really excited about how these changes will support the CHP sector – we heard you, and we hope these changes enable you to grow and do more good work.
Conclusion
Delivering on this Government’s vision for growth and higher living standards will require a strong partnership between government, investors, and the private sector.
Capital markets will play a pivotal role in financing New Zealand’s infrastructure future, and I encourage all of you to explore how your expertise and resources can contribute to this effort.
We are committed to creating a stable, predictable, and investable infrastructure and housing environment – one that supports economic growth, enhances productivity, and improves the quality of life for New Zealanders.
Together, through innovation and partnership, I am confident we can build a more prosperous New Zealand.
I look forward to your insights and collaboration.
Thank you.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas who sustained economic losses caused by the excessive heat and drought occurring from Aug. 1-Dec. 27, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Ashley, Benton, Boone, Bradley, Carroll, Chicot, Cleveland, Conway, Crawford, Desha, Drew, Franklin, Garland, Johnson, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell in Arkansas, as well as Barry, Stone and Taney counties in Missouri.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Nov. 21.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Mussell, Senior Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, University of Canterbury

Paremoremo Maximum Security Prison near Auckland. Getty Images

With the government’s Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill about to become law within days, New Zealand’s already high incarceration rate will almost certainly climb even higher.

The new legislation essentially limits how much judges can reduce a prison sentence for mitigating factors (such as a guilty plea, young age or mental ability). A regulatory impact statement from the Ministry of Justice estimated it would result in 1,350 more people in prison.

This and other law changes are effectively putting more people in prison for longer. By 2035, imprisonment numbers are expected to increase by 40% from their current levels, with significant cost implications. Last year, the Corrections budget was NZ$1.94 billion, up $150 million from the previous year.

In sheer numbers, the Ministry of Justice projects the prison population will increase from 9,900 to 11,500 prisoners over the next decade. But Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell recently said government policies could see a peak of 13,900 prisoners over that period.

New Zealand’s imprisonment rate is already high at 187 per 100,000 people. That’s double the rate of Canada (90 per 100,000), and well above Australia (163 per 100,000) and England (141 per 100,000).

Accounting for imprisonment and population projections, New Zealand’s prisoner ratio could be between 238 and 263 per 100,000 by 2035. That is higher than the current imprisonment rate in Iran (228 per 100,000).

The role of remand

Much of this increase is driven by the number of people awaiting trial or sentencing on remand. This has risen substantially in the past ten years and is expected to keep rising.

Remand prisoner numbers are projected to nearly equal sentenced prisoners in 2034. Among women and young people, remand numbers are already higher than for sentenced prisoners.

In October 2024, 89% of imprisoned youth were on remand, a 15% increase in seven years. In December 2024, 53% of women prisoners were on remand, more than double the 24% rate a decade ago. Men on remand comprise 41% of prisoners, nearly double the 21% rate a decade ago.

Māori are affected most by these increases, making up 81% of imprisoned youth, 67% of imprisoned women and 53% of imprisoned men.

Some 30% of those on remand are not convicted. Of those who are, data released to RNZ last year showed 2,138 people (15% of remand prisoners) were not convicted of their most serious change, almost double the 2014 figure of 1,075 people.

Significant court delays can mean people are remanded for a long time. By 2034, it is projected the average remand time will be 99 days, compared with 83 days in February 2024. As well as being a human rights concern, this is very expensive.

Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell: prisoner numbers could reach 13,900 over the next decade.
Getty Images

Putting more people away for longer

Crime and imprisonment rates fluctuate independently of each other, as the former Chief Science Advisor acknowledged in a 2018 report. Increasing imprisonment rates are the result of political decisions, not simple arithmetic.

The Bail Amendment Act 2013 reversed the onus of proof in certain cases, meaning the default rule is that an accused person will not be granted bail. This results in more people being sent to prison while awaiting a hearing, trial or sentencing.

When this week’s changes to the Sentencing Act come into effect, they will further constrain judges’ discretion, capping sentence reductions for mitigating factors at 40% (unless it would be “manifestly unjust”).

At the same time, it has become more difficult for prisoners to return to the community. For example, some are kept in prison or recalled because they do not have stable housing. (Dean Wickliffe, currently on a hunger strike over an alleged assault by prison staff, was arrested for breaching parole by living in his car.)

Last year, Corrections received $1.94 billion in operating and capital budget, a $150 million increase to account for rising imprisonment numbers and prison expansion. There was no meaningful increase in funding for rehabilitation programmes or investment in legal aid.

Imprisoning people is expensive. The cost of a person on custodial remand has almost doubled since 2015, from $239 a day to $437. For sentenced prisoners, it is $562 per day. This comes to between $159,505 and $205,130 per year to confine one person.

The Waikeria expansion and beyond

Corrections has developed a Long-Term Network Configuration Plan to meet anticipated prison population growth. This year’s budget in May will fund 240 high-security beds and 52 health centre beds at Christchurch men’s prison, at a cost of approximately $700-800 million.

Those 240 beds will fit within 160 cells, meaning “double-bunking”. This is known to have a significant impact to prisoner health and rehabilitation, and can also add to staffing costs.

Former corrections minister Kelvin Davis acknowledged this before the first 600-bed expansion of Waikeria prison, costed at $750 million in 2018. By June 2023, that had increased by 22% to $916 million.

The second Waikeria expansion will deliver another 810 beds for an estimated $890 million, although the exact budget has been unclear. These projects will involve public private partnership, a model known for not always delivering the cost savings and service quality initially promised.

There will be other costs for facilities maintenance, asset management services and financing. And there can be unanticipated costs, too. For example, the government’s partner in the Waikeria expansion, Cornerstone, claimed $430 million against Corrections in 2022 for “time and productivity losses” due to COVID-19.

These overall trends are happening while the government is also cutting funding for important social services. Shifting resources to improve social supports would be a better option – and one that has worked in Finland – than pouring more money into expanding prisons.

Linda Mussell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher – https://theconversation.com/new-sentencing-laws-will-drive-nzs-already-high-imprisonment-rates-and-budgets-even-higher-253119

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: WF Holding Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company to list shares on Nasdaq Capital Market under symbol “WFF”

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WF Holding Limited (“WF Holding” or “Company”), a Malaysia-based manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of US$4.00 per ordinary share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on March 27, 2025, U.S. Eastern time, under the ticker symbol “WFF.”

The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of US$8 million from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 ordinary shares at the public offering price after the closing of the Offering, less underwriting discounts. The Offering is expected to close on or about March 28, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Proceeds from the Offering will be used for expanding the Company’s production capacity, hiring and training staff, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Dominari Securities LLC is acting as the lead underwriter, with Revere Securities LLC acting as a co-underwriter for the Offering. Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as U.S. counsel to the Company, and The Crone Law Group, P.C. is acting as U.S. counsel to the underwriters in connection with the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (File Number: 333-282294) and was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement, and a free writing prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, when available, may be obtained from Dominari Securities LLC by email at info@dominarisecurities.com, by standard mail to Dominari Securities LLC, 725 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at +1 (212) 393-4500; or from Revere Securities LLC by email at contact@reveresecurities.com, by standard mail to Revere Securities LLC, 560 Lexington Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at (212) 688-2238. In addition, copies of the prospectus and free writing prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, the free writing prospectus, and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About WF Holding Limited

Based in Malaysia, WF Holding Limited is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products including tanks, pipes, ducts and custom-made FRP products. With a track record of over 30 years, we design and fabricate products that meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring high-quality and reliable performance. Our high-quality and durable products leverage the advantages of FRP to reinforce critical industrial infrastructure, driving resilience, longevity and sustainability. We also deliver a wide range of related services such as consultation, delivery, installation, repair and maintenance.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Company’s statements regarding the success of the Offering or the use of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s shares in the Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

WF Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Email: corporate@winfung.com.my

Sense Consultancy Group
Yan Pheng Liang
Email: phengliang@leesense.com

The MIL Network –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets foreign leaders attending Boao forum

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

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

BOAO, Hainan, March 26 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with foreign leaders who visited China to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, on Wednesday.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Ding said China is willing to work with Laos in supporting each other’s core interests and advancing practical cooperation across various fields.

For his part, Sonexay reaffirmed that Laos would make continuous efforts to make new progress in developing Laos-China community with a shared future.

In a meeting with Aren B. Palik, vice president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Ding called for expanding mutual collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure and marine economy, while jointly addressing climate challenges.

Palik reiterated FSM side’s adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China’s positions on the Taiwan question as well as affairs concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

On China-Mongolia relations, Ding said to Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Luvsannyam Gantumu that the enduring friendly relations between the two neighboring countries align with the fundamental interests of both peoples.

Gantumu expressed willingness to deepen cooperation with China in connectivity, energy resources, and high-tech sectors.

In a meeting with Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, Ding called for joint efforts to translate the outcomes of the recent 12th Meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee into real actions.

Sklyar said Kazakhstan is ready to work closely with China to elevate bilateral ties to a new high.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Indonesia diplomatic relations. While speaking with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Ding said the two sides should enhance strategic synergy and strive for new breakthroughs in practical cooperation.

Agus said Indonesia is committed to deepening and expanding cooperation with China in various sectors and further advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

When meeting with Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, Ding said China is dedicated to mutual respect and trust with Portugal and is ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen opening up and exchanges between the two sides.

Rangel said Portugal thinks highly of Macao’s prosperity and steady development since it returned to China, pledging efforts to further deepen practical cooperation with China.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Aren B. Palik, vice president of the Federated States of Micronesia, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Aren B. Palik, vice president of the Federated States of Micronesia, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Luvsannyam Gantumur, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Luvsannyam Gantumur, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who is here to attend the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to support greenfield housing
Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has made changes to build more homes on the outskirts of our cities, allocating $100 million to be lent to developers for housing infrastructure, as well as cutting the RMA red tape restricting land available for development, says Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

“The government is committed to letting our cities grow up and out to address our housing crisis. Medium-sized greenfield developments play a crucial role in increasing supply, but without the right support, many projects risk being delayed or unable to progress,” says Chris Bishop.

“The government’s Going for Housing Growth and Resource Management Act reforms will be critical in addressing our housing crisis – but it will take time to legislate and then bed in. In the meantime, we don’t have time to waste, so these immediate changes are necessary interim measures to help boost housing supply.

“The government’s National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Agency (NIFFCo) has been developing a pipeline of potential important greenfield projects, and the initial transactions are expected to be drawn from this pipeline.

“Under this new model, which we are calling the Greenfield Model, NIFFCo will lend to an Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act Special Purpose Vehicle at a very competitive interest rate during the development phase of a project. Then, the debt will be refinanced to private markets once the development is complete. The funding will ultimately be repaid by future homeowners through an annual levy.

“The development phase of a project is often the riskiest, and private financiers reflect this by charging higher interest rates. NIFFCo’s loan will provide lower cost financing to developers over the development period by charging approximately what private financiers would charge for completed developments.

“This support will bridge the financing gap and help ensure that new homes continue to be built in areas where they are needed most.

“Funding for the new ‘Greenfield Model’ comes from unallocated funding within NIFFCo. It will be able to recycle capital into new projects after the five- to seven-year development period.

“I am also announcing today that Cabinet has agreed to remove LUC-3 protections from the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) this year, fulfilling National’s election promise.

“The NPS-HPL protects our productive soils from development, ensuring New Zealand has a secure food supply. However, there needs to be a balance between how we protect our most productive land with our need for more housing to tackle our housing crisis.

“As currently drafted, the NPS-HPL protects a total of 15 percent of the country’s landmass. Three classifications of soil are protected under the NPS-HPL, with two thirds being classified as LUC-3, the lowest quality.

“Across the country, this change has the potential to open up new land for greenfield housing roughly equivalent to the size of the Waikato region.

“To ensure we have got the balance between protecting our food supply and enabling more houses to be built, alongside this change we are going to consult on whether we should establish ‘special agriculture zones’.

“These would essentially protect LUC 1, 2 and 3 land when it is grouped together in a natural configuration in key horticultural horticulture hubs like Horowhenua or Pukekohe.

“These are good, short-term and cost-effective interventions while we get the underlying system settings right to fix our housing crisis. They will both make it easier to bring new much needed housing projects to market that otherwise wouldn’t have happened or would have happened much later.”

Notes to Editors:

Background:
1. The Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act (IFF Act) enables Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to finance infrastructure by charging a levy to those who benefit from the infrastructure. NIFFCo provides equity and debt, raises necessary external debt finance, operates SPVs, and repays finance through levies collected through councils.
2. The IFF Act has been successfully used for city-wide transport projects in Tauranga and a wastewater treatment plant in Wellington.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Property Council Residential Development Summit

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning.
I’m excited to be here at the Residential Development Summit.
Thank you to the Property Council for hosting this event.
Residential developers, investors, and the broader property community will play a key role in fixing New Zealand’s housing crisis.
We need your knowledge, expertise, and big ideas to help New Zealand’s housing system grow. We need to go up, we need to go out, we need more housing choice, and we need more tenure types.
Today I’d like to give you an update on our Going for Housing Growth programme, and how changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will make it simpler and easier to supply the housing that New Zealanders so desperately need.
I will also be announcing actions Government has agreed to that will enable more greenfield development – allowing our cities to grow out.
Letting our cities grow
I am, unapologetically, an urbanist – dare I say, an ‘urban nerd’ – and a proponent of growth.
I won’t dwell on our housing challenge. You’ve all heard me bang on about that before. Our housing crisis is holding New Zealand back socially and economically.
Report after report and inquiry after inquiry has found that our planning system, particularly restrictions on the supply of urban land, are at the heart of our housing affordability challenge.
I believe that fixing our planning system by making it more enabling and getting the fundamentals right in housing are the best things we can do to unleash New Zealand’s potential.
Getting this right will:

lift economic growth and productivity,
reduce the cost-of-living pressure from housing, and
ensure New Zealanders can enjoy a higher standard of living.

As the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Housing, and now Minister of Transport, I get up every day determined to try and make a difference.
Update on Going for Housing Growth
Let me start with an update of our Going for Housing Growth programme.
It has three pillars:

Pillar One: freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers,
Pillar Two: improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and
Pillar Three: providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.
Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils to “live-zone” 30-years of housing demand,
making it easier for cities to expand,
strengthening the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD),
putting in new rules requiring councils to enable mixed-used development, and
abolishing minimum floor areas and balcony requirements.

Pillar One
We have made good progress on Pillar One which includes:
I announced these changes last year and officials have been working hard on the finer details.
The changes I announced last year build on the NPS-UD brought in by the previous government in 2020, but they obviously sit within the existing RMA structure.
As you’ll have seen on Monday, the Government is replacing the RMA entirely with two new laws.
This presents an obvious sequencing problem. We are committed to housing growth targets, strengthening density requirements, and so on.
This year we will consult on changes through Pillar One, as intended. You can expect that around May.
However, if we implemented them straight away in 2026, Councils would be forced to conduct expensive and lengthy plan changes – only to start all over again a year or so later once the new RMA comes into effect.
So, we’ve made the pragmatic decision to implement Pillar One of our Housing Growth changes as part of the replacement of the RMA.
This also allows us to think about housing growth targets in the context of standardised zones.
So, councils will implement Phase 3 of the Resource Management reforms through development of new plans, starting from 2027.
Rest assured, Pillar One will be ready to go for Councils’ 2027 Long Term Plan cycle.
Pillar Two
Now, let’s talk about Pillar Two – improving infrastructure funding and financing.
Pillar One is about upending the system by flooding the market with development opportunities and fundamentally making housing more affordable.
But, freeing up urban land is not enough on its own. We also need to ensure the timely provision of infrastructure.
Put simply, you can’t have housing without land, water, transport, and other community infrastructure.
But under the status quo, councils and developers face big challenges to fund and finance enabling infrastructure.
So, last month I announced five changes to our infrastructure funding and financing toolkit to get more houses built.

The first is replacing Development Contributions (DCs) with a Development Levy System, where growth pays for growth,
The second is establishing regulatory oversight of these Levies to ensure charges are fair and appropriate,
The third is increasing the flexibility of targeted rates,
The fourth is making changes to the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act (IFF Act) that will make it more effective and simplify processes, and
The fifth is broadening the IFF Act so that beneficiaries can help pay for major transportation projects.

I won’t go into too much detail here today.
But at a high-level, these changes will help create a flexible funding and financing system to match our flexible planning system.
These are some big changes, and it will take some time to get them right.
Our aim is to have legislation in the House by September this year, to come into effect next year.
Councils will be able to make the shift to development levies on the same timeline as the 2027 Long Term Plan cycle.
You can see, I hope, a lot of really good things coming together around 2027.
Pillar Three
On Pillar Three, officials are working away on this, and we will have more to say later this year.
Changes to RMA will support more housing
I want to quickly talk about how RMA reform will make it simpler and easier to supply the housing New Zealanders need.
For example, standardised zones will be a game changer.
I completely agree with urban economist Stuart Donovan – zoning is so balkanised that even large developers tend to stick to one or a few main centres as branching out requires reconfiguring to different planning rules.
Developers currently face a Gordian knot of these rules.
Maximum building heights of 9m in Kapiti versus 8m in Dunedin. Porirua requires an outdoor living space of at least 20m2 for a medium-density residential unit – in the Manawatu it’s 36m2. In Dunedin, maximum building site coverage can vary from 30% to 60% whereas in Taupō it varies from 2.5% to 55%.
Councils are even getting involved with things as niche as whether it is possible for someone to see the TV from the likely location of their couch – or whether doors should face out for “privacy” or in for “inclusion and community”.
I get email after email about this stuff. People stop me in the street to tell me about it. It is utterly out of control.
Councils should be focusing on engaging with communities, looking at capacity in the network, and making decisions on where growth is most appropriate.
And we need to grow both up and out.
For the remainder of this speech, I want to focus on what we are doing to enable more greenfield development.
Changes to the NPS-HPL
The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land – or the NPS-HPL, was introduced by the last Government to protect New Zealand’s highly productive soils. This piece of national direction is intended to boost food security for both our domestic food supply and primary exports.
However, it is clear that it has gone too far. As currently drafted, the NPS-HPL protects a total of 15 percent of the country’s landmass. That’s nearly as large as the entire Canterbury region.
This protected land often surrounds our biggest and fastest growing cities where growth is busting to get out.
I have lost count of the number of developers who have come up to me since this has been introduced, frustrated that they are unable to secure land for greenfield housing to be developed.
There needs to be a balance between how we protect our most productive land with our need for more housing to tackle our housing crisis.
Right now, that balance is out of whack.
National campaigned on amending the NPS-HPL to remove the lowest classification of land protected, what is known as LUC-3.
This kind of land is not the golden soils we need in Pukekohe – instead, it’s much lower quality land that is good for housing.
Despite being a lower quality of soil, two thirds of land protected by the NPS-HPL is classified as LUC-3.
I am pleased to announce today that Cabinet has agreed to remove LUC-3 from the NPS-HPL this year, fulfilling our election promise.
Across the country, this will open up land for housing roughly equivalent to the size of the Waikato region.
Alongside this, we are going to consult on whether we should establish what we’ve called ‘special agriculture zones’ around key horticulture hubs like Horowhenua or Pukekohe. This would essentially protect LUC 1, 2 and 3 land when it is grouped together in a natural configuration.
We need more houses, and we need more greenfield development.
Removing these restrictions will allow us to have our vegetables and eat them too.
Changes to the NPS-HPL will be progressed as part of our National Direction changes in Phase 2 of our RMA reforms.
I will announce further details about the timing and shape of that package tomorrow but wanted to announce this change today to highlight our Government’s commitment to greenfield housing.
Greenfield Model
To further demonstrate this commitment, we are also taking action to get more greenfield houses built in the near term.
I am pleased to announce that the Government will provide finance to developers to ensure more medium-sized greenfield developments – think around 1,000 to 2,000 dwellings – are enabled through the Infrastructure Funding and Finance Act.
We are calling this the Greenfield Model.
The Government will support National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd – or NIFFCo – in lending up to $100 million to developers for infrastructure needed to enable new greenfield housing.
This model is being funded using existing unallocated funding within NIFFCo.
Here is how it will work.
NIFFCo will lend to an IFF Act Special Purpose Vehicle at a very competitive interest rate during the development phase of a project.
Then, the debt will be refinanced to private markets once the development is complete, with the funding ultimately being repaid by future homeowners through an annual levy.
The development phase of a project is often the riskiest – and private financiers reflect this by charging higher interest rates.
NIFFCo’s loan will provide lower cost financing to developers over the development period by charging approximately what private financiers would charge for completed developments.
This is a big win for growth.
NIFFCo will also be able to recycle capital into new projects after the five- to seven-year development period.
We are putting the Greenfield Model in place as a targeted interim measure while our Going for Housing Growth policy and Local Government reforms bed-in from 2027 or so onwards.
To date, the IFF Act has not been used for greenfield housing developments.
The Act is complex, and levies are deemed too expensive. The higher than anticipated levies are also much less favourable than using DCs which are often artificially low, under-recover growth costs, and are cross subsidised by rates.
The economics of IFF Act levies just don’t make sense right now.
The changes we are making through Pillar Two, particularly around improvements to the IFF Act and our shift from DCs to Development Levies, will do the heavy lifting to fix incentives and put in place a more effective infrastructure funding and financing system where growth pays for growth.
But, as fast as we are going on this, it won’t happen overnight.
So, the Greenfield Model is a good short-term, cost-effective intervention as the lower interest rate provides benefits of around $10,000 per dwelling.
For comparison, the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which was set up to support new housing by the previous government, cost around $28,000 per house.
This model will support growth that otherwise wouldn’t have happened – or would have happened much later.
I am excited to just crack on.
Conclusion
Let me finish by saying that solving our housing crisis is one of this Government’s top priorities.
And to be honest, it is my number one priority.
I look forward to working with you to grow up and out, and to deliver more housing that New Zealanders need.
Thank you.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reed pledges to “end throwaway society” working with business to slash waste, boost growth and clean up Britain
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Reed pledges to “end throwaway society” working with business to slash waste, boost growth and clean up Britain

In front of industry titans, Environment Secretary Steve Reed to outline plan to cut waste across industry as part of Government’s Plan for Change
Construction workers on a building site

A new plan to transform the nation’s economy by slashing waste across industry will be unveiled today (Thursday 27 March) in a speech by Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

Speaking to industry leaders from the likes of Mace, British Land, Jaguar Land Rover, the Food and Drink Federation and the Environmental Services Association, at the Dock Shed in London, Environment Secretary Steve Reed will set out how the government will provide the direction and certainty for businesses to plan and spearhead the nation’s transition to a truly circular and future-proof economy. This will deliver growth and fundamentally shift our relationship with the goods we use every day – making reuse and repair the norm and ending the throwaway society.

He will underline how introducing the seismic shift to a circular economy – where innovation is paramount – is now essential in delivering real change in communities across the country, with recycling rates stagnating and far too much waste going to landfill or being burned in incinerators.

To kickstart the nation’s move to a circular economy, an independent Circular Economy Taskforce – chaired by Andrew Morlet, former CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation – was established to bring together the brightest minds from industry, academia and civil society to tackle this challenge head on.

The Government has now confirmed the first five priority sectors that the taskforce will focus on to make the greatest difference – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food and chemicals & plastics.

Delivering on businesses’ calls for more government leadership, the Taskforce will now work with these sectors to create a series of specific roadmaps to improve and reform the approach to using materials, underpinned by a Circular Economy Strategy which will be published in Autumn. Both the roadmaps and Strategy will give businesses certainty to plan and the confidence to build and invest in new infrastructure.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:

It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society – the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable.

Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains.

My vision for delivering a truly circular economy is an important step in kickstarting this path to change. That is why we are bringing together the brightest minds from industry, academia and civil society to deliver this, which won’t just clean up our streets and reduce the need for landfill and incineration, but help us cut carbon emissions, create new jobs and increase business profitability.

The case for making this transition is clear – underlined by stable government leadership, businesses will be given the freedom to harness their world-leading entrepreneurial spirit, by allowing them to unlock new technologies and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to maximise what they offer.

Sectors will also benefit from untapped profit streams, while being vital in delivering the Government’s Plan for Change and mission to boost economic growth, helping to revitalise towns and cities with new investment. This will create the industries of the future and thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs to support them in the long term.

Recent events, like Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, have also shown that international supply chains are at greater risk from global instability. Embracing a circular economy will secure our national security in an increasingly unstable world, ensuring local supply chains are toughened up and more of the resources we produce are used, rather than relying on the 80% of materials we import from abroad.

The Government’s waste reforms, which include an overhaul of collection and packaging regimes, represent progress in moving the nation to a circular economy and work will continue to make sure they work for businesses. Together these reforms will generate an estimated £10 billion investment in new recycling infrastructure and create 21,000 green jobs.

From innovative tech start-ups turning waste into valuable materials, to community enterprises giving used goods a second chance, British businesses are already showing what is possible when this forward-thinking approach is adopted.

However, the government inherited an economy in need of fresh ideas, and bold approaches – challenges which will be met through the circular economy transition, while contributing to the government’s Plan for Change and moving us on the path to Net Zero.

Andrew Morlet, chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce, said:

Transitioning to a circular economy is an ambitious but crucial goal as this Government kickstarts economic growth and turns Britain into a clean energy superpower.

I welcome the vision set out by the Environment Secretary at this critical juncture in our journey. Our taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to ensure we maximise its potential fully by creating jobs, increasing resource efficiency and accelerating the path to net zero.

Libby Peake, head of resource policy at the Green Alliance and member of the Circular Economy Taskforce, said:

Waste is baked into our current economic system and causes us harm on so many levels. It’s degrading our environment and international supply chains to the extent that economic shocks become inevitable. It adds a cost burden to businesses’ bottom lines and frustrates people who are fed up with shoddy products, blatant waste and litter.

But as the Environment Secretary outlines today, it really doesn’t have to be this way and it’s great to hear his vision for how innovative, circular businesses will thrive in the UK in future. It’s an incredible opportunity to help bring that about this change as part of the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce.

The sectors were chosen as the first ones for intervention after the Taskforce analysed extensive evidence, which found they had the best potential to generate major economic gains, while protecting the environment and delivering Net Zero.

This comes as senior officials from the UK Government, Dutch Government and City of London Corporation came together at Mansion House yesterday to set out a path towards closer working to finance the move to a circular economy.

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Published 27 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 March 2025 Departmental update New study highlights the potential impact of funding cuts on the HIV response

Source: World Health Organisation

A new study published in The Lancet HIV conducted by the Burnet Institute and WHO highlights the potential impact of international funding cuts on the global HIV response. The research underscores the urgent need for sustained financial support to prevent millions of new HIV infections and deaths in the coming years.

The study, which analysed data from 26 countries, found that if international support declines, an additional 4.43 to 10.75 million new HIV infections – including up to 880 000 in children – could occur by 2030. In the same period, 770 000 to 2.93 million more people could die from HIV-related causes, with up to 120 000 of these deaths affecting children.

Low- and middle-income countries could be the most affected, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has seen tremendous progress in HIV treatment coverage for people living with HIV, pregnant women and children, and in prevention for populations at high risk of infection.

Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and investment in maintaining progress against HIV. “This study is a stark reminder that international cooperation and funding are essential to sustain the advances we’ve made in HIV prevention and treatment, as well as in developing innovative products that save lives.”

Halting treatment causes a rapid increase in HIV viral load and a decline in CD4 cell count, leading to increased potential for HIV transmission and development of advanced HIV disease, respectively. The study found that the discontinuation of HIV treatment, in scenarios where funding cuts and suspensions continued, could lead to an additional 4.4 million new infections, even if mitigation efforts resumed treatment within two years. If the available funds were redirected from HIV testing and prevention services to maintain critical treatment for people living with HIV, an additional 1.7 million new infections by 2030 would occur, compared to the status quo scenario.

Since 2015, international donors have provided around 40% of all HIV funding in low- and middle-income countries. Programmes like PEPFAR and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have been instrumental in providing the financial, programmatic and technical support needed to implement and expand HIV services.

HIV service disruptions that have resulted from funding challenges in 2025 include staffing shortages, supply chain interruptions, and increased barriers to access for prevention and treatment services. As Dr Doherty stated, “It is crucial to develop innovative, country-led financing strategies and integrate HIV services into broader health systems to maintain progress and prevent avoidable suffering and deaths.”

WHO remains committed to supporting national governments, community and civil society partners, and donors in adapting to changing donor support to safeguard the health and well-being of those most vulnerable to HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. By building the capacity of national health systems, the global community can continue essential life-saving services and support the long-term stability of sustainable health systems.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Join Congressmembers Scott, Bishop, to Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Join Congressmembers Scott, Bishop, to Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

Bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish Georgia’s first U.S. National Park & Preserve

Bill introduction follows years of advocacy by Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Middle Georgia leaders

Senator Reverend Warnock toured the Ocmulgee Mounds in Macon in November 2023

Senator Reverend Warnock: “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve”

Above: Senator Reverend Warnock’s visit to Ocmulgee Mounds in November 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (R-GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02) reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

“Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

“We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

“Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

The bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01), Brian Jack (R-GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), David Scott (D-GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14).

The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.“We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.”

“Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

“Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.

“The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,” said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed Leads Bipartisan Effort to Preserve Support for Public Libraries & Museums

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the leading champion for public libraries in the U.S. Congress, today led the co-authors of the last reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act in sending a letter to the acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) seeking assurances that allocated federal funding for IMLS will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with bipartisan approved appropriations laws.

Senator Reed was joined by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in writing to IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling urging him to continue IMLS’s mission to engage with and support libraries and museums, as Congress intended when it created the agency. The letter comes in response to a March 14, 2025 executive order issued by President Trump that seeks to eliminate the IMLS to the greatest extent possible under the law along with several other federal agencies and services.

“As the lead authors of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2018 (PL 115-40), which was signed into law by President Trump, we write to remind the Administration of its obligation to faithfully execute the provisions of the law as authorized,” the Senators wrote. “The MLSA established the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and tasked the Director with the “primary responsibility for the development and implementation of policy to ensure the availability of museum, library, and information services adequate to meet the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States.””

Senator Reed and his colleagues called attention to the fact that IMLS is the largest supporter and investor in public libraries, museums, and archives across the nation which all play critical roles in strengthening local communities.

Federal funding made available through IMLS programs help to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income or socioeconomic background, have access to free books, services, skills and career training, internet connection, and much more that is provided through the nation’s system of public libraries as well as educational and cultural enrichment provided through local museums.

The Senators continued: “Libraries and museums play a vital role in our communities. Libraries offer access for all to essential information and engagement on a wide range of topics, including skills and career training, broadband, and computing services. IMLS grants enable libraries to develop services in every community throughout the nation, including people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, residents of rural and urban areas, Native Americans, military families, veterans, and caregivers. Museums serve not only as centers for education but also as drivers of local economic development.”

In an effort to ensure that the Trump Administration keeps true to the spirit of the law when it comes to funding IMLS and disbursing federal funding through its grant programs, the Senators said: “We expect that the Administration will implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 in a manner consistent with these allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. We also expect that the Administration will allow the IMLS to engage with and support both libraries and museums as Congress intended and as authorized in the MLSA.”

Full text of the letter follows:

The Honorable Keith Sonderling

Acting Director

Institute of Museum and Library Services

955 L’Enfant Plaza, North, SW, Suite 4000

Washington, D.C. 20024

Dear Mr. Sonderling:

As the lead authors of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2018 (PL 115-40), which was signed into law by President Trump, we write to remind the Administration of its obligation to faithfully execute the provisions of the law as authorized. The MLSA established the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and tasked the Director with the “primary responsibility for the development and implementation of policy to ensure the availability of museum, library, and information services adequate to meet the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States.” It requires that the Institute has an Office of Museum Services and an Office of Library Services and details the federal programs to support museums and libraries that are to be carried out by each office.

For Fiscal Year 2024, Congress appropriated $294.8 million for IMLS, specifying that funding should be allotted across the programs in the following manner:

Library Services Technology Act

Grants to States $180,000,000

Native American Library Services $5,763,000

National Leadership: Libraries $15,287,000

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian $10,000,000

Museum Services Act

Museums for America $30,330,000

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services $3,772,000

National Leadership: Museums $9,348,000

African American History and Culture Act $6,000,000

National Museum of the American Latino Act $6,000,000

Research, Analysis, and Data Collection $5,650,000

Program Administration $22,650,000

We expect that the Administration will implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 in a manner consistent with these allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. We also expect that the Administration will allow the IMLS to engage with and support both libraries and museums as Congress intended and as authorized in the MLSA.

Libraries and museums play a vital role in our communities. Libraries offer access for all to essential information and engagement on a wide range of topics, including skills and career training, broadband, and computing services. IMLS grants enable libraries to develop services in every community throughout the nation, including people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, residents of rural and urban areas, Native Americans, military families, veterans, and caregivers. Museums serve not only as centers for education but also as drivers of local economic development. The IMLS Office of Museum Services is the largest dedicated source of investment in our nation’s museums, which typically support more than 700,000 jobs and contribute $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy. IMLS funding plays a significant role in this economic impact by helping museums

reach more visitors and spur community development.

We look forward to working with you to support IMLS in fulfilling its purpose and meeting all of its statutory requirements.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Father-and-Son Duo from Westside Arrested on Federal Criminal Complaints Alleging Fentanyl Trafficking and Gun Sales

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – A Westside father and son were arrested today on federal criminal complaints charging them with possessing narcotics – specifically, the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl – with the intent to distribute it to others.

Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 55, a.k.a. “El Gato,” of the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles, and his son, Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, 31, of Santa Monica, were arrested this morning and are scheduled to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Both defendants are charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Antonio Espinoza also is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

According to affidavits filed with the complaints, Antonio Espinoza in July 2023 sold a pistol, a rifle, 131 rounds of ammunition, and more than 500 grams of fentanyl pills to a buyer. He is not licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms.

In August 2023, Antonio Espinoza allegedly sold an AR-style rifle and approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl pills to a buyer, supplied by Francisco Espinoza. In January 2025, he allegedly sold a rifle, a pistol, a revolver, and ammunition to a buyer. In February 2025, with his son present, Antonio Espinoza sold more than 500 grams of fentanyl pills to the confidential informant.

Antonio Espinoza is a citizen of Mexico, who has been previously deported in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017 and illegally reentered the United States following his removals, according to court documents. His criminal history includes felony convictions in 2008 in Los Angeles Superior Court for possession of narcotics for sale and in 2015 in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted of all charges, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California, with support from special agents with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California – Criminal Investigative Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding dangers to the community from the sales of narcotics and firearms.

As U.S. DOJ special agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) Criminal Investigators conduct independent and joint-agency investigations to achieve successful prosecutions and adjudications of federal crimes charged in the district. USAO investigators are positioned to address the prosecution priorities of the U.S. Attorney, as well as unique or project-based matters that may arise in the district and serve to generate or support a variety of federal cases with coordination and continuity among law enforcement partners throughout an investigation and trial.

Assistant United States Attorney Diane B. Roldán of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting these cases.

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

03.26.25

Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking

The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act would expand use of tools that record fatal and nonfatal overdoses in near-real-time; WA first responders say better data collection could help identify overdose hotspots so they can deploy resources faster & save lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the bipartisan Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to states, units of local government, law enforcement task forces, and tribes to adopt and implement an overdose data collection program, including the Overdose Data Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).

The bill was drafted by and reintroduced alongside Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Originally introduced in September, it unanimously passed the Senate in December but was not brought up by the House of Representatives before the end of last session.

“When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”

“The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Sen. Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand vital data collection programs.”

During Sen. Cantwell’s 10-city fentanyl roundtable tour across Washington state, she heard from multiple officials on the front lines of the epidemic that expanding ODMAP could help prevent overdoses and save lives. Expanding ODMAP would provide near real-time awareness of known or suspected overdose incidents across the United States, supporting public safety and public health efforts to coordinate immediate responses to sudden spikes in overdoses.

The bill has supporters across the State of Washington:

PUGET SOUND:

“Effective and timely overdose prevention and response activities rely upon high-quality data. Within the ecosystem of Seattle, King County, and community teams working to address opioid overdose, timely and targeted data are always the starting point for interventions. We endorse legislation that will expand similar shared platforms of overdose data collection, mapping, and analysis,” said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

“This bill would help Everett and communities across the country address the fentanyl and opioid crisis by implementing proven cutting-edge data tools to track overdoses,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “The City of Everett supports all efforts to implement data-driven methods to address this critical issue and is proud to support the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act.”

“The opioid epidemic affects all corners of our community,” said King County Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall. “I welcome Senator Cantwell’s efforts to help address this by building on the programs we have in place. Bringing more resources to fight this crisis is an essential step in saving lives.”

“The importance of a robust data collection tool, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, that facilitates the near real-time tracking of fatal and nonfatal overdoses, and the administration of opioid reversal medications, cannot be overstated. By Senator Cantwell introducing this important bill, the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act, participating agencies and entities will be better able to identify overdose spikes and trends, allowing for rapid responses and deliberate strategies to save lives,” said NW HIDTA Executive Director Jonathan Weiner.

EASTERN WA:

“In critical emergencies, first responders need accurate information to act fast. This legislation would improve data collection, giving police officers and firefighters the reliable tools they need to protect and serve their communities,” said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown.

“As first responders on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, we see the devastating impact of overdoses every day. Expanding access to real-time overdose data through ODMAP is critical for improving emergency response, identifying emerging trends, and ultimately saving lives. The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act will provide vital support to local communities and agencies like ours, ensuring we have the tools needed to respond effectively to this crisis. I strongly support this bill and urge its swift passage,” said Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg.

“Fentanyl and other illicit drugs pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of Spokane citizens. The overwhelming majority of these substances make their way to our county from neighboring foreign countries such as Mexico. Investment in real-time overdose mapping technology will help law enforcement disrupt the flow of Fentanyl in the United States. Having accurate data on where overdose spikes occur will go a long way towards securing safer communities and saving lives threatened by the fentanyl crisis,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.

“With over thirty-three years in law enforcement and currently serving as police chief in Spokane, Washington, I witness firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on individuals, families, and entire communities. The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act is a crucial step forward in equipping law enforcement, first responders, and public health professionals with the necessary tools to track, respond to, and prevent overdoses more effectively. This bill expands access to real-time overdose data collection tools, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). These tools enable us to identify trends, coordinate responses, and allocate resources where they are most needed. By utilizing existing DOJ funding, this legislation enhances our ability to combat the opioid epidemic without imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers. I wholeheartedly support this initiative because timely, accurate data saves lives. The ability to monitor overdose spikes and share critical information across agencies allows us to act more swiftly, prevent more deaths, and ultimately foster safer, healthier communities,” said Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall.

CENTRAL WA:

“The collection of data on overdoses is critical to the effectively addressing the serious opioid problem in this country. Knowing when and where overdoses occur can enable agencies to focus on the areas needing more attention. Funding for programs designed to collect overdose data is essential in the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell.

“Having a single platform to share overdose data is essential to saving lives, guiding decisions, and preventing overdoses. ODMAP (Overdose Mapping) is the platform. ODMAP allows for the collaboration and real-time data sharing between law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, hospitals, and health departments,” said Kennewick Police Chief Chris Guerrero.

“Using ODMAP locally throughout our county has already proven invaluable in identifying overdose hotspots and enabling rapid, targeted responses. Expanding its use statewide has the potential to transform how we address the fentanyl crisis in Washington. By standardizing overdose tracking across the state, we can pinpoint trends, respond more effectively, and deploy life-saving resources faster than ever. This tool is more than just data—it empowers us to act decisively and collaboratively to save lives and combat this devastating epidemic,” said Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District.

“In order to make the most appropriate moves to facilitate change, we must have good, accurate data. Otherwise we are blindly throwing darts at a board. ODMAP will allow for the most appropriate distribution of resources to help combat the nation-wide opioid epidemic. Without it, we will continue to potentially ignore high impacted areas that may desperately need the assistance,” said Cameron Haubrich, Chief of the Sunnyside Fire Department.

“ODMAP creates a unified, real-time system to track and respond to overdoses, enabling first responders, health departments, and law enforcement to allocate resources more effectively. By identifying overdose hotspots and trends as they happen, we can deploy targeted interventions and engage communities in prevention efforts,” said Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete when the bill passed the Senate in December.

“ODMAP is a game-changer in fighting the overdose epidemic! With the real-time data from ODMAP, responders and communities can monitor overdose events, identify patterns, deploy resources where needed, and ultimately save lives! In the State of Washington, we currently only track overdose deaths which grossly underestimates the true magnitude of the overdose epidemic (by 6200%),” said Alicia Stromme Tobin, Executive Director of Safe Yakima Valley, when the bill passed the Senate in December. “ODMAP provides agencies with a tool to track fatal and nonfatal overdoses. By providing a comprehensive view of overdose trends, ODMAP fosters collaboration across public health, law enforcement and EMS, allowing for more targeted interventions and prevention efforts. I applaud Senator Cantwell for recognizing the tremendous positive impact ODMAP will have on saving lives! Congratulations and well done!”

“Solutions start with a hope, hope is the gateway for innovation and collaboration, and efforts like ODMAP are the tools that communities need to impact the fentanyl crisis and save lives,” said Yakima Police Department Lt. Chad Janis when the bill passed the Senate in December.

SOUTHWEST WA:

“Vancouver strongly supports the Opioid Overdose Enhancement Act and urges the Department of Justice to award grants for the adoption and implementation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). As Vancouver Fire responded to over 400 overdose calls in 2024, it has become increasingly clear that gathering and analyzing overdose data is a significant challenge. Our current process of manually searching medical records for specific call information is labor-intensive and costly. A centralized database would be invaluable in identifying overdose hotspots, tracking trends, and saving lives. This federal legislation is a crucial step toward streamlining these efforts and addressing the opioid crisis effectively,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

“Vancouver Fire responded to more than 400 overdose calls in 2024. It has been a consistent challenge for us to gather data because it requires us to dig deep into our medical records system and search for keywords that will identify the specific call information. This process is labor intensive and time consuming. A centralized database would be very helpful to allow us to not only track location hotspots, but also trends. We fully support federal legislation that streamlines this process,” said Vancouver Fire Chief Brennan Blue.

“Senator Cantwell’s bill to implement the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program is a critical step in combating the opioid crisis. By providing timely data on overdoses and opioid reversal medication applications, this program will allow local departments of health and law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively, saving lives, holding opioid dealers accountable, and targeting resources where they’re needed most. I strongly endorse this vital legislation,” said Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price.

“Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) supports the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act and Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. With the rise of opioid related incidents in our district as well as in the counties we serve, CCFR has worked with community partners to address opioid use, overdose, and treatment. Through our CARES Program and in partnership with neighboring fire districts and the Clark County’s Medical Program Director’s Office, CCFR has implemented administration of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during the time of an opioid related incident or overdose. CCFR crews are able to introduce buprenorphine as well as provide leave-behind Narcan for individuals following administration of opioid overdose reversal medication. In partnership with treatment centers in the county, CARES is able to provide immediate referrals to these facilities in order to assist community members seeking treatment,” said John Nohr, Fire Chief of Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

“The Washington Fire Chiefs Association fully endorses Senator Cantwell’s Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. We believe that a crucial component of the Act, which supports adoption and implementation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application (ODMAP), will place critical, data-driven, information into the hands of first responders, saving lives,” said Kristan Maurer, President of Washington Fire Chiefs Association, Fire Chief of Clark County Fire District 6.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA:

“Having access to real-time data is critical to getting ahead of the overdose crisis. With the rapidly changing drug supply, these kinds of data allow us to identify overdose clusters and communicate with individuals at risk as well as community partners so that we can help prevent overdoses in the future,” said Allison Berry, Health Officer for Clallam County & Jefferson County.

The bill is also endorsed by several coveted national law enforcement organizations including: National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National HIDTA Directors Association (NHDA), National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies (NASDEA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Major County Sheriffs Association (MCSA).

ODMAP was developed in 2017 by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as a free, web-based, mobile-friendly platform for near real-time reporting and monitoring of suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as instances where opioid overdose reversal medications such as Naloxone were administered. It displays overdose data within and across jurisdictions, helping agencies identify spikes and clusters of suspected overdose events in their community, neighboring communities, and across the country.

As of February 2025, approximately 5,330 agencies across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are using the platform. Over 2.9 million overdose events have been entered into ODMAP and more than 36,000 users registered.

Washington state has not adopted ODMAP statewide, however, localities in the state utilize the program. In 2025, 77 agencies across 17 counties in Washington state use ODMAP, and have logged 2,248 entries into ODMAP. In 2024, 7,857 entries were logged. Yakima County, Spokane County, and the City of Seattle have recently implemented programming that allows their data to instantaneously populate the ODMAP dashboard with all overdose responses. Elsewhere in the state, ODMAP coverage is limited and therefore only captures a portion of the overdose instances occurring.

Currently, overdose data in Washington state is only available to government health partners and only contains fatal overdose cases (which are released months or years after the fact). Overdose counts are released publicly via Washington State’s Department of Health website. However, they only provide instances of fatal overdoses (a small fraction of all overdose incidents) and are hampered by significant delays. Currently, the most recent data populating the DOH overdose death rate data dashboard is from the fourth quarter of 2023.

In 2023 and 2024, Sen. Cantwell traveled across the State of Washington to 10 communities — Tacoma, Everett, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Walla Walla, Yakima, and Longview – hearing from people on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis, including first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and people with firsthand experience of fentanyl addiction. She also participated in the National Tribal Opioid Summit, a gathering of approximately 900 tribal leaders, health care workers, and first responders from across the country hosted by the Tulalip Tribes following the first-ever statewide summit hosted by the Lummi Nation. Sen. Cantwell has since used what she heard in those roundtables and related events to craft and champion specific legislative solutions, including:
- The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify illicit fentanyl knockoffs as Schedule I drugs;
- The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act, which would crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network;
- The FEND Off Fentanyl Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, which will help U.S. government agencies disrupt opioid supply chains by imposing sanctions on traffickers and fighting money laundering;
- The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act, which would require that all pill presses be engraved with a serial number and impose penalties for the removal or alteration of the number;
- The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers, enable the Drug Enforcement Administration to track xylazine’s manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market;
- The TRANQ Research Act of 2023, signed into law by President Biden, which will spur more research into xylazine (also called “tranq”) and other novel synthetic drugs by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to tackle these issues; and
- The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would bolster Tribal law enforcement agencies by helping them hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by raising their retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits to be on part with those of federal law enforcement officers.
In addition, Sen. Cantwell voted for a series of federal funding bills allocating $1.69 billion to combat fentanyl and other illicit drugs coming into the United States, including an additional $385.2 million to increase security at U.S. ports of entry, with the goal of catching more illegal drugs like fentanyl before they make it across the border. Critical funding will go toward Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at land and sea ports of entries. NII technologies—like large-scale X-ray and Gamma ray imaging systems, as well as a variety of portable and handheld technologies—allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help detect and prevent contraband from being smuggled into the country without disrupting flow at the border.

A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to combat the fentanyl crisis is available HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: 2024 Annual Results: Record activity driving strong performance and reinforcing the attractiveness of AFL’s model
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release

March 27, 2025

2024 Annual Results:
Record activity driving strong performance and reinforcing the attractiveness of AFL’s model

As of December 31, 2024, AFL Group reports solid results:

– Net banking income exceeds €24 million, while gross operating profit rises to €7.8 million
– Credit production to local authorities reaches €2 billion for the first time
– New memberships, totalling 269 local authorities, a record since AFL Group’s inception over 10 years ago, bring the total number of local authorities shareholders to 1,045
– Liquidity remains high, with an LCR ratio of 447% and an NSFR ratio of 220%
– CET1 ratio stands at 63%
– Leverage ratio for public development credit institutions reaches 11.25%

Key Figures of the consolidated results as of 12/31/2024 (IFRS)

Committed capital: €328 million (+€34.6 million vs. 12/31/2023)

Credit production: €2 billion (+3% vs. 12/31/2023)

Market funding raised: €2.4 billion (+13% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net banking income: €24.1 million (+3% vs. €23.4 million as of 12/31/2023)

Gross operating profit: €7,848K (+3% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net profit before tax: €7,466K (-3.5% vs. 12/31/2023)

Net profit after tax: €5,407K (vs. €5,739K as of 12/31/2023)

Cost-to-income ratio: 67.4% (vs. 67.4% as of 12/31/2023)

Results driven by the growth of credit activity

Since reaching breakeven in 2020, the AFL Group has recorded 10 consecutive semesters of positive results, with steady growth in gross operating profit. These results stem from the strong expansion of the bank’s lending activity to local authorities, combined with strict cost management, while continuing to monitor the scaling up of workforce and IT investments.

Relative to outstanding loans, operating expenses stands at 17 basis points as of December 31, 2024, compared to 20 basis points at year-end 2023. The cost-to-income ratio remains stable year-over-year at 67.4%.

Risk cost, very limited due to the sector, increases with the deterioration of the economic and financial environment and the balance sheet growth

AFL’s risk cost remains intrinsically limited due to the public development credit institution model, the company’s prudent management, and the excellent solvency of local authorities. The risk weighting of local authorities was reduced to 0%¹ following a decision of the ACPR’s supervisory board on June 21, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, AFL has made a provision of €381K for ex-ante impairments on expected credit losses under IFRS 9, compared to a reversal of provisions of €117K in 2023. This provision reflects the growth in AFL’s balance sheet and a change in the weighting of underlying macroeconomic scenarii in the provisioning model, while recognizing that loans to local authorities and securities held in AFL’s portfolio are inherently low-risk.

A robust financial structure enabling balanced growth

The AFL Group boasts a very strong financial structure:
- The CET1 solvency ratio (consolidated) stands at 63% (with a regulatory minimum of 11.75%, excluding the countercyclical capital buffer).
- The leverage ratio, calculated in accordance with the methodology applicable to public development credit institutions, is 11.25% (with a regulatory minimum of 3%).
- The LCR ratio stands at 447% (with a regulatory minimum of 100%).
- The 12-month internal liquidity ratio (NCRR) reaches 90% as of December 31, 2024, corresponding to a liquidity reserve of €1.9 billion. This ensures that AFL can meet all of its needs for more than 11 months without needing to access the market.
- The NSFR ratio stands at 220% (with a regulatory minimum of 100%).
Key Highlights of 2024

Cost efficient Funding

In 2024, despite a significant deterioration in general refinancing conditions, AFL, the Group’s issuer, successfully raised €2.4 billion in funding on favorable terms for several reasons:
- The continuation of a diversification strategy in both currencies and instruments.
- The benefit of HQLA 1 classification for AFL’s debt by the ACPR since June 2024.
- A rating by rating agencies on par with that of France.
AFL rating

Fitch Ratings Standard & Poor’s

Long-Term rating Aa3 AA-

Outlook Negative Negative

Short-Term rating P-1 A-1+

Strengthening of the financial structure

In order to support the strong growth of its balance sheet, AFL has issued super-subordinated debt instruments intended to be recognized as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital. With this issuance, the AFL Group will be able to meet the borrowing needs associated with increased investment expenditures of French local authorities in the context of transition financing.

Post-year end Events and Outlook
- AFL-ST completed its 43^rd capital increase on March 13, 2025, which enabled 57 new local authorities to join the AFL Group, bringing the total promised capital to nearly €331 million.
- The AFL Group aims to exceed 1,300 member local authorities by the end of 2025.
The AFL’s Executive Board approved the annual financial statements, both individual and consolidated, for the year 2024 on March 11, 2025. The AFL’s Supervisory Board favorably examined the financial statements on March 26, 2025.

The Board of Directors of AFL-ST, Société Territoriale, convened on March 26, 2025, approved the financial statements of its parent company, Société Territoriale, and the consolidated financial statements of the AFL Group.

Audit procedures on the annual and consolidated financial statements, related to the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, were conducted by the statutory auditors, whose reports are available at the following address: http://www.agence-france-locale.fr

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although AFL Group believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions on the date of publication of this press release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties, relating to geopolitical tensions and changes in macroeconomic forecasts and monetary policies, which could cause actual figures to differ from those indicated or implied in these statements.

The financial information of AFL Group for the year 2024 consists of this press release, complemented by the report available on the website:

https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/actualite/2024-annual-resu…ss-of-afls-model/

AFL 2024 Annual Results Report: https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/app/uploads/2025/03/publi_vdef-rapport-annuel-afl-2024-eng.pdf

AFL-ST 2024 Annual Results Report: https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/app/uploads/2025/03/publi-vdef-rapport-annuel-afl-st-2024-en.pdf

About the AFL, the bank for local authorities

“To embody responsible finance in order to strengthen the local world’s ability to act, addressing the present and future needs of citizens.”

The only French bank fully owned (100%) by local authorities, the AFL has a unique and innovative model: a bank created by and for all local authorities. By becoming AFL’s shareholders, local authorities gain access to fast, tailored financing for their local investments while committing to sustainable and responsible finance practices. For local authorities, it is the freedom to invest, with a controlled management of their finances. Since its launch in 2015, the AFL has already granted nearly €11.5 billion in loans, including €2 billion in 2024, and currently has 1,101 shareholders.

1 0% risk-weighing applies to regions (régions), departments (départements), communes and intercommunal cooperation public establishments (établissements publics de coopération intercommunale à fiscalité propre).

Attachment
- 2025.03.CP_AFL_2024_Annual_Results
The MIL Network –
March 27, 2025

	Fitch Ratings	Standard & Poor’s
Long-Term rating	Aa3	AA-
Outlook	Negative	Negative
Short-Term rating	P-1	A-1+

Category: Economy

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Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking

The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act would expand use of tools that record fatal and nonfatal overdoses in near-real-time; WA first responders say better data collection could help identify overdose hotspots so they can deploy resources faster & save lives