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  • MIL-OSI China: US-proposed ban on Chinese software in vehicles prompts strong backlash

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday proposed a ban on Chinese-developed software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles, provoking a strong backlash from economists and observers.

    According to the measure, “malicious access” to the Vehicle Connectivity System and the Automated Driving System could allow “adversaries” to access and collect the most sensitive data and remotely manipulate cars on American roads. Adversaries, in this context, are China and Russia.

    The Biden administration acknowledged that few Chinese or Russian vehicles are currently on U.S. roads but noted that it wanted to take “proactive” measures, highlighting national security concerns.

    “I think that the U.S. government may be projecting the kind of malware itself plans to install in some connected systems,” Jeffrey Sachs, an economics professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told Xinhua. “There is absolutely no evidence that China is doing so.”

    Sachs also noted that another aim is protectionism, “to damage Chinese EV exports to the U.S. and Europe.”

    Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua that the proposed rule represents a giant step towards decoupling. “The United States is not yet at war with China, but it is well along the decoupling path,” he said.

    Hufbauer, a former official at the U.S. Treasury Department, noted that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan previously promised that U.S. restrictions on direct commerce with China would be confined to limiting the flow of advanced technologies with “a small yard and a high fence”. “The small yard has since grown into a large pasture with no discernable fence,” said Hufbauer.

    Earlier bans on Chinese tech giant Huawei and current efforts to force TikTok either to be sold to a U.S. firm or face a ban follow the same logic.

    Hufbauer added that if the latest proposed rule charts the future path of U.S. import bans, with no consideration of the cost to the U.S. economy, then it is only a matter of time before de-risking becomes decoupling.

    The New York Times viewed combating real and perceived Chinese threats as one of the few issues that have won both Democratic and Republican support, though “many experts on China believe that the fear of Beijing has gone too far — and that it is also hurting American consumers.”

    U.S. automakers “risk falling behind” if they do not have access to the latest technology, said the American daily, depicting China as the world’s largest car market that dominates the production of electric car batteries.

    “Rather than banning China’s technology, the United States and China should take cooperative and diplomatic steps to ensure that neither party nor other countries behave in this manner,” said Sachs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Background Press Call on President  Biden’s Engagements at  UNGA

    Source: The White House

    Via Teleconference

    5:33 P.M. EDT

    MODERATOR:  This is Michael Feldman with the NSC press team.  Just as a reminder for today’s call, it is on background and attributable to senior administration officials.  The call is also under embargo until 5:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time tomorrow morning.

    For awareness and not for attribution, on today’s call we have [senior administration official] and [senior administration official].  I will now turn the call over to [senior administration official] to give some opening remarks.  Over to you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Excellent.  Thank you.  And good evening, everybody.  We’re very excited for the President’s trip to this year’s U.N. General Assembly, the last one of his presidency. 

    So, at meetings at the U.N. this week, we’re going to get a lot of business done for the American people.  The President, the Secretary of State, other Cabinet officials, and even some members of Congress are here in New York to advocate for our country’s interests and values. 

    At the General Assembly, the President will do what he has done throughout his presidency: rally global action to tackle some of our world’s biggest challenges.  So, for example, he’ll be talking this week about the climate crisis and the environment.  We’ll be talking about the need to strengthen our systems for providing humanitarian assistance; to end brutal wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan; and we’ll also be talking about the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. 

    When President Biden came to office nearly four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership on the world stage.  And given that this is the President’s last General Assembly, it’s a chance for him to talk about how this approach has produced results, real achievements for the American people and for the world. 

    The President’s engagements this week reflect his vision for a world where countries come together to solve big problems.  This stands in contrast to some of our competitors, who have a more cynical and transactional worldview, one where countries interpret their self-interest very narrowly and don’t work together for the common good. 

    An overarching theme at this year’s General Assembly will be the need to reform and strengthen our global institutions, including the U.N., to make them more effective and inclusive.  And that’s been a big theme of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Summit for the Future, the marquee event at high-level week this year. 

    Last week, President Biden released a video message ahead of the summit.  I encourage you all watch it.  You can find it on the Web.  In the video, the President spoke about using this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  And he talked about pushing for a stronger, more effective United Nations and a reformed and expanded Security Council.  And he also talked about our efforts, investing billions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building on the global consensus that we achieved last spring in the United Nations General Assembly on principles for the use of artificial intelligence. 

    We’re going into a General Assembly this year with the world facing many steep challenges, problems so big no one country can solve them on their own, but that’s why the President feels so strongly the world needs strong and effective global institutions, including an adapted United Nations.  This is his vision of countries working together.  It has been a theme of his presidency and an important part of his legacy. 

    Let me just briefly note the President’s key engagements, and then I’ll turn over to my colleague to discuss the major event that he’s hosting on the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats. 

    On Tuesday morning, tomorrow, he will deliver and address to the U.N. General Assembly.  It will have many of the themes that I’ve mentioned here and talk about — again, some of the achievements of his approach to the United Nations and global cooperation. 

    The President will also meet tomorrow with U.N. Secretary-General Guterres to talk about how the United States and the United Nations are working together to advance peace, safeguard human rights, and help countries develop. 

    On Tuesday afternoon, the President will host a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, and I’ll turn over to my colleague in a second to talk about that. 

    The President is also giving a major address later that afternoon on the urgent need to combat climate change. 

    On Wednesday, the President will meet with the President of Vietnam, To Lam.  The President of Vietnam just came into office four months ago, and this meeting will be an important opportunity for the two leaders to talk about our shared interest in stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. 

    The President will also attend, that afternoon, a meeting focused on Ukraine reconstruction with other world leaders. 

    And then on Wednesday evening, at the Met, the President will host world leaders and senior U.N. officials for a reception. 

    This is just a small slice of all the diplomacy and business that we’re doing here at the U.N. General Assembly.  There’ll be high-level meetings on the future of multilateral cooperation, sea level rise, antimicrobial resistance.  Really, every big, major challenge will be addressed here, and we’ll have senior U.S. representatives at all of these main events on issues such as the impact of emerging technology and specific meetings on global crises such as the difficult situation in Haiti, Sudan, Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, and the Rohingya refugee crisis. 

    Other U.S.-hosted and U.S.-attended side events will focus on climate; scaling clean energy for Africa; a major core group meeting of countries committed to LGBTQ rights that was attended by the First Lady; and partnering for a lead-free future. 

    So, again, this is just a small slice of everything that is going on, plus the countless private sector and civil society events focusing on the great challenges of the 21st century. 

    So, as I mentioned, we’re going to use this high-level week, the President’s last U.N. General Assembly, to get as much done for the American people in the coming days.

    I’d like to now turn over to my colleague who will discuss the President’s summit on the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Great.  Thanks so much, and thanks to all of you for joining this call. 

    I wanted to share with you the exciting news that, on Tuesday, President Biden will, as [senior administration official] already said, host a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.  This is a coalition that President Biden launched in June 2023 to mobilize international action to tackle the synthetic drug crisis. 

    In just over one year, this global coalition has grown to include 158 countries and 15 international organizations working together to prevent the illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, to detect emerging drug threats, and to promote effective public health interventions. 

    With the summit as a motivating force, we now have 11 core coalition countries that will be joining the President tomorrow, and they will be announcing new initiatives that will continue to advance the work of the coalition, including work to prevent, detect, and disrupt the supply chain of synthetic drugs. 

    It’s important to emphasize that these international efforts complement intensive work that’s already been done and is being done domestically, including an increased focus on coordinated disruption of drug trafficking networks and concerted efforts to make the opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone, widely available over the counter. 

    These are just some of a wide array of actions that the Biden-Harris administration has taken to tackle the synthetic drug threats. 

    And as a result of these efforts, we’re starting to see the largest drop in overdose deaths in recorded history.  When President Biden and Vice President Harris came into office, the number of drug overdose deaths was increasing by more than 30 percent year over year.  Now we have the latest provisional data released from the Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, showing an unprecedented decline in overdose deaths of roughly 10 percent from April 2023 to April 2024.

    But there’s a lot more to be done, and the Global Coalition’s work recognizes that we need a global solution to a global problem. 

    We are thrilled that we have so many countries coming together tomorrow to celebrate the work of the coalition, and we also will be announcing a new pledge that all of the core coalition members will be announcing — will be signing on to tomorrow, and we will be working over the coming months to ensure that all coalition members sign on to this pledge. 

    And we truly think that this is a reflection of President Biden’s commitment to work both domestically and globally on the most important challenges that we face, recognizing that we need both domestic action and global action working together. 

    And with that, I’ll turn it back to [senior administration official].

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks, Michael.  I’ll turn it back to you. 

    MODERATOR:  All right.  Thank you, [senior administration officials].  All right, with that, we will take some questions. 

    The first question is going to go to Zeke Miller.  You should be able to unmute yourself. 

    Q    Thanks so much for doing this.  You mentioned this is the President’s last U.N. of his presidency.  He’s going to deliver remarks to the General Assembly tomorrow.  Can you give us a preview, potentially, of what his message will be?  And will it be different from his prior remarks, in the sense — you know, obviously, world events have changed, but, you know, with an eye towards his legacy?  Or is there some message he’s trying to give on the world stage before he leaves office in January?  Thank you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  You know, the themes I — thanks, Zeke.  The themes I previewed at the beginning will be really central to the President.  So, again, he came into office four years ago with a vision of America returning to the world stage, having a new way of interacting with other countries, bringing countries together to solve some of these big challenges.  This will be a good opportunity for him to look at the results that have been achieved. 

    We live in a world with many problems, with many divisions, but we have a story to tell about what we’ve done to rally the world to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, uphold principles of the U.N. Charter; what we’ve done to manage responsibly our competition with other countries including China; and also what we’re doing to deal with the ongoing and serious conflicts in our world in places like Gaza, where the President has worked tirelessly to get a hostage ceasefire deal, and conflicts like Sudan, where you have absolutely unprecedented displacement and a really serious crisis that we think needs to get more attention. 

    So I think that will be the frame, and I’ll leave the details for the President’s speech tomorrow.

    MODERATOR:  Great.  Thank you very much.  Our next question is going to go to Asma Khalid.  You should be able to unmute yourself.

    Q    Yes.  Hi.  Thanks for doing this.  Similarly, sort of on the speech, could I get a sort of broad, I guess, framework or tone that you all are thinking about?  I know you say that the President came into office talking about building international coalitions, wanting to rebuild the United States stature on the world, but this is a really different moment than when the President even gave the speech last year, before October 7th.  He is now leaving office, and there are multiple sort of intractable problems right now in the world.  And can you just kind of give us any sense of tone in how the President is thinking about that and the very limited time he has left to solve them?

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks, Asma.  Look, I think it’s a good question.  The world has changed.  The world has gotten more difficult in many ways, as you noted. 

    But, you know, as I said, the President came into office with a vision of how countries need to work together, how they need to work through institutions, how they need to partner to solve big global challenges.  And the fact that we do have these challenges, the fact that we do have Gaza, the fact that we do have Ukraine and Sudan, still serious issues in our world, just underscores the need for that kind of cooperation.  And I think you’ll hear that in his speech. 

    Yes, he’ll talk about the significant accomplishments, achievements of his approach, but also talk about how we need the spirit, we need to continue working together to solve these big challenges, whether it is the wars you mentioned or other challenges such as the climate crisis or managing the implications of some of the new technologies. 

    So I think this will be an important moment to say: Where do we go and what are the principles in which we’re going to solve these problems?  Thanks.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  Our next question is going to go to Paris Huang.  You should be able to unmute yourself. 

    Q    All right.  Hi.  Thank you, Michael.  Thank you, [senior administration official].  Two-parts question.  So, kind of follow up on the questions from Zeke and Asma.  So, of course, we know China and Russia have been heavily influencing the U.N. for years.  You know, we see all those voting records.  And President Biden have been doing a lot of reform during the four years.  Does he believe that those changes will sustain after he leaves the White House?

    And second question: In last year’s UNGA remarks, President Biden talked about the peace and stability of Taiwan Strait, which was the first time a U.S. president actually talked about Taiwan at the UNGA.  So, will he include Taiwan again in his remarks this year?  Thank you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks.  And I appreciate the question.  I think it’s a good question in terms of, you know, have we left the United Nations as an institution better off.  I think we do have results, and the President will talk about that.  You know, it’s a time of great divisions, and the U.N. has already been — has always been a reflection of the world as it is. 

    That said, when you look at what we’ve done, including through the United Nations, to, for example, rally the world to defend the U.N. Charter after the Ukrainian invasion, we secured a U.N. General Assembly resolution in which 141 countries stood up and said, “We condemn this, and we stand in favor of the U.N. Charter.”

    You’ve also seen a more progressive and forward-leaning position on institutional reform.  For example, two years ago, the President announced a shift and a more forward-leaning position in reforming and expanding the United Nations Security Council.  And that’s definitely a piece of this well as well. 

    I won’t get into the details on, you know, specifically what he’ll mention on individual issues, but I will say that an important part of the President’s legacy has been thinking about how we responsibly manage our competition with China, and that includes many facets, economic security, and those will be addressed in the speech.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  Our next question is going to go to Sheryl Gay Stolberg.  You should be able to unmute yourself, Sheryl.

    Q    Hi.  Thank you for doing this call.  You know, this is not a political speech, but it does occur in the context of an election in which one of the candidates has an isolationist vision that is far apart, diametrically opposed to that of the President.  And I’m wondering, to what extent can the President use this speech to ensure that his own vision of global alliances survives?  Is he concerned that that vision will unravel?

    And will this speech be in any way directed to the American people, as much as to world leaders, as a reminder of the importance of America’s place in the world?

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Look, as you said, this is not a political speech, but the President, again, he has a vision.  He came into a vision — into office.  That vision has produced results.  And there are many opponents and critics of that vision, not just internationally but at home.  It has been the President’s view that he needs to explain why this vision of working together with countries to solve these big challenges actually produces results, and that’s actually how we’re going to be measured. 

    And when I say “produces results,” that means internationally, in terms of ending war, in terms of tackling challenges like sustainable development, the debt crisis, climate, but it also means that he needs to explain how his vision has produced results for the American people.  And that’s where I think there’s a very strong record, and some of it is very, very tangible. 

    For example, the summit on the coalition on synthetic drugs, that is him bringing together countries, all of whom share a challenge — dealing with synthetic drugs — but convening them here, talking about deliverables, talking about how we’re going to work together.  And this is something that directly affects the situation of the American public, as my colleague briefed earlier, in terms of the overall record on issues like fentanyl. 

    So I think he’ll lay that out tomorrow, and I think it will stand as representing that vision and what it’s achieved.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  We will go to Danny Kemp.  You should be able to unmute yourself.

    Q    Thanks very much for doing this.  I just wanted to ask about the current situation in the Middle East.  I mean, you know, the speech tomorrow is really going to be a bit overshadowed by the events in Lebanon, where we’ve seen nearly 500 people killed in the space of a day.  How’s he going to address that?  And more particularly, how will the President be seeking to — will he be talking to other leaders about that?  What’s he actually going to be doing at the UNGA more generally to try and get this thing sorted out?  Thanks.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  This is one of the advantages of the U.N. General Assembly: You literally have the whole world here.  So when you do have crises of the day, they’ll be addressed.  And I have no doubt that the situation in the Middle East will be an important theme in a lot of the meetings, not just that the President has, but other senior U.S. officials who will be convening to talk about various aspects of the crisis and what we can do to stabilize the situation. 

    He will address the Middle East, especially this very, very difficult year that we have all gone through.  And again, I think it’s an opportunity to talk about what we have achieved and what we still need to do, given a situation that is just heartbreaking where hostages have not been returned, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and, as you know, just such a sensitive issue, such a delicate and dangerous situation between Israel and Lebanon right now.

    Thanks.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  And unfortunately, that is all the time we have today.  Thank you all for joining this call.  Thank you to our speakers.  And feel free to follow up with our team at the NSC press team with any questions. 

    And again, this call is under embargo until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.  Thank you all again, and hope you have a great rest of your evening.

    5:53 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from President Joe  Biden on CHIPS and Science Act Final Award for Polar Semiconductor

    Source: The White House

    Semiconductors – those tiny chips smaller than the tip of your finger – power everything from smartphones to cars to satellites and weapons systems.  I signed the CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize American leadership in semiconductors, strengthen our supply chains, protect our national security, and advance American competitiveness. And over the last three and a half years, we have done just that, catalyzing over $400 billion in private sector investments in semiconductors and electronics that are creating over 115,000 construction and manufacturing jobs. This year alone, the United States is on pace to see more investment in electronics manufacturing construction than it did over the last 24 years combined.

    Today’s announcement that the Department of Commerce has finalized the first commercial CHIPS Incentives award with Polar Semiconductor marks the next phase of the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, and demonstrates how we continue to deliver on the Investing in American agenda. Polar’s new facility will also be completed under a Project Labor Agreement to support its construction workforce, creating good-quality union jobs in Bloomington, Minnesota. Today’s announcement is just one of the many ways our Investing in America agenda is reshoring U.S. manufacturing, investing in workers and communities across the country, and advancing America’s leadership in the technologies of tomorrow.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NDRC’s Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment and HKMA jointly hold seminar on “Supporting Mainland enterprises’ cross-border financing in Hong Kong” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    NDRC’s Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment and HKMA jointly hold seminar on “Supporting Mainland enterprises’ cross-border financing in Hong Kong” (with photos)
    NDRC’s Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment and HKMA jointly hold seminar on “Supporting Mainland enterprises’ cross-border financing in Hong Kong” (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)’s Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) jointly held a seminar in Hong Kong on “Supporting Mainland enterprises’ cross-border financing in Hong Kong” today (September 24). The Director-General of the NDRC’s Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment, Mr Zheng Chiping, addressed the seminar in person. The NDRC delegation delivered a policy briefing on supporting the issuance of offshore debt by Mainland enterprises.     Hong Kong has been a premier offshore financing platform for Mainland enterprises. In October 2023, the NDRC and the HKMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further support cross-border financing by Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong and to promote the diversified development of the offshore bond market. Today’s seminar is the first promotional event jointly organised pursuant to the MoU, with a view to enhancing the understanding of the relevant policies and requirements regarding offshore debt among market participants, and encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong’s platform for cross-border financing.     The seminar comprised a policy briefing session and a roundtable discussion session, with a total of about 200 participants from Mainland enterprises, industry associations, financial institutions and law firms, etc, in attendance. Mr Zheng and the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, addressed the policy briefing session. The NDRC delegation delivered a policy briefing on Mainland firms’ borrowing of medium to long-term foreign debt. In the closed-door roundtable discussion session, the NDRC delegation had an in-depth exchange with industry representatives from around 30 organisations on the latest developments and policies in connection with the offshore debt market.     Mr Zheng said, “As an important international financial centre and the world’s leading offshore Renminbi centre, Hong Kong serves not only as the nexus connecting the Mainland and international capital markets, but also the premier platform for the Mainland’s ‘attracting foreign investment’ and ‘going global’ strategy. The NDRC encourages more Mainland enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s international financial platform to conduct cross-border financing activities, broaden financing channels, enrich financing tools, and optimise financing structures. We welcome continued support and facilitation provided by Hong Kong authorities for Mainland enterprises’ debt issuance in Hong Kong, with a view to collectively fostering a more open, transparent and efficient financing environment. We also welcome the active participation by the global investors and various market institutions to realise mutual benefits and join hands in development. The NDRC will also continue to enhance supervision and services, and create synergy through supervisory co-operation with the HKMA, in concertedly supporting and promoting the steady, long-term development of the Hong Kong’s bond market.”     Mr Yue said, “The HKMA would like to thank the NDRC for the significance it attaches to Hong Kong’s role as a cross-border financing hub for Mainland enterprises, and to Mr Zheng for leading the NDRC delegation to Hong Kong for this policy briefing to the industry. The seminar was well received by the industry, and has deepened the understanding of the relevant Central Government policies, which is conducive to better supporting Mainland enterprises’ cross-border financing activities in Hong Kong and contributing to the internationalisation of Renminbi and the region’s green and low-carbon transition. Building on this successful foundation, we look forward to deepening our sustained co-operation with the NDRC and fostering the contribution of Hong Kong’s financial services to the Mainland’s high-quality development of the real economy and high-standard opening up.”

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 16:51

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China firmly supports Lebanon in safeguarding sovereignty, security

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to exchange views on the situation in the Middle East, in New York, Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China firmly supports Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in New York to exchange views on the situation in the Middle East.

    With a long-lasting traditional friendship with Lebanon, China has been closely following the latest developments in the region, especially the recent explosions of communication devices across Lebanon, and is firmly opposed to indiscriminate attacks against civilians, he said.

    Force does not equate to rightness and violence against violence will not solve the problems in the Middle East, Wang said, adding that China strongly condemns any action that violates the basic norms governing international relations.

    The current situation is a manifestation of the spillover effect of the conflicts in Gaza, and China calls for realizing a “permanent ceasefire and comprehensive withdrawal of troops” and ensuring an effective implementation of “the two-state solution,” he said.

    Wang voiced hope that the Lebanese side will take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in Lebanon.

    For his part, Bou Habib thanked China for speaking up for Lebanon at the United Nations and other multilateral occasions.

    For a small country like Lebanon, it is important to maintain sovereignty and independence under the framework of the United Nations, Bou Habib said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls for joint efforts to advance global governance

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Wang Yi, special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, addresses the UN Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the international community to “take good care of our common home” and make joint efforts to advance global governance, as “humanity has only one planet Earth to call home, and we belong to the same world community.”

    Facing profound changes unseen in a century, it was highly relevant that world leaders gathered at the Summit of the Future and, together, adopted the Pact for the Future to galvanize their collective efforts for world peace and development, and to map out the future of humanity, said Wang, who is also special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in his statement at the summit.

    Wang noted that with this goal in mind, Xi has put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, advocated high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

    These vision and initiatives, he said, have provided new solutions for tackling the common challenges of humanity and drawn a new blueprint for building a better world.

    The minister elaborated the four-point proposal put forth by China. First, countries of the world need to build a future of peace and tranquility, and should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and settle disputes through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation and enhance security through cooperation. And major countries, in particular, should lead by example by breaking geopolitical circles, rising above bloc confrontation, and serving as propellers for world solidarity and anchoring for international peace.

    Second, countries of the world need to build a future of development and prosperity, follow a people-centered development philosophy and advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, so as to deliver the fruits of development to the people and ensure common prosperity for all countries.

    Third, countries of the world need to build a future of fairness and justice, build an equal and orderly multipolar world, oppose acts of hegemonism such as unilateral sanctions, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

    Fourth, countries of the world need to build a better future by keeping abreast with the times and making global governance more just and equitable.

    “China will work hand in hand with countries around the world to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and create a more peaceful and better tomorrow,” Wang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to create new monetary policy tools to support stock market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s central bank will create new monetary policy tools to support the stable development of the stock market, the central bank governor said Tuesday.

    The central bank will establish a swap program for securities, funds and insurance companies to obtain liquidity from the central bank through asset collateralization, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, told a press conference.

    The program will significantly enhance the companies’ ability to acquire funds and increase their stock holdings, Pan said.

    According to Pan, eligible companies could use their assets including bonds, stock ETFs and holdings in constituents of the CSI 300 Index as collateral in exchange for highly liquid assets such as treasury bonds and central bank bills. Funds obtained through this tool can only be used for investment in the stock market.

    The initial scale of the swap program will be set at 500 billion yuan (about 70 billion U.S. dollars), with possible expansions in the future, Pan said.

    The central bank will also create a special re-lending facility to guide banks to provide loans to listed companies and their major shareholders for buybacks and increasing shareholdings, Pan said.

    The initial re-lending will be 300 billion yuan at an interest rate of 1.75 percent for commercial banks, which could lend to their clients at an interest rate of 2.25 percent. Depending on the market conditions, the operation may be repeated in the future, Pan said.

    The facility can be applied to various types of companies regardless of their ownership, Pan added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE attends Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (September 24) led a delegation to Shenzhen to attend the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection meeting. Also attending the meeting were the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; and representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
          
         Various collaboration issues were discussed in the meeting, including landfill management, marine pollution prevention and control, and cross-border transportation using new energy. Both sides reported on the progress of various work items and exchanged views at the meeting. For example, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has completed a freezing survey of the number and locations of oyster rafts in Deep Bay, and will continue to maintain close communication with Shenzhen regarding the management of the oyster rafts. As for the North East New Territories Landfill, Hong Kong has implemented a series of improvement measures and will continue to collaborate with Shenzhen to further enhance the odour control at the Landfill.
          
         Mr Tse said, “I look forward to continuing to strengthen communication and co-operation with Shenzhen on ecological and environmental protection through the Joint Working Group, which is a highly meaningful platform, so as to enhance the work on environmental protection and ecology, and to make proactive contributions to our country’s ecological civilisation and building a beautiful China.”

         Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this evening.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth about $5.6 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth about $5.6 million (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth about $5.6 million (with photo)
    ****************************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 23) seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 2.5kg of suspected crack cocaine, with a total estimated market value of about $5.6 million in Kwai Chung. A 34-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.     Through intelligence analysis and after an in-depth investigation, Customs targeted the man who was suspected of controlling a drug storage centre at Lai King Hill Road, Kwai Chung, and arrested him in Tsuen Wan yesterday afternoon. Customs officers then escorted the man to a residential flat in Kwai Chung for a search and found the batch of suspected dangerous drugs and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia therein.     The arrested man, who claimed to be a maintenance workman, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (September 25).     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 16:55

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunmen who shot at four-year-old girl sentenced following Met investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men who shot at a car that contained two children have been sentenced following an investigation by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

    Jordan Shaw, 20, (25.10.03) of Green Lanes, N8, was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.

    Joshua Fraser, 19, (21.01.05) of King Edwards Road, E9, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit murder.

    On 25 February 2023, both Shaw and Fraser drove into the Shrubland Road, E8, area of Hackney where they shot at a car they thought belonged to a rival gang. However, the car belonged to an innocent family. A 13-year-old boy and four-year-old girl were inside at the time. Fortunately, nobody was injured.

    On 11 August 2023, Shaw was subsequently involved in a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, N16, in which three shots were fired towards a victim who sustained a single gunshot wound to the arm.

    Detectives carried out extensive investigations into Shaw and Fraser before arresting them at their home addresses on 31 May 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.

    Across London, specialist detectives are working closely with local officers to dismantle serious and organised crime groups that pose the greatest harm to London’s communities. Last year, 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital and between April 2023 and March 2024 there was a reduction in the number of firearms offences from 196 to 145.

    Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Ireland, from Specialist Crime North, said: “Following an extensive investigation, officers have taken two extremely dangerous men off the streets. Our teams also recovered the firearm used in the shooting in Hackney. Forensic work carried out on the gun revealed it was also used in 11 previous firearm discharges in London.

    “This vital work has no doubt had a significant impact in safeguarding our local community and securing justice for the victims of Shaw and Fraser’s crimes.”

    The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 3 September.

    The Metropolitan Police Service is building a New Met for London, which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and tackle crime that impacts Londoners the most, such as firearms offences.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Visit to the United States: Third Day (2)[The Prime Minister in action]

    Source: Government of Japan – Prime Minister

    Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting (1)

    Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting (2)

    Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting (3)

    Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg (1)

    Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg (2)

    Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg (3)

    Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg (4)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) (1)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) (2)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) (3)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) (4)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) (5)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (1)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (2)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (3)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (4)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (5)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (6)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (7)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (8)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (9)

    Prime Minister Kishida attending the U.S.-Japan tourism event (10)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs applies “communication right” under Copyright Ordinance for first time to combat case of illegal streaming of live football matches (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs applies “communication right” under Copyright Ordinance for first time to combat case of illegal streaming of live football matches (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs applies “communication right” under Copyright Ordinance for first time to combat case of illegal streaming of live football matches (with photo)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation on September 22 to combat infringement activities that utilise illegal streaming technology to communicate live football matches to the public. During the operation, Customs seized a pay-TV channel television decoder, a suspected illegal streaming computer server, a mobile phone used for a remote server operation and an assortment of electronic equipment and audio-visual devices, with a total estimated market value of about $20,000. This is the first time since the implementation of the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 for Customs to apply the “communication right” to combat a case involving illegal streaming devices used for broadcasting live football matches.     Customs earlier received information from a copyright owner alleging that someone had set up a web page to distribute copyright-protected pay-TV channels through streaming technology without the authorisation of the copyright owner. After an in-depth investigation, and with the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers took enforcement action during the live broadcast of overseas football matches and made use of computer forensic programmes to conduct real-time monitoring over related suspected illegal activities.      At the same time, Customs officers raided a residential unit in Lok Fu and seized a suspected illegal streaming server and assorted electronic equipment. Officers from the department’s Computer Forensic Laboratory were also summoned to the scene to render support and preserve relevant digital evidence from the streaming server concerned.     During the operation, two men, aged 69 and 43, were arrested. They were released on bail pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing.     Customs reminds the public not to engage in unauthorised activities involving the dissemination of copyrighted works. Members of public should also respect intellectual property rights and refrain from watching infringing movie/TV works or pay-TV channels through any form of illegal streaming. Applications or streaming links related to illegal streaming may contain computer viruses or malicious programmes which can pose potential risks to users.     According to the Copyright Ordinance, it is illegal for anyone, without the authorisation of the copyright owner, to engage in any trade or business that involves communicating works to the public for profit or reward, or in the course of such trade or business, to communicate copyrighted works to the public; or to communicate copyrighted works to the public to an extent that damages the rights of the copyright owner. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 for each copyrighted work.     Members of the public may report any suspected infringement activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 17:40

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at BritCham Hong Kong Summit 2024 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by CE at BritCham Hong Kong Summit 2024 (English only)
    Speech by CE at BritCham Hong Kong Summit 2024 (English only)
    *************************************************************

         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Britcham Hong Kong Summit 2024 today (September 24): Mr Jeremy Sheldon (Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), Mr Paul McComb (Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), Deputy Consul-General Sarah Robinson (Deputy Consul-General of the United Kingdom to Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      Good afternoon to you all. I am delighted to be here, today, for the fourth annual BritCham Hong Kong Summit. And what a day it’s been, with Commissioner Cui Jianchun opening the Summit and five smartly considered panel discussions, each centred on Hong Kong opportunity – long-term, far-reaching opportunities powered by innovation, sustainability, and more.           Panel One’s theme certainly caught my attention, with its focus, and I quote, “Business Leaders Perspective on Hong Kong as a Global Powerhouse City”.           Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong indeed endeavours to become a global powerhouse city. With its energy, entrepreneurship and connectivity.           More than an ambition, it is a goal and collective commitment that the Hong Kong SAR Government is working, tirelessly, to realise.           With welcome assistance, let me add, from organisations such as the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and its membership of some 1 000 professionals from about 350 companies. Each and every one of you as committed as us in building a flourishing future for all, right here in Hong Kong.           At last count, over 640 UK companies call Hong Kong home. And it’s reassuring to tell you that Hong Kong and UK companies like to do business together. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade was up a whopping 19 per cent, year on year, and reached nearly HK$130 billion.           Yes, Hong Kong has all along been a key export market for the UK. In the decade between 2014 and 2023, the value of UK exports to Hong Kong grew nearly 100 per cent, to GBP15.7 billion.           Our trade in services are just as vibrant. In 2022, the UK was Hong Kong’s third-largest services trading partner.           And, of course, we like to invest in each other’s economies and companies. In 2021, Hong Kong was the sixth-most popular destination for foreign direct investment from the UK, with a total value of GBP77.6 billion. That accounted for 4.4 per cent of the UK’s total outward FDI stock. Hong Kong, in 2021, was the second-largest Asian investor in the UK, with FDI stock worth GBP16.3 billion.           Hong Kong’s selling card, our great and enduring strength over the years, is our openness to trade and business, our eagerness to connect – with the UK and a world of companies and economies.           “One country, two systems” makes it happen. This unique principle allows Hong Kong to enjoy the wealth of opportunities our country presents, while taking full advantage of our dominant role as the multilevel bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.           It ensures that Hong Kong’s robust rule of law, as well as our continuous practice of the common law system, one that resembles that of the UK and many major global financial centres. It also helps to maintain our simple and low tax regime, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity.           That’s probably why in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong ranked fifth globally. We came first in the world in “international trade” and “business legislation”, and was also among the global top five in “tax policy”, “international investment”, “basic infrastructure”, “finance” and “education”.           As a global powerhouse city, Hong Kong will never stop expanding its business and trade networks. These include our well-established partners among developed economies, as well as new and budding ones.           The 10 Member States of ASEAN – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – is one of our pre-eminent partners. For more than a decade now, ASEAN has been our second-largest merchandise trade entity. Investment between us is also buoyant. Indeed, Hong Kong is ASEAN’s fourth-largest source of inward direct investment.           It helps, of course, that the free trade agreement and investment agreement between us has been in full force now for three years.           It helps, too, that I have been to seven ASEAN countries since I assumed office just over two years ago. My latest visit, in July, to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, resulted in 55 MOUs and related agreements. They will expand our co-operation in trade and investment, as well as finance, technology, logistics and a good many other areas, too.           Our ties with the Middle East have also burgeoned following my visit to the region in February last year.           This past week, Saudi Arabia gave its approval for the first exchange-traded fund, or ETF, investing in Hong Kong equities to be listed on its stock exchange. That’s an encouraging development for investors, too.           Last November, HKEX, and investors, welcomed the listing of Asia-Pacific’s first ETF to track Saudi Arabian equities, allowing local and global investors to invest in the Saudi stock market through Hong Kong. This mutually rewarding co-operation is a boost for Hong Kong’s ETF market and the global connectivity of our financial services sector.           We look, too, to other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for connectivity, for long-term opportunity powered by innovation and technology. I’m sure you’ve heard as much at the panel discussion just now.           The Greater Bay Area, as you will be well aware, brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong province. It counts a population of over 86 million people. Its GDP amounted to nearly US$2 trillion last year, rivalling the world’s 10th largest economy.           More than an enormous consumer market, the Greater Bay Area is fast becoming an innovation and technology hub. This year’s Global Innovation Index ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster second in the world, for the fifth year in a row.           That only underlines the huge potential for I&T development in the Greater Bay Area – and in Hong Kong, China’s most international city as you all know. Hong Kong is the only Asian city that has as many as five universities in the world’s top 100, and boast world-class capabilities in research, a robust intellectual property rights protection system, and an established international business environment. Hong Kong has what it takes to play a pivotal role in the region’s rise as an I&T hub.           The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, situated right next to our boundary with Shenzhen, is central to that future. This Hong Kong Park, of 87 hectares in area, together with a 300-hectare Shenzhen Park, will form the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. It straddles our geographical boundary with the Mainland and will propel the region’s I&T growth.           The Hong Kong Park’s first three buildings, I’m pleased to say, are expected to complete, gradually, from the end of this year.           The Park’s first phase, a total floor area of up to one million square metres, will focus on a number of I&T areas, including life and health technology, AI, advanced manufacturing and industry, academic and research sectors.           That, of course, will demand technology specialists. A continuing flow of strategic talent of every kind, at every level.           We’re working on that, too. And, according to the International Institute for M
    anagement Development and its 2024 World Talent Ranking, we’re well on our way.           In the latest World Talent Ranking, published just last week, Hong Kong’s ranking rose to ninth, overall – up considerably from 16th last year. That’s also the first time we were back to the ranking’s top 10 since 2016.           And I’m delighted to say that Hong Kong topped the ranking in the percentage of graduates in sciences.           We’re making notable progress, too, in enticing talent to turn to Hong Kong for their future.           As at the end of last month, we have received more than 360 000 applications under our various enhanced talent admission programmes, launched in the end of 2022. Nearly 230 000 applications have been approved, and more than 150 000 professionals have already arrived in Hong Kong, many with their families.           The schemes are popular among our friends from the UK, I’m glad to add. Some 4 100 of these approved applicants are UK nationals. That’s a blessing. For our new Top Talent Pass Scheme, which targets graduates from the world’s best universities and high-income earners, about 7 per cent of the admitted top graduates are from British universities.           And our Working Holiday Scheme with the UK, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has also strengthened our youth ties. At last count, nearly 11 000 young people from Hong Kong and the UK have been granted visas to work, while holidaying, in each other’s places over the past decade.           More than our people-to-people bond, the young and talented professionals joining Hong Kong will boost our labour force. Good news for the economy. For business. For you as well.           Getting, and keeping, talent is, of course, a work in progress, as is the Hong Kong economy. I’ll have more to say on that, and much more, next month, in my annual Policy Address.           And my thanks to BritCham for its Policy Address submission, which I received in early August. I am grateful for your considered thoughts on how Hong Kong can boost its standing as an international trade and finance centre, how we can build our technology and innovation capabilities, take our place as an international talent hub and a good deal more.           I look forward to your continuing co-operation – the excellent work your Chamber is doing for our economy and our community.           On our community, I understand a cheering section from the Chamber will be in London for the upcoming Hong Kong Dinner. This annual gathering is one of the many deep-rooted traditions that have long defined, and distinguished, the abiding ties between our two economies and peoples.           Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you the best of business, health and happiness in the coming year. And, for those of you flying off to London this week, I wish you a memorable Hong Kong Dinner, brimful of the good stories of Hong Kong, a global powerhouse city.           Thank you.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 17:36

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Twaao Exchange Secures U.S. MSB License, Advancing Toward Global Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, Twaao Exchange successfully obtained the Money Services Business (MSB) license issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This significant compliance certification marks a key step forward for Twaao in adhering to international financial regulations, ensuring the legal operation of the platform on a global scale. By strictly following anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations, Twaao provides users with a transparent and secure trading environment.

    Securing the MSB license is an important milestone for Twaao in its compliance operations. The MSB license is a regulatory certification for financial service institutions in the United States, aimed at preventing financial crimes and protecting consumer rights. By obtaining this certification, Twaao not only demonstrates its commitment to compliance but also lays a solid foundation for expansion in the global market.

    In the process of obtaining the MSB license, Twaao meticulously adhered to FinCEN requirements, implementing comprehensive anti-money laundering and customer identity verification measures. Through advanced technological means and stringent management processes, Twaao ensures that the identity information and transaction records of each user are properly managed and protected, preventing any form of financial crime.

    In terms of anti-money laundering, Twaao employs advanced monitoring and analysis technology to detect and identify suspicious trading activities in real-time. Through comprehensive monitoring and risk assessment of user trading behaviors, Twaao can promptly identify and prevent potential money laundering activities, ensuring the platform compliance and security. Additionally, Twaao has established a robust customer identity verification mechanism to ensure the authenticity and validity of user identity information, preventing identity theft and other deceptive activities.

    The acquisition of the MSB license is an important step in Twaao journey toward global compliant operations. In the future, Twaao will continue to strengthen its investment in compliance, continuously improving and enhancing the platform compliance management system. By collaborating with leading international compliance organizations, Twaao will introduce more advanced technologies and management experiences to provide users with safer and more reliable trading services.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Equifax Canada Reports Rise in Automotive Fraud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Automotive Fraud Driven by ID Theft and Falsified Credit Applications a Significant Area of Concern for Businesses and Consumers –

    TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Equifax Canada reports that while application fraud is down in some areas, automotive lenders are seeing a surge in fraud. According to new data from Equifax Canada, automotive fraud is up by 54 per cent year-over-year and is largely driven by falsified credit applications and the continued prevalence in identity theft. Ontario has experienced the most significant increase in auto fraud rates, doubling since Q2 2023.

    In addition, first party fraud (fraud in which the borrower knowingly uses their own personal information to commit fraud) continues to be the most prevalent type of misrepresentation in automotive. “Automotive fraud is a significant pain point for both businesses and consumers,” said Carl Davies, Head of Fraud and Identity at Equifax Canada. “Consumers choosing to falsify their income, employment, and financial information to secure credit are a growing concern for lenders. This deceit may provide short-term financial gains for the consumer, but certainly can lead to long-term consequences such as loan denials, damaged credit, and legal ramifications.”

    Synthetic Identity Fraud
    Overall, the proportion of identity theft in credit applications continues to grow with 48.3 per cent of all fraud applications flagged as identity fraud in Q2 2024, up from 42.9 per cent in Q2 2023, according to data from Equifax Canada. While the proportion of true identity fraud remained the same at 39.4 per cent, there has been a rise in synthetic identity fraud, where criminals combine real and fake data to create new identities. The incidence of synthetic identity fraud rose from 2.8 per cent in Q2 2023 to eight per cent in Q2 2024.

    “The rise in true identity fraud along with synthetic identity fraud, underscores the need for enhanced fraud detection across digital platforms where these crimes are increasingly being perpetrated,” added Davies. “The increase in digital transactions has made it easier for fraudsters to exploit weaknesses in current fraud prevention measures.”

    Other Notable Trends:

    • Identity Fraud: Older consumers with high credit scores are increasingly being targeted. Forty per cent of third-party identity fraud cases involved victims with credit scores above 800 (which is considered excellent), and 76 per cent of these consumers had no prior delinquency on their credit files.
    • Mortgage Fraud: Across Canada, mortgage fraud rates have dropped by 16.3 per cent year-over-year. Alberta is the one exception with mortgage fraud on the rise, often involving falsified income and employment documentation.
    • Deposit Fraud: Deposit fraud, which occurs when fraudulent transactions or payments are made to recently opened accounts, has also experienced a sharp increase, growing from 27.4 per cent of first-party fraud in Q2 2023 to 41.2 per cent in Q2 2024, much of which was driven by the telco industry.

    As fraudsters adapt and refine their tactics, it’s important for businesses and consumers to stay vigilant by using ID theft protection tools that can detect fraud early through timely alerts on credit report changes. Effective fraud prevention includes verifying identities, cross-checking financial documents, and staying informed about regional fraud trends—key measures that can help mitigate the growing threat of fraud for Canadian consumers and businesses alike.

    For more information on fraud prevention, visit Equifax Canada’s website and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    About Equifax
    At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.

    Contact:

    Andrew Findlater
    SELECT Public Relations
    afindlater@selectpr.ca
    (647) 444-1197

    Angie Andich
    Equifax Canada Media Relations
    MediaRelationsCanada@equifax.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ISDNP Enters Strategic Partnership with Vietnam’s Red River Group through MOU

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEOUL, KOREA, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ISDNP (https://isdnp.co.kr/), in partnership with JournalInNews, has taken a significant step towards entering the Vietnamese market by forging an alliance with a prominent local enterprise. On the 19th, the two companies jointly announced, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 17th with Vietnam’s Red River Group to formalize their strategic collaboration.

    This agreement follows a high-level meeting on the 16th at Red River’s headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, between Insoo Park, the Chairman of JournalInNews, and LE CONG HOANG, Chairman of the Red River Group, during which both parties discussed the framework for a strategic partnership.

    The MOU outlines key areas of cooperation, including the introduction of ISDNP’s pedestrian signal voice guidance system in Vietnam and the promotion of JournalInNews’s JsetCoin within the Vietnamese business landscape. Both companies are poised to jointly deploy ISDNP’s pedestrian signal system nationwide, leveraging Red River Group’s extensive network and resources.

    Red River Group is a prominent, diversified conglomerate in Vietnam, with business interests spanning petroleum distribution, tourist vehicle rentals, smart parking solutions, automotive management centers, and emergency response infrastructure. Notably, its traffic rescue centers, which provide critical emergency assistance, are recognized as essential contributors to Vietnam’s transport and safety sectors.

    Through this partnership, both parties anticipate enhancing bilateral economic, social, and cultural exchanges while delivering substantive outcomes. ISDNP has committed to supplying the requisite technical expertise and information necessary for the successful deployment of the pedestrian signal voice guidance system, while Red River Group has pledged comprehensive support to ensure the project’s smooth execution.

    Additionally, JournalInNews has designated Red River Group as its strategic partner to facilitate the expansion of JsetCoin within the Vietnamese market. Both parties are exploring various collaborative avenues, including the potential establishment of a local subsidiary, aimed at fostering a synergistic partnership and ensuring the efficient exchange of essential information.

    This MOU is expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and serve as a catalyst for sustained growth. Both parties have committed to maintaining close cooperation to ensure the successful realization of the agreement’s objectives.

    Media contact

    Brand: ISDNP

    Contact: Media team

    Email: support@isdnp.co.kr

    Website: https://isdnp.co.kr/

    SOURCE: ISDNP

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC – 23 09 2024] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 23 SEPTEMBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,388,169 1.7244    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,388,169 1.7244    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 1,185 2428.8002p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 24 SEPTEMBER 2024
    Contact name: PHIL HULME
    Telephone number: 01253 376551

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network Sep 24, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network
    Sep 24, 2024

    [Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, September 10, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has just released a thought-provoking white paper titled Intelligent Core Network: Starting a New Chapter in Experience Monetization, in collaboration with Huawei and a global coalition of leading operators including AIS in Thailand, Cell C in South Africa, China Mobile, du in the UAE, the e& group, and Turkcell in Türkiye. This insightful report sheds light on the challenges operators face under traditional traffic monetization models and makes a compelling case for harnessing intelligence technologies to deliver tailored experiences that cater to users’ diverse needs. It can be used as a roadmap for transforming operators’ business models from traffic-based to experience-driven, so as to unlock new avenues for growth.
    White paper release ceremony

    The widespread adoption of traditional traffic-based operation models has led to a homogenization of services, making it harder than ever for operators to stand out in a crowded market. The rise of OTT players has further intensified competition, leading to declining revenue growth for operators and a pressing need for new growth opportunities. However, as mobile networks continue to evolve at a tremendous rate, traditional network architectures are unable to keep up with the diversification of users’ service requirements. This is where the concept of experience monetization comes in. It is a game-changing idea that enables operators to transform their business models and unlock new revenue streams. By providing personalized and differentiated services, operators can take advantage of their network capabilities to meet users’ diverse needs while also offering tailored pricing models. This innovative approach not only elevates the user experience but also creates new opportunities for revenue growth.
    Conventional network operations are often hindered by four key breakpoints: unclear target users and services, inaccurate and untimely experience perception, slow and imprecise strategy optimization, and lack of user awareness of experience assurance. Experience monetization offers a solution to these challenges by leveraging intelligence technologies and the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to facilitate data analysis and intelligent decision-making. By combining these capabilities, operators can achieve closed-loop management of service awareness, experience optimization, and operations, ultimately leading to better user experiences and improved business outcomes.
    Today, forward-thinking operators are actively exploring new experience monetization models to boost their bottom line and stay ahead of the competition. Delving into the best practices of multiple operators in China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, the white paper highlights the success of differentiated experience payment models in areas such as video, live streaming, and gaming. These innovative approaches have yielded significant returns. Yet while the industry is witnessing a growing trend in experience monetization, there remains substantial market potential waiting to be tapped.
    The release of this white paper provides operators with a roadmap for better navigating the intelligent era and driving their growth forward.
    The white paper is available at: https://www.verdict.co.uk/downloads/whitepapers/data/intelligent-5g-core-starting-a-new-chapter-in-experience-monetization/#globaldata-technology

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Builds Up Partnership with OCN Microinvest S.R.L. to Boost Moldova’s Real Economy and Green Financing

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 24-Sep-2024

    New Credit Line to Support Small Businesses and Green Projects

    To bolster economic activity and promote green financing in Moldova, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) has announced a new partnership with OCN Microinvest S.R.L., the leading microfinance company in the country. Under this partnership, BSTDB will provide a credit line of up to EUR 10 million, aimed at enhancing financial access for small businesses and supporting the real economy in Moldova.

    OCN Microinvest S.R.L. will on-lend the funds offered by BSTDB to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to support their activities and growth. A portion of these funds will be specifically allocated for green financing initiatives, including energy and resource efficiency, green energy and low-carbon technologies.

    Signing the loan agreement, Dr. Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President, said: “Developing strategic partnerships with leading financial institutions in our member countries is crucial for fulfilling our mandate, particularly when direct outreach to end users is not feasible. Access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises is vital for sustainable and inclusive growth in Moldova. In alignment with our Climate Strategy, we are pleased to see that a portion of our loan will be dedicated to financing green activities, thereby contributing effectively to the decarbonization of the Moldovan economy.”

    Dumitru Svinarenco, CEO of OCN Microinvest SRL: “This new partnership with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering Moldova’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability. The EUR 10 million credit line will provide a much-needed boost to the country’s MSMEs, helping them to scale and adapt in a challenging economic landscape. Moreover, the focus on green financing aligns perfectly with Microinvest’s strategy to encourage more businesses to embrace energy efficiency and sustainable practices. We are proud to be working with BSTDB to support not only the growth of small businesses but also the broader transition to a greener economy in Moldova.”

    O.C.N. Microinvest S.R.L.  was established in 2003 as a microfinance limited liability company in Moldova. The company has a solid shareholding structure, comprising reputable foreign and local non-profit and developmental financial institutions. The company’s activity focuses on lending to individuals and micro, small and medium size enterprises.

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    Phone: +30 2310 290533

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network

    [Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, September 10, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has just released a thought-provoking white paper titled Intelligent Core Network: Starting a New Chapter in Experience Monetization, in collaboration with Huawei and a global coalition of leading operators including AIS in Thailand, Cell C in South Africa, China Mobile, du in the UAE, the e& group, and Turkcell in Türkiye. This insightful report sheds light on the challenges operators face under traditional traffic monetization models and makes a compelling case for harnessing intelligence technologies to deliver tailored experiences that cater to users’ diverse needs. It can be used as a roadmap for transforming operators’ business models from traffic-based to experience-driven, so as to unlock new avenues for growth.
    White paper release ceremony

    The widespread adoption of traditional traffic-based operation models has led to a homogenization of services, making it harder than ever for operators to stand out in a crowded market. The rise of OTT players has further intensified competition, leading to declining revenue growth for operators and a pressing need for new growth opportunities. However, as mobile networks continue to evolve at a tremendous rate, traditional network architectures are unable to keep up with the diversification of users’ service requirements. This is where the concept of experience monetization comes in. It is a game-changing idea that enables operators to transform their business models and unlock new revenue streams. By providing personalized and differentiated services, operators can take advantage of their network capabilities to meet users’ diverse needs while also offering tailored pricing models. This innovative approach not only elevates the user experience but also creates new opportunities for revenue growth.
    Conventional network operations are often hindered by four key breakpoints: unclear target users and services, inaccurate and untimely experience perception, slow and imprecise strategy optimization, and lack of user awareness of experience assurance. Experience monetization offers a solution to these challenges by leveraging intelligence technologies and the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to facilitate data analysis and intelligent decision-making. By combining these capabilities, operators can achieve closed-loop management of service awareness, experience optimization, and operations, ultimately leading to better user experiences and improved business outcomes.
    Today, forward-thinking operators are actively exploring new experience monetization models to boost their bottom line and stay ahead of the competition. Delving into the best practices of multiple operators in China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, the white paper highlights the success of differentiated experience payment models in areas such as video, live streaming, and gaming. These innovative approaches have yielded significant returns. Yet while the industry is witnessing a growing trend in experience monetization, there remains substantial market potential waiting to be tapped.
    The release of this white paper provides operators with a roadmap for better navigating the intelligent era and driving their growth forward.
    The white paper is available at: https://www.verdict.co.uk/downloads/whitepapers/data/intelligent-5g-core-starting-a-new-chapter-in-experience-monetization/#globaldata-technology

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: World Bank’s Fund for Low-Income Countries – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga briefed reporters today (23 Sep) on the Denmark’s support for the World Bank’s Fund for Low-Income Countries.

    Prime Minister Frederiksen previously announced at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future, that Denmark has pledged approximately $491.7 million to the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries, making it a 40 per cent increase over the country’s previous contribution.

    Speaking to journalists, Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s commitment, stating, “you can count on Denmark, both when it comes to the concrete and necessary tasks, but also in supporting the reforms. And I think it’s not only necessary for the countries who are in need of it, but it’s also necessary if we want to stick together as one world.”

    World Bank President Ajay Banga echoed the need for action. He said, “we can, frankly, we must, help to chart a course towards that brighter future,” emphasizing that the starting point lies in supporting initiatives like the International Development Association and leveraging the World Bank’s knowledge.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6YVT_R7vXU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Stopping global trend of violence “is in our hands” – Youth Rep. at Summit of the Future

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Ghanim Mohammed Al Muftah, United Nations youth representative from Qatar and a political science graduate, said that the decisions made today are not just about policies and strategies. They are about shaping a world where all children can thrive in an inclusive, safe and sustainable future.

    “As a person with disability, I have learned that true progress comes not from overcoming personal challenges alone, but from how we, as a society, embrace each other’s differences,” he said.

    Sadly, there is no choice for children where wars and conflicts cause unnecessary injuries and life-long disabilities. It is in our hands to stop this global trend of violence, in Gaza and around the world.

    “The future belongs to our youth and we must ensure that they are prepared to take on leadership roles,” he said.

    ————————–

    The Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.

    The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.

    Effective global cooperation is increasingly critical to our survival but difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of mistrust, using outdated structures that no longer reflect today’s political and economic realities.

    World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes.

    Screenshot Credit:
    UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    Website: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future

    Programme: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/programme

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kILXK5QSNC8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: #UNGA 79 Backstage Series: Protocol and Liaison Service | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Come behind the scenes with the Protocol and Liaison Service to witness the amount of meticulous planning and coordination leading up to High Level events at the United Nations. Watch daily this week to see behind the scenes of the UNGA79. The Protocol and Liaison Service within the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) serves the protocol needs of the Secretariat, including those of the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. It also interfaces with the Permanent Missions and Observer Offices to the United Nations as well as with the liaison offices of the specialised agencies and related organizations stationed in New York. The Service applies an orderly, uniform set of rules and governing codes of behaviour in diplomatic forums, meetings and ceremonies involving missions/observers and their representatives.
    General debate website: gadebate.un.org

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuzbX7ZMfHQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What is UNGA all about?

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    United
    Nations
    General
    Assembly

    The 79th edition of UNGA is taking place until the end of this week. This is when world leaders gather in New York to address challenges that no country can handle alone.

    Why does the EU take part, and what’s UNGA all about? We’ve got all the answers – explained in under a minute!

    #UNGA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbmvGsudK4o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Next meeting – Committee on Fisheries

    Source: European Parliament

    The next PECH meeting will take place on Monday 30 September 2024 from 15:00 to 18:30 in Brussels.

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mandatory Disclosure Regime (MDR) in the light of rulings from the CJEU and EU Member State courts – E-001469/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Council already amended the Council Directive (EU) 2018/822[1] (DAC6) provisions concerned in Directive 2011/16/EU in October 2023[2] to address the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-694/20.

    In its latest judgment of 29 July 2024, the Court of Justice confirmed the validity of DAC6 (see C-623/22)[3] in light of the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination, as well as Articles 20 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    The Commission is also evaluating DAC6 as part of the broader evaluation process of Directive 2011/16/EU[4]. The public consultation was open until 31 July 2024.

    The European Court of Auditors has also started an audit covering DAC6 which should be finalised before 2025. The responses and further analysis on the functioning of the DAC framework will be assessed.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/822/oj
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2226/oj
    • [3] Judgment of 29 July 2024 in Case C-623/22, Belgian Association of Tax Lawyers and Others: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/documents.jsf?num=C-623/22
    • [4] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/16/2024-01-01
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lifting the ban on electric pulse fishing in the light of new scientific findings – P-001786/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001786/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ton Diepeveen (PfE)

    The European Parliament decided in 2019 to ban electric pulse fishing. A number of scientific studies published since then show that that fishing technique is more sustainable than traditional methods such as beam trawling. For instance, electric pulse fishing reduces impact on seabed life, considerably lowers fishing vessels’ fuel consumption and results in less bycatch.

    Studies by Wageningen Marine Research in 2020 and the ICES Working Group on Electrical Trawling (WGELECTRA) in 2024.

    ICES Scientific Reports. 2024. Working Group on Electrical Trawling (WGELECTRA; outputs from 2023 meeting). Volume 6 | Issue 67 (p. Vii-viii) show that electric pulse fishing causes considerably less environmental harm than traditional fishing methods.

    Wageningen University & Research. 2020. The Implications of a Transition from Tickler Chain to Pulse Trawling (p. 10-11).

    In this connection:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the content of the scientific studies cited in the introduction? If not, why not?
    • 2.Does the Commission agree with the main conclusions of both reports, including the fact that electric pulse fishing reduces impact on seabed life, lowers fuel consumption and results in less by-catch? If not, why not?
    • 3.Why has the Commission not yet lifted the ban on electric pulse fishing?

    Submitted: 23.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ministerial Discussion on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    New York, 23.09.2024 – Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – Check against delivery

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    This ministerial discussion occurs amid a concerning global backdrop, with over 120 armed conflicts ongoing worldwide.

    As a result, millions of people require humanitarian aid and protection, while humanitarian and UN personnel face growing threats, often becoming targets of attacks.

    Switzerland is alarmed by the rising violence against humanitarian workers, which is sometimes deliberately directed at them.

    A concrete step was taken in May: my country introduced Security Council resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel, addressing this alarming trend. The resolution was adopted with the support of 98 UN Member States. I extend my thanks to all these States, especially Brazil for its initial work on the resolution.

    This resolution is crucial for three reasons:

    1. It reaffirms the obligations of States and parties in armed conflicts to respect and protect humanitarian and UN personnel, including national and local staff.

    2. It condemns attacks on these personnel and urges States to ensure accountability for related violations.

    3. It mandates the Secretary-General to submit recommendations to the Security Council within six months to prevent and address such attacks and combat impunity.

    These recommendations focus on concrete actions. They are currently being prepared, and we look forward to receiving them in November.

    Excellencies

    Humanitarian personnel are a lifeline for millions of civilians worldwide, risking their lives daily to assist and protect those affected by armed conflict.

    We must safeguard their ability to carry out this vital work and reaffirm our commitment to their protection.

    With so many conflicts raging and civilians suffering so much, we must step up our efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and strengthen the political will to build a more humane world.

    Thank you.

    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Seed capital and (more) customers for Empa spin-off: Solar cells for the Internet of Things

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun, 24.09.2024 – Perovskia Solar has won more than ten leading companies from the Internet of Things (IoT) industry as customers and received over two million Swiss francs in seed capital. The multi-award-winning Empa spin-off prints customized solar cells for almost any electronic device. These can be produced cost-effectively – and even work indoors.

    Every person owns an average of seven electronic devices. Hence there are several billion devices in use worldwide – and with the Internet of Things (IoT), the number is growing all the time. These need to be charged regularly, or their batteries need to be replaced. The Empa spin-off Perovskia Solar has therefore specialized in custom-made solar cells for all conceivable electronic devices – and successfully so: It has acquired more than ten leading companies from the Internet of Things (IoT) industry as new customers and has now received over two million Swiss francs from an international coalition of business angels and early-stage funds. “Energy harvesting for IoT devices is a rapidly growing market with a potential of several billion dollars,” said Anand Verma, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Empa spin-off. “Our easy-to-integrate designer solar cells either eliminate the need for batteries or extend their lifespan, opening up the possibility of powering any device with solar energy.”

    Solar cells from the printer

    The multi-award-winning Empa spin-off has launched the first perovskite solar cells on the market that can be used in smartwatches, keyboards and the like. Conventional silicon solar cells are complex and expensive to produce on a customized basis and are inefficient in poor lighting conditions. “We can print innovative perovskite solar cells in any size – and at low cost. With their high efficiency, they can power almost any indoor electronic device in bright home and office lighting,” says Verma.

    “Our energy harvesting technology has been developed over several years at Empa, which has enabled us to launch a market-ready product that powers next-generation devices for industrial and residential applications,” adds Tobias Meyer, founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Perovskia. Perovskites have excellent properties: They absorb light particularly efficiently and conduct the generated electricity well. Until now, however, perovskite-based solar cells were not stable enough and not durable enough for large-scale use. Anand Verma therefore spent five years at Empa researching printing processes for perovskite solar cells before setting up the company in 2020.

    A new factory and international support

    Perovskia Solar now supplies several international companies with customized solar cells for IoT applications and for consumer electronics devices. The Empa spin-off is now supported by Kickfund from Venture Kick and the venture capital company D&FG Elements as well as an international coalition of business angels led by Nils Hagander and Beda Rohner. “With a market-leading product, Perovskia is ideally positioned to drive the next generation of IoT devices for consumers and industry,” says Hagander, entrepreneur and investor in technology and service companies.

    The Empa spin-off recently set up a factory in Aubonne in the canton of Vaud. One million perovskite elements are to be printed there every year.

    Address for enquiries

    Manuel Martin
    Communications
    Phone +41 58 765 4454
    redaktion@empa.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research
    http://www.empa.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France: EIB and European Commission provide €276 million in support for Métropole Européenne de Lille’s investments in sustainable mobility

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Métropole Européenne de Lille is receiving a €245 million green loan from the EIB to back its modernisation and urban transport projects.
    • This financing comes together with a €31.5 million grant from the European Commission via the public sector loan facility (PSLF) set up under the European Green Deal’s Just Transition Mechanism (JTM).
    • This joint blended financing support from the EIB and European Commission will unlock additional investment for public entities in the European regions most affected by the energy transition.

    Métropole Européenne de Lille (Lille metropolitan authority) has taken out a €245 million green loan with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund its public transport network and cycle routes. It aims to provide 1.2 million local residents with more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly transport services.

    This project is also benefiting from a €31.5 million European Commission grant under a blended financing structure made possible by the public sector loan facility (PSLF), which is one of the key pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) set up under the European Green Deal. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will manage this grant and monitor the implementation of the project.

    The Mel in Green Mobility project will provide funding for various segments of Métropole Européenne de Lille’s public transport infrastructure. The first part of the project covers the modernisation of the public transport fleet, including the renewal of 30 trams and 42 buses with new clean vehicles. It also features investments in platforms, depots and other related facilities. Lastly, the project supports the Métropole’s ambitious cycling plan including 220 km of additional infrastructure between 2023 and 2027 to improve safety for cyclists, the financing of a new bus rapid transit line, and the construction of a multimodal interchange hub.

    It thereby aims to accelerate changes in user behaviour by developing a more efficient and sustainable mobility service, improving public transport accessibility and broadening soft mobility options. Once complete, the project will have improved tram and bus network performance, promoted intermodality (reduction in the share of private vehicles from 56% in 2023 to 40% in 2035) and diversified public transport in the area. This increased network efficiency will ultimately result in substantial time savings on the 410 000 daily journeys made by users, fewer traffic jams and better access to the Métropole Européenne de Lille.

    The regions most affected by the energy transition (like Hauts-de-France) are identified in the territorial just transition plans. These plans are drawn up by each EU Member State and outline the challenges to be addressed in each just transition region, together with the development needs and targets to be reached by 2030.

    Background information

    About the EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its 27 Member States. It provides loans to the public and private sectors for sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. In 2023, France received more EIB financing for the energy and green transition than any other country, with an overall investment of €6.9 billion for renewable energy, clean mobility and energy efficiency. A partner of regional authorities, last year the EIB directed €2.3 billion in funding to rail and urban public transport and soft mobility, making it the number one sector in terms of EIB investment in France over the year.

    About the European Commission’s Just Transition Mechanism

    The public sector loan facility (PSLF) is the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) – a key tool of the European Green Deal investment plan to make sure that no one and no region is left behind in the transition to a climate-neutral economy.

    The public sector loan facility combines loans from the EIB (up to around €6 billion to €8 billion overall) and grants from the European Commission (up to €1.3 billion overall). The combined support is designed to mobilise additional investment for public sector entities in the European regions most affected by the climate and energy transition (like Hauts-de-France), as identified in the national territorial just transition plans, to meet their development needs as part of the transition to a climate-neutral economy. These plans are developed by each EU Member State and set out the challenges in each just transition region, along with the development needs and objectives to be met by 2030.

    The blend of the EIB loan and the European Commission grant will facilitate the financing of projects that do not generate sufficient revenue streams to cover their investment costs. The implementation of the public sector loan facility is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

    About Métropole Européenne de Lille

    Métropole Européenne de Lille works every day to serve its 95 member municipalities and 1.2 million residents. It covers the key areas of transport, housing, economy, public space and roadways, urban planning, urban policy, water, wastewater, household waste, disability access, nature and living environment, sport, tourism and crematoria. Chaired by Damien Castelain since 18 April 2014, the Metropolitan Council is composed of 184 members elected by direct universal suffrage for a six-year mandate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –