Category: housing

MIL-OSI Russia: Chief adviser to Bangladesh caretaker government urges Chinese investors to make the country their home and manufacturing hub

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

DHAKA, June 2 (Xinhua) — Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s Caretaker Government Muhammad Yunus on Sunday called on Chinese investors to make the country their homeland and manufacturing hub.

Speaking at the China-Bangladesh Investment and Trade Conference, M. Yunus said Chinese companies are masters of manufacturing and Bangladesh wants to be their partner.

According to him, the interim government of Bangladesh is consistently implementing reforms, improving the investment climate, streamlining the legal framework and providing favorable conditions for business activities.

M. Yunus suggested that Chinese investors explore the vast opportunities that Bangladesh offers in textile, pharmaceutical, food and agro-processing, fisheries and information technology.

The conference was attended by more than 400 representatives from Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises and business associations. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: MoonFox Data Releases New Report: Pop Mart’s Emotional Consumption Model Drives Global Expansion and Record Growth

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Shenzhen, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — [Shenzhen, China] – [June 1, 2025] – MoonFox Data, a leading provider of market intelligence and data analytics, today released its latest report, “Pop Mart Business Decoded: Measuring the Value of Emotional Consumption.” The report reveals how Pop Mart, a pioneer in the pop toy industry, has leveraged emotional consumption and IP innovation to achieve record-breaking growth and global expansion in 2024 and 2025.

The year 2025 is undoubtedly a landmark year for Pop Mart. At the end of March, the company released financial results that drew wide attention across the industry: Pop Mart’s 2024 revenue exceeded RMB 13 billion, a fivefold increase since its listing on the HKEX in 2020. Just before the Labor Day holiday, the Pop Mart app topped the U.S. App Store shopping chart for the first time, with American consumers queuing overnight to purchase new releases. Despite tariff pressures, its new products continued to see rapid growth overseas…

16 years after its founding, Pop Mart’s ambition to “become a global super IP” is gradually materializing. What was once a trend-led toy store has transformed into a spiritual refuge for young people. So how exactly has Pop Mart captured the hearts of youth both in China and abroad? And what challenges lie ahead?

I. A Look Back: Repeated Comebacks in Brand Development

1. In the Early Stages, Focused Track and Model Innovation Drove Growth

Founded in 2010, Pop Mart began as an offline “trendy variety store” and struggled to survive amid the rise of e-commerce. In 2015, the founder drew inspiration from Japan’s blind box trend and introduced the popular Hong Kong pop toy BabyMolly to the Chinese mainland market. Pop Mart also secured domestic distribution rights for Japan’s Sonny Angel, successfully pivoting from a variety store to a curated pop toy store.

However, in the following year, the termination of several IP licensing agreements forced the company to pivot again. Pop Mart began aggressively seeking collaborations with original designers to acquire copyright partnerships. In 2016, it launched its own IP blind box product, the Molly Zodiac Series, which became a growth driver. At the time, Pop Mart’s pop toy model of fast product rotation, bulk sales, and the blind box mechanism was a novelty that disrupted the traditional toy market. From then on, Pop Mart shifted from an offline retail distributor to an IP operator, with Molly becoming its signature icon.

2. After Going Public: Diversification to Break the Revenue Ceiling

Pop Mart entered the overseas market in 2018 and continued its steady revenue growth after its 2020 IPO. However, from 2020 to 2022, its gross profit margin declined continuously. By 2022, Pop Mart hit a growth bottleneck, with negative product reviews on social media indicating weakening consumer interest in blind boxes.

In 2022, Pop Mart’s gross profit margin dropped by 4%, and operating profit fell by 49%. Domestically, revenue declined not only due to pandemic-related disruptions to offline store sales, but also because of a slump in online channel performance.

Table 1: Pop Mart Annual Revenue and Profit Changes (2018 – 2024)

Year	Revenue	Gross Profit	Operating Profit	Gross Profit Margin		Revenue Growth		Gross Profit Growth		Operating Profit Growth
2018	0.51 billion	0.3 billion	0.13 billion	57.9	%	225	%	296	%	2951	%
2019	1.68 billion	1.09 billion	0.6 billion	64.8	%	227	%	266	%	348	%
2020	2.51 billion	1.59 billion	0.72 billion	63.4	%	49	%	46	%	20	%
2021	4.49 billion	2.76 billion	1.15 billion	61.4	%	79	%	73	%	60	%
2022	4.62 billion	2.65 billion	0.58 billion	57.5	%	3	%	-4	%	-49	%
2023	6.3 billion	3.86 billion	1.23 billion	61.3	%	36	%	46	%	111	%
2024	13.04 billion	8.71 billion	4.15 billion	66.8	%	107	%	125	%	238	%

Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

Table 2: Pop Mart Annual Online and Offline Revenue Changes (2020 – 2024)

Year	Online Channel Revenue	YoY		Offline Channel Revenue	YoY
2020	0.95 billion	77	%	1.33 billion	35	%
2021	1.9 billion	100	%	2.14 billion	61	%
2022	1.92 billion	1	%	2.22 billion	4	%
2023	1.68 billion	-12	%	3.85 billion	74	%
2024	4.15 billion	147	%	7.6 billion	97	%

Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

In 2023, as offline economic activity rebounded, Pop Mart’s diversified business strategy began to show results. Its commitment to deepening overseas markets and refining IP operations laid the foundation for a strong performance in both 2024 and 2025.

On one hand, the brand’s overseas expansion has become a key secondary growth driver. While revenue from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas markets accounted for only 9.8% of total revenue in 2022, this proportion rose to 38.9% by 2024. Pop Mart has expanded its network of international concept stores across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, growing the total number of overseas stores to 130.

Table 3: Number of Pop Mart Physical Stores in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (2020 – 2024)

Year	Number of Stores	Number of Robot Shops	New Countries Entered	Overseas Theme Stores
2020	1	No statistics	South Korea
2021	7	9	Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries
2022	43	120	UK, New Zealand, USA, Australia
2023	80	159	France, Malaysia, Thailand, Netherlands
2024	130	192	Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Italy, Spain	Louvre Theme Store (Paris) K-POP Theme Store (South Korea) CRYBABY Theme Store (Thailand)

Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

Table 4: Pop Mart’s Revenue of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (2021 – 2024)

2021 – 2024 Annual Revenue of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas
Year	Revenue	Proportion		Growth Rate
2021	1.9	4.10	%	156	%
2022	4.5	9.80	%	137	%
2023	10.7	16.90	%	138	%
2024	50.7	71.30	%	374	%
2021 – 2024 Revenue Breakdown by Channel of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (RMB 100 million)
Year	Offline Channel	Online Channel		Wholesale & Other Channels
2021	0.1	0.4		1.4
2022	1.5	0.9		2.1
2023	6.4	1.6		2.7
2024	30.7	14.6		5.4
2024 Regional Revenue Distribution of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (RMB 100 million)
Region	Revenue	Proportion		Growth Rate
Southeast Asia	24	47.40	%	619	%
East Asia & Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan	13.9	27.40	%	185	%
North America	7.2	14.30	%	557	%
Europe, Oceania & Others	5.5	10.90	%	311	%

Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

On the other hand, the company has shifted its focus from pursuing rapid product launches and expanding the number of IPs to prioritizing IP quality. The period from 2020 to 2022 marked a critical phase of supply chain upgrades for Pop Mart, including greater supply chain flexibility, digital transformation of warehousing and logistics, the establishment of self-owned factories, and overseas warehouse construction, all of which laid a strong foundation for future growth. Around 2023, Pop Mart began transforming its overseas business model by bypassing intermediary distributors and transitioning to a DTC (Direct-to-consumer) approach. This shift significantly improved the company’s ability to reach global consumers quickly. As a result, e-commerce revenue from overseas independent platforms surged in 2024.

Table 5: 2024 Pop Mart’s Online Revenue in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Markets

Online Channel	Revenue (RMB 1 million)	Proportion		Growth Rate
Pop Mart Official Website	531	36.50	%	1246	%
Shopee	324	22.30	%	656	%
TikTok	262	18.00	%	5780	%
Other Online Channels	338	23.20	%	389	%

Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

II. Building Deeper Connections with Consumers: Accelerating IP Universe Development Through User Value Alignment

1. From the “Lipstick Effect” to a Lifestyle Brand: Cultivating Long-Term Consumption Habits

Pop Mart has mastered the art of the blind box model. Before the product launch, intensive marketing campaigns are carried out, with each figurine being given a complete backstory. However, the blind box purchasing model extends the time it takes for consumers to have their expectations met. The unboxing experience after purchase creates delayed gratification and a sense of emotional reward. Meanwhile, the inherent consumer instinct to collect or complete a series further drives repeat purchases. While the inclusion of “hidden” editions creates an illusion of “scarcity”, adding perceived collectible value while stimulating consumer desire to purchase.

With low individual costs, intricate design, rapid product updates, and wide variety, consumers often become “loyal fans” without realizing it. Generation Z, who value emotional expression and self-exploration, are willing to pay for emotional fulfillment. Character-driven dolls and figurines have become tools for self-solace. Meanwhile, the use of social media further transforms blind boxes into a form of social currency. From celebrities and macro influencers to niche KOLs and even KOCs of WeChat Moments, posting about figurines, unboxing videos, and product swaps has spurred enthusiasm and imitation among fans.

Meanwhile, Pop Mart has deepened its IP development, expanding beyond toys into lifestyle products. For example, its original IP “HIRONO” features a rebellious child character whose lonely and aggrieved expressions still convey a defiant spirit, an image that has won over many fans. By 2025, the IP had evolved to its seventh generation, with related merchandise extending beyond blind boxes to include a wide range of products such as apparel, home goods, and digital accessories. In addition to blind boxes, “HIRONO” has expanded to apparel, home goods, and tech accessories. It also engages users emotionally through animated shorts, offline sculptures, and art exhibitions.

Table 6: Revenue Contribution of “HIRONO” IP

Revenue in 2024	Revenue Share		Revenue in 2023	Revenue Share		YoY Growth
0.73 billion	5.60	%	0.35 billion	5.60	%	106.9	%

Data Source: Company financial reports & public data, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

2. From Emotional Value to Cultural Identity: Brand Consumption as a Form of Self-Expression

In 2025, American consumers queued overnight for LABUBU from the classic IP “THE MONSTER”, known for its mischievous grin and dark aesthetic, a sharp contrast to Pop Mart’s other characters. Initially positioned as a “forest sprite”, LABUBU saw modest success until a 2024 rebranding introduced plush-skinned vinyl dolls that went viral in Thailand and later gained traction in China.

Today, LABUBU is not only a crowd favorite at Pop Mart’s themed parks but also a global “symbol of subculture”. The character’s sharp teeth, heterochromatic eyes, and dark style wrapped in soft textures challenge mainstream beauty standards, echoing youth subculture’s desire to break norms. On global social media platforms, celebrities like LISA, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa have been seen with LABUBU dolls, while fans engage in remakes and cosplay to express individuality.

Table 7: Revenue Contribution of “THE MONSTER” IP

Revenue in 2024	Revenue Share		Revenue in 2023	Revenue Share		YoY Growth
3.04 billion	23.30	%	0.37 billion	5.80	%	726.6	%

Data Source: Company financial reports & public data, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

Through diversified operations and refined strategies, Pop Mart is steadily constructing an IP universe that meets consumer needs in socialization, emotional expression, and self-identity.

Its in-house IP operations are now more finely segmented by target audience and product type, with distinct strategies for blockbuster development. For high-end consumers and international markets, Pop Mart strengthens its collaborations with cultural IPs across various fields, collaborating with cultural IPs, such as Chinese intangible heritage artists and British pop artists, producing limited editions (primarily under the MEGA line) that emphasize collectability and cultural expression. For mass-market consumers, collaborations between original IPs and fast fashion, coffee and beverage brands, and anime/gaming franchises have become routine, integrating Pop Mart products into daily life. Overseas, store design increasingly incorporates local cultural elements, offering immersive experiences, such as Korea’s K-POP theme store and France’s Louvre theme store, and launching regional co-branded limited editions to lower the threshold for cross-cultural interaction among consumers from different regions.

On the operational front, the growth of figurine revenues has slowed in recent years. To adapt, the company has launched new product lines, including Molly Beans, plush toys, and the MEGA series. In 2024, plush and MEGA categories accounted for 35% of revenue and showed rapid growth, now forming a major revenue pillar. In physical retail, Pop Mart is expanding from pure retail to experiential offerings. Beyond traditional stores and vending machines, more themed parks, pop-up stores, and curated art exhibitions are being introduced to enhance customer engagement.

III. Cracks beneath the Billion-RMB Myth

The booming pop toy industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with multiple players racing to innovate on both product and concept. As consumer aesthetics continue to evolve, this intensifies pressure on leading brands. TOPTOY, a pop toy chain under MINISO founded in 2020, has rapidly expanded into lower-tier cities with its more affordable pricing and iconic IP offerings. By the end of 2024, TOPTOY had opened 276 retail stores nationwide, generating over RMB 980 million in annual revenue. Meanwhile, classic international IPs are enjoying a resurgence in the Chinese market. In 2024, merchandise related to Harry Potter, the Disney 100th Anniversary, and Chiikawa surged in popularity, posing a growing challenge for the breakout success of original IPs. Backed by this trend, MINISO has leveraged the influence of established IPs to drive both revenue and brand recognition. The 2024 financial report shows the total revenues exceeding RMB 17 billion, a 22.8% YoY increase.

Turning the lens back to Pop Mart itself, managing the lifecycle of original IPs, and the handoff between older and newer IPs, remains a critical challenge for pop toy companies to build their “super IPs”. Pop Mart has been launching original IPs for over a decade. Iconic characters such as Molly, LABUBU, and THE MONSTER have recently reignited consumer interest through new product categories and refreshed designs. At the same time, many emerging IPs have gained visibility and emotional resonance with post-2000s and even younger generations. As Pop Mart’s portfolio of original IPs continues to expand, more of these properties will face the challenge of prolonged life cycles in the future. Maintaining innovation and consistently creating hit products that resonate with the evolving preferences of young consumers will become a long-term challenge for the brand’s development.

Overall, Pop Mart has successfully pioneered a business model that monetizes emotional value, anchoring its revenue growth in rich content and cultural significance. Its strong in-house production capabilities and DTC strategy have accelerated its reach among global consumers. While recent revenue surges are not a fleeting phenomenon, they do not come without risk. Looking ahead, Pop Mart must continue to enhance its content innovation capabilities to keep its IPs vibrant. Only by maintaining a careful balance between innovation and legacy, and between emotional appeal and cultural expression, can the brand sustain high growth and realize its long-term ambition of becoming a “super IP” powerhouse.

About MoonFox Data

As a sub-brand of Aurora Mobile, MoonFox Data is a leading expert in data insights and analysis services across all scenarios. With a comprehensive, stable, secure and compliant mobile big data foundation, as well as professional and precise data analysis technology and AI algorithms, MoonFox Data has launched iAPP, iBrand, iMarketing, Alternative Data and professional research and consulting services of MoonFox Research, aiming to help companies gain insights into market growth and make accurate business decisions.

About Aurora Mobile

Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) established in 2011, is a leading customer engagement and marketing technology service provider in China. Its business includes notification services, marketing growth, development tools, and data products.

For Media Inquiries:
Contact: zhouxt@jiguang.cn | Website: http://www.moonfox.cn/en

The MIL Network –

June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: draft border security laws up for debate in the Lords

Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

Members of the House of Lords will debate the core aims of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill at second reading.

Find out more and see who’s taking part https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/june/border-security-legislation-at-heart-of-lords-debate/

Catch-up on House of Lords business:

Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
• Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

#HouseOfLords #UKParliament #VEDay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6rTPAQ4WBk

MIL OSI Video –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Mhlauli releases the 2024 4th Quarter Report of the Presidential Youth Employment

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

Deputy Minister Mhlauli briefs the media on the release of the 2024 4th Quarter Report of the Presidential Youth Employment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0i40LrpL7Q

MIL OSI Video –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Visits Rockford to Highlight How Trump’s Tariffs are Hurting Illinois Small Businesses and Workers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Latest stop on Krishnamoorthi’s “Trump Tariff Tour” underscores toll on manufacturing jobs and local economies

ROCKFORD, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) continued his “Trump Tariff Tour” with a visit to a warehouse operated by Milescraft, a family-owned power tool manufacturer. During the visit, Congressman Krishnamoorthi toured the facility with Milescraft CEO Simon Karkosch and spoke to members of the press about how President Trump’s blanket tariffs are driving up costs, stifling growth, and forcing Illinois businesses to make painful decisions, including layoffs.

“At Milescraft and across our state, the real cost of Donald Trump’s tariff war is being paid by small businesses and working families,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These blanket tariffs aren’t targeting bad actors or protecting American jobs; they’re raising prices, slashing margins, and threatening the very businesses and workers that keep our local economies going. This isn’t smart economic policy. It’s time to put Illinois jobs and families first by ending this destructive tariff policy.”

Founded in 2002, Milescraft has grown from a small Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into a leading designer of woodworking tools and power tool accessories. The company now produces and distributes hundreds of products each year. However, under the burden of President Trump’s tariffs, they’ve been forced to cut jobs and grapple with rising input costs. According to recent projections, if all of President Trump’s proposed tariffs are implemented, they could cost the average American household more than $4,400 annually. Already, the Budget Lab at Yale estimates that the 2025 tariffs have increased consumer prices by 2.3 percent, reducing household purchasing power by $3,800 per year on average. Illinois in particular faces significant exposure, with over $82 billion in imports from Canada and Mexico — the state’s two largest trading partners — at risk from these tariffs.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi launched his Trump Tariff Tour last month at Testa Produce in Chicago, followed by stops at Kindred Farms in Atlanta and Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana. At each stop, he has heard directly from those on the front lines of Illinois’ economy — and pledged to keep fighting for fair trade policies that protect working families and small businesses, not punish them.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Moore Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Electronics Manufacturing to America and Strengthen Supply Chains
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Blake Moore (R-UT) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to bolster domestic printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit substrate production, which will strengthen U.S. supply chain security in a critical technology sector. The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act will encourage domestic PCB manufacturing and R&D to reduce supply chain disruptions, address national security concerns related to foreign PCB production, and further enhance America’s economic leadership.

“While we’ve made real progress in domestic chip production, microchips can’t function without printed circuit boards – 90% of which are made in Asia, including half in the People’s Republic of China,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Our bipartisan bill reduces that dangerous dependence by rebuilding U.S. manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and supporting American workers.”

“There has never been a more important time for Congress to get to work on reshoring our manufacturing and strengthening our critical supply chains,” Congressman Blake Moore said. “The Chinese government’s open willingness to withhold access to technology and rare earth minerals proves that we are in a race against Beijing at all levels of the microelectronics ecosystem. This bill provides a tried-and-true approach to incentivizing American companies to produce printed circuit boards here at home: it will maintain the integrity of military and national security commercial materials, boost our economy and workforce, and usher in a new era of American manufacturing. I am grateful to reintroduce this bill with Congressman Krishnamoorthi and am hopeful this bipartisan effort will successfully move through the legislative process.”

“The PCBs Act addresses a critical and long-overlooked weakness in America’s electronics supply chain,” John W. Mitchell, IPC President and CEO, said. “Every electronic device relies on PCBs and substrates, but the U.S. no longer has the capabilities or capacity to meet current demand, much less address future technology requirements. This bill is a vital step toward rebuilding the nation’s ability to manufacture electronics from silicon to systems—an essential foundation for innovation, security, and economic strength.”

“Remember, chips don’t float. They need printed circuit boards and substrates to connect to any electronic device. With production of American-made semiconductors ramping up, we need to do the same for PCBs. Without a concurrent increase in support for PCBs and substrates, those new American-made chips travel to Asia to be packaged with Asian-made PCBs and substrates,” Shane Whiteside, Chairman of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA) and CEO of Summit Interconnect, said. “We need to end our over reliance on Asia through public and private investment. This bill will set that in motion.”

“From F-35s to F-150s, the modern world is built on printed circuit boards, and we need to make more of them in America,” David Schild, Executive Director of PCBAA, said. “This bill will lead to new factories, high paying jobs and an ecosystem to support the work being done by our colleagues in the semiconductor industry.”

Background

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the material on which semiconductors sit (often the green-colored surface in images of chips) and are a critical part of the supply chain. An assessment from the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security called for domestic investment and production of key information and communications technology products such as PCBs.

The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act includes the following provisions to incentivize domestic PCB manufacturing and R&D:
1. Provides a 25% tax credit for the purchase or acquisition of American-made PCBs;
2. Establishes a financial assistance program, modeled on the CHIPS for America Act, for American facilities manufacturing or researching PCBs;
3. Requires a Presidential determination for single financial awards over $150 million;
4. Provides for delay and technology clawbacks of award funds in the event that funding is not used efficiently or in a manner that raises national security concerns;
5. Authorizes appropriations of $3 billion to carry out the program.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Advancement of $35 Million for Projects to Benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he advanced 15 projects totaling over $35 million to benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties for consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. These projects would help to support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10^th Congressional District. Each year Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“I am proud to again advance over $35 million in funding that would directly benefit communities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties by making our roads safer and more accessible, improving our outdoor spaces, providing cost-savings and environmental benefits through sustainability, and bolstering protection from crime and natural disasters,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I appreciate the effort of and collaboration with our local governments and organizations in submitting these projects, and I will continue to fight to see them through this legislative process and get the funding delivered to our district.”

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in advancing five projects that will improve safety, emergency response, and transportation infrastructure in Contra Costa County. These critical investments will ensure that Contra Costa continues to be a safe and welcoming place for residents and businesses to thrive. We appreciate the Congressman’s foresight in selecting these projects, which offer regional benefits to our community,” said Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

“Central San wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing our Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Replacement Project. This critical project will provide direct community benefits by improving the resiliency of Central San’s wastewater operations during extreme weather events and significantly reducing its energy footprint. This federal funding will support the transition to a state-of-the-art UV system that will make the wastewater treatment plant more sustainable and energy efficient because it will decrease energy use and meaningfully reduce greenhouse gases produced annually,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.

“For truly safe and stable communities, we must make robust investments in public safety, including preventing and prosecuting organized retail theft and fighting labor trafficking. Efforts like the Healing and Justice for Survivors of Labor Trafficking program are designed to significantly increase funding for the number of Victim Witness Unit staff, allowing them to better provide education, outreach, and support for survivors. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s success in securing this crucial funding demonstrates his deep understanding of these fundamental needs,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County.

“We appreciate the support from Congressman DeSaulnier in advancing our Community Project Funding request to provide resilient and modern emergency power infrastructure to support the East Bay Regional Communications System. This project will have a direct impact on improving the public safety radio infrastructure for our firefighters, ambulance crews, and all first responders throughout Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County. Congressman DeSaulnier is helping us to keep our communities and our first responders safe with this critical infrastructure investment,” said Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“Investing in energy-efficient storage infrastructure ensures County Connection can power our future fleet with greater reliability and lower costs. This system strengthens our ability to deliver vital transit service during emergencies and supports a cleaner, more resilient future for our community. We’re grateful that Congressman DeSaulnier shares our commitment to sustainability and smart investment in local transit,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager, Central Contra Costa County Transit Authority.

“We are extremely grateful to be included for consideration; upgrading our officer’s body worn cameras is an important public safety project for our residents and our police department,” said Cindy Darling, Mayor of Walnut Creek.

“The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) sincerely appreciates Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued support in advancing innovative transportation solutions in our county. This critical funding will allow CCTA to implement smart signal technology in the Cities of Antioch and Oakley, enabling signal synchronization, enhanced traffic flow, and smooth congestion. The upgraded system will also prioritize transit and emergency vehicles and support countywide efforts to achieve Vision Zero goals,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

“The City of Dublin is proud to have Congressman DeSaulnier’s support for our Community Project Funding Request for the Village Parkway Reconstruction and Complete Streets Project. This important project will address critical infrastructure needs by resurfacing roads, improving bicycle access, enhancing safety, and upgrading sidewalks near Dublin High School. Once complete, Village Parkway will be a significantly safer and more accessible corridor for all who live, work, and travel in Dublin,” said Sherry Hu, Mayor of Dublin.

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s vital support of this critical project. Upgrading our emergency generators will significantly enhance the resilience of the communication systems our first responders rely on during emergencies and disasters,” said Jon King, Board Chair, East Bay Regional Communications System Authority.

“Thanks to Congressman DeSaulnier’s support, the Marsh Drive Class I Bikeway Project will close a 1.3-mile gap in Contra Costa County’s expansive bicycle network, providing the residents of Pacheco and Martinez a low-stress and multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facility that connects to the 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail, improving connectivity to neighboring jurisdictions such as the City of Concord and City of Pleasant Hill, while also improving access to recreational areas such as the lower Walnut Creek channel and Pacheco Marsh. The project will help Contra Costa County achieve its ambitious “Vision Zero” safety goal of having zero fatalities or severe injuries along its road network,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works.

“We greatly appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier championing the Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project, a multi-modal project that will construct bicycle lanes and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure along Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village of Walnut Creek. The Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements will provide a critical connection to the region’s 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail and active transportation options for commuters and residents of Walnut Creek. This project will transform the road corridor into a model example of complete streets design, improving connectivity to light rail transit (Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station), high-density housing, and thousands of jobs, further supporting economic, health, and transportation benefits for the Contra Costa Centre and Walnut Creek areas,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works.

“This is more than a park project – it’s about honoring history, creating access, and supporting public spaces which will serve generations to come. The South of Bailey Road Community Development Project will open 890 acres of land to the public at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, laying the foundation for a regional destination rooted in community and remembrance. We deeply appreciate Representative DeSaulnier’s leadership in moving this vision forward,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager, East Bay Regional Park District.

“We are deeply grateful that Congressman DeSaulnier has again selected our Ocean Ambassadors educational program for consideration for Community Project Funding through the Appropriations Committee,” said Cecily Majerus, Chief Executive Officer, The Marine Mammal Center. “Environmental literacy is crucial. This critical funding support would allow the Center to expand our Ocean Ambassadors in Contra Costa County—bringing high-impact, standards-aligned marine science learning to more classrooms through educator training, coaching, and peer mentoring.”

“The Danville Townwide Fiber project is a transformative step toward a more connected and resilient community. By expanding our fiber infrastructure, we are ensuring that Danville’s traffic systems are smarter, safer, and prepared for the future,” said Renee Morgan, Mayor of Danville.

“We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued support and unwavering commitment to help Diablo Water District build a resilient water system capable of withstanding potential seismic risks to our underground transmission lines and above-ground steel reservoirs,” said Dan Muelrath, General Manager, Diablo Water District.

“On behalf of the City of Concord, I extend our sincere thanks to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing the effort to improve our Emergency Operations Center. His support is vital to addressing critical infrastructure needs that impact our emergency response and community safety. This funding will help transform the EOC into a modern, resilient facility that strengthens regional preparedness and protects lives. We deeply appreciate his leadership and commitment to public safety,” said Carlyn Obringer, Mayor or Concord.

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:
- $3,900,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
- $3,000,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
- $2,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
- $2,000,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
- $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays, and ease congestion.
- $1,500,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
Public Health and Safety Projects:
- $4,875,000 to the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
- $3,649,671 to the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
- $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
- $1,000,000 to the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
- $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
- $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:
- $4,000,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
- $4,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
- $272,918 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,7000 students and their teachers and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.
Selection and submission of projects to the Appropriations Committee is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

#

MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to the consultation on plans for a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS)

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Written statement to Parliament

Response to the consultation on plans for a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS)

The UKADS will act as a single guiding mind to deliver a modernised UK airspace, enabling quicker, quieter and cleaner flights.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are publishing the response to the consultation to establish a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), CAP 3106. The UKADS will act as a new single guiding mind to deliver a modernised and holistic design of UK airspace, enabling quicker, quieter and cleaner flights.

UK airspace is an invisible but essential piece of our national infrastructure. Its design has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s, when there were around 200,000 flights per year in UK airspace, compared to 2.47 million in 2024. If UK airspace is not modernised, it has been estimated that by 2040, 1 in 5 flights could experience disruption and delays.

Airspace modernisation will ensure that the UK’s airspace is fit for the future, enabling aircraft to fly more direct routes with optimised climb and descent profiles to and from energy-efficient cruising altitudes. This will benefit UK consumers through greater system capacity and better resilience to disruption. Crucially, it will help UK aviation achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The government and CAA have carefully considered the responses to the consultation last autumn. These helped to inform the decision to proceed with the creation of the UKADS and establishment of an Airspace Design Support Fund, announced by the Chancellor on 17 March 2025 and our aim is for the UKADS to be established and operational by the end of 2025.

NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) will be responsible for providing the UKADS. NERL is the only organisation in the UK with the necessary level of resource and design expertise to deliver the UKADS at pace.

The initial priority for the UKADS will be to design airspace for the London ‘cluster’ of the airspace change masterplan. The London cluster has the most complex airspace in the UK, and modernisation will unlock significant benefits. This would include any airspace change required for a third runway at Heathrow.

Airspace modernisation will continue to be funded by industry, following the user-pays principle. The cost of the UKADS will be met through a new UK Airspace Design Charge, which will primarily apply to commercial airlines. This charge will also enable a new Airspace Design Support Fund to help unlock the benefits of modernisation around the rest of the UK.

Two Statutory Instruments will be laid, using powers in the Transport Act 2000 to enable NERL to be tasked with delivering the UKADS. The CAA will consult on the charge as well as proposed changes to the NERL air traffic services licence.

Consultation responses also identified opportunities to streamline and simplify the regulatory framework, including the CAA’s airspace change process and the government’s air navigation guidance and air navigation directions. DfT and CAA intend to start consulting by September 2025 on possible changes, which will continue to support safe and efficient airspace design, proper and proportionate assessment of environmental impacts, including noise and engagement with local communities.

With the establishment of the UKADS, these measures will strengthen the UK’s role as a global aviation leader and confirm this government’s support for airspace modernisation and the benefits it will bring for the country.

Updates to this page

Published 2 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Provisional statistics of retail sales for April 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (June 2).

The value of total retail sales in April 2025, provisionally estimated at $28.9 billion, decreased by 2.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in March 2025 decreased by 3.5% compared with a year earlier. For the first 4 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 5.6% compared with the same period in 2024.

Of the total retail sales value in April 2025, online sales accounted for 8.1%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, decreased by 3.5% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in March 2025 decreased by 0.5% compared with a year earlier. For the first 4 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.2% compared with the same period in 2024.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in April 2025 decreased by 3.3% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in March 2025 decreased by 4.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 4 months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 7.2% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing April 2025 with April 2024, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 2.4%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-1.7% in value); wearing apparel (-5.6%); motor vehicles and parts (-53.4%); fuels (-12.5%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-5.1%); furniture and fixtures (-16.7%); and optical shops (-0.2%).

On the other hand, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 13.4% in April 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of medicines and cosmetics (+7.2% in value); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+3.0%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+1.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+11.7%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+3.8%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 4.2% in the three months ending April 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 7.1%.

Commentary

A government spokesman said that retail sales performance showed signs of stabilisation in recent months. The value of total retail sales recorded a modest year-on-year decline of 2.3% in April 2025. The decline narrowed further in April compared with the previous months despite the effect of the late arrival of the Easter holidays this year (in mid-April this year but in the junction of March and April last year) when more residents made outbound trips during the month.

Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the Government’s proactive promotion of tourism and mega events will help stimulate the consumption market. Increase in employment earnings and sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy will also bolster consumption sentiment. These factors will be supportive to the retail sector, though ongoing changes in consumption patterns and competition among businesses amid the uncertain macroeconomic environment will still pose challenges.

Further information

Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for March 2025 as well as the provisional figures for April 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 4 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for March 2025 as well as the provisional figures for April 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 4 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for March 2025 as well as the provisional figures for April 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 4 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: State of Oregon Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for 2025 Floods
Source: US State of Oregon

overnor Tina Kotek, in coordination with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), has formally requested Presidential Disaster Declarations to provide federal support for communities across Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties devastated by the 2025 floods.

From mid-March to mid-April, Oregon experienced a historic combination of severe storms, rapid snowmelt, and record-level rainfall. The resulting floods caused landslides, infrastructure failure, and widespread displacement, especially in isolated, rural areas. Homes, businesses, bridges, and utility systems were damaged or destroyed, and many residents are still unable to return home.

“Although this disaster hit some of the most remote and economically vulnerable communities of our state, these folks have each other’s backs – they helped their neighbors to get through the initial emergency. They are resilient and resourceful, but they can’t do recovery alone,” Governor Kotek said. “These communities urgently need federal support to help them recover.”

The state’s request includes:
- Public Assistance for Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties to repair roads, public buildings, and utilities.
- Individual Assistance for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, and separately for Harney County and the Burns Paiute Tribe, to support individuals and families affected by the flooding.
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding statewide to invest in long-term resilience and flood protection.
In Harney County, the situation was especially severe. Unseasonably warm temperatures rapidly melted snowpack which was more than double the seasonal average. This overwhelmed the Silvies River, breached levees, and led to the failure of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. Sewage-contaminated floodwaters caused serious public health hazards, damaged more than 100 homes, and forced extended evacuations.

“This is the second major disaster Harney County has faced in a year, following wildfires in 2024,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “With limited local capacity, federal resources are essential to help these communities recover and to prevent future devastation.”

The requested declarations would open access to federal resources to help eligible individuals and households with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs, support economically and physically impacted small businesses, and support public infrastructure repairs and long-term rebuilding. They would also support hazard mitigation projects like reinforced levees, improved floodplain management, and more resilient infrastructure. For updates and information on available recovery resources, visit www.Oregon.gov/OEM.

Explore the interactive story map to see the devastating impacts of Oregon’s 2025 floods and the ongoing recovery efforts in Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5b3ecd47075844fe8a1d95f28a8e643b

MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: WISeKey to Present at Maxim Tech Conference “Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow” on June 3 at 8:30am ET

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WISeKey to Present at Maxim Tech Conference “Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow” on June 3 at 8:30am ET

Geneva, Switzerland, June 2, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its management team will be presenting at the Maxim Group 2025 Virtual Tech Conference “Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow.”

WISeKey’s fireside chat presentation is scheduled for June 3^rd at 8:30 am ET. Investors can access the live presentation via the following link: https://m-vest.com/events/tmt-06032025.

During the presentation, Carlos Moreira, WISeKey’s Founder and CEO, will provide a progress update on WISeKey’s platform as it advances through the “Year of Convergence,” integrating its subsidiaries’ cybersecurity offerings: (WISeID) digital identification, (SEALSQ) post-quantum technology, (WISeSAT) satellite constellation, and (SEALCOIN) tokenization projects into the Company’s revenue stream.

About WISeKey

WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

Press and Investor Contacts

WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
info@wisekey.com

WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
lcati@theequitygroup.com

The MIL Network –

June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: Vodafone Qatar selects Nokia in major network modernization deal to drive expanded 5G coverage, reliability, and services
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Vodafone Qatar selects Nokia in major network modernization deal to drive expanded 5G coverage, reliability, and services
- The deal entails Core modernization, expanded 5G capacity, and enhanced broadband to strengthen network reliability, service offering, and efficiency.
2 June 2025
Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced a major agreement with Vodafone Qatar to lead a nationwide network modernization that will enable the operator to deliver faster, more secure, and highly adaptable 5G services to consumers and businesses across the country, while preparing the network for next-generation innovations.

In a major expansion of the two companies’ partnership, Vodafone Qatar will leverage Nokia’s end-to-end technology to boost network capacity and reduce latency while accelerating time-to-market with new capabilities and introducing greater agility through automation and enhanced security measures.

As demand for high-speed connectivity surges in Qatar’s rapidly growing digital economy where the ICT sector is forecast to grow at an 8.5% annual rate through 2030, the operator is committed to meet those needs. Nokia’s solutions will help transform the network with intelligent broadband access, new enterprise offerings provided through 5G slicing, and infrastructure that can easily evolve as digital applications advance.

“Vodafone Qatar continuously embraces new opportunities to deploy emerging technologies as part of its commitment to driving digital transformation in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Our work with Nokia enables us to become more agile and responsive to the evolving needs of customers and businesses. By integrating advanced fiber, mobile, and cloud capabilities, we are shaping a smarter, more secure network that can support everything from customized home Wi-Fi to the latest enterprise technologies,” said Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Qatar.

“This collaboration reflects the depth of our portfolio and the strength of our partnership with Vodafone Qatar. Through more flexible scaling, reliability, and near zero-touch automation that our advanced core and broadband solutions deliver, Nokia will provide greater network agility and service offerings, and provide our partner with all the tools they need to more efficiently manage and extract greater value from their network assets,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services, Nokia.

Nokia’s multi-cloud core software solutions, including Packet Core, Converged Charging, and Networks Data Analytics Function, running on the latest cloud technologies will bring cloud-native grade automation, agility, and scalability to Vodafone Qatar’s multi-access core network.

Nokia Digital Operations software will boost the operator’s journey towards fully autonomous networks with end-to-end orchestration, 5G slicing automation, and AI-driven assurance, enabling rapid delivery and highest reliability of services.

Nokia’s integration of automation across IP and optical networks, provided by NSP, combined with a five-year managed services agreement for core operations, will help accelerate service rollouts, reduce costs, and ensure a future-ready network architecture.

Together, these advancements will set a new standard for end-to-end digital transformation in Qatar and reaffirm Nokia’s position as a trusted technology partner for service providers worldwide.

Multimedia, technical information and related news
Web Page: Cloud and Network Services
Web Page: Mobile Networks
Web Page: Network Infrastructure

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C
Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. (“Vodafone Qatar”) provides a comprehensive range of services including voice, messaging, data, fixed communications, IoT and ICT managed services in the State of Qatar, for both consumers and businesses alike. The Company commenced commercial operations in 2009 and has 2.1 million mobile customers as of 31 March 2025. Its state-of-the-art network infrastructure is expanding to cover key locations in the country with fibre connectivity and 5G, along with an extensive digital ecosystem, which will contribute to Qatar’s continued growth and prosperity. Vodafone Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in its mission to connect today’s ideas with the technologies of tomorrow by pioneering digital innovation and becoming people’s first choice in telecom and digital services. Please visit www.vodafone.qa for more details.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Vodafone Qatar Media Relations
Email: mediarelations.qatar@vodafone.qa

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The MIL Network –
June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: WISeKey’s WISe.ART 3.0, One of the World’s First and Largest Web3 Marketplaces for Digital Art, Twins, NFTs, and Crypto Collectibles will be Presenting FABEN’s MLove at NFC Lisbon on June 5 on the Alpha Stage at 4:30

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WISeKey’s WISe.ART 3.0, One of the World’s First and Largest Web3 Marketplaces for Digital Art, Twins, NFTs, and Crypto Collectibles will be Presenting FABEN’s MLove at NFC Lisbon on June 5 on the Alpha Stage at 4:30 pm

Geneva, Switzerland – June 2, 2025 — WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, is proud to announce that it will present Faben’s holograms for the first time at Lisbon NFC. There will be a live performance by Faben as well as a live discussion with WISe.ART Art Director on stage.

Since its launch in 2021, WISe.ART, the NFT platform developed by WISeKey, has led numerous high-impact and pioneering NFT projects. Combining trusted digital identity, robust cybersecurity, and environmental consciousness, WISe.ART has redefined how digital art and luxury collectibles are created, verified, and traded.

WISe.ART has distinguished itself by ensuring secure digital identity and compliance with international standards, making it one of the few platforms trusted for institutional and philanthropic NFT use cases.

Faben’s holograms are part of an important project including NFTs, NFCs, physical pieces, and an AI community building app to be developed to bring global beauty and peace. MLove will be developed into a game, an interactive companion, and health and educational guidance in an artistic way to spread the message of love to its community.

Revolutionizing the Future of Art- A world premiere that a hologram and a token are linked to a RWA (Real World Asset)

About WISe.ART: The WISe.ART platform redefines the digital art experience by providing creators and collectors with a secure, traceable, and intelligent environment for trading and authenticating digital assets. It is democratizing digital expression by empowering billions of people worldwide to create, share, and monetize their artistic visions through a secure and trusted platform. Whether it’s a digitally generated painting, a collectible tied to a physical sculpture, or a new form of cultural expression, WISe.ART enables creators from all backgrounds to participate in the global digital art economy, safely and transparently. For more information, visit www.wise.art.

About FABEN: Faben the heArtist, (sculpture, painting, murals, installations worldwide),
Creator of MLOVE & NFTH concept – https://www.instagram.com/faben.art/?hl=en#.

Faben joined the new enhanced WISe.ART platform in time for NFC Lisbon with a collection of holograms announcing the project. The holograms will be identifiable with WISeKEY chips and linked to their respective NFTs on one of the WISe.ART blockchains. The complete NFT collection will be dropped later in July during ARTMONACO week. Faben is an internationally renowned artist for his Mr Love sculpture spreading goodwill to all generations with inventive art using technology to reach new frontiers in communication.

About NFC Summit: Is the major annual event where the creative economy meets WEB 3 – Art Fashion, Gaming and Music, live performance stage, blending virtual and reality in unprecedented ways. The world’s major web3 players, investors and media from around the world gather to present and discuss current trends. Live performances, conference on multiple stages, awards and exhibitions will be open to the public for 3 crazy days in an historical venue in the heart of Lisbon. https://www.nfcsummit.com/.

About WISeKey

Press and Investor Contacts

WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
info@wisekey.com

WISe.ART PTY LTD
Company Contact: S. Crutchfield
Art Director
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
scrutchfield@wisekey.com

WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
lcati@theequitygroup.com

The MIL Network –

June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Empowering Women, Greening Urban Transport in Uzbekistan

Source: Asia Development Bank

Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.

While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.

A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.

Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.

Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.

Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Lovell, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney

According to Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the latest emissions data show “we are on track to reach our 2030 targets” under the Paris Agreement. In 2024, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions were “27% below 2005 levels”. That’s great news, right?

Well, yes and no. Australia continues to rely on changes in land use to compensate for emissions released into the atmosphere.

In other words, Australia’s plants are considered to be taking more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere now than in 2005. Their efforts are captured in the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which is the single largest reason for the significant reduction in Australian emissions.

Without accounting for land use, Australia’s emissions have only decreased 3% since 2005, not 27%.

If Australia is serious about reducing emissions and tracking towards net zero by 2050, we need to tackle a series of inconvenient truths about fossil fuels. Fossil fuels feed into almost every aspect of our lives, not just cars and power plants. There are substitutes, but they are not easy to source – and they don’t come cheap.

How fossil fuel exports drive up emissions here and overseas

Australia is one of the world’s biggest fossil fuel exporters. The coal, oil and natural gas we export is either burnt or combined with our sizeable iron ore exports to produce iron. But the greenhouse gases are released overseas, so they don’t count in Australia’s emissions data.

This is in line with our international commitments under the Paris agreement. But there is an argument to be made that even though Australia doesn’t burn those exports, we should acknowledge our central role in contributing to global emissions. We may need to account for these in future reporting.

Australia’s export emissions are likely to be triple that of our domestic emissions. These emissions have been increasing consistently over the last decade.

But the process of extracting fossil fuels and preparing them for export does show up in Australia’s domestic emission figures, through what’s called “fugitive emissions”. These fugitive emissions are the unavoidable leaks that occur when we pull fossil fuels out of the ground, store, transport and process them.

In the year to 2024, fugitive emissions accounted for 10.6% of our emissions, which is far greater than emissions from industrial processes (6.8%).

Disturbingly, recent analysis suggests fugitive emissions could be drastically underreported. Because these emissions are tricky to measure, they are often estimated on an average basis. This means reported values do not accurately reflect true releases.

When it comes to fugitive and export emissions, Australia is not on track to meet 2030 targets. Recent export-focused fossil project approvals such as the North West Shelf gas project suggest we might even be backtracking.

Chris Bowen on Insiders, Sunday June 1, 2025 (ABC News)

The transition to renewables

Closing dirty old coal-fired power stations and replacing them with renewable energy such as solar and wind power does cut emissions. The reduction in emissions from the electricity sector, down 23.7% on 2005 levels, is good news. But the difference is still small enough that seasonal variations from Tasmania’s hydro power plants can distort the annual figures.

At least there is a plan in place for the energy transition. Big, slow wheels are in motion.

Unfortunately the reality is we will need much, much more renewable energy in the future. Up to three times the current capacity of the National Electricity Market will be needed to cover future domestic energy requirements across electricity and other sectors out to 2050.

Significantly more would be required to generate enough additional green energy to also produce green value-added commodities.

Australia’s clean energy challenge

Discussions around transitioning from fossil fuels typically overlook how deeply they are embedded in our everyday lives.

Not just the fuel we use in our cars, but the roads we drive on. Not just the electricity we use to power our hospitals, but the steel used to build them and the pharmaceuticals we rely on.

Globally, around 13% of fossil fuels are not burned but used to make these key chemicals. What’s the alternative?

Clean electricity is the key.

Electricity can be used to make hydrogen from water through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then replace fossil fuels in manufacturing – making products such as green steel and ammonia for fertiliser.

When combined with non-fossil sources of carbon, hydrogen can also be turned into renewable fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel. It can be used to synthesise green versions of petrochemicals used in industrial processes such as ethanol, propylene and ethylene, which are currently sourced from fossil fuels.

This takes energy. Lots of it. Fortunately Australia has all the ingredients needed for a booming green industry – one that’s much broader than just renewable electricity.

Currently, it costs more to produce these chemicals without using fossil fuels. That’s why some companies and state governments have been pulling back from their investments in green hydrogen.

Most people talk about green hydrogen in the context of energy storage or export. But it can also enable the transition away from fossil fuels in other sectors. The technology exists to make these chemicals and products, without the emissions and it’s slowly but steadily moving closer toward price parity.

If we can nail this switch to fossil-free alternatives to petrochemicals, Australia would be able to add value onshore, rather than exporting raw materials. For example, we could export iron, not iron ore. Methanol or ammonia, not hydrogen. Export the jumper, not the wool.

Heavy industry driven by renewables?

On Sunday, Bowen said he found some areas of the 2024 emissions figures “encouraging, like industrial emissions, way down and lower than 2021”.

Unfortunately, this result was partly due to a decline in manufacturing. Onshore manufacturing capability has been steadily decreasing, despite increased fossil fuel extraction.

Unless we ramp up green manufacturing – replacing fossil fuel exports with much needed renewable products and fuels – we will continue to bear responsibility, if not direct accountability, for large, exported emissions as well as onshore fugitive emissions.

And no amount of changes to land use can account for that.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem – https://theconversation.com/australias-latest-emissions-data-reveal-we-still-have-a-giant-fossil-fuel-problem-257907

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.

The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.

The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.

With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.

This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.

Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.

A rising Poland

For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.

Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.

Impacts on Ukraine

Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.

This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.

Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:

Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.

Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.

Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.

I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.

This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.

Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.

However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.

Poland divided

The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.

There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.

Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.

Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.

While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.

As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).

After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.

That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.

Adam Simpson 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. Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women – https://theconversation.com/pro-trump-candidate-wins-polands-presidential-election-a-bad-omen-for-the-eu-ukraine-and-women-257617

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Empowering Women, Greening Urban Transport in Uzbekistan

Source: Asia Development Bank

Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.

While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.

A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.

Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.

Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.

Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Danmarks Nationalbank’s comments on the Economic Council’s discussion paper, Spring 2025

Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

Danmarks Nationalbank generally shares the Chairmanship’s assessment of the growth outlook, along with price and wage developments in the coming years. Despite the trade conflict, there are still prospects for significant growth in Danish exports, partly due to production abroad under Danish ownership, while increases in real wages support growth in private consumption. In its latest projection from March, Danmarks Nationalbank predicted higher growth and, contrary to the Chairmanship, that employment will continue to increase in the coming years. This reflects a subsequent increase in US tariffs and a different assessment of how the current capacity pressure in the economy will affect growth.

Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that there is currently unusually high uncertainty affecting consumers and businesses, e.g. it is difficult to plan investments and supply chains etc. However, Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that the Danish economy has a solid foundation without significant imbalances to handle the uncertainty arising from the trade conflict.

The Chairmanship notes that trade is important, especially for a small, open economy like Denmark. Increased tariffs hamper economic activity, productivity and prosperity as less trade reduces the ability to utilise comparative advantages and capitalise on economies of scale. Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with this.

Since the bank’s last projection, a number of risks related to the trade conflict have materialised and a number of international organisations have downgraded growth in Denmark’s export markets. Based on a number of model calculations, Danmarks Nationalbank estimates that increased tariffs will weaken economic activity and, in common with the Chairmanship, assesses that there is no prospect of a massive downturn even if further risks related to the trade conflict materialise.

The Chairmanship assesses that the Danish economy will remain in a moderate boom with a high level of employment in the coming years. Danmarks Nationalbank to a greater extent than the Chairmanship assesses that pressure on the labour market has eased and that it is currently lower than the Chairmanship’s assessment. Overall, Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that the Danish economy is currently in an approximately neutral cyclical stance. This assessment is reflected in the fact that most indicators of pressure on the labour market do not deviate significantly from the period immediately before the pandemic, when developments in consumer prices were weak and wage growth moderate. Lower pressure on the labour market compared to a few years ago is also reflected in this spring’s collective wage agreements in the private labour market, with agreed wage increases compatible with stable, low inflation, as the Chairmanship also expects.

Based on the assessment that the Danish economy is in a moderate boom, the Chairmanship assesses that fiscal policy is too expansionary for the coming years from a narrow stabilisation perspective, which increases the risk of imbalances building up in the Danish economy. However, the Chairmanship also states that there are currently no clear cyclical imbalances in the Danish economy and that consequently, there are no imminent socio-economic risks in the planned fiscal policy. In its March projection, Danmarks Nationalbank agreed with the Chairmanship that there is considerable uncertainty about future defence spending and how much it will impact capacity pressures. A significant and rapid increase in defence spending could increase capacity pressures and challenge public finances. Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that if capacity pressure increases noteworthy, it should be offset by fiscal policy measures that reduce pressure in the economy accordingly. This assessment reflects that Denmark is currently assessed to be in a neutral cyclical position.

Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with the Chairmanship that a uniform carbon tax on emissions basically ensures the cheapest reductions in socio-economic terms. Danmarks Nationalbank also agrees that uniform pricing of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture across EU countries reduces total socio-economic costs, and that it is therefore ideally appropriate to work towards agriculture being covered by a common quota system at EU level.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES PARTISAN BUDGET BILL THAT INCREASES U.S. DEFICIT WHILE ALSO HURTING FAMILIES, SENIORS, VETERANS, AND THE DISABLED
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that would gut crucial basic needs programs upon which millions of Americans rely and increase red tape. These cuts are being used to fund trillions of dollars in tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires and still explodes the deficit by $3.8 trillion.

“Despite weeks of efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to make this bill better and remove at least a few of its many warts, Congressional Republican leaders ignored our amendments and, in the dead of night, moved forward on a bill that makes it harder for millions of Americans to afford food and healthcare, and undermines public education,” said Congressman Bishop.

The Congressman added, “This bill is a reverse Robin Hood. Make no mistake, more children will go hungry and more working Americans will lose access to healthcare. Seniors and veterans will find it harder to access their hard-earned benefits and care. The cost of living for the vast majority of Americans will go up thousands of dollars in return for meager tax relief. However, the wealthiest 1% of Americans – folks who do not rely on the programs and services being cut – will each get over $100,000 in tax breaks.”

H.R. 1 hurts Americans by:
- Cutting nearly $700 billion in Medicaid which will cause millions to lose healthcare coverage as well as make it harder for hospitals and nursing homes across the country to provide all the care communities need or to even stay open – even people who do not rely on Medicaid may have to travel farther to get the care they need;
- Taking $300 billion from the ACA exchanges which will increase monthly health insurance premiums and co-payments;
- Slashing SNAP by $300 billion which will cost America’s farmers around $30 billion in lost income, threaten more than 27,000 retailers nationwide and imperil nearly 400,000 jobs and $20 billion in direct wages throughout the food supply chain;
- Gutting school breakfast, lunch, and senior nutrition programs;
- Increasing the cost of education by eliminating Pell Grants for over 4 million students;
- Eliminating energy conservation program funds that will push up gasoline prices, make it harder for homeowners and small businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs, makes it harder for schools to afford less expensive, clean buses that reduce their students’ exposure to air pollution, and undermine efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing;
If H.R. 1 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Leads Bipartisan Effort to Cut Red Tape for Disaster Survivors’ Access to Federal Disaster Aid
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort to streamline homeowners’ access to federal assistance after natural disasters. Neguse, who represents a congressional district that is no stranger to natural disasters, introduced two bills that would modernize how the Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes aid for homeowners: the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act, co-led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and the Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act, co-led by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC).

“After working with constituents impacted by natural disasters from Granby to Fort Collins and everywhere in between, I know the road to recovery can be slow, all-consuming, and too often lacking in resources and support,” said Congressman Neguse. “With these bills, we’re taking action to ensure those affected receive clear guidance on next steps, along with the time they need to react and recover. You never know when tragedy will strike, and I’m proud to join Reps. Ciscomani and Edwards in this bipartisan effort to equip homeowners, small business owners, and individuals with the foundational tools they need to ensure the people we represent have a safety net to fall back on.”

“As we head into the summer and temperatures in Arizona continue to rise, we have seen wildfires ignite across the state, disrupting small businesses and impacting the lives of thousands of residents,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, the road to recovery from these disasters can often be slow and burdensome. As families and businesses look to rebuild, the last thing they should encounter are unnecessary financial hurdles. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act to codify a policy within the Small Business Administration to provide zero-interest loans for victims of natural disasters and give homeowners and entrepreneurs up to a year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.”

“After Hurricane Helene, many business and home owners did not know Small Business Administration disaster loans were needed until after they had gone through the FEMA application process. Despite extensions to the SBA application window, there were still folks left behind without access to this vital recovery resource because the FEMA process took too long and the SBA application closed before victims realized they needed to apply,” said Congressman Edwards. “The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act will make sure that homeowners and small business owners have sufficient time and information to get the assistance they need after their lives have been turned upside down. It’s a commonsense way to better support disaster survivors in their greatest times of need.”

Find additional details on both bills below:
- The Natural Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act codifies a policy previously implemented by the SBA that would waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months. Read bill text HERE.
- The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act modifies application deadlines and communication requirements for disaster assistance by directing the SBA to extend loan application deadlines past the current window of two to three months post-disaster declaration, and issuing guidance for public awareness campaigns in affected areas to better educate individuals on the application process and ensuring the Members of Congress who represent these districts stay informed and receive regular updates. Read bill text HERE.
Background

Congressman Joe Neguse has prioritized efforts to extend the access of federal disaster assistance for communities responding to and recovering from natural disasters, like wildfires, since first being elected to Congress. Earlier this year, he helped introduce the Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act, a bill that would allow borrowers to get a SBA disaster assistance loan for up to $50,000, rather than the current $14,000, without pledging collateral.

Additionally, last summer, Neguse moved quickly to secure federal funding to help Coloradans fight the Alexander Mountain Fire burning in Larimer County and the Stone Canyon Fire burning in Boulder County. He also took swift action to ensure that Coloradans had secured proper cost coverage after the Marshall Fire in 2021, leading a successful effort alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, to get the SBA to update their formula used to calculate the Disaster Loan Program amount survivors can borrow to rebuild after the Marshall Fire.

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Neguse Calls for Renewed Commitment to American Servicemembers, Introduces Legislation to Boost Veteran Employment
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — With Memorial Day upcoming, Congressman Joe Neguse called for a renewed commitment by the Congress to supporting American servicemembers by introducing two bills aimed at expanding support for veterans after their service. The Veterans Jobs Training Act and the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act focus on the essentials for successful reintegration: employment, housing, and establishing a clear path forward.

Colorado is home to over 300,000 veterans, many of whom rely on regular access to federal assistance as they adjust to civilian life. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s reckless federal cuts have impacted these individuals’ ability to access their hard-earned and well-deserved benefits. In response, the bills Congressman Neguse introduced are a step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans aren’t left to navigate these hurdles on their own.

“As we memorialize the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our Armed Forces, we must also recommit ourselves to supporting the veterans in our communities. Our neighbors who sacrificed so much to keep us safe. In their honor, I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures they have access to good-paying jobs and a roof over their heads. And these bills do exactly that—helping employ veterans in careers where their skills and service are valued, including among our wildland firefighting workforce,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

Find details on the bills below:
- The Veterans Jobs Training Act would increase the authorization level for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by $15 million in federal funding, expanding the already successful initiative’s ability to provide competitive employment for unhoused veterans. HVRP’s core objectives are to provide services to assist in reintegrating unhoused veterans into meaningful employment and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address problems facing unhoused veterans. Read the bill text HERE.
- The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act would establish a pilot program to help employ veterans into wildland firefighting positions, putting their valuable skill set to work. More specifically, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate in an effort to help employ veterans in any temporary, seasonal, or permanent wildland firefighting activities. Read the bill text HERE.
The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act is supported by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFEE) and Grassroots Wildland Firefighters.

“NFFE is proud to support legislation that would encourage our military veterans to continue serving their country as federal wildland firefighters,” said Randy Erwin, National President, NFFE. “These men and women understand the sacrifice of public service and the importance of defending American communities. Thank you to Representative Neguse for his continued support of veterans, wildland firefighters, and federal workers.”

“The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters applaud Congressman Neguse on his continued efforts to bolster and address wildfires in the United States. United States Veterans and federal wildland firefighting have a long and storied history. Any effort to reinforce and build a bridge between United States military veterans and the work of wildland firefighting should be robustly supported by Congress. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters fully support the efforts and intent of Congressman Neguse,” said Luke Mayfield, President, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters.

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse has been a strong advocate for veterans and service members since first being elected to Congress. Significantly, he was successful in getting his bill the Mental Health for Military Families Act signed into law, expanding access to counseling and mental health services for Colorado’s military families. Neguse has also championed proposals that would improve the treatment and compensation for veterans experiencing PTSD and create regional “network hubs” for veterans, service members, and their families to seek resources and support. And in 2022, the Colorado lawmaker helped secure $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. A project that supports veterans in Colorado’s Second Congressional District through the construction of modular homes.

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow, Lt. Gov. Primavera Discuss Trump’s Harmful AmeriCorps Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, representatives from Serve Colorado, and local non-profits held a roundtable to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to AmeriCorps.

Since its founding in 1993, AmeriCorps has provided more than 1 million Americans with the opportunity to address challenges in their communities, especially in the areas of education, economic opportunity, veterans and military family services, health, the environment, and disaster services. In 2024, more than 6,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors served at over 700 local sites across Colorado. However, the Trump administration abruptly ended more than $400 million in AmeriCorps grants and laid off most of the full-time workforce, requiring more than 32,000 members to stop their critical work in communities nationwide.

“Service makes our nation better, and AmeriCorps enables Coloradans to serve their community directly. Their service makes Colorado a better, safer place to call home. Trump’s cuts to AmeriCorps are narrow-minded, short-sighted, and will leave Colorado worse off. I’ll continue speaking out and fighting back,” said Congressman Crow.

“I’ve seen firsthand how national service changes lives — not just for those who serve, but for the individuals and families they support,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s about what’s at stake for students, patients, and neighbors who rely on AmeriCorps programs daily. When you cut AmeriCorps, you don’t just shrink a program — you take away mentors from classrooms, hands from food banks, and care from underserved communities. We’re standing up to stop that from happening.”

“AmeriCorps is a proven pipeline into Colorado’s most critical industries, from education and public health to climate resilience. These cuts don’t just threaten AmeriCorps service across the state – they undermine our future workforce and the communities that depend on it,” said John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado.

Participants included: Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera; John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado; Manuel Aragon, Senior Director of Programs of Corps for a Change; Hannah Chung, Member of Corps for a Change serving at Vista Peak in APS; Barb Knapp, Manager of Spark Health Corps; Katie Navin, Executive Director of Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education; and Brittany Pimental, Senior Director of Operations for Denver Urban Gardens.

Congressman Crow strongly opposes the Trump administration’s efforts to gut AmeriCorps, and has supported bipartisan efforts to block these cuts. He has been vocal about balancing the federal budget in a way that does not take a sledgehammer to critical programs that working Americans rely on for their families and communities.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Critical thinking key to AI education, experts say

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

A student takes online course at home in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

As intelligent digital transformation has dramatically reshaped higher education globally, universities must strengthen students’ competencies in critical thinking, creativity and ethical judgment to harness technological opportunities while addressing the risks, university presidents, professors and scholars said at a forum on Sunday.

They made the remarks at the Global University Presidents Forum held at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

The forum, part of the university’s 100th anniversary celebrations, attracted presidents of over 100 universities from home and abroad. More than 30 experts delivered speeches on topics including intelligent digital transformation, innovation in global higher education and talent cultivation.

Philip H. Dybvig, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and 2022 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, said reacting to AI is a challenge for universities at the moment, and it is a good example why students need to acquire both knowledge and critical thinking.

Dybvig said, “Large language models such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek make a lot of tasks easier. However, to use LLMs most effectively, it will be essential to have knowledge of programming in general and knowledge of how they work in particular.”

He emphasized that it will also be essential to use critical thinking to anticipate, identify and correct problems. “LLMs lack a moral filter and this must be provided by our students,” he added.

Mary Gorman, vice-president for enrollment management and strategic academic initiatives at Baruch College, City University of New York, said that universities must prepare their students for a world that is not only rapidly changing but also increasingly reliant on AI-driven technologies.

“To truly prepare our students for the digital era, we must weave AI into the fabric of our academic programs,” Gorman said, adding that the integration of AI into higher education must be guided by a strong ethical foundation.

“We must teach students to critically evaluate when and how to use AI, and, crucially, when not to use it,” she said.

To prepare students for workplace expectations, Gorman suggested universities adopt a phased approach to AI integration.

“Early in their academic journey, students should focus on foundational skills — critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and ethical analysis,” she said. “Once these competencies are solidified, we can introduce AI as a tool for problem-solving and innovation.”

Li Yongqiang, president of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, emphasized that universities must adapt to the rapid evolution of intelligent science and technology by optimizing academic discipline structures.

“We should place greater emphasis on cultivating AI literacy, deep learning capabilities, and future-oriented adaptability and creativity in students,” Li said, adding that universities should accelerate digital infrastructure development centered on data, computing power, disciplinary AI models and intelligent services.

Universities must also be ready for the impact of intelligent digital transformation in fields including knowledge innovation, social interactions and institutional governance, he said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Beijing Ronald McDonald House hosts Children’s Day celebration

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

The Beijing Ronald McDonald House held an International Children’s Day event on May 29 for children with critical illnesses and their families, featuring activities designed to provide support during medical treatment.

Ronald McDonald poses for photos with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

The Beijing McDonald’s Volunteer Group, backed by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, organized clay workshops, cookie-making, remote-controlled car races and games with the McDonald’s mascot.

“I wish all the children at Beijing Ronald McDonald House a happy International Children’s Day and good health,” one volunteer said before the event began.

While laughter and joy filled the air at the event, the children present were confronting serious health challenges, including tumors and blood disorders.

Ronald McDonald interacts with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

One of three Ronald McDonald Houses in China, the Beijing facility sits across from Beijing Children’s Hospital and provides free temporary housing for families traveling long distances for their children’s medical treatment.

The facility has 10 family rooms, a kitchen, laundry room, playroom and dining area. Staff organize regular events, including holiday parties and birthday celebrations, to support children during treatment.

The facility provides more than just accommodation, serving as a “home away from home” for families with sick children, according to Li Huiru, director of the Beijing Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald gives gifts to children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

“For children at the Ronald McDonald House, International Children’s Day is the most anticipated moment of the year,” Li told China.org.cn. “We, as the organizers of the event, want to create joy and hope for these children on this special day.”

The Ronald McDonald House program and broader community support enable children with severe diseases to receive high-quality care at leading children’s hospitals far from home.

Children and their families engage in a clay-making activity at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

“The Ronald McDonald House has already provided beacons of hope for families with children battling severe diseases,” Li added. “We hope more facilities like ours will emerge to help these families navigate their children’s treatment more smoothly.”

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election

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

Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, won Poland’s presidential runoff election, according to the final vote count released by Polish National Electoral Commission (PKW) early Monday.

The final result, reading “Elected in the second round,” was written next to Nawrocki’s name on the public website of PKW on Monday.

Nawrocki, a historian and head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, received 50.89 percent of the vote in the presidential runoff, ahead of Rafal Trzaskowski, the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) candidate and mayor of Warsaw, who garnered 49.11 percent.

This was Nawrocki’s first presidential campaign — an uphill battle from the start. He consistently trailed Trzaskowski in polls, including Sunday evening’s initial exit survey.

Born in 1983 in Gdansk, Nawrocki is set to succeed the incumbent president Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on Aug. 6.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Rising Ayeyarwady River displaces over 1,000 households in northern Myanmar

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

Over 1,000 households have been displaced in northern Myanmar’s Kachin state due to the rising Ayeyarwady River, according to the Myanmar Fire Services Department on Monday.

As of Monday, a total of 55,117 people from 1,165 households have been relocated to safer areas, an official from the department told Xinhua.

The river has been rising since Saturday, and authorities, along with rescue teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society, the Myanmar Fire Services Department, and other volunteers, continue working to move residents from low-lying areas in Kachin state to safety, he said.

As of Monday morning, Myanmar’s Meteorology and Hydrology Department reported that the Ayeyarwady River in Myitkyina of Kachin state has risen about 2 inches above its danger mark.

The department has advised residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks in Myitkyina to move to safer locations as a precaution.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Domestic helpers, nannies, butlers all in high demand

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

An undated photo shows nannies learning how to take care of babies at a training center in Jimo, Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Stella Tian, a 33-year-old office worker in Beijing, has two toddlers — a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old — and employs two nannies to help look after the children and simplify her life, as she and her husband have hectic work lives.

“I have changed my nannies a few times. Some were not professional enough and didn’t get along well with my family members, and some had other plans that came up. It’s not easy to find a suitable nanny for the long term,” Tian said.

Like Tian, demand for homemaking services among Chinese urban families is surging, and trained domestic helpers, nannies and nurses for the elderly are in great demand, promising to incubate a market expected to reach 1.3 trillion yuan ($181.1 billion) in 2026.

The forecast, made by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Trade in Services and Commercial Services, together with data analysis provider iiMedia Research, said China’s household services sector has maintained rapid growth.

Millions of middle-income Chinese families, especially those with young children and aging family members, are seeking professional helpers to ease life’s burdens, while it has sometimes been difficult for them to find satisfactory professional homemakers. Compared with diversified and high-quality demand, there are still problems such as a shortage of professional supply and nonstandard industry development.

It is estimated that there is a shortage of over 20 million domestic workers in China, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Demand for household services is no longer limited to daily chores, as online shopping and food deliveries have made it increasingly convenient for consumers, and they have indicated demand for higher-level specialized services, industry insiders said.

To address such issues and further boost consumption, China has published a guideline to further promote the development of its home-based services sector, such as housekeeping, eldercare and childcare services, by expanding the scale and upgrading service quality. Such efforts aim to cultivate new growth points for the country’s services consumption, according to the document released by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other entities in late April.

A series of measures have been proposed to improve the quality of household services supply, promote convenient consumption and optimize the consumption environment of the sector, according to the guideline.

For example, the government will encourage household service enterprises to expand into emerging service areas such as professional deep cleaning, indoor air treatment and nutritional consulting, and strengthen integrated development with sectors such as home furnishings and interior decorating, the guideline said.

In addition, social capital is encouraged to flow into the household services sector, and local governments may include homemaking occupations into local shortage directories. It is also suggested that more employment-oriented domestic service training should be offered, the guideline said.

“Household services are an important sector that helps promote consumption, benefits people’s lives and stabilizes employment,” said Kong Dejun, director of the Department of Trade in Services and Commercial Services at the commerce ministry.

“China will continue to expand domestic demand, strengthen supply-side structural reform, give full play to the country’s human resources advantages and cultivate new growth points of service consumption,” Kong said.

Currently, China has over 30 million household service providers such as nannies and housekeepers. Last year, total revenue of the sector stood at 1.23 trillion yuan, up 6 percent year-on-year, the ministry said.

Women are the main practitioners in the household services industry. The All-China Women’s Federation said the sector is showing a growing trend that practitioners are becoming younger and more professional, and it would continue to help promote the digitalization of the sector.

On the demand side, the need for babysitters and caregivers for the elderly is huge. The number of those aged 60 and above has exceeded 300 million, and the over-65 population has topped 220 million. In addition, China has some 30 million youngsters aged below three, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

China will cultivate a group of distinctive brands in the homemaking sector and foster more platform-based companies to help match supply and demand.

“We will guide various regions to implement employment and entrepreneurship policies, and homemaking personnel should enjoy tax incentives and social security subsidies upon laws and regulations,” said Luo Shoufeng, deputy head of the department of migrant workers’ jobs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

Catering to such demand, a number of platform-based homemaking service companies such as 58.com and Ayibang have continued to develop their business to raise the efficiency of supply-demand matching.

Beijing-based life services platform 58.com said some 2.6 million homemakers have registered on the platform, and all of them will undergo pre-work training to ensure the provision of standardized and professional services.

It has launched more than 200 training bases nationwide, integrating online teaching and offline training sessions, and the company became the first in the sector to introduce VIP membership services for consumers.

“For emerging household services demand such as deep cleaning, clutter control and storage, pest management and home management services, we have launched more than 10 professional courses. Those include courses that we developed with entities in Japan and Hong Kong together, in an aim to foster more high-quality household service providers,” said Li Zijian, president of 58.com’s domestic business.

In densely populated first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, demand for homemaking services has been the highest, 58.com found.

Among different types of services, demand for household cleaning, home appliance cleaning, nannies and maternity matrons — or yuesao, who mainly care for newborns — has been the highest, the company said.

Most consumers choose to hire day-shift nannies and part-time workers to assist with household chores and cooking. Demand for eldercare and childcare has continued to grow. In May, demand for nannies and eldercare service providers jumped 83 percent and 48 percent on a yearly basis, respectively.

For deep cleaning of homes, consumers pay more attention to the thorough cleaning of kitchen oil stains, bathroom tiles and hard-to-clean corners and under spaces. For home appliances, cleaning demand for air-conditioners, range hoods and washing machines has been the highest. In May, demand for air-conditioning cleaning climbed by 76 percent month-on-month and 26 percent year-on-year.

“Urbanites have shown an increasingly higher health awareness, and a growing number of consumers choose to clean their airconditioners before the arrival of summer to reduce respiratory diseases,” Li said.

Meanwhile, China’s high-net-worth families are becoming younger, and they are showing a growing demand for hiring private butlers as they embrace such a trend in Western countries, and more college graduates, including those who have studied abroad, are looking to butlers as career choices.

Private butlers usually act as senior life consultants for their employers’ core family management issues. Unlike ordinary housekeeping service personnel, private butlers usually need to understand advanced family affairs.

They usually speak one or two foreign languages, understand children’s educational planning, and have knowledge about issues such as nutrition, luxury products and ironing. They also cook multiple cuisines and are skillful at safeguarding and risk management, according to Meiyinghui Family Service Co Ltd, a Beijing-based butler management company.

The average salary of a private butler is about 200,000 yuan to 400,000 yuan annually for those who have one or two years of work experience, and the salary grows as they master more skills, thus attracting many people to engage in this profession.

“Employers would like to hire young butlers, including college graduates. The demand has become higher, as more families have a growing awareness of hiring butlers. Besides, many families have been quite busy with business matters after the COVID-19 pandemic, and they need to hire someone for household management,” said Zhang Ran, founder and president of Meiyinghui Family Service.

“Now, 70 percent of butlers in China are females. A lot of graduates and qualified people are still hesitating about engaging in this profession, and the supply of butlers is seeing a shortage. We plan to host a session to introduce the career path of the profession and attract more graduates,” Zhang said.

Besides major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, some families in second-tier cities such as Qingdao in Shandong province and Shijiazhuang, Hebei province have also indicated high demand for hiring butlers, the company found.

Butlers usually need to take a few months of training classes before they start working. Li Siwen is a teacher who conducts training sessions for butlers, earning a master’s degree in hotel management from the University of Manchester.

“I’m quite interested in this sector. I used to work in the human resources management department of a company, and this job is similar. I mainly teach students psychology, color matching, sorting and organization of items, and business etiquette,” Li said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese well-drilling technology turns Egypt’s deserts into farmland

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

As summer begins, patches of lush farmland stretch across Egypt’s Western Desert, an area that, until recently, was dominated by sand and rocks. Thanks to the deep wells drilled by the Egypt branch of China’s Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC), wheat, alfalfa and potatoes now thrive in tidy rows under the desert sun.

These wells, part of a broader effort to reclaim desert land for agriculture, have transformed the barren landscape into productive farmland, offering a model for sustainable development in arid regions and underscoring the potential of international cooperation in addressing food security and ecological restoration.

The project is an example of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In Egypt, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has evolved into a platform for transformative collaboration, extending beyond infrastructure to encompass agriculture, technology and industry. By tackling pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment and technological gaps, the initiative is helping to lay the groundwork for more resilient and sustainable growth.

Drilling for resource of life

Egypt, home to over 100 million people, grapples with the daunting task of expanding farmland in a country where only about 4 percent of the land is arable. To reduce reliance on food imports, the Egyptian government has stepped up efforts to reclaim desert land since 2015, with water sources development a crucial part of this push.

ZPEC, operating in Egypt since 2016, has played a key role. Its teams — composed of Chinese and Egyptian employees — have drilled more than 680 wells across the country, from the Sinai Peninsula to Aswan.

This photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows a well-drilling rig at night at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt. [Photo/Xinhua]

Zhao Baojiang, project manager for ZPEC’s Owainat well-drilling operation in Egypt, said his team has drilled 63 wells, each about 450 meters deep, in less than a year by overcoming such challenges as extreme temperatures, sandstorms, complex geology and logistical hurdles.

“We’re having our first wheat harvest this year, and we’re very happy to cooperate with the Chinese company,” said Abou-elKhier Ibrahim, manager of the Owainat sector of the Future of Egypt agricultural project.

Wheat, Egypt’s dietary cornerstone, is in high demand. According to a report released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, per capita wheat consumption in Egypt averages about 146 kg annually.

Mohamed Elhosary, electromechanical division manager of the Owainat sector of the Future of Egypt agricultural project, estimated that each feddan (about 0.42 hectares) of the farmland in Owainat can yield 3 tons of wheat.

“The yield from each feddan is sufficient to cover the annual wheat consumption of at least 20 Egyptians,” Zhao Wutao, general manager of the ZPEC branch in Egypt, told Xinhua.

Innovation brings benefits

In Minya Province, 360 km south of Cairo, ZPEC is also supporting the farm of Canal Sugar Company, a joint venture between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The farm allocated a significant portion of its land to sugar beet production for a large-scale local refinery.

ZPEC engineers faced technical hurdles there as well. According to Abumesalam Mohamed Gouda, operations manager of ZPEC’s Egypt branch, the groundwater layer in Minya’s desert is unstable, and large-diameter drilling poses risks of collapse and leakage.

Workers operate on a well-drilling rig at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt, on May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

To address these issues, the company’s technical team introduced air foam drilling technology, which uses stable foam as drilling fluid to prevent leakage and increase efficiency. This method was later shared with local companies to help improve their performance.

Hassan Gamal, technical manager of the Canal Sugar farm, said that the 193 wells drilled by ZPEC can irrigate 30,000 feddans (12,600 hectares) of land. In 2023 alone, the farm planted 22,000 feddans (9,240 hectares) of beets, which were processed into sugar and sold widely. “This wouldn’t have been possible without ZPEC’s wells,” he said.

Beyond agriculture, ZPEC’s work has also supported local employment and skills training.

Mohamed Gaber, who joined ZPEC as a worker five years ago, is now a platform manager. He credited his Chinese colleagues for teaching him skills and helping him navigate challenges. “I always strive to do my best with the support of teammates, and I’m proud to grow in such a team,” he said.

Growing Partnership

For many Egyptians, these projects represent more than infrastructure — they represent progress toward greater food security, stable income, and a hopeful future, experts said, expressing their eagerness to expand collaboration with Chinese enterprises.

“This is a notable and very positive contribution by the Chinese company in advancing agricultural development in Egypt,” Ahmed Galal, dean of the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Cairo, told Xinhua.

“Any efforts in extracting water or increasing Egypt’s water resources directly lead to positive results for agricultural development in Egypt … We certainly hope it continues,” he said.

The well-drilling project is just part of broader cooperation between Egypt and China under the BRI. Other projects include the Central Business District of Egypt’s new administrative capital, a textile city in Sadat City, and the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna. These ventures are seen by Egyptian experts as essential engines for job creation, industrialization and joint development.

This photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows makeshift rooms for workers at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt. [Photo/Xinhua]

“China is now increasingly viewed as a development partner that contributes to job creation and improved living standards,” said Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation.

He stressed China’s leadership in renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. “Providing access to these technologies at a reasonable cost to countries participating in the BRI could make a major shift in the way of life in their societies.”

Echoing his view, Galal said he looks forward to more Chinese investment in his country, as the ongoing Egypt-China cooperation under the BRI is “fruitful and promising.”

“We in Egypt truly need all such investments. I also hope this cooperation grows in all fields, because it is, first of all, mutually beneficial — a win-win situation in terms of shared gains and joint development,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China ready for challenge ahead of crucial away match in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

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

China’s forward Zhang Yuning expressed confidence on Sunday, saying the team is ready to secure a victory in a decisive away match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Indonesia.

Zhang praised the team’s preparation following its final public training session in Shanghai, saying, “We focused on key techniques like offense, defense, and set-pieces. We’ve performed well, but in matches, we must be able to adapt flexibly to on-the-spot situations.”

“This is a battle for survival. Victory is the only option. There’s no room for retreat,” Zhang emphasized, adding that as the away side, China must turn pressure into momentum and showcase its strengths, training results, and team unity.

Wang Yudong, a rising star on the squad, said, “The veterans always share their experience. My role is to focus on the game, using speed and skills to challenge the opponents and help create an edge for the team.”

China is scheduled to face Indonesia on June 5, followed by its final group match at home against Bahrain on June 10 in Chongqing, southwest China.

Currently, China sits at the bottom of Group C with six points, level with Bahrain and three points behind fourth-placed Indonesia. To advance to the playoffs as the group’s fourth team, China must win both remaining matches.

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches Survey on Computer Software and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) Exports: 2024-25

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank has launched the 2024-25 of its annual survey on Computer Software and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) Exports.

The survey collects data on various aspects of computer services exports as well as exports of information technology enabled services (ITES) and business process outsourcing (BPO). The survey results are disseminated in public domain besides being used in compilation of India’s external sector statistics.

The survey schedule for the 2024-25 round is required to be filled in by all software and ITES/BPO exporting entities. The format of the ITES survey schedule has been updated for the current round. The soft form of this survey schedule (both in Hindi and English) is available on the RBI’s website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ → ‘List of Returns’ → ‘Return Name’ → ‘ITES – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page) and sub-head ‘Survey’], which can be duly filled and submitted via email by July 15, 2025.

The instructions are provided in FAQs and, in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact us at itesquery@rbi.org.in or given below address.

The Director,
International Investment Position Division,
Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
Reserve Bank of India,
C-9, 5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E),
Mumbai – 400 051.
Please click here to send email.

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2025-2026/453

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 2, 2025

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