NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Protect American Workers from Wage Theft

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    American Workers Lose at Least $50 Billion Annually to Wage Theft

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today joined Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) in introducing the ‘Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act.’ This legislation would make wage theft a federal felony, ensuring that these protections are in place for workers anywhere in the country.

    “It is absolutely unacceptable for any employer to take advantage of their employees,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “American workers built the middle class, and the middle class built the foundation of this great nation. It is critical that Congress continue to stand alongside American workers in making sure they are simply paid for the work they do.”

    Wage theft costs American workers at least $50 billion per year – far more than the value of all robberies, burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts combined.

    While the vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly, a small number of bad actors often pay their workers less than promised, deny workers overtime, or steal tips. Wage theft disproportionately impacts low-wage workers, women and people of color. It harms local economies and reduces tax revenues.

    Current federal laws on wage theft give bad actors a slap on the wrist for stealing their employees’ wages, and don’t adequately serve as a deterrent.

    The ‘Don’t STEAL Act’ updates the penalties for wage theft violations to be commensurate with other forms of criminal theft under federal law:

    • Under this legislation, employers who willfully fail to pay their employees the wages they are owed, fail to compensate their employees for overtime work, or steal tips will face a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the crime. Under current law, employers who commit wage theft at most face a misdemeanor.

    • These changes will bring the penalties for wage theft to parity with other common forms of theft under federal law. Under current law, an employer who commits willful wage theft can be criminally fined no more than $10,000, but this bill would remove that cap and require bad actor employers to be fined in proportion to wages stolen.

    This legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO; Center for American Progress; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT); International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC); International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC); International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborers International Union of North American (LiUNA); North America’s Building Trades Union (NABTU); North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC); Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA); Public Citizen; Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Workers International Association (SMART); United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA); United Auto Workers (UAW); and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

    Congressman Dan Goldman has worked throughout his first term to fight for the rights of all workers.

    In June of 2023, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Job Protection Act’ to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to protect millions of workers who are currently unable to take time off to care for themselves or their families. Gaps in FMLA coverage lead nearly 2.6 million workers every year who need family or medical leave to not take it because they fear they will lose their jobs if they do. 

    Last September, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act.’ This legislation would classify corporate interference in worker organization campaigns as political speech under the tax code making any money spent in these efforts non-tax deductible.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Labor Caucus and proud cosponsor of the PRO Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes $120,523 DOJ Grant Notice for Planning Agency

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

    Headline: Amata Welcomes $120,523 DOJ Grant Notice for Planning Agency

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a grant of $120,523 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for rehabilitation and treatment.

    Congresswoman Amata and Director Faiai

    “Congratulations to CJPA Director Mariana Timu-Faiai and her staff in their yearly efforts to bring in and administer these helpful federal funds,” Amata said. “I appreciate this effort aimed at helping people we care about come back from drug addiction and illegal behavior, and find a better way forward. Thank you to DOJ for supporting programs in American Samoa.”

    The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program assists governments to develop and implement substance abuse treatment programs in correctional and detention facilities, and to create and maintain community-based aftercare services for offenders.

    The goal of the RSAT Program is to break the cycle of drugs and violence by reducing the demand, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. RSAT enhances the capability of local government to provide residential substance abuse treatment for incarcerated inmates; prepares offenders for their reintegration into the communities from which they came by incorporating reentry planning activities into treatment programs; and assists offenders and their communities through the reentry process, including the delivery of community-based treatment and other broad-based aftercare services. American Samoa can use the RSAT funds for residential, jail-based, and aftercare.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Conference held to mark 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China, Hungary

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

    Conference held to mark 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China, Hungary

    BUDAPEST, Sept. 20 — A special conference marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary was held here on Friday.

    The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Hungary and the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association, featured high-level speakers, including Hungarian and Chinese officials.

    There were also panel discussions focusing on the history of bilateral cooperation, and prospects for the future.

    Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao highlighted the two countries’ longstanding relationship.

    Looking ahead, Gong said that China is willing to further align the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” policy.

    Janos Latorcai, deputy speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, spoke of Hungary’s early recognition of the People’s Republic of China, and the country’s involvement in the BRI.

    He also emphasized the role of civil society organizations, such as the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association, in fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

    Attila Hidegh, deputy state secretary for international cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said, “Despite the challenges posed by world politics and the global economy, our bilateral relations, based on traditional friendship and mutual respect, have undergone remarkable development.”

    On the sidelines of the conference, Judit Eva Nagy, president of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association, told Xinhua that understanding between the two sides is better than before. “People become more interested in, and open to each other’s culture,” she noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Co-chairs’ statement from the Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Following their landmark meeting in Toronto on September 19 and 20, 2024, the co-chairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, issued the following statement:

    September 20, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Following their landmark meeting in Toronto on September 19 and 20, 2024, the co-chairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, issued the following statement:

    “We gathered in Toronto with women foreign ministers from around the world and reaffirmed our commitment to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women leaders.

    “We are encouraged that women’s political representation globally has doubled in the last 25 years. However, this still only amounts to around 1 in 4 parliamentary seats held by women today. 

    “We pledged to advance women’s participation in leadership and decision making and support safe and inclusive spaces for women in politics and public life. We also pledged to intentionally encourage young women across the world to enter politics and public life.

    “We are concerned with the growing hate and misogynistic discourse found online targeting women, particularly in civic spaces. The safety of online public spaces is a public good for societies and democracies as a whole, such that regulations to preserve safety and truth should not be seen as anti-transparency or anti-freedom of speech or the press.

    “We, therefore, agreed to address online, gender-based violence and prevent gendered disinformation and call on online platforms to take action and increase their accountability.

    “We discussed strategies for amplifying the voices of women and other marginalized groups, from grassroots to the highest levels of government.

    “We expressed our deepest concerns about the egregious human rights violations of women and girls in Afghanistan and call on the Taliban to restore women’s and girls’ rights to education and to meaningfully participate in public life and put an end to their draconian measures, which have erased decades of progress in women’s rights.

    “We discussed the question of gender imbalance within the UN system.

    “It is time for a woman Secretary-General.

    “We strongly encourage member states considering the nomination of a candidate for the position of the United Nations Secretary-General, to nominate women.

    “In noting that there have been only four women presidents of the UN General Assembly in the last 79 years, we believe that it is also time to pursue gender parity for this position.

    “It is within our reach to make these meaningful changes.

    “We engaged with diverse civil society representatives. They highlighted the importance of supporting women’s grassroots organizations and human rights defenders in shaping policies. We agreed to foster supportive environments for gender equality and recognized independent members of civil society as key drivers for the success and resilience of democracies.

    “Looking ahead, the year 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as 25 years since the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. We cannot take these hard-fought gains for gender equality and inclusion for granted. Our collective efforts will be crucial in making sure women fully participate in shaping inclusive societies and a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Meeting of Women Foreign Ministers

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Following their historic meeting in Toronto on September 19-20, 2024, the Co-Chairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Jamaica, the Honourable Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, issued the following statement:

    September 20, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Following their historic meeting in Toronto on September 19-20, 2024, the Co-Chairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Jamaica, the Honourable Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, issued the following statement:

    “We gathered in Toronto with women foreign ministers from around the world and reiterated our commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women leaders.

    “We are encouraged that women’s political representation around the world has doubled over the past 25 years. However, this still represents only about 1 in 4 parliamentary seats held by a woman.

    “We are committed to promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, and to fostering inclusive and safe spaces for women in politics and public life. We are also committed to deliberately encouraging young women everywhere to enter politics and participate in public life.

    “We are concerned about the growing hateful and misogynistic discourse online that targets women, particularly in civic spaces. Safe online public spaces are a public good for societies and democracies as a whole, and regulations aimed at preserving safety and truth should not be seen as opposed to transparency, freedom of expression or freedom of the press.

    “We therefore agreed to counter gender-based violence online, prevent gender-based disinformation and call on online platforms to take measures to strengthen their accountability.

    “We discussed strategies to amplify the voices of women and other marginalized groups, both at the local level and at the highest levels of government.

    “We have expressed our deepest concerns about the gross violations of human rights suffered by women and girls in Afghanistan, and we call on the Taliban to restore women and girls’ rights to education and meaningful participation in public life, and to end their draconian measures that have erased decades of progress on women’s rights.

    “We discussed the issue of gender imbalance within the United Nations system.

    “It is time to appoint a woman as Secretary General.

    “We strongly encourage Member States considering a nomination for the position of UN Secretary-General to nominate a woman.

    “Noting that there have been only 4 women presidents of the United Nations General Assembly in the last 79 years, we believe that now is also the time to aim for gender parity in this position.

    “Making these significant changes is within our reach.

    “We engaged with various civil society representatives, who stressed the importance of supporting women’s community organizations and human rights activists in policy development. We agreed to foster environments that are conducive to gender equality and recognized that independent members of civil society are essential catalysts for the success and resilience of democracies.

    “The year 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the 25th anniversary of the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. We cannot take this hard-won progress towards gender equality and inclusion for granted. Our collective efforts will be essential to ensure that women are fully involved in building inclusive societies and a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future.”

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Approval Of Major Disaster Declaration For Counties Impacted By Last Month’s Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released the following statement on President Biden’s approval of a major disaster declaration due to last month’s flooding in western Connecticut.
    “Last month’s flooding was catastrophic for so many towns, families, and local businesses, and it will require the might of the federal government to begin to recover and rebuild. I spoke with FEMA Administrator Criswell about the magnitude of devastation and dire challenges Connecticut would face without federal assistance, and my staff and I have stayed in contact with FEMA and the White House to make sure those who suffered losses get the support they need. I’m grateful to the Biden administration for approving a partial major disaster declaration that will begin to unlock millions of dollars for FEMA Individual Assistance Program (IA) applicants in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. My office will continue to closely monitor the Governor’s request for Public Assistance (PA) federal funding for municipalities and local businesses and work to ensure that the FEMA IA funding is released as quickly as possible.”
    Murphy, along with the rest of the congressional delegation, sent a letter urging President Biden to approve this declaration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    09.20.24
    FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices
    Drug pricing middlemen accused of anticompetitive practices that drive up costs for consumers who rely on common & lifesaving drug; Cantwell’s bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Managers Transparency Act would hold PBMs accountable for deceptive practices
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the organization filed a legal action against the country’s three largest prescription drug benefit managers (PBMs)—Caremark Rx, Express Scripts (ESI), and OptumRx—for engaging in anticompetitive and unfair practices that inflated the price of insulin drugs, blocked patients’ access to more affordable products, and shifted the cost of high insulin list prices to vulnerable patients.
    U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the FTC’s action.
    “Today’s FTC action against the three biggest PBMs for manipulating the price of insulin — a drug that millions of Americans cannot live without — is a big step to help patients. I know of Washingtonians who have had to choose between insulin or paying rent – while PBMs pocket billions. We cannot allow PBMs to raise prices to sky high levels. I hope the FTC will order the PBMs to stop their unfair practices that drive up insulin prices and I also hope that Congress will pass my Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act that will make PBMs’ unfair spread pricing and claw backs permanently unlawful,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    According to data from the American Diabetes Association, approximately 536,600 adults in Washington state, or 8.7% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes.
    PBMs were initially formed to process claims and negotiate lower drug prices with drug makers. Today, they administer prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans, and just three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the entire prescription drug market. They serve as middlemen, managing every aspect of the prescription drug benefits process for health insurance companies, self-insured employers, unions, and government programs.
    Currently, PBMs operate out of the view of regulators and consumers — setting prescription costs, deciding what drugs are covered by insurance plans and how they are dispensed – pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers and undercutting local independent pharmacies. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to fully understand if and how PBMs might be manipulating the prescription drug market to increase their profits and drive up drug costs for consumers.
    Sen. Cantwell introduced the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act in May 2022 with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and has continued to advocate for increased federal oversight of PBMs, including on the Senate floor in June, in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan in January, and in a press conference at a Seattle pharmacy last October.
    The bill has been endorsed by more than 200 organizations across the country, including AARP. The bill also has strong bipartisan support, with 10 Republican and four Democratic cosponsors. Last March, the bill passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which Sen. Cantwell chairs, 18-9. The legislation awaits a full vote in the Senate.
    The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act would:
    Prohibit unfair or deceptive practices.
    Block PBMs from engaging in spread pricing, unfairly reducing or clawing back drug reimbursement payments to pharmacies, and unfairly charging pharmacies more to offset federal reimbursement changes.

    Incentivize fair and transparent PBM practices.
    Provide exceptions to liability for PBMs that pass along 100% of rebates to health plans or payers and fully disclose prescription drug rebates, costs, prices, reimbursements, fees, and other information to health plans, payers, pharmacies, and federal agencies.

    Improve transparency and competition by requiring PBMs to report:
    The amount of money they obtain from spread pricing, pharmacy fees, and clawbacks.
    Any differences in the PBMs’ reimbursement rates or fees PBMs charge affiliated pharmacies and non-affiliated pharmacies.
    Whether and why they move drugs in formulary tiers to increase costs.

    Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress its enforcement activities and whether PBMs engage in unfair or deceptive formulary design or placement.
    Authorize the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the bill.
    Protect whistleblowers from being fired or reprimanded for bringing violations to light.

    In Washington state and across the nation, PBMs are contributing to a hostile business ecosystem, especially for independent community pharmacies. In 2023, the state saw the closure of 60 pharmacies and in the last 18 months a record 83 pharmacies have closed in the state. These closures have a significant impact on Washington consumers.  A recent analysis by the Associated Press found that Washington state is the 6th worst in the nation pharmacy access. There are currently only three 24-hour pharmacies open in the entire western side of the state, none of which are in Seattle.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Listen, confer, act: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s position on opposing Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water remains unchanged

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, and this position remains unchanged, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

    Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that as one of the most important stakeholders, China is opposed to Japan’s irresponsible move. In line with the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries that the issue should be addressed through consultation and negotiation, China has held over 10 rounds of intensive negotiations and consultations with Japan and the relevant international organization. The relentless efforts have led to an agreement released on Friday.

    “China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge, and this position remains unchanged,” Mao said. The purpose of releasing the agreement with Japan is to urge Japan to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international law and its responsibility for safety oversight, to do its utmost to avoid leaving negative impact on the environment and human health, and to effectively prevent the potential risk that may arise from the discharge.

    She said it is hoped that the international community, especially the stakeholders, will work with China to closely monitor Japan’s fulfillment of its commitments.

    Due to the limitations of the existing international mechanism, the current evaluation and monitoring of the discharge is incomplete and lacks transparency and credibility, and needs to be further improved and strengthened, Mao said, adding that it is especially important to establish a long-term international monitoring arrangement covering key stages of the discharge and ensure that China and all other stakeholders can participate substantively in the arrangement and carry out independent sampling and monitoring.

    She said this is the only way to obtain comprehensive, genuine and valid data and place the risks of the discharge under control. Through negotiations, China and Japan have reached agreement in this regard.

    As the next step, there will be discussions on technical details such as the types of radionuclides to be monitored and testing methods, to realize comprehensive, effective and credible long-term international monitoring, she added.

    How to handle the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water properly is a political and, more importantly, scientific issue, and the China-Japan bilateral agreement has laid the foundation for the international community to handle nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, effective and safe manner, Mao said.

    She said that this is an initial achievement made by the international community, especially the stakeholders. Going forward, China will work with the international community, other stakeholders in particular, to continue to act with a great sense of responsibility for global marine ecosystems and environment and for human health, engage in science-based dialogue with Japan, and urge Japan to address concerns over the discharge properly.

    The import suspension on all aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) of Japanese origin is a temporary emergency precaution taken in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and WTO rules, Mao said. It is aimed at preventing risks and protecting people’s health.

    She added that the measure is based on rules and regulations. It is an example of the Chinese government’s sense of responsibility for its people. Reaching the agreement does not mean that China will immediately resume imports of all Japanese aquatic products. China will continue to act in accordance with WTO rules and Chinese laws and regulations, take scientific facts as the guidance, and view safety as a precondition.

    “We will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence after participating substantively in the relevant monitoring activities, carrying out independent sampling, and verifying the result,” Mao said.

    China will hold technical consultations with Japan and, after China’s demands are fully addressed, gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards, and the consultation results and policy adjustments will be made public in a timely way, she added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japanese schoolboy mourned in Shenzhen, attack believed to be ‘isolated incident’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The death of a 10-year-old Japanese boy stabbed on his way to school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen has sparked public grief and condemnation, while police have detained a 44-year-old male suspect who was caught at the attack scene.
    On Thursday evening, some local citizens laid flowers near the Japanese school where the boy was enrolled, expressing both anger and sorrow over the attack, according to local media reports. One message on a bouquet read: “The boy lived and studied here. He was a child of Shenzhen, regardless of his nationality.”
    According to local media reports, the boy, a Japanese national born to a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was stabbed by the suspect who was only identified by his surname Zhong at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday. The boy was rushed to the hospital and succumbed to injuries early on Thursday.
    “Our medical staff immediately took several emergency measures. We restored his heartbeat and put him in surgery,” Ma Xiaopeng, head of the doctors’ team and president of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, was quoted as saying. “A team of specialists made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately, due to the severity of injuries, the boy was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m. on Thursday.”
    Local police said that the investigation into the case is still ongoing, and initial findings showed it was an “isolated incident.”
    In response to the stabbing, local public security and education authorities in Shenzhen have heightened security measures around schools and other public venues.
    The city has pledged to take further steps to safeguard the lives, property and legal rights of everyone there, including foreign nationals.
    The education department in Nanshan District, where the school is located, has also established a psychological counseling team for students of the school, which serves Japanese nationals living in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas.
    “We regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. We mourn for the passing of the boy and our hearts go out to his family,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
    “The Chinese government never allows any illegal or violent activities and will conduct an investigation into the case and bring the criminal to justice in accordance with law,” Lin said. “We believe individual cases will not affect exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 12 killed, 66 injured in Israeli airstrike on Beirut

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A firefighting plane extinguishes fires caused by rocket attacks from Lebanon, near northern Israeli border with Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024. Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhua)

    Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

    The Israeli strike hit a building in the Jamous area of Dahieh, a Beirut suburb. Rescue teams were clearing rubble to find casualties, the ministry said.

    Local TV footage showed extensive damage and chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. Lebanese media reported the strike targeted Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah Jihad Council member.

    Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Akil was killed along with other senior commanders in the Lebanese group during the operation. However, Hezbollah has not disclosed any information about Akil’s situation.

    Earlier Friday, the Israeli military said about 120 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering alarms in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Safed, and Upper Galilee. Some were intercepted, with debris causing fires. No injuries in Israel have been reported.

    Lebanese military sources reported Israeli airstrikes hit six locations in southern Lebanon, while artillery shelled 11 border towns earlier in the day.

    Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following two explosions from communications devices in Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931.

    Lebanon’s government denounced the explosions as a sovereignty violation and sought an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Hezbollah blamed Israel for targeting its units and vowed retaliation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and the UK

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS to visit Spain and the UK
    FS to visit Spain and the UK
    ****************************

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Europe in the early hours tomorrow (September 22).  He will first visit Madrid, Spain, and then London, the United Kingdom (UK). For this visit, Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, comprising senior executives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as heads of a group of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, etc.     While in Madrid from September 22 to 25, Mr Chan will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises, as well as meet with members from the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a themed business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the local political, business, financial and I&T sectors, particularly Hong Kong’s burgeoning I&T ecosystem.     Mr Chan will visit London from September 25 to 28. There, he will participate in a series of events, including the Plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council (Note 1); the Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the HKTDC; a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Association (Note 2), and a roundtable meeting hosted by Asia House, a think tank based in the UK. On these occasions, he will share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong. He will also meet with members of the local political, business and financial communities.     While in Spain and the UK, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport as well as startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with relevant institutions and members of local venture capital funds and I&T circles to seek cooperation opportunities.     Mr Chan will return from London in the evening of September 28 (local time) and arrive in Hong Kong in the afternoon of September 29. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.Note 1: The Hong Kong-European Business Council is a bilateral committee established by the HKTDC with Europe to foster high-level dialogue between Hong Kong business leaders and their local counterparts, promoting bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.Note 2: The Hong Kong Association is an organisation based in the UK aimed at promoting business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. The association has over 80 corporate members including global banks, international enterprises, the China-Britain Business Council, etc.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan to fully restore tourism in time for National Day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South China’s island province of Hainan will fully restore its tourism industry by the week-long National Day holiday starting Oct. 1, after being struck by Super Typhoon Yagi, the provincial government said on Friday.

    According to the provincial tourism authority, as of Thursday, the resumption rate of tourism and culture related work across the island reached 93.75 percent. This includes 92 scenic spots, 581 hotels, and 82 cultural and sports venues.

    Hainan will be ready to accommodate domestic and overseas tourists during the upcoming holiday, during which 71 activities will be held, including 27 cultural and performing arts activities and 20 sports events, the authority said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Regional Business Roundtable

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Regional Business Roundtable, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Roundtable brought together key stakeholders with an aim to foster deeper policy dialogue between governments and the business community. This can help strengthen public-private partnerships and fully leverage the AANZFTA provisions to drive trade and investment growth across the region.

    Download the full opening remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Regional Business Roundtable appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS Baltimore (SSN 812)

    Source: United States Navy

    BALTIMORE (Sept 20, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 812 will be named USS Baltimore. Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony held in Baltimore aboard the historic USS Constellation, Sept. 20.

    The future USS Baltimore honors the city of Baltimore, the crews of one Continental Navy ship, and the five previous Navy vessels named Baltimore.

    The naming selection of the future USS Baltimore (SSN 812) continues the recent trend of naming Virginia-class submarines after cities. Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), and USS Miami (SSN 811).

    “The city of Baltimore maintains a strong connection with our maritime services and is a critical enabler of our National Maritime Statecraft,” said Del Toro. “It is my honor and privilege to announce the name of the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, SSN-812, USS Baltimore.” 

    Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin joined Del Toro for the ceremony honoring Baltimore.

    “Maryland is proud of our connection to the Navy and our strong history as a coastal state,” said Cardin. “I am excited that the next USS Baltimore will be sailing the seas again as the Navy’s newest submarine. Our Navy maintains and protects free and open international waters. From defending our young nation from pirates in the late 1700s to ensuring freedom of navigation today in the Red Sea and Taiwan Strait, our Navy is always on watch.”

    Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also served as a guest in the official party and spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest submarine.

    “We are honored that Baltimore is being represented across the globe once again with the naming of this future ship,” said Scott. “As a city with such a rich naval and maritime history, the naming of the USS Baltimore ensures that legacy will continue to live on for decades to come. I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the U.S. Navy for this honor and for continuing to uplift our city, including all Baltimoreans who choose to serve.”

    Along with the ship’s name, Del Toro also announced Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In her role as sponsor, she will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

    “When Baltimore joins the fleet, with a world-class crew, it will be among the most agile, lethal, resilient, and capable conventional nuclear-powered submarines we’ve ever made,” said Hicks. “Make no mistake about Baltimore’s purpose, like all of our submarines, conventional and otherwise, we build them not to provoke war, but rather to prevent wars, through deterrence.”

    The city of Baltimore has significant ties to American and Naval history. The Port of Baltimore was established in 1706 and the Town of Baltimore in 1729. One of the Navy’s six founding frigates, USS Constellation, was built in Baltimore, and the city’s skilled ship workers later would construct the famous Baltimore clipper ships. In 1814, the Battle of Baltimore inspired the American national anthem.

    The first Baltimore served in the Quasi-War against France, while the second Baltimore served during the Civil War. The third Baltimore fought in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and later conducted mine-laying operations in World War I. The fourth Baltimore earned nine battle stars during World War II, fighting in campaigns for the Caroline Islands, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and Okinawa. The fifth Baltimore participated in undersea operations against the Soviet Union, completing a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The Navy simultaneously decommissioned and struck the most recent vessel from the list on 10 July 1998.

    After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, the Navy provided equities to the established “Key Bridge Response Unified Command.” NAVSEA’s Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) led critical efforts to support the clearance of the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel, responsible for managing all on-scene assets tasked with debris removal and channel clearing. Del Toro personally assessed the site and met with Navy personnel on April 19, 2024.

    Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum held in Foshan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum held in Foshan (with photos)
    Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum held in Foshan (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Statistical Forum was held on September 19 and 20 in Nanhai, Foshan. Under the guidance of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the forum was hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics (GPBS) and co-organised by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other government statistical agencies from the “9+2” cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).       The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, led a delegation to participate in this meaningful event. During the forum, the C&SD signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Statistical Exchange and Cooperation in the GBA with the GPBS and the Macao Statistics and Census Service, with a view to promoting co-operation among the relevant government statistical agencies in the three places.      This year’s forum, themed “Innovation and Measurement of Statistical Methods from an International Perspective”, aimed to foster statistical exchanges and co-operation in the GBA. It provided a platform for statistical professionals from the “9+2” cities to leverage the collective wisdom and insights to explore how to innovate and reform statistical work from an international perspective to address the current complex and ever-changing environment. In addition to the participation of leaders from the NBS and the GPBS, the forum brought together statistical experts from various fields, including representatives from the government statistical agencies of the “9+2” cities in the GBA, as well as those from higher education institutions and research institutes on the Mainland.       Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, Mr Yu remarked, “To achieve high-quality development, it is essential to rely not only on technological innovation but also on the power of talent. People are the core element for driving development. Therefore, we continue to strengthen the attraction and cultivation of statistical talent, uplift their capabilities in applying data science techniques, broaden their international perspectives, enable them to reach international standards in their professional work as well as encourage them to think innovatively. We also actively promote the inheritance and exchange of statistical management. All these efforts aim to consolidate Hong Kong’s position in the international statistical community, allowing Hong Kong to fully leverage its role as a window of the country to the world and provide more precise and robust support for the prosperous development of the GBA. Thus, we can use our strengths to serve the needs of the country.”      Senior Statistician of the C&SD Mr James Cheng also delivered a presentation entitled “Three Major Restructuring Measures: Modernising the Planning of the 2026 Population Census in Hong Kong” at one of the sessions of the forum. Colleagues participated in the forum unanimously expressed that it was a very valuable experience for them to exchange knowledge and learn from statistical professionals from the Mainland cities. It enabled them to acquire insights into the ongoing advancement of statistical techniques on the Mainland, and reminded them to strive for innovation and actively pursue breakthroughs in the dynamic era of big data, in order to seize opportunities and tackle challenges in the future.      The forum was held in Foshan and was attended by representatives of statistical organisations from Beijing, Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao, etc, through online and in-person participation. Relevant officials from the statistical systems of the cities in the GBA, as well as experts and scholars from national think tanks and renowned universities, also shared their valuable insights on the statistical measurement of new quality productive forces, statistical monitoring of digital economy, research on data science and big data statistical applications, statistical reform and innovation, and etc.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lufthansa hoping to increase China capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The German carrier Lufthansa has said the airline is looking to further expand capacity to China, after restoring capacity to Shanghai to pre-COVID levels.

    “For Lufthansa, China is one of the most important markets in the world outside Europe. We are pretty happy that we already received pre-pandemic capacity here in Shanghai,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines. “Hopefully in the next couple of years we can extend our network also here in China.”

    Having a strong connection and close relationship between Germany and China, Lufthansa will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, as well as the carrier’s first connection between the two countries.

    “I think it is a great relationship we have here for almost 100 years. There’s a strong connection between the fourth-biggest economy in the world Germany and the second-biggest economy China,” Ritter said. “We are pretty proud of our strong connection. We truly believe in the recovery of air travel between Germany and China for the next years.”

    Currently operating the most flights to China among all European carriers, Lufthansa offers 40 weekly direct connections between the German cities of Frankfurt and Munich to the Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing in the summer time.

    “In comparison to last year, we increased our capacity by over 70 percent,” added Ritter. “Hopefully next year with the introduction of new aircraft we can increase this capacity further.”

    The expanding capacity is accompanied with a rapid recovery in the passenger load factor, “especially during the summer time with a seat factor of more than 90 percent,” Ritter said.

    “We are looking forward to further development and we are pretty sure that we will come back to pre-pandemic capacity here between Europe, Germany and China,” said Ritter.

    Plus, in a bid to boost the China travel market during the holiday season and further enhance the customer experience onboard, Shanghai was the airline’s first Asian destination, as well as the fourth worldwide following Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago, to introduce the carrier’s brand-new cabin products on a daily basis since Aug 14.

    Under the name, Lufthansa Allegris, the completely new travel experience is available on select long-haul routes for passengers of economy, premium economy, business and first class.

    “We truly believe that people do not want a standard product anymore, they would like to have more choices, more exclusivity and they would like to have more individuality,” explained Ritter. “I think also the Chinese people would like to have a choice. One standard product does not fulfill the needs of the requirements for the premium sector of Chinese people. They would like to have more individuality, more possibility for exclusivity and they would like to choose. We are pretty happy to introduce our new Allegris product because we definitely believe that this will fulfill the needs of our Chinese customers.”

    Confidence in the Chinese market is based on the optimistic outlook of China’s economy, the strong economic ties between China and Germany, and China’s visa-free policies.

    “Germany has a strong connection with China, because so many companies are based from Germany here in China,” Ritter said. “It is a long-lasting relationship and we truly believe in those two economies and we need to tie them.”

    Figures provided to the Financial Times by Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, show that Germany’s direct investment in China totaled 2.48 billion euros ($2.76 billion) in the first three months of 2024, and the figure rose substantially to 4.8 billion euros in the second quarter.

    “I think this represents a strong relationship between our two economies,” said Ritter.

    In the meantime, China’s visa-free policy presents new opportunities for carriers such as Lufthansa, as eligible ordinary passport holders from countries including Germany can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15 days.

    Thanks to the collaborated efforts of Civil Aviation Administration of China and related government divisions, international passenger flights have been restored to nearly 80 percent of the 2019 level during the first week of July, and passenger flights to 30 countries, including the UK and UAE, surpassing the 2019 level, according to Xu Qing, an official with the CAAC.

    “The expansion of China’s visafree policy to more countries has created an incentive effect on the aviation market,” Xu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement: Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting in Rotorua

    Source: Minister for Trade

    1. New Zealand Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay hosted Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell in Rotorua on 21 September, for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting.
    2. Ministers acknowledged the New Zealand-Australia relationship is built upon shared history, democratic values, a common outlook as Pacific countries, and most of all on generations of deep friendship and close cooperation – we are family. Our economies are two of the most closely integrated in the world, underpinned by our extensive people-to-people ties, strong collaboration between our private and public sectors, and deep levels of trust embedded across our two governments.
    3. Ministers recognised we face an evolving geo-economic global environment with increasing strategic competition and rapid technological change. They affirmed New Zealand and Australia are fundamentally strategically aligned in our assessment of the challenges faced and committed to working in lockstep to advance our shared trade and economic interests.
    4. Ministers discussed the impact of the current geostrategic environment on the global trading system and economic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting open, diversified, rules-based trade, including through support for efforts to reform and strengthen the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. They reaffirmed the importance of our existing commitments and shared architecture as foundations to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
    5. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Pillar One of the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2025: building productive, prosperous and sustainable economies that are fit for the future, and improve the lives of Australians and New Zealanders.
    6. Ministers celebrated the benefits that the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) has brought to both sides of the Tasman over 41 years, reflected in the sixfold growth in trade flows since 1983 and tripling of two-way direct investment since 2001. Our bilateral trade is more diverse and multi-sectoral than with any other partners. CER remains a world-class agreement. The secret of CER’s success is our willingness to consistently add to it, ensuring it remains fit for purpose. This is reflected in the more than 80 supplementary bilateral treaties, protocols and other arrangements that together provide the framework for our trade relationship.
    7. Our economic integration is underpinned by an active Single Economic Market (SEM) agenda. Now in its twentieth year, the SEM has delivered significant wins for our people and businesses, ranging from superannuation portability to a common approach to electronic invoicing. Ministers welcomed both Prime Ministers’ enthusiasm for achieving more integration through the SEM, discussed during the 2024 Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in August. Ministers reiterated that rapid technological changes, as well as geo-economic competition, were fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape. They noted the need for further work to modernise the SEM, in line with the Prime Ministers’ direction, including to ensure we are:
    8. expanding the SEM agenda to emerging sectors of the economy;
    9. taking active and concerted steps to ensure our economic resilience; and
    10. considering how to position the SEM within the economic evolution underway across the wider region.
    11. To support an ambitious work programme for future economic integration and resilience, Ministers welcomed continued regular strategic trade and economic dialogue between senior officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    12. Ministers welcomed the opportunity they had to engage with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) during their time in Rotorua, as a useful opportunity to hear directly from the business community about its priorities for the trans-Tasman trade relationship. Ministers welcomed the strategic refresh of the ANZLF. They noted the SEM agenda was at its most productive when it was informed by practical feedback from the business community.
    13. In addition, Ministers supported the Prime Ministers’ commitment to reinvigorate the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). The TTMRA underpins the seamless market for goods and the mutual recognition of occupational registration across the Tasman. Ministers welcomed the reestablishment of regular official-level exchanges to progress TTMRA coordination and acknowledged the important work underway by relevant agencies to action the joint work plan to enhance standards harmonisation and regulatory coherence. Ministers noted the importance of ensuring that businesses, as well as New Zealand, Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies, were aware of the TTMRA, and – in particular – its application to the regulation of the sale of goods.
    14. Ministers agreed on the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers, noting that these barriers of shared concern can impose significant costs on our respective exporting communities.
    15. Ministers discussed forestry matters, including opportunities to further cooperate in support of sustainable timber trade.
    16. Ministers were in alignment that digital trade should be a continued focus of the New Zealand and Australia economic relationship and emphasised the importance of working together, including in international fora, to secure high ambition outcomes to streamline trade, especially for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises.
    17. Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Australia-New Zealand 2+2 Climate and Finance Ministers’ Dialogue held on 30 July. They reinforced the importance of collaborating to achieve our climate goals, address shared challenges, and grasp the economic opportunities that come with the transition to a net zero future. Streamlining the regulatory environment to support the net zero transformation, together with practical clean energy and sustainable finance policies will encourage trans-Tasman investment in the net zero transition and seamless trade into the future.
    18. Ministers directed officials to coordinate on Australia’s Future Made in Australia agenda and New Zealand’s plan to rebuild its economy, to ensure that this work collectively supported jobs, productivity, prosperity, and economic resilience in the international move to net zero and a changing global economic and strategic landscape. They highlighted the important contribution trans-Tasman trade and investment makes to achieving our economic goals.
    19. Ministers acknowledged the work of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group and its vision for easier travel between Australia and New Zealand while ensuring the highest levels of security at our borders. They noted the initiatives underway to enhance the traveller experience, including Australia’s trialling of digital incoming passenger cards and New Zealand upgrading eGates. Making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless will support the exchange of our tourists, students and business people.
    20. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of members accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to accelerate its entry into force and the need for members to conclude negotiations on additional provisions to secure a comprehensive fisheries subsidies agreement as soon as possible. Ministers recognised the need for all WTO Members to work towards a meaningful outcome on agriculture reform at MC14, in line with Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
    21. Ministers agreed on the importance of APEC as an incubator of ideas and as a norm setting body. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to work with APEC economies to pursue a free, open, sustainable, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment in the region, including through initiatives such as paperless trade, minimising unnecessary obstacles to trade arising from non-tariff measures and ensuring the benefits of trade and investment extend to all including women and Indigenous Peoples. Ministers also agreed to work together to advance implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).
    22. Minister McClay welcomed Australia as the incoming Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2025, and both Ministers reiterated that CPTPP welcomes the interest of and remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles, namely: preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards; a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments; and recognition that decisions are dependent on the consensus of the CPTPP Membership.
    23. This commitment to regional economic integration and the rules-based global trading system is reflected in Australia and New Zealand’s continued collaboration via the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ministers looked forward to the forthcoming entry into force of the upgraded AANZFTA with enhanced rules and opportunities in services, investment and digital trdae. Ministers celebrated the continuing success of Australia and New Zealand’s co-funded Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative to support AANZFTA and RCEP implementation in partnership with ASEAN Member States.
    24. Ministers acknowledged Australia and New Zealand continue to work closely together to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). They reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations of the IPEF Trade Agreement as expeditiously as possible and welcomed recent meetings to operationalise key bodies under the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. They welcomed New Zealand’s ratification of the IPEF Agreements on Supply Chains, the Clean Economy and the Fair Economy, and Australia’s substantial progress towards completing ratification. Ministers emphasised the importance of tangible outcomes on IPEF to support a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
    25. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific. This year, alongside the bilateral meeting, Ministers invited Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon Manoa Kamikamica for trilateral talks to discuss priority trade issues, including PACER Plus. Australia and New Zealand see PACER Plus, the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in the Pacific region, as an important mechanism for working with our partners to deepen economic integration and resilience across the Pacific.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation to power China growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.

    Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.

    Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.

    Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.

    “The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.

    A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.

    China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.

    Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.

    “China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.

    Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.

    “China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.

    Confidence emphasized

    Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.

    “As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.

    However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.

    Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.

    Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.

    The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.

    According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa: experts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov visited one of the largest elevator manufacturing companies in Russia

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited the Moscow enterprise “MEL”.

    MEL has been manufacturing lifting and transport equipment for over 70 years and today specializes in the production of elevators, including high-speed elevators, transformer substations and electrical equipment. Today, the company manufactures elevators with a lifting speed of up to 4 meters per second and is one of the five largest elevator manufacturers, and by the end of this year it is planned to receive a certificate for elevators with a speed of up to 7 meters per second. Russian elevator manufacturers were able to increase production volumes and master new competencies after Western manufacturers left the country: over the past two years, the volume of elevators introduced by MEL has more than doubled.

    “Guaranteed demand for Russian elevator products, including those manufactured by this site, is provided by the elevator replacement program supervised by the Ministry of Construction. Our manufacturers have room to grow, and they are trying not to miss this opportunity, occupying the vacant niches in the market. The state provides them with all the necessary support in this,” Denis Manturov noted.

    In particular, the support measures offered by the Moscow government help industrialists implement innovative projects, develop new products, expand enterprises and meet market needs. Thus, as part of a large-scale investment project, the MEL plant opened the production of high-speed elevators with a speed of up to 4 meters per second and received a certificate for serial production of this equipment in early 2024. The new workshop will allow the enterprise to increase the annual volume of manufactured products by almost 1.5 times – from 2.7 thousand to 4 thousand units. In addition, 85 people will be able to find employment here.

    During the visit, issues of industry development were discussed, including those related to the protection of the domestic market. According to the company’s management, it is necessary so that the Russian elevator-building industry can fully reveal its potential and implement all planned investment projects.

    Today, the plant is among the top 5 domestic elevator manufacturers. About 65% of the company’s products are supplied to the Moscow region, the remaining 35% – to other regions of the country. In April 2023, the city assigned the plant the status of an industrial complex, which gives the right to tax benefits. Thanks to this support measure, the company’s annual savings can reach 33.1 million rubles. The company can invest the proceeds in its own development, expansion of the product range and the acquisition of modern equipment.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52764/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: There are already over 400 thousand donors in the bone marrow donor registry

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed participants of the donor movement with a video greeting on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    Dear friends!

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to participants of the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day

    9 hours ago

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I congratulate all participants in the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    In our country, more than a thousand patients require unrelated bone marrow transplantation every year.

    On September 1, 2022, on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Federal Registry of Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donors began operating. The authority to maintain and develop the registry has been assigned to the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, which has extensive experience and expertise in this area.

    With the support of the Government, funding has been increased for the typing of donors entering the register to timely expand the donor base. This has led to significant results. Thus, if in 2021 it was possible to provide bone marrow transplantation only to every second patient and doctors were forced to search for a donor in international databases, then by the end of 2023 we have already reached 75% of unrelated transplants from Russian donors.

    Since 2024, federal funding has provided for the full cycle of work – from donor recruitment to bone marrow procurement.

    In addition, the Government has initiated the issue and, since 2024, federal funding has been provided for the search for donors from international registries and the import of donor bone marrow into Russia, which completely removes the issue of providing our citizens with transplant material.

    Thanks to the availability of information about bone marrow donation, citizens are actively joining the registry in all regions of the country. There are now more than 400 thousand donors in it. And their number is increasing every day.

    I sincerely thank all donors of Russia and the world. Your mercy inspires, your noble act gives a chance for life to seriously ill patients, including children.

    I would especially like to note that donation unites complete strangers, groups, charitable organizations, volunteers, representatives of government and commercial structures and gives everyone the opportunity to show compassion and solidarity.

    I also congratulate the blood service specialists, volunteers, and partners of the donor movement. You are doing a great job by telling about the importance of bone marrow donation and involving others in this good mission.

    Let the donor movement continue to develop successfully, making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the citizens of our country. Happy holiday!

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52752/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the participants, organizers and guests of the Congress of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the XX International Muslim Forum

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dear friends!

    I welcome the participants, organizers and guests of the Congress of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the XX International Muslim Forum.

    It is symbolic that these events are being held in the year of the 40th anniversary of the spiritual service of the outstanding religious figure, Mufti Ravil Gainutdin, whose spiritual authority is recognized not only among Russian Muslims, but also beyond the borders of our country.

    Russia is a multinational and multi-confessional state, where the religions of all nations are treated with unwavering respect. Islam is one of the traditional religions of our country, an integral part of the historical heritage.

    For many years, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation has made an invaluable contribution to the improvement of interreligious dialogue and constructive state-confessional cooperation.

    Thanks to the active work of the muftiate, mutual understanding between peoples, civil peace and interethnic harmony in society are strengthened. And relations between Russia and the Islamic world are also successfully developing. It is important that special attention is paid to charitable and educational projects, the development of Islamic education, and the training of imams and theologians.

    The forum will provide a unique opportunity to expand the exchange of experience and best practices between Muslims from different countries and discuss current issues of the role of spiritual leaders in the modern world.

    I wish you interesting discussions and constructive work.

    M. Mishustin

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52759/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and UK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

    Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as the heads of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, and other advanced sectors.

    In Madrid, from September 22 to 25, he will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises and meet members of the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a business lunch organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong’s advantages, particularly its burgeoning I&T ecosystem.

    In London, from September 25 to 28, Mr Chan will participate in the plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council, a Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Trade Development Council, a lunch organised by the Hong Kong Association, and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House.

    He will speak on these occasions about Hong Kong’s latest developments and its advantages and meet members of the local political, business and financial communities.

    In the two European capitals, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport and startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with institutions, and members of venture capital funds and I&T circles, seeking opportunities for co-operation.

    During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s team to attend the 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China, on 23-26 September 2024. Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st CAEXPO and will take part in several related events during the visit, which include China-ASEAN Business Leaders’ Forum, ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, China-ASEAN Young Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, and the visit to CAEXPO Pavilion, among others. Dr. Kao will also take the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector and the media to further promote the work of ASEAN as well as to explore ways to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in China, Dr. Kao will also present a special lecture to a group of students and scholars at the Guangxi University on “Fostering Friendship and Cooperation: The Role of People-to-People Connections and Exchanges in ASEAN-China Relations,” in order to promote ASEAN diplomacy and enrich the knowledge of ASEAN among the youths. 
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    ****************************************

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart tomorrow (September 22) for a visit to three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, and enhance co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and ASEAN.     In Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Mr Lam will call on relevant government officials and engage with the local legal and dispute resolution sectors to enhance ties and collaboration between the two places with a view to exploring further legal co-operation opportunities. This visit follows the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam last year.     Mr Lam will then lead a delegation comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association and alternative dispute resolution organisations to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. They will meet with representatives of local authorities and legal and dispute resolution sectors to discuss and exchange views on various areas of legal co-operation.     During the visit, Mr Lam and the delegates will also address the local legal and business sectors in Ho Chi Minh City at a forum and a networking dinner, and in Kuala Lumpur at a seminar and a networking reception, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services.     Mr Lam will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong on September 28. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial services growing apace

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

    In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted 40 companies in the financial sector in setting up or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Half of these companies are from Mainland China, followed by the US, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Malaysia, and five other economies.

    The scope of the companies covers a broad spectrum, but a sizeable 14 among them provide asset management services. This aligns with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading asset and wealth management hub and offers further demonstration that the city remains the region’s premier global financial centre.

    Hong Kong’s unique geographical location and the advantages it enjoys under “one country, two systems” are hugely appealing to investors and companies.

    Mr Ng noted an increasing trend among Mainland companies of using Hong Kong as a platform to expand their global reach. Complementing this, he said, firms from overseas markets continue to leverage Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market, particularly that of the Greater Bay Area.

    “Through our international network, we are exploring strategies to help Mainland or overseas companies already established in Hong Kong tap into emerging markets, such as the Middle East and countries along the Belt & Road Initiative.”

    Wealth management hub

    Hong Kong’s capital markets, boasting a total market capitalisation of about US$5 trillion, are among the most vibrant and liquid in the world. The city is also Asia’s biggest global offshore wealth management centre, and the second largest in the world behind Switzerland.

    Furthermore, it has the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) of any Asian city. 

    Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business was worth HK$31.2 trillion at the end of 2023. Mr Ng said it now stands as the second largest cross-border wealth management centre globally, and is poised to become the largest booking centre for wealth management business by 2027.

    Noting that investors across the globe are seeking better returns by allocating capital to alternative asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds and more, he added that alternative investments in Hong Kong are experiencing extraordinary growth.

    Outside of the Mainland, Hong Kong has the largest number of hedge funds and the biggest private equity market in Asia.

    Hong Kong also serves as the largest offshore renminbi centre, and its RMB liquidity pool, exceeding RMB600 billion, is the world’s largest outside of the Mainland.

    Enabling growth

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to attracting global investment through various initiatives, including tax concessions for private equity funds and relaxed listing rules for pre-revenue biotech and specialist technology companies.

    Hamilton Lane, a distinguished leader in alternative asset management, has announced the establishment of its first Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund, further solidifying its presence in Asia. The company manages approximately US$130 billion in discretionary assets and US$810 billion in non-discretionary assets.

    Having opened its inaugural Asian office in Hong Kong in 2009, Hamilton Lane is poised to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the region this month.

    Shannon Chow, Managing Director and Head of Greater China Client Solutions at Hamilton Lane, remarked: “Our Hong Kong office has operations in asset management and client solutions. If you ask me whether Hong Kong is our inaugural office in Asia, the answer is yes. We are very pleased to have this office in the heart of Hong Kong to expand our business further in Asia.”

    Ms Chow also expressed her admiration for the InvestHK team, acknowledging its dedication and strenuous efforts in promoting the family office sector, and praised the Hong Kong SAR Government’s successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s talent pool.

    According to Ms Chow, one of Hong Kong’s key advantages is its low tax rates, which underpin the development of alternative investment companies and other industries.

    She stated: “Hong Kong is renowned for having some of the lowest tax rates in the global market, which significantly helps in the development of these sectors.”

    Furthermore, she noted, “Hong Kong possesses a robust and skilled talent pool, which is vital for our operations.”

    The Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms Chow highlighted, has launched various initiatives to attract talent, fostering an environment that draws professionals from around the world.

    “These programmes allow overseas individuals and those from Mainland China to work in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong their home.”

    In addition to Mainland talent moving to Hong Kong, many businesses from the Mainland are also choosing to expand their operations in the city. A notable example is Guolian Securities International, which is headquartered in Jiangsu Province. The company established a presence in Hong Kong in 2019, and engages in both wealth management and investment banking.

    Franklin Yang, CEO of Guolian Securities International, highlighted the numerous advantages Hong Kong offers, stating: “There are many benefits to operating in Hong Kong, both from a policy-making perspective and in terms of the advantages it provides within Greater China.”

    He also stressed that the city’s commendable education system contributes to a pool of graduates proficient in both English and Mandarin, making it easier to attract top talent for larger-scale deals.

    Mr Yang emphasised Hong Kong’s unique position in the financial industry, remarking: “Guolian takes full advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a financial capital. We attract many reputable companies from Mainland China, who either list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or engage in merger and acquisition activities here.”

    He added, with optimism: “I believe Guolian can bring more capital into these markets.”

    As Hamilton Lane continues to expand its operations and Guolian Securities International consolidates its offerings, Hong Kong remains a pivotal hub for financial services in the region, attracting businesses and talent alike.

    Targeting wealthy individuals

    To draw UHNWIs to the city, the Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced measures to enhance offerings for global wealth owners and promote the development of family offices.

    “Hong Kong’s family office sector is flourishing, with more than 2,700 single-family offices,” Mr Ng explained.

    Over the past year, facilitating measures have been implemented to support the business development of family offices.

    “As of end-May this year, we have assisted 89 family offices to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong and more than 130 family offices indicated that they had decided or were preparing to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.”

    The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is another vital initiative that is contributing to Hong Kong’s status as a leading financial hub. Under the scheme, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) can settle in the city if they invest a minimum of HK$30 million here, with a portion being directed towards companies and projects with a Hong Kong nexus.

    “When HNWIs choose to invest through the New CIES, they create a demand for financial services, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a premier destination for wealth management and investment.”

    Highlighting the scheme’s appeal, Mr Ng said that since its launch in March, the scheme had received over 5,000 enquiries and more than 500 applications.

    The insurance sector is another important pillar of Hong Kong’s financial industry, with the city housing around 160 authorised insurers, including six of the world’s top 10, as of July. Hong Kong has also achieved exceptional insurance density, ranking first in Asia and second globally for insurance premiums per capita as of the end of last year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) delivers 33.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

    Download logo

    In its largest air cargo shipment to the African region this year, World Health Organization (WHO) today delivered 33.5 metric tonnes of emergency medical supplies and equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce mpox outbreak response.

    Today’s delivery follows an initial shipment of more than 14 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to the country two weeks ago to support infection prevention and control, and clinical care measures in the ongoing outbreak. The two shipments will contribute significantly to infection prevention and treatment services in the country for the next three months.

    In addition to reinforcing the mpox outbreak response, the medical equipment and supplies will also be delivered to laboratories as well as district and referral health facilities to provide care for other medical conditions.

    “We’re intensifying our support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in all critical areas of the mpox outbreak response, ensuring adequate testing, prevention and effective clinical care to stop the spread of this virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We’re grateful to our partners for the important collaboration in strengthening the ongoing national efforts to bring this outbreak to an end.”

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for about 90% of the more than 31 000 suspected mpox cases reported so far this year from 14 countries in the African region. WHO is working closely with partners and the government to enhance capacity, expertise and outbreak response measures.

    The spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attributed to two distinct main outbreaks: the spread of mpox clade Ia in the western Equateur and other provinces of the country where the disease is endemic, including spread to and outbreaks in the capital Kinshasa; and the spread of clade Ib in North and South Kivu provinces in the east, with a few cases in Kinshasa.

    As part of increased support to the mpox outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is expanding its operational capacity in the field, with more than 300 disease surveillance and outbreak response experts from WHO’s polio response programme recently integrated into mpox outbreak control efforts.

    In collaboration with national health authorities and partners, WHO experts are also working closely with communities to raise awareness about mpox, promote preventive measures and encourage reporting of cases.

    Efforts are also being ramped up to strengthen national diagnostic capacities by providing testing kits, reagents and machines to decentralize testing in eight laboratories. On 19 September 2024, WHO dispatched 3500 GeneXpert cartridges to provincial laboratories to ensure adequate testing for effective clinical care, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development.

    In readiness for mpox vaccine rollout, WHO is working with countries to ramp up measures to ensure effective introduction of the vaccines. WHO has developed an mpox vaccine roadmap and readiness tool and is supporting countries to develop national vaccine deployment plans that target those populations at highest risk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Social Justice Secretary urges UK Government to reinstate Winter Fuel Payment

    Source: Scottish Government

    Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

    Ms Somerville called on the UK Government to take action to address root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

    The full text of the Social Justice Secretary’s letter: Winter Fuel Payment: Letter to UK Government

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –