Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Spring blossoms, vibrant experiences captivate tourists nationwide
As the spring weather warms up, people across China are flocking to scenic spots where nature’s colors are at their most vibrant.
Check out the video and take a look at breath-taking spring blossoms across China!
Source: Asia Development Bank
The rapid growth of the Asia and Pacific region into a global economic powerhouse can be fully understood through the crucial role of deepening regional cooperation and integration.
In recent decades, the region has made remarkable strides in integration through the accelerated growth in trade, investment, movement of people, and―importantly―knowledge.
Asia’s trade integration is drawing closer to that of the European Union, with intraregional trade shares increasing by 10 percentage points from 1990 to 2023.
Foreign direct investment within Asia has grown, with 52% of FDI from 2013 to 2023 coming from within the region, boosted by investments in services, digital industries, and green sectors.
Financial integration has lagged behind trade and investment.
Yet it remains a critical conduit for translating the region’s existing and future savings into regional investments.
Expanding markets and income has made Asia a crucial source of remittances and tourism, beyond pre-pandemic levels.
For several economies in the region, they have become financial lifelines.
While the region is backed by strong regional cooperation and partnership, growing risks of geopolitical tensions and global fragmentation calls for renewed attention to the benefits of regional cooperation and integration in better cushioning external shocks.
The region needs to broaden, deepen, and modernize its free trade agreements and investment treaties.
Also, existing regional financial arrangements must upgrade their effectiveness to safeguard the region’s financial stability.
Digitalization must ensure it helps facilitate the secure movement of people, money, and ideas; and lower transfer costs.
Tourism can thrive only if improved connectivity―along with liberal air transport and visa policies―can expand regional travel opportunities.
With these efforts, regional cooperation and integration will increasingly contribute to economic prosperity, help tackle the climate crisis, narrow the digital divide, and navigate geopolitical challenges in the coming decades
To learn more, please read the Asian Economic Integration Report 2025.
Source: Australian National Party
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 24/03/2025
Promoting further trade, tourism and economic development with our largest trading partner, across a range of sectors, including tourism, aviation, education and investment will be the focus of this week’s trade mission to China.
The week-long mission features activities celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Beijing-Canberra sister city relationship and a meeting with the Mayor of Beijing and Beijing Municipal Government representatives.
Returning to Canberra’s largest export market for the first time since the Covid pandemic, the mission will focus on delivering outcomes outlined in our International Engagement Strategy and T2030 Tourism Strategy.
Under the T2030 strategy, the Government aims to reach $5 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2030. China is Canberra’s largest international market and has considerable capacity to grow over this decade. Recent data shows 15 per cent of all international visitors to the ACT came from China, contributing 52 per cent of the total international visitor spend.
Tourism and investment opportunities will be pursued through meetings with airlines including Air China and Cathay Pacific, hotel operators and key tourism distribution partners.
Education partnerships will also be strengthened including an official visit to the Cunzhi Senior High School in Shanghai – who deliver the ACT Year 12 certificate through the BSSS (Board of Senior Studies).
Supported by Tourism Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and AusTrade, participants in the mission include Visit Canberra and the Commissioner for International Engagement.
The estimated cost of the Chief Minister’s component of the trade mission is under $15,000, met from the ACT Executive 2024-25 Budget. The final cost will be reported as part of the regular quarterly travel reports.
– Statement ends –
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Asia Development Bank
The report examines how integration has significantly impacted trade, global value chains, foreign direct investment, finance, migration, remittances, and tourism, and highlights that a renewed focus on regional cooperation could cushion external shocks. Modernizing trade and investment agreements, enhancing regional financial arrangements, and advancing digitalization could help drive economic prosperity, bridge the digital divide, and navigate challenges in the coming decades.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2025 and delivers a keynote speech, in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s economic transition is gaining momentum as initiatives to boost consumption and drive innovation take center stage, which will inject greater certainty into the global economic landscape and provide broader space in which multinational companies can thrive, officials and executives said on Sunday.
China will combine robust policy support and the unleashing of market forces as it strives to achieve its economic growth target of around 5 percent this year, and policymakers are well prepared to introduce new incremental policies if necessary, Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing at the opening ceremony of the two-day China Development Forum 2025.
The recent dynamism observed in China’s consumer market, particularly in the film, winter sports and cultural tourism sectors, has pointed to the vast potential of the country’s domestic economic circulation, Li said.
The theme of this year’s forum is “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of the Global Economy”.
Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, said that China is set to enhance people’s consumption capacity, to ensure they have the financial means and the willingness to consume. These initiatives go beyond merely promoting economic growth and productivity, he said.
The initiatives also seek to increase the income of urban and rural residents, optimize the income distribution structure and elevate the share of household income in overall national income, Han said.
Liu Shijin, former deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, noted that “China faces a critical transition from an investment- and export-driven growth model to one fueled by innovation and consumption”.
“While structural imbalances in consumption present major challenges, resolving them could unlock growth potential comparable to that once provided by the real estate sector. This transformation would establish a foundation for sustained medium-speed economic growth, ensuring stability for China’s economy in the years ahead,” Liu said.
Premier Li stressed at the forum that the continuous emergence of technological advancements by Chinese tech startups such as DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics has showcased the country’s immense capability for innovation and creativity.
Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an, said that this year, China will scale up its funding to the sci-tech sector to expedite breakthroughs in critical and core technologies, stressing that a variety of policy tools will be used, including tax incentives and investment funds, to drive the “AI Plus” initiative and foster the growth of emerging and future industries.
Policymakers are committed to implementing measures that promote the development of the private sector, providing tangible assistance to enterprises, so that they can innovate and thrive, Lan said.
Executives attending the forum said that amid the growing uncertainties in the global economy marked by rising protectionism, it is more important than ever for nations to open up their markets and for businesses to pool their resources, in order to jointly tackle challenges and achieve shared growth.
“We expect China to remain an engine for global growth in 2025 and across this decade,” said Georges Elhedery, group chief executive of HSBC Holdings, adding that he is confident that in the long run, China will remain a thriving, sustainable economy at the heart of global trade and investment and at the forefront of innovation.
Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm, told China Daily that he was excited by the innovation from DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup.
“Our Chinese partners are very excited at embracing AI, and Qualcomm will expand our cooperation with them in the future,” Amon said, adding that he believes technology will play an important role in spurring economic growth.
Li Lecheng, Party secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that China has become the world’s second-largest contributor to the global open-source community and the fastest-growing country in this field.
An open-source community is a collective of users, developers and contributors centered around a project in which the source code is freely available for modification and redistribution.
“We will support foreign-funded enterprises to establish research and development centers in China, and to further promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country,” Li Lecheng said.
More efforts will be made to facilitate the translation of scientific and technological progress into practical applications, he said, adding that the country also encourages foreign enterprises to participate in such initiatives.
Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, said the strong signals from this year’s Government Work Report, which reaffirmed China’s commitment to science, innovation and opening-up, are highly encouraging.
“We have been investing in science and innovation for many years in China, and we plan to invest even more in the future,” Soriot said.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
With a verdant Loong (Chinese dragon) made of bamboo, a handmade armor performance from Japan, and an elephant hat dance from South Korea showing up in front of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the “2025 Macao International Parade” officially set off on Sunday.
People participate in the 2025 Macao International Parade in Macao, south China, March 23, 2025. The 2025 Macao International Parade celebrating the 26th anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland was held on Sunday. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
These were part of the 83 performing teams from various cultures across the world.
Upholding the spirit of “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration” while promoting Macao’s designation as a “Culture City of East Asia 2025,” this year’s parade featured local groups and participating groups worldwide, totaling an estimated 1,800 artists.
The local team, “the Funny Old Tree Theater Ensemble,” performed about the Earth, suggesting that different cultures share one home. Vong Weng Chon, a team member, said that as a Macao resident, he was pleased to make new friends from different backgrounds. “It’s lively and exciting,” he added.
As another “Culture City of East Asia 2025,” Huzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, brought the dance of bamboo leaf Loong. Zhu Zhengguo, a member of the performing team, told Xinhua that it was an honor to bring their traditional treasure to this event. He was also happy to see and communicate with other art groups.
Italian artist Ilaria Fioretto was impressed by Macao’s cultural atmosphere. “Here, we have the possibility to interact with different cultures … It is a treasure to know different artists from different countries,” she added.
According to Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, the parade is a signature festive event of Macao. Since its first edition in 2011, it has entered its 11th edition and has become one of the events celebrating Macao’s return to the motherland, drawing the participation of residents and tourists from around the world.
The parade procession set off from the Ruins of St. Paul’s and passed through old streets and alleys in the historic center of Macao. The final performance held at Sai Van Lake Square marked the opening of the “Culture City of East Asia” program, where various performing groups staged a vibrant and artistic celebration.
“It’s hard to put my feelings into words,” said Ms. Tang, a tourist from central China’s Hubei visiting Macao for the first time. She waited in the crowd to see the parade, describing the experience as a “surprise.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Yangtze River Delta witnesses progress in green, integrated ecological development
Source:
There have been large protests across Türkiye, including in Istanbul, in recent days. Demonstrations and protests may continue and may turn violent. A protest ban is in effect and there are restrictions to freedom of movement for those suspected of participating in protests. This is likely to be strictly enforced. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).
There have been several recent deaths reported in Istanbul and Ankara from methanol in counterfeit drinks. Stick to reputable venues and be wary of suspiciously cheap alcohol (see ‘Safety’).
You’ll need an e-visa for tourism or business if you’re staying for less than 90 days (see ‘Travel’).
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 22 MAR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s floriculture export potential, particularly from the North Eastern Region (NER), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Mizoram, successfully facilitated the flagging off of the first consignment of Anthurium flowers from Aizawl, Mizoram, to Singapore. The event, held in a hybrid (phygital) format, took place on February 26, 2025.
Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, and Special Secretary, Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Mizoram, Smt. Ramdinliani, flagged off the first consignment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore. Officials from APEDA, the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Mizoram, Zo Anthurium Growers Cooperative Society, IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd., and Veg Pro Singapore Pte. Ltd. participated in the ceremonial flag-off.
The consignment, comprising 1,024 Anthurium cut flowers (weighing 70 kg) packed in 50 corrugated boxes, was exported by IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd. from Aizawl, Mizoram, to Singapore via Kolkata. The flowers were sourced from the Zo Anthurium Growers Cooperative Society, Aizawl, Mizoram, and imported by Veg Pro Singapore Pte. Ltd., marking a milestone in the region’s floriculture export journey.
Anthurium is one of the most important flowers cultivated in Mizoram, playing a vital role in driving local economic activity, particularly benefiting farmers, including women. The flower’s cultivation has been a source of livelihood and empowerment for local communities. Mizoram also organizes the annual “Anthurium Festival,” which promotes tourism and highlights the flower’s beauty and ornamental value.
The first-ever export of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore follows the success of the International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) organized by APEDA in collaboration with the Government of Mizoram on December 6, 2024, in Aizawl. The IBSM witnessed participation from nine international buyers from countries such as Singapore, UAE, Nepal, Jordan, Oman, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Ethiopia, along with 24 domestic exporters. The event established important trade connections and market opportunities for Mizoram’s floriculture products.
India’s floriculture exports reached USD 86.62 million in FY 2023-2024. This first consignment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore marks a significant step toward expanding floriculture exports, particularly from the North Eastern Region. NER holds immense potential for the export of horticultural and floricultural products. APEDA remains committed to supporting this potential through export promotional activities and collaborations with various stakeholders in the region.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA’s mission is to develop, facilitate, and promote the exports of agricultural and processed food products from India, strengthening the nation’s footprint in the global food and beverage industry.
***
Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas
(Release ID: 2113965) Visitor Counter : 39
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Costa Rica’s use of IMF assistance demonstrates successful crisis management. By supporting employment initiatives and healthcare response, the IMF helped enable sustainable recovery in critical sectors. IMF support helped Costa Rica maintain employment stability and strengthen public services. The partnership fostered economic resilience while preserving tourism sector jobs.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, has marked World Water Day celebration by officially handing over a newly Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation to the George Local Municipality, Western Cape.
Unveiled on Saturday, the newly upgraded Garden Route Pump Station and its association infrastructure, forms part of the Budget Facility Water Project being implemented at George Local Municipality.
The upgraded work at the dam and pump station involved replacing the old 600 millimetres (mm) diameter pipe with new 800 mm diameter steel outlet pipes to increase the pumping capacity of raw water into the balancing dam.
In addition, two 1 250 kilovolt-amperes (KVA) generators were installed to ensure uninterrupted pumping, even during power supply failures.
The department stated that this project is one of 12 sub-projects under the Water Security and Remedial Works Project underway in the municipality.
The total project value exceeds R1.1 billion and is funded by the National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) from the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The department allocated the funds to the municipality to implement the project over four years.
George Municipality, which is also the implementing agent of the project, has contributed an additional R305 million to make the total budget R1.4 billion.
The multiple-phase project started in 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by December 2025.
Speaking at the event, Majodina said the handing over of the completed project at George Municipality, reaffirms government’s commitment to expand access to safe drinking water to all citizens.
“George municipality is rapidly growing with the current daily potable water demand of 38 megalitres per day, and it is projected to increase to 106 megalitres per day over the next 50 years. Today is a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that we meet the rising water demand that is occasioned by the rapid population growth,” the Minister said.
She said the project was an example of a successful inter-departmental collaboration between the national, provincial and local governments.
She added that the project would ensure that the municipality has a sustainable supply of water for generations to come.
Mayor of George Municipality, Jacqueline von Brandis, expressed deep appreciation to the Minister and the department for the funding as it has unlocked economic and socio-economic opportunities for the tourism-inclined municipality.
“We are celebrating an example of intergovernmental success. We are here to showcase the outstanding work and service delivery that can be achieved if we work together. Our BFI grant has been instrumental in enabling us to make significant strides in ensuring that our ever-growing city is water-secured for generations to come,” von Brandis said.
The mayor also extended her gratitude towards the Department of Water and Sanitation and National Treasury for this investment.
George Municipality currently provides water services to over 294 942 residents from 85 931 households across 28 wards, including Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, and coastal areas such as Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Gwaing.
Over the years, the municipality has experienced a substantial increase in its population.
The 12 phases of the project will improve water security and resilience for the current residents and support significant future expansion in various areas within George.
The projects will also prevent sewage spillages through upgrading critical sewage pump stations.
The core of the project is to increase the security of raw water supply to the Garden Route Dam and raw water balancing dams and to increase the capacity of two Water Treatment Works (WTW), which currently provide 38 megalitres (ml/d) to communities.
The project will therefore increase this capacity to 60 60 Megaliters Per Day (ml/d), through the construction of a new 20 ml/d extension and the upgrading of the old WTW.
The upgrade of the Kaaimans River raw water pump station, which transports water from the Kaaimans River to the Garden Route Dam, will improve the supply and storage of raw water.
This enhancement will increase the bulk availability and security of raw water for the current and future population of George.
The scope of the 12 sub-projects includes:
The department highlighted that George Municipality is geared for current and future residential and commercial developments in the east of George and two other more prominent future development areas to the east of Thembalethu and the south of Pacaltsdorp.
“Therefore, the water security and remedial works project will provide certainty that water services will be provided to new residential units as well as commercial and industrial sites,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Andrew Clennell:
Live at the desk in Canberra before his fourth Budget in a term, he’s just told me he’s the first Treasurer to deliver that since Ben Chifley, is the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Thanks for your time.
Jim Chalmers:
Good morning, Andrew.
Clennell:
Let me start by asking about this energy bill relief. A week ago it was announced power bills were to go up by up to $200 a year, and you’re giving people back only $150. They’re not going to be dancing in the streets over that, are they?
Chalmers:
Well, we’re doing what we responsibly can to help people with the cost of living. These cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for a lot of Australians and they’ll be front and centre in the Budget and this energy bill assistance is a bit of extra hip pocket help for households.
Even with all the progress we’re making as a country together on inflation, we know that people are still under pressure, and this responds to some of that pressure.
Clennell:
It looks like an election bribe, really, I mean you’re doing it for 2 quarters, then cutting it off.
Chalmers:
I don’t think so. This is the third time that we’ve done the energy bill rebates, 2 lots of $300 and now extending it for 6 months and again it’s about recognising that even with all this progress on inflation, we got inflation from higher than 6 per cent and rising when we came to office, now 2.4 per cent, we know that people are still under the pump and so we’re doing what we responsibly can to help people with the cost of living, not just energy bill rebates, but cheaper medicines, but also this historic investment in bulk billing – because more bulk billing means less pressure on families too.
Clennell:
It feels like a big band-aid over a deeper problem with the energy transition.
Chalmers:
There are 2 things that we’re doing simultaneously. If you look at the Default Market Offer that was released in the last fortnight or so, one of the big issues there is the unreliability of the legacy parts of the system, and so we need to make sure that we continue to get more cleaner and cheaper and reliable energy into the system – we’re doing that, and in the meantime we’re helping people with their electricity bills.
Don’t forget in the last year to December in the official inflation data, electricity prices went down by 25 per cent because we’re helping people with their energy bills. We’re extending that for another 6 months because we recognise people are still under the pump.
Clennell:
I mean effectively you’re taking people’s taxes and giving them back to them on their energy bills, right?
Chalmers:
If you look right throughout the Budget, whether it’s investments in Medicare and bulk billing, whether it’s investments in cheaper medicines, what budgets are all about is taking the country’s priorities, and in this case the government’s priorities – Medicare, cost-of-living, making our economy more resilient – making room in the Budget to do those things. And we’ve helped engineer a stunning turnaround in the Budget, $200 billion improvement in the Budget since we came to office, the biggest nominal improvement of all time and that’s helped us make room for these investments, whether it’s helping with the cost of living or building Australia’s future, or making our economy more resilient in the face of all of this global economic uncertainty.
Clennell:
Is any part of this policy an apology to voters for not coming through with that promise to cut their power bills by 275 bucks? In 2022 you yourself recorded on camera really pushing that policy. Is any of this sort of an apology for that?
Chalmers:
I’d describe it differently, as you’d expect, and I would describe it as hip pocket help for households. I would describe it as a government responding to the pressures that people still feel despite this progress that we’ve made on inflation. And if you take a step back for a moment, the Budget will be about the progress we’ve made together to here, and a plan to make the most of that progress from here, and part of that plan is rebuilding living standards which were falling sharply when we came to office. That means helping with the cost of living, getting wages moving again, the tax cuts which are already rolling out in the economy. All of this is about recognising that people are under pressure, we can respond to that in a responsible way, and that’s why really the defining feature of our term in government, and certainly the defining feature of Tuesday night’s Budget will be helping with the cost of living.
Clennell:
Are you sorry you couldn’t deliver on that now?
Chalmers:
We’re always trying to do the best we can for people, whether it’s electricity bills, whether it’s Medicare, strengthening Medicare with these historic investments, whether it’s women’s health, whether it’s cheaper medicines, cutting student debt. There are a whole bunch of ways that we are doing the absolute best we can for people. There’s more than one way to provide cost-of-living help. And here I think it’s really important to draw the distinction and to draw the contrast, and that is this Labor government doesn’t just recognise people are under pressure, we’re doing something about it, it beggars belief that the Liberals and Nationals have opposed that cost-of-living relief at almost every turn, and that means Australians would be even worse off now if Peter Dutton had his way.
Clennell:
Jane Hume says they’re going to pass it. What do you make of that?
Chalmers:
Well, that will be the first time if it’s the case. I mean they opposed the first 2 rounds of energy bill relief, they didn’t want to see the tax cuts, they opposed our cost-of-living relief
Clennell:
What’s your reaction to them passing it this time?
Chalmers:
Well, let’s see, let’s see.
Clennell:
Well, she’s just said it. She said, “We’re not going to stand in the way of it”, so –
Chalmers:
David Littleproud earlier today, I’m told, said that they probably will, which sounds a little bit less than definitive as far as I’m concerned.
This week, what we will see is the contrast. My budget is about a plan for the economy and helping with the cost of living, the Liberals and Nationals are about secret costs and secret cuts which will make people worse off. This is their opportunity to come clean on the $600 billion they need to find to fund their nuclear reactors and what that means for Medicare and pensions and payments and housing and veterans and all of the other things that they’ve described as wasteful spending.
Clennell:
Peter Dutton says power bills have gone up $1,000 since you were elected. Do you dispute that figure?
Chalmers:
Well, the most recent data says electricity bills have come down by about 25 per cent.
Clennell:
Because of the subsidies.
Chalmers:
Partly, but not entirely because of the subsidies. So power bills in 2024 would have gone down 1.6 per cent, instead they went down 25 per cent.
Clennell:
Is he right though with the $1,000 figure?
Chalmers:
I haven’t checked his numbers. The numbers that we rely on are the official CPI numbers, and what they’ve shown is they’ve come down 25 per cent last year primarily because of our efforts to give people help with the cost of living, and don’t forget, you asked me about Peter Dutton, if Peter Dutton had his way, electricity bills would have been $300 higher last year because he opposed our efforts to help people.
Clennell:
In MYEFO there were predictions for real GDP of 2.5 to 2.75 per cent annual growth. Have they been revised up in your Budget?
Chalmers:
Well, we’ve revised all of our forecasts in the usual way, and –
Clennell:
Are they up?
Chalmers:
– you’ll see those in the Budget. What the growth forecasts have to recognise is the weaker growth that we’ve seen in the last little while. Growth is rebounding solidly in the most recent numbers, the private sector’s taking its rightful role as the main driver of that growth but don’t forget we’ve been through an especially soft period of economic growth and so the forecasts have to account for that as well. I’m not prepared to go into the ins and outs of all the forecasts here – there will be changes to forecasts which recognise what we’ve been through to here and what we expect from that.
Clennell:
Because obviously, I guess, if they do go up, that can reduce your deficits, right, that’s one aspect of that occurring. Is that what we’re going to be looking at?
Chalmers:
Well, don’t forget we’ve also got all of this global economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the world, and also over our economy and our Budget, and so there are always swings and roundabouts in these forecasts, there are always a number of influences.
The 2 primary influences on our Budget are cost-of-living pressures, despite this progress on inflation, and the global economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the Budget and the economy, and the Budget is really designed to deal with those 2 pressures at once.
Clennell:
The MYEFO also showed an increase in deficits – they were up to $47 billion and $38 billion in 25–26 and 26–27. Given some of the campaign promises we’ve seen, are they going to be even higher than that?
Chalmers:
What you’ll see in the Budget is that because the midyear budget update was only about 3 months ago, that’s a bit unusual to have them so close together – the bottom lines are broadly similar, there are some changes but broadly similar, and that means it reflects that very substantial progress we’ve made since we were elected.
If you compare the budget situation now to the preelection outlook in 2022 it’s night and day, we’ve made huge progress, enormous strides cleaning up the mess that we inherited, a $200 billion improvement, 2 surpluses in the first 2 years, a smaller deficit this year than when we came to office, and that’s an important demonstration, I think, of our responsible economic management. You’ll see how the bottom lines have changed a little bit but not a lot on Tuesday night.
Clennell:
It feels like you’re back to Australian Treasurer reality a bit. You’ve had the dream, you know, you’ve done the work on it obviously, but you’ve had the dream of presenting a surplus, your old boss Wayne Swan a number of other Treasurers have never had that. Now you’ve got to dole out the red ink. That must be a bit personally disappointing for you.
Chalmers:
Oh, I don’t see it in personal terms. Collectively, we are the first government in almost 2 decades to deliver back-to-back surpluses, and we’re also got this deficit now –
Clennell:
Does this ruin the story a bit?
Chalmers:
I don’t believe so. Our government is defined by responsible economic management. We’ve seen that in the first 3 Budgets, and we’ll see that in the fourth and one of the things I’m proudest about is we’ve got the Budget in much better nick, we’ve cleaned up the mess left to us by our predecessors at the same time as we’ve provided responsible, meaningful, substantial cost-of-living relief and invested in building Australia’s future and that’s really what people can expect to see again on Tuesday.
Clennell:
When do you anticipate an Australian Government could next deliver a surplus?
Chalmers:
Well, it remains to be seen, and certainly our efforts have been about trying to make the Budget as responsible as we can, some savings, banking most of the upward revision of revenue in our time in office, delivering those 2 surpluses, getting interest costs down, paying down the Liberal debt, but it remains to be seen when the next surplus is.
Clennell:
It could be a decade again, couldn’t it? It was 15 years between drinks when you did it. It could be that long again, couldn’t it?
Chalmers:
It was almost 2 decades between surpluses but don’t forget the 2 surpluses that we’ve already delivered and paying down all of that Liberal debt as a consequence is saving us tens of billions of dollars in interest costs already and so it’s got a structural purpose to it – it improves the Budget in a structural sense, so do our efforts on the NDIS and aged care and in other ways as well. So we’ve improved the Budget in the near term, we’ve made a structural improvement in the medium term, but the work of Budget repair and responsible economic management continues.
Clennell:
The NDIS – Jane Hume mentioned it before – said there needs to be more reform. She actually said it needs to grow at the same amount as the economy, so not the 8 per cent you’ve got it down to from 14 per cent. Is that something you’re committed to longer term?
Chalmers:
Well, that’s a new announcement from Jane Hume today. That means huge cuts to the NDIS and that would send a shiver up the spine of a lot of people who rely on the program.
Now we are way too late in the parliamentary term for these characters to still be making it up as they go along. They’ve got secret plans for cuts. Those cuts will make Australians worse off, we know that.
Peter Dutton said on another program on a Sunday morning that there are lots of cuts but they won’t tell people till after the election.
Now this is a very scary proposition. I think in this building we’re tempted to think that their economic policy is some kind of slapstick comedy but it actually masks a much more sinister intent and that is to keep these secret cuts secret until after the election with grave consequences for people on the NDIS, people on pensions and payments, and especially people who rely on Medicare.
Clennell:
The NDIS is out of control though, isn’t it? As a Treasurer, you can’t sit and look at the growth of NDIS and be happy.
Chalmers:
We’re not sitting and looking at it, we’ve taken very substantial steps over the life of this government to make sure that spending on the NDIS is still growing but growing in a more sustainable way, cracking down on the rorts, getting it from growing at something like 14 per cent to something like 8 per cent, and we’re on track for that.
Clennell:
There’s more ways to be tackled though, isn’t there, or is there?
Chalmers:
Well, we’re doing it the most responsible, considered, methodical way that we can, and where we find waste, we’ve shown an enthusiasm to deal with that. That’s why we’re getting growth in the NDIS to more sustainable levels.
Now if Jane Hume is saying that she wants growth in NDIS spending to be between 2 and 3 per cent instead of 8 per cent, then they need to come clean on what that means for Australians with a disability. That is a very scary proposition for a lot of people watching your program today and wondering what it means for them.
Clennell:
She also indicated that she is looking to sack 36,000 public servants, because she said she wanted it at the levels after COVID.
Chalmers:
Let’s see the detail. They are way past due coming clean on what their agenda for secret cuts means for people, what it means for Medicare in particular.
I thought 2 things that were said in the last few weeks are very important; both Angus Taylor and Peter Dutton said in different ways, the best predictor of future performance is past performance. Peter Dutton went after Medicare when he was the Health Minister, Coalition governments always come after wages, they cut pensions and payments when they were last in office, and so they need to come clean this week on what are these secret cuts, what do they mean for people, where are they going to find the $600 billion to pay for these nuclear reactors.
Clennell:
It leaked during the week the Opposition’s looking at increased defence spending as it promised perhaps 2.5 per cent of GDP. Will there be an increase in defence spending in this Budget?
Chalmers:
Well, we’re already increasing it, and it’s already budgeted for.
Clennell:
So there’s not a further increase we’re looking at Tuesday?
Chalmers:
We’ll update the figures, but what people can expect to see is the existing $50 billion plus that we’re investing in defence over the course of the next decade
Clennell:
So correct me if I’m wrong, is that about 2.38 per cent GDP?
Chalmers:
A little bit over.
Clennell:
Yeah.
Chalmers:
By the early 2030s we’ll get defence spending to a bit more than 2.3 per cent of GDP, remembering it’s 2 now, that’s a very substantial increase. Now again, if they’re going to increase defence spending by $15 billion a year, let’s hear how they’re going to pay for it and what they’re going to cut and what that means for Medicare.
Clennell:
You finally released the report by the ACCC on the supermarkets, but you know, it’s a bit of damp squib as a consumer, I have to say, I didn’t see any strong action against the supermarkets. The other mob are saying, we’ll at least threaten you with a big stick. What are you actually going to do about it? What difference does this whole process of the ACCC report make?
Chalmers:
Well, the ACCC report I think is 441 pages from memory, and not on any of those pages does it recommend divestiture, because divestiture can have unintended consequences.
What it’s really about is more transparency, more scrutiny and more competition, and we’re acting on all of those fronts; making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory, empowering and funding the ACCC, dealing with mergers and acquisitions, working with the states and territories on zoning and planning so we can get more competitors to the supermarkets.
We are taking very decisive action to crack down on the supermarkets, to get a fairer go for families at the checkout and for farmers at the farm gate.
Clennell:
Are we expecting less or more net migration in your Budget predictions? Why do we need so much migration at the moment, because it feels like we are becoming Kevin Rudd’s Big Australia?
Chalmers:
We are managing the net overseas migration numbers down quite considerably. I think we saw, I think it was last week from memory in the migration figures, there were about 10,000 people fewer than what was anticipated. The Budget will update all of those forecasts but what they will show overall is the trajectory is down. That’s deliberate. There was a spike in net overseas migration after COVID, students, tourists and the like and fewer departures. We’ve been steadily managing that down and we saw that in last week’s figures.
Clennell:
So will it be 230,000, will it be less?
Chalmers:
You’ll see in the Budget.
Clennell:
Because the students are still coming in in big numbers, aren’t they?
Chalmers:
You’ll see in the Budget.
Clennell:
Is it less?
Chalmers:
The international student market is an important earner for Australia but it needs to be responsible. We need to make sure that we’re managing that and that’s why we’re trying to take the steps that we are taking. Overall we’re managing the program down, we’re doing that in a considered and methodical way, and you’ll see that in the numbers.
Clennell:
What can you say to Australians who look at the strains on housing, on infrastructure that are watching this and hear Peter Dutton saying, “I’m going to slash this”, about why we need this net migration at the moment?
Chalmers:
First of all, there’s a horrendous inconsistency even in what Peter Dutton is saying. He announced he was going to do something, then he pretended he never did, then he pretended there wasn’t an inconsistency. Nobody has any idea –
Clennell:
Yeah, but let me take you back to the point because we’re nearly out of time, sorry. What would you say to Australians about why we need the level of net migration we’ve been having?
Chalmers:
I’d say to them; we’re managing net migration down and we’re building more houses at the same time so that there are more houses for Australians to rent and buy.
Clennell:
How are you feeling about the election, because if the government was to lose, you’re favourite to become Opposition Leader.
Chalmers:
Look, I spend all of my time thinking about the Budget and the economic plan and what we would do as a government and as a country if we win the election. I spend absolutely no time thinking about what I would do if we lost the election. I’d much rather be the Treasurer of Australia than the Leader of the Opposition. I enjoy the work I do for Anthony and our team. We work very, very closely together, and we want the economy to be front and centre in this election.
The stakes are high in this election because the stakes are high in the economy. There’s a lot going on around the world, people are under pressure still, we’ve made a lot of progress together, but we’ve got a plan from here as well, and that’s the difference between us and our political opponents.
Clennell:
You’re seen as one of the best communicators in the government. Have you ever been frustrated the PM hasn’t been able to communicate as clearly as you do at any time in his term?
Chalmers:
No, never, and we’ve got a lot of good communicators in our Cabinet and in our Party Room more broadly and we work together very, very closely with the Prime Minister and with others to put together and convey an economic plan, which is one of the reasons why we’re making so much progress together as a country, but we recognise there’s more work to do, and that’s what the Budget will be all about.
Clennell:
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, thanks so much for your time.
Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency
The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, investing in the transport infrastructure Tasmanians need to support a growing state.
We’re investing $27.2 million to deliver upgrades along the Ridgley Highway, making it safer and smoother for truckies and other road users.
The project will better accommodate larger heavy vehicles along this important freight route, supporting the state’s economy.
The Ridgley Highway is a key transport link between the north-west and west coast region, connecting Burnie and the Murchison Highway, which is vital for mining, forestry and tourism in the western portion of the state.
Upgrades will prioritise safety improvements and works may include intersection improvements, passing lanes, lane and shoulder widening, heavy vehicle driver rest areas, and active and public transport improvements.
This investment adds to the Australian Government’s $80 million commitment to the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, which has already begun delivering funding to strengthen and rehabilitate a number of sections of pavement along the Ridgley Highway.
Delivery is expected to commence in late 2027 with an estimated completion date of mid-2030.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that increase productivity and resilience, improve liveability and enhance sustainability.
“These new projects will provide a safe, efficient, reliable, and consistent road environment for Tasmanians and its visitors.
“We will continue to work in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to deliver these vital works.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:
“Residents in the North West and West Coast often travel long distances for work, and to visit family and loved ones. Our industries and economy also rely on road transport, and every road user should be able to travel safely, whatever the reason for their journey.
“The Federal Labor Government knows the importance of investment in roads and infrastructure, especially in regions like ours. I know that road users who travel on the Ridgley Highway will welcome this announcement and I look forward to seeing the work commence.”
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Research Associate, University of Oxford
Born in the US, Roger Ballen, the internationally renowned photographer, has lived in South Africa since the 1970s.
He gained a cult following for his grotesque, surreal images of white poverty, captured on the rural fringes during apartheid. His work exposed not only the exploitation and marginalisation of his subjects but also the reality of apartheid’s failure to uplift even its privileged white minority.
Over time, Ballen’s practice has expanded beyond photography into a hybrid realm of exhibition, installation and performance. His new Johannesburg space, the Inside Out Centre for the Arts, serves as a theatre for this experimentation.
The name itself, Inside Out, is typically “Ballenesque”, evoking the psychological effect he seeks to instil in viewers: a blurring of perception and reality. His exhibition, End of the Game, is an arresting debut for the centre.
Ballen is committed to challenging perspectives on African narratives. Designed as a platform for thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programmes, Inside Out supports a range of artistic practices, including photography, painting, sculpture, installation, drawing and film.
On a recent visit to the centre, Ballen walks me through the exhibition. As a scholar of literature and visual cultures, I am fascinated with this epic engagement with colonial archives and the history of big game hunting in Africa since the 1700s.
Even though the show’s been up for over a year, there’s no rush to close it, Ballen tells me. It’s become the backdrop of many eclectic events at the centre – live tattooing, poetry performances, curatorial talks, music workshops, film screenings, panel discussions. The centre is also proving popular for school group visits.
Read more: The real Johannesburg: 6 powerful photos from a gritty new book on the city
End of the Game is a visual and psychological exploration of the African safari – an experience long entwined with adventure, exploration, and the exploitative legacies of colonialism. It delves into humanity’s deep-seated drive to control and assert dominance over nature and wildlife.
Entering End of the Game, visitors are greeted by Tarzan posters and a room filled with photos, books and documentary material on colonial hunting. But down the stairs, the experience shifts dramatically.
Here, Ballen’s images merge with eerie, mechanised sculptures of taxidermied (stuffed) creatures and unsettling painted tableaus. It feels like a horror-infused natural history museum.
Ballen blurs the line between documentary and constructed imagery, creating existential psychological dramas within haunting interiors.
Through his depictions of people and animals on the fringes of existence, he invites us to confront both our own alienation from the natural world and also the devastating consequences of our destructive behaviour.
Over the years, the scenes in Ballen’s photography have become increasingly elaborate and theatrical. His props, masks, drawings and sculptures have come to feature more prominently than people. The results often look more like mixed media collages than photographs.
Some of these elements are present in End of the Game. It assembles historical artefacts, paintings, colonial and contemporary photographs, as well as carefully staged objects. The result is a critical interrogation of the ecological crisis to which we have contributed. In the context of climate change, the show stands as both a stark indictment and an urgent call to action.
The impulse to compose images beyond the medium of the photograph is what leads Ballen to collect found objects. He explains the process this way:
I am always trying to find things that don’t necessarily belong together and in making them belong together in a new way … It takes the spectator’s mind on a journey in another direction, which is important in art.
Nothing is static. Everything is in constant motion. The exhibition is immersive. The viewer and the objects are circling each other. Walking through it feels like entering a jungle, the taxidermied animals look poised for confrontation.
For Ballen, this encounter is both physical and psychological – are animals enemies or figures of beauty? Perhaps coexistence is the question at the work’s core. As he explains it:
A central challenge in my career has been to locate the animal in the human being and the human being in the animal.
As the Tarzan posters make clear from the beginning, the idea of Africa has been hyped through Hollywood clichés. The image of it as a wild continent to be tamed and conquered, an unspoiled paradise, or a playground, has persisted. The romance of the African bush has filled the imagination of many foreign writers.
Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, in his essay How to Write About Africa, satirised this:
Always use the word ‘Africa’ or ‘Darkness’ or ‘Safari’ in your title.
Here, safari embodies the enduring thrill of conquest.
In the screen room, a collaged film is shown, made up of old hunting expedition clips found on YouTube. It is travel propaganda of famous hunting expeditions, led by colonialists and influential western figures.
Ballen, a US-trained geologist, was drawn to South Africa to study and work in the mineral extraction field. His deep engagement with the earth’s structure, materials and processes conceptually frames this exhibition, blending the scientific with the surreal.
The show sparks critical conversations on wildlife conservation, responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Inside Out was originally intended to be a photography centre, but during construction Ballen started imagining broader possibilities. It evolved into a multi-purpose venue that is a gallery, a theatre and an exhibition space, all in one.
However, the photography centre remains part of the plan. Ballen has bought the property next door, where the photography centre will now be established. Set to open in the last quarter of 2025, the centre will host photography exhibitions, talks and a bookstore, making it one of Africa’s few dedicated photography centres.
– African safaris and colonial nightmares: a visit to artist Roger Ballen’s latest show
– https://theconversation.com/african-safaris-and-colonial-nightmares-a-visit-to-artist-roger-ballens-latest-show-251302
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring March 22-23 and March 29-30 as New York State’s 2025 Maple Weekends. The Governor also highlighted that New York State continues to rank second in the nation in maple production, and in 2024, maple production increased to 846,000 gallons, up nearly 100,000 gallons of maple syrup from the 2023 season. Earlier today, Governor Hochul participated in New York State Maple Weekend by visiting Twin Leaf Farms in Greenfield Center, NY.
“New York State’s maple industry is not just a tradition – it’s a thriving community of dedicated producers creating world-class maple products,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate Maple Month, I encourage every New Yorker to experience the rich flavors and support the hardworking individuals behind this beloved crop.”
Recognizing the importance of the maple industry to New York’s agricultural economy, Governor Hochul proposed additional funding in her FY26 Executive Budget to further grow the industry and help New York become the leading maple innovator. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports the maple industry through the New York State Budget — which includes funding for promotion and educational programs — as well as through investments in research projects, such as Cornell University’s Maple Program’s Arnot Teaching Forest, and through its NYS Grown & Certified and Taste NY marketing programs.
Maple Weekends and Maple Month
Throughout the month of March each year and the last two weekends of the month in particular, maple farms across the state open their doors to the public to provide a chance to taste pure maple syrup, right from the source, and experience the unique family tradition of making maple syrup in New York State. Producers offer tours and pancake breakfasts, sell maple products, and demonstrate the syrup-making process, which includes the traditional system of hanging buckets on trees or more modern methods of production using vacuum systems to increase the yield of sap per tree. A searchable list of Maple Weekend events is available at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com.
Maple Promotions
New York’s Taste NY Markets across the state are highlighting unique local maple products and producers during the month of March, with product specials, giveaways, and more. The Western NY Welcome Center is offering a maple gift basket giveaway and a maple product scavenger hunt, with visitors getting 10 percent off the maple products they find in store. The Capital Region Welcome Center will have a sampling event on March 28, featuring pancakes by Phoenicia Diner and Jourdin’s Maple Syrup. Additionally, the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center is doing a gift basket giveaway, and the Adirondacks Welcome Center will feature educational displays from the Upper Hudson Valley Maple Association with information about the history of maple production and modern production techniques. Visit your local Taste NY Market to take part in their Maple Month celebrations! Find a market in your region.
Agri-tourism In New York State
Agri-tourism events like Maple Weekends and Maple Month are an important part of tourism in New York State. Governor Hochul recently announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. The Governor has continued to support state tourism through I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York and tens of millions of dollars in direct support to tourism organizations and venues for tourism-related marketing efforts and capital projects.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Maple syrup is not only our sweetest crop, but it’s also the first crop of the new year. New York’s maple producers continue to do an outstanding job keeping our state at the forefront of the industry, and Maple Weekends give all of us an opportunity to visit a farm and see how they turn tree sap into syrup, candy, and so much more. I encourage everyone to visit a farm near you this year to see this work in action and learn more about this important part of our state’s agricultural economy.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Scenery of blooming rapeseed flowers in Mugang Town, China’s Guizhou
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Research Associate, University of Oxford
Born in the US, Roger Ballen, the internationally renowned photographer, has lived in South Africa since the 1970s.
He gained a cult following for his grotesque, surreal images of white poverty, captured on the rural fringes during apartheid. His work exposed not only the exploitation and marginalisation of his subjects but also the reality of apartheid’s failure to uplift even its privileged white minority.
Over time, Ballen’s practice has expanded beyond photography into a hybrid realm of exhibition, installation and performance. His new Johannesburg space, the Inside Out Centre for the Arts, serves as a theatre for this experimentation.
The name itself, Inside Out, is typically “Ballenesque”, evoking the psychological effect he seeks to instil in viewers: a blurring of perception and reality. His exhibition, End of the Game, is an arresting debut for the centre.
Ballen is committed to challenging perspectives on African narratives. Designed as a platform for thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programmes, Inside Out supports a range of artistic practices, including photography, painting, sculpture, installation, drawing and film.
On a recent visit to the centre, Ballen walks me through the exhibition. As a scholar of literature and visual cultures, I am fascinated with this epic engagement with colonial archives and the history of big game hunting in Africa since the 1700s.
Even though the show’s been up for over a year, there’s no rush to close it, Ballen tells me. It’s become the backdrop of many eclectic events at the centre – live tattooing, poetry performances, curatorial talks, music workshops, film screenings, panel discussions. The centre is also proving popular for school group visits.
Read more:
The real Johannesburg: 6 powerful photos from a gritty new book on the city
End of the Game is a visual and psychological exploration of the African safari – an experience long entwined with adventure, exploration, and the exploitative legacies of colonialism. It delves into humanity’s deep-seated drive to control and assert dominance over nature and wildlife.
Entering End of the Game, visitors are greeted by Tarzan posters and a room filled with photos, books and documentary material on colonial hunting. But down the stairs, the experience shifts dramatically.
Here, Ballen’s images merge with eerie, mechanised sculptures of taxidermied (stuffed) creatures and unsettling painted tableaus. It feels like a horror-infused natural history museum.
Ballen blurs the line between documentary and constructed imagery, creating existential psychological dramas within haunting interiors.
Through his depictions of people and animals on the fringes of existence, he invites us to confront both our own alienation from the natural world and also the devastating consequences of our destructive behaviour.
Over the years, the scenes in Ballen’s photography have become increasingly elaborate and theatrical. His props, masks, drawings and sculptures have come to feature more prominently than people. The results often look more like mixed media collages than photographs.
Some of these elements are present in End of the Game. It assembles historical artefacts, paintings, colonial and contemporary photographs, as well as carefully staged objects. The result is a critical interrogation of the ecological crisis to which we have contributed. In the context of climate change, the show stands as both a stark indictment and an urgent call to action.
The impulse to compose images beyond the medium of the photograph is what leads Ballen to collect found objects. He explains the process this way:
I am always trying to find things that don’t necessarily belong together and in making them belong together in a new way … It takes the spectator’s mind on a journey in another direction, which is important in art.
Nothing is static. Everything is in constant motion. The exhibition is immersive. The viewer and the objects are circling each other. Walking through it feels like entering a jungle, the taxidermied animals look poised for confrontation.
For Ballen, this encounter is both physical and psychological – are animals enemies or figures of beauty? Perhaps coexistence is the question at the work’s core. As he explains it:
A central challenge in my career has been to locate the animal in the human being and the human being in the animal.
As the Tarzan posters make clear from the beginning, the idea of Africa has been hyped through Hollywood clichés. The image of it as a wild continent to be tamed and conquered, an unspoiled paradise, or a playground, has persisted. The romance of the African bush has filled the imagination of many foreign writers.
Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, in his essay How to Write About Africa, satirised this:
Always use the word ‘Africa’ or ‘Darkness’ or ‘Safari’ in your title.
Here, safari embodies the enduring thrill of conquest.
In the screen room, a collaged film is shown, made up of old hunting expedition clips found on YouTube. It is travel propaganda of famous hunting expeditions, led by colonialists and influential western figures.
Ballen, a US-trained geologist, was drawn to South Africa to study and work in the mineral extraction field. His deep engagement with the earth’s structure, materials and processes conceptually frames this exhibition, blending the scientific with the surreal.
The show sparks critical conversations on wildlife conservation, responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Inside Out was originally intended to be a photography centre, but during construction Ballen started imagining broader possibilities. It evolved into a multi-purpose venue that is a gallery, a theatre and an exhibition space, all in one.
However, the photography centre remains part of the plan. Ballen has bought the property next door, where the photography centre will now be established. Set to open in the last quarter of 2025, the centre will host photography exhibitions, talks and a bookstore, making it one of Africa’s few dedicated photography centres.
Tinashe Mushakavanhu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. African safaris and colonial nightmares: a visit to artist Roger Ballen’s latest show – https://theconversation.com/african-safaris-and-colonial-nightmares-a-visit-to-artist-roger-ballens-latest-show-251302
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
March 22, 2025 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, who oversees the Regional Development Agencies, including CanNor, announced a funding commitment of $56.25 million for the construction of the Yukon Gathering Place, a new convention centre in Whitehorse. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai also announced a contribution to the project.
The Centre will be built adjacent to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the Whitehorse waterfront in the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. It will be owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and operated by Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
This investment will help drive economic growth and job creation by strengthening Yukon’s tourism industry and attracting meetings, conferences and events to the territory. It also increases opportunities for northern Indigenous communities and businesses to participate in the economy.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Qionghai builds exquisite array of rural clusters for tourism-driven rural revitalization
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Dempster Highway now part of Yukon Resource Gateway Project
hgillesp
March 22, 2025 – 11:11 am
This a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
To enhance Arctic security, regional connectivity and ongoing access to resources, the governments of Yukon and Canada have agreed to include the Dempster Highway in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project. This is a significant step in the ongoing enhancement of Canada’s only all-season highway crossing to the Arctic Circle.
The Dempster Highway is a vital regional link for Yukoners and the communities it serves, both in the Yukon and in the Northwest Territories. This nationally significant highway enables the transportation of resources, goods and services while attracting tourists from around the world.
By including the Dempster Highway in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project, the Government of Yukon is investing in improving year-round reliability, upgrading northern infrastructure, and ensuring safer, more efficient travel for Yukoners. The planned improvements will focus on making the highway safer and more reliable through road surface improvements, road reconstruction, avalanche and rockfall mitigation, sinkhole repairs, improved roadside safety measures and improved drainage.
This work will create jobs for Yukoners, strengthen northern communities, drive economic growth, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Initiated in 2017, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project supports infrastructure upgrades for existing roads in mineral rich areas to support long-term, sustainable mineral development. With the addition of the Dempster Highway, the project will now also contribute to supporting Arctic security and sovereignty.
For each component of the Yukon Resource Gateway Project, the Government of Yukon negotiates a project agreement with the Yukon First Nation in whose Traditional Territory the project resides. These project agreements provide a process for the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments to work collaboratively to create meaningful employment and business opportunities that create lasting benefits.
By building a more resilient Dempster Highway, we are enhancing a critical corridor that serves multiple sectors, including tourism and the transport of vital supplies to local communities. This addition to the project compliments our ongoing commitment to invest in infrastructure upgrades to support economic growth and long-term, sustainable mineral development across the territory.
Modern and accessible infrastructure is a key component of resiliency and long-term economic growth for Yukoners while reinforcing their sovereignty and security. Through the inclusion of the Dempster Highway in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project, we will be able to better support the expansion, sustainability, and reliability of a vital northern route that provides essential travel and transportation.
Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
A strong and reliable transportation network is essential for the prosperity of our communities and industries. Investing in the Dempster Highway will improve safety, support economic opportunities, and reinforce Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. This initiative underscores our commitment to infrastructure that meets the needs of Yukoners while contributing to Canada’s broader strategic priorities in the Arctic.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke
The inclusion of the Dempster Highway in the Yukon Resource Gateway Program marks a bold step forward in fortifying our northern transportation network. This not only enhances safety and accessibility for all Yukoners, but it also paves the way for future economic opportunities. By modernizing a critical corridor and working hand-in-hand with Yukon First Nations, we are strengthening our commitment to both community prosperity and Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker
Quick facts
The Yukon Resource Gateway Project now targets roads benefiting mining, Arctic security and regional connectivity projects.
The project is designed to enhance the safety, reliability and accessibility of the Yukon’s road network while supporting Canada’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.
The Dempster Highway is a nationally significant road that connects the Yukon and the Northwest Territories to the rest of Canada via the National Highway System. As Canada’s only all-season public road crossing the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway is a vital transportation route for residents, businesses, and travelers.
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Krysten Johnson
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4847
krysten.johnson@yukon.ca
Alison Callaghan
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-334-3460
alison.callaghan@yukon.ca
News release #:
25-127
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
East China’s metropolis Shanghai saw a record-breaking tourism revenue of 576.1 billion yuan (about $80.3 billion) in 2024, said authorities on Friday.
Among the total revenue, domestic tourism revenue achieved approximately 497.3 billion yuan while that of inbound tourism hit nearly $11.1 billion, both hitting a historic high, according to the municipal culture and tourism bureau.
Last year, Shanghai received 390 million domestic tourist visits and over 6.7 million inbound tourist visits.
The city recently launched a three-year plan to promote the high-quality development of the tourism industry, aimed at becoming a world-renowned tourist city.
Following the success of Shanghai Disney Resort, LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort is preparing for its summer opening, while U.S. entertainment company Warner Bros is set to launch a Making of Harry Potter studio tour in Shanghai in 2027.
The city is leveraging its cruise tourism potential by developing diverse travel products, aiming to establish itself as the premier destination for inbound cruise tourism in China.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
03.19.25
“We are all Alaskans; we are all invested in the future of this great place.”
Juneau, AK – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today delivered her annual address to the Alaska State Legislature during a joint session at the Alaska State Capitol Building.
Murkowski thanked many of the legislators for their good work and recapped the progress the delegation has made for Alaska over the past year. While celebrating many Alaskans’ accomplishments, she expressed her concern for the indiscriminate firing of federal employees and the impacts the federal funding freeze will have on the state. Murkowski also spoke to areas where Alaska can work closely with the new administration, particularly resource development.
After her remarks, Murkowski took questions from the legislators on a variety of topics, which are available to watch in the video linked below.
Senator Murkowski addresses the Alaska State Legislature on March 18, 2025.
Click here to watch the Senator’s remarks.
Below is the text of Murkowski’s remarks as delivered.
Good morning. We’ve got a full house, full crowd, and it is good to be home with all of you.
Mr. Speaker Edgmon and Mr. President Stevens, to our Majority Leaders Senator Giessel and Representative Kopp, Minority Leaders Senator Shower and Representative Costello, to all members of the Legislature: thank you for the opportunity to be back with you in these chambers.
I’ve had a good morning. I think I’ve been able to meet with the vast majority of you, exchanging conversation as Alaskans and as fellow lawmakers. Thank you for the time you have given me already, and for the hour that we will have this morning.
A lot of new faces, this is good to see. When you have a House with 10 new members, that’s impressive, this is good. And I love, and I will emphasize love, the fact that we have so many women in our House, more women than men. It has taken a little bit of time, but congratulations to all of you. I look forward to the many contributions that we will see.
At the same time that you see the new faces, there are many that I have known over the years. You have a few that I’ve actually served with. They’re more like friends and extended family. We’ve got Lyman back there in the corner. We’ve got Gary.
I know I’m supposed to be using your formal titles here, but you know, you look at these guys in their tenure here, these are the giants of the place. I think of you as the Ted Stevens and the Don Young of the Legislature. I’ll let you figure out which one’s which, but you’ve been around, been around a little bit of time.
Whether you’re new to public service or continuing this, thank you for stepping up. Thank you for engaging. Thank you for being in the arena at a time that our state needs each and every one of you.
So, for those of you that are new, you need to know, I start out every one of my legislative addresses, not talking about you, but talking about my family, because our families are so important to who we are and what we do.
When I got on the plane on Monday, coming out of Anchorage to come to Juneau, I run into Representative Costello, you, Mia, and I remembered when you first came to this body, your kids were young. They were about the same age as my kids were when I joined the Legislature. And I remember thinking mornings were when you’re leaving the kids and you’re saying, “have a good week,” instead of “have a good day at school.”
So, to each and every one of you who leave your families behind, or who bring them here and who uproot them to be part of this, thank you for what you do. Thank you for the sacrifice that you are making. Your children will be better because of your service. So, thank you for making those trips every Monday.
So, my family is doing well. The boys are good. They’re getting older, they’re both married. One is living in Anchorage, the other is living in Tennessee. They married great women. Verne is doing well, he is on both ends of the country, flying with me. We never fly on the same airplane, he’s always looking for more legroom, and I’m always so used to being squeezed into wherever I need to be.
My parents are well, thank you for inquiring. Dad is turning 91 here at the end of the month. They are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary at the end of this month, so they’re hanging in there.
As for me, I’ve spent a lot of time in Washington, DC this year. We’re beginning a new Congress and a new administration. This is actually our first recess of the year. Usually I come here during President’s Day, but this is our first recess that we have had, so you’re not going to find anyone that is happier about being home right now than me.
I wasn’t quite sure it was actually going to happen. We managed to avoid a government shutdown. That’s a good thing. But the end result was less than desirable. The Continuing Resolution that we will be operating under from now through the end of September is not what I would have hoped. We were dealing with a situation that I think was best described as a Morton’s Fork. For those of you who are not familiar with this term, it’s okay to look it up. Basically, it’s a choice between two equally bad options: a shutdown, which is never good, and a continuing resolution that doesn’t do much, if anything, to reduce the level of spending. It takes away the work we had done to identify what our priorities would be, and tells the administration, “here is the money,” but we’re not providing you with the details to administer it.
So, we’re moving forward and that’s going to be important. Beginning next week, we begin, in earnest, budget reconciliation. We can talk about it a little bit later if you want. But, before I get started, I want to recognize some of the good work that has gone on here, in this Legislature. Some of the good work that you are doing.
Representative Dibert, Senator Kawasaki, and Representative Carrick, I want to thank you for saying it loud and proud—it’s Denali. So, thank you for that. That resolution is really important. I thank you, I thank all 50 of you who voted for it.
Senators Wielechowski, Tobin, Cronk, and Hughes, Speaker Edgmon and Representatives Himschoot, Johnson, and Ruffridge, all of you who have been tackling K-12 funding with the Governor—thank you for what you’re doing there. I know this is hard, but there is nothing more important that we can do for Alaska’s future than focusing on our kids’ education. So, thank you for working through those hard things. I appreciate that.
To those of you who were part of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Alaska’s Seafood Industry, I’m not going to name all the names, but I was with you at the Commissioners’ task force meeting in January, and thank you for the good recommendations to help our fish, fishermen, fish processors, and coastal communities. Thank you. We need to take your recommendations and help you with implementation.
Senator Hughes, I appreciate what you’re doing on food security. These are important initiatives. I’m proud to support your work through the microgrants program I was able to create for Alaska, so there’s good work going on there.
Representative Stutes, Representative Tomaszewski, and all who supported HB 65—great work on your legislation for a new passenger dock in Seward and the economic development that will bring. Good work on so many of these initiatives that I appreciate.
On a personal level, Senator Olson and Representative Dibert, we’re glad you’re better and back to work. Glad to know that you are on the mend. I was able to earlier congratulate Representative Schrage on the birth of your daughter. So again, congratulations to you and your wife on the birth of your daughter, Emily.
Keep doing good work in all of these really important areas.
I’ve got some friends and colleagues in the gallery I want to introduce. I am going to try to introduce folks in the gallery because you might not be familiar with because they haven’t been in the gallery yet.
You’ve got a gentleman that is no stranger to you, Joe Plesha. He’s handling all of my communications. I don’t know whether we let him continue with the mustache, but I guess that’s who he is.
The gentleman seated on the end there, that is my Chief of Staff, Garrett Boyle. Garrett has been on my team now in this capacity since last April.
Next to Joe is Hali Gruber, who is my advisor for energy and natural resources. She was working previously for Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers on the House side, and did a great job over there. So, we were able to pick her up.
Next to her, we have my regional director here in Juneau, Kara Hollatz.
Next to Kara, we have Karina Waller. Karina has worked on the federal side for a long time before coming to me. She was with Senator Stevens a long time ago, btu has been heading up my state operations since last April.
So those are the new faces you’re going to see. You’re going to see more of my team wandering the halls, having meetings with you. This is a good opportunity for us, again, to start figuring where we can partner and work together.
I’m proud of the partnerships and relationships that we’re able to develop with one another. Don’t hesitate to call. Call me, call them, call all of us, get us engaged.
Back in Washington, DC, some of the things we’re doing there, we have made progress. It’s tough to sometimes think of what we did last year. It was an election year, right? Who was paying attention to anything about accomplishments. But we did.
One of the things I know Dan and I are particularly proud of is the effort we were able to advance across the finish line, which is to secure a commercially available icebreaker, and the Coast Guard’s commitment to homeport that vessel, called the Storis, here in Juneau.
We were able to secure cold weather pay for Alaska’s Air and Space Forces, and something that was quite personal to me, we were able to save the Alaska Air National Guard from cuts that would have cost 80 positions. That was really important.
We were able to secure $300 million for fishery disasters and passed legislation to reform the declaration process to work better for Alaska. This is something we need to keep doing more on. We’ve improved it, but the fact of the matter is the process still does not work for our fisherman, so we’re not letting up on that.
We broke ground on the Kenai Bluff Stabilization Project, this is one of many major infrastructure projects now underway around our state. This is one that many of you on the peninsula have been working on with us for a long time, so it’s good to see that going.
We were able to work with our military leaders to help Kake, Angoon, and Wrangell secure long overdue apologies for the bombings that wiped out their Native villages in the late 1800s. So, to be part of those ceremonies was quite impactful.
We increased funding to address natural hazards, including the landslides that continue to claim lives across Southeast. It’s great to see Jeremy Bynum here from Ketchikan, and to see the role that you played in your local government, and to see the impact that had on your community when we had a devastating loss just last year in Ketchikan.
We’ve been able to make some headway, finally, for better, more reliable weather observing systems, which we will deliver through the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative, but we have more that we need to be doing on that. After the devastating Bering Air crash outside Nome, I think we’re all rightly focused on what we can be doing on aviation safety.
Then on the Congressionally Directed Spending process, we were able to advance dozens of community priorities. This was everything from housing for Sitka to the expansion of the University’s program for nurses and the allied healthcare workforce.
Then we were able to finish up some things that have been outstanding for a long time. We secured nearly all funding needed for an Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Fairbanks. I remember when Representative Guttenberg started that ages ago. We’re putting a new roof on the Palmer Pioneer Home after years of delay, seeing the threats from heavy snowfalls. And, a personal one, this is big for Frank and Nancy Murkowski, we finally repainted the Wrangell Post Office. Sometimes you take your wins where you can.
We also have good news this week. I’ve told many of you in our conversations, but I’ve been working with Secretary Lutnick and Secretary Rubio, and I’m able to confirm that our fishermen will be able to get out on the water on Thursday for the black cod and halibut opener. That was caught up in a process that most fishermen will not know, they don’t care to know how the sausage is made, they just want to know they’ll be able to get out on the water and be able to do their fishing. We were able to do that for them, so that was a good win.
We’ve accomplished a lot, and it takes hard work from the delegation, from you, from our teams, and from Alaskans across our state. Before I move on, I want to acknowledge someone that, as I’m looking in the gallery, I see my friend and our Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Dahlstrom. Thank you for joining us. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you back there before, but I don’t want to skip over your contributions and those of the Governor, and all that you do when we talk about working together to make things happen. So, thank you.
It really is our people that make the difference. And that’s what I want to focus on today.
It’s not just the great Alaskans who make us proud at the Olympics, like Kristen Faulkner from Homer, or who receive top honors from the National Endowment for the Arts, like Chief Reverend Dr. Gilbert Trimble from Arctic Village.
It’s not just the Alaskans who run James Beard award-winning restaurants, like Carolina and Heidi and Patricia at Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage. Or those who have built institutions, like Jack Hébert did with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks. Or our military men and women, who we are proud to have serving in our state, and who come from all over the country.
We celebrate them all, as we should. But today, I want to talk about another set of people who make a difference, and these are Alaska’s federal employees. There are about 15,000 of them across our state. On a per capita basis, we have more than just about any state outside of Maryland and a couple of others. I want to give them the credit they are due—and express how disturbed I am by how they have been treated recently.
As I stand here, federal employees across Alaska are losing, or have lost, their jobs.
I can’t tell you with accuracy how many, because no one who has that information is either able to share it, or willing to share it.
What I do know is that these abrupt terminations have affected NOAA, the National Weather Service, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, USDA Rural Development, the VA, and other federal agencies.
These terminations are indiscriminate and many, we are learning, are unlawful. They are being made regardless of performance and with little understanding of the function and value of each position. At a human level, they are traumatizing people and leaving holes in our communities.
As one couple said to us, they’re not just losing their jobs, they’re losing their lives. They’re losing their community. We heard that yesterday in a discission with some terminated employees.
No one should feel good about that.
Now I agree, and every single person in this chamber would agree that the federal government is too big. The debt is now above $36 trillion. We’re spending more on interest than national defense. So, I support the mission behind DOGE, to find efficiencies in government. This is our responsibility—you need to find them at the state level, we need to find them at the federal level. And reductions in the federal workforce make absolute sense, but let’s do it in the right way.
Not like this.
The Trump administration’s approach lacks the type of planning you need to avoid unintended consequences, and it lacks the fundamental decency you need when dealing with real people. Public servants are not our enemies. They’re our friends and neighbors; they are integral to our economy and our ability to function as a state and as a country.
Their work may go underappreciated. Maybe we don’t know what it is they’re doing, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
Just because I don’t know who is processing my renewal for my passport, all I care about is getting it in a timely manner. I’ll never know that person. And I’ll never know that they’ve been working at that same job for twelve years, and it is not glamorous, but they show up, and they work, and they give me and you what we’re hoping for. So, I want us to think about the value that comes to us from these public servants.
Today, I asked if there was any update on Mount Spurr. We’re all wondering when she’s going to pop her top. Do we want to go back to the days of KLM Flight 867, which lost its engines and 14,000 feet of altitude after flying through a cloud of ash? I don’t want that.
In a few weeks, I think it’s April 14, thousands of tourists will arrive here on the first cruise ship of the season—do we really think one or two people can handle them all at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center? I was out there yesterday, and I don’t think a couple of people are going to be able to do it.
Do we no longer recognize that our weather forecasters save lives in our state?
Is it a good idea to fire the scientists who are tracking avian flu, given our status as a global flyway for migrating birds?
We had a conversation earlier this morning about the potential for a really bad fire season this year. With fire season starting yesterday, the earliest ever—do we really want to gut the support staff for the firefighters who will be on the front lines here?
I was able to visit with some folks yesterday, one was a NOAA fish biologist, he’s one of the guys doing the trawl surveys, which are so necessary to be able to give direction to the council on the management of our fisheries. The fish aren’t going to be able to save themselves. We need our fish biologists, our stream ecologists, they need our help.
I’m just as frustrated by the federal funding freeze—another area where Alaska faces disproportionate impact.
We have more than $1 billion in limbo, even though Congress approved the funding, a president signed it into law, and Alaskans secured these resources through competitive national processes.
Keep in perspective what’s being targeted will not put a dent in the deficit or balance the budget. But we’re going to see project costs go up. Construction seasons lost. Employees and contractors laid off. And we may lose some projects, entirely.
We worked for more than 20 years to get funding for Angoon’s Thayer Creek hydro project, and let me assure you, we are not about to let go of that. So, we have to keep working to advance all of this.
But again, this is happening indiscriminately, with little understanding of what projects mean for Alaska—how a small hydro project in the total scheme of things may not seem that substantial back in Washington, DC, but if you can reduce your reliance on expensive diesel in a community where you have no other option, don’t we want to encourage that? Making sure people understand the impacts, not only of a small little hydro project, but the impact on the victims of domestic violence who have no safe place to go.
I thank folks for weighing in. I kind of like this process, it can be a little unruly, a little rambunctious, but they are weighing in, and I welcome that. And then there are some very measured ways.
President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon, I got your letter. Senator Kiehl and Representatives Story and Hannan, I got yours, too. I accept the challenge. And I want you to know that I’m doing everything in my power to make the best of this.
We are engaging every day to identify where we are seeing challenges presented to us in Alaska, and ways we can work to address it and get it unlocked. I’ve been working directly with Cabinet Secretaries and folks at the White House. We are making some progress, and that’s good. But, a reminder: I’m one of three in the delegation. We all need your help. I can’t do my job alone.
When I ask you for these stories, when I ask you to share what you’re hearing from your folks back home, take us up on the offer. Don’t be afraid to give us too much. We can be more responsive and help more Alaskans when we do this all together. I’m opening the door to more work, but we’re going to pass it through both ways.
I also stood here in 2017 and said that as long as this Legislature wants to keep the Medicaid expansion, you should have that option.
My commitment remains to you. I did not support Medicaid cuts then, and I will not support them now. I know what it would mean to Alaskans, and I know what it would mean to you here in the Legislature. There may be some reasonable reforms we can make, and we have talked a little bit about them, about what we may be able to do in Medicaid, we do need to address the rising costs of these entitlement programs. But I just can’t be on board with anything that hurts our people or puts you in a budget hole.
Speaking of holes, I need to bring up a difficult subject: the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. The STIP. The reality is Alaska is on pace to wind up hundreds of millions of dollars short of where we could and should be. I’m not here to point fingers, that is not my job, but I can’t solve this one. And the longer it takes to sort out, the more our contractors and communities will lose. So, let’s be working on that.
The same goes for the Alaska Marine Highway System. We’re about to enter the final year of our bipartisan infrastructure law. We’ve delivered $700 million and counting for AMHS, but the system isn’t modernized. It’s not on track for the long-term. There’s a plan for that, but it’s a draft on paper. Unless the State steps up on capital and operating expenses, we’ll have wasted a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do right by all who depend on our ferries.
Senator Bjorkman, I know you get it, and I commend your work on the Transportation Committee on federal funding, AMHS, the STIP, and more.
When federal dollars are on the table, we need to go after them, especially as spending is constrained. And when the delegation manages to throw a lifeline, I’d hope the State grabs it and uses it to reach stable ground.
We have enough problems, without creating more for ourselves. But that seems to be what we are doing.
The environment in Washington, DC is, let’s just say…challenging.
Take tariffs: that’s the topic of the day back in Washington, DC. But you can’t talk about them in isolation and say, “Washington, DC.” We can talk about it our own state’s Capitol here, and the impact.
This afternoon I’m going to be meeting with folks from the Alaska Forest Association, and I am going to hear their concerns about tariffs, and what it may mean for some of our small operators down south from here, with China’s retaliatory tariffs.
We also have Canada threatening tolls on goods trucked to our state. Whether they make good on that, we have no idea, but now we’re talking about what will we have to do to insulate ourself from that, will we have to revamp the PVSA. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t anticipate that we would be dealing with this in March of 2025.
Or foreign policy, I think you’ve seen some of my comments, but I have been stunned by a turn of events that threatens to abandon Ukraine and collapse long-standing alliances from NATO to NORAD.
We have two close neighbors. We’ve got Russia over here, and Canada over here. How we came to a place where we are fighting with Canada and placating Russia is beyond me. As long as we have to send up fighter jets to chase off Russian Bear Bombers from our ADIZ, I won’t trust Putin, and I’m not going to be quiet, I will continue to stand up and speak out.
I want to acknowledge, it’s easy to stand here and say something, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of those who do get that call and who go up and lead on these intercepts. It’s the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron up north, and it’s our Air National Guard helping to facilitate these intercepts through their refueling mission. We should be so exceptionally proud of the men and women that are serving us, honoring us every day, and taking these threats that we see as just another day at work. They are my everyday heroes, and I’m just so very grateful.
You’ve heard me describe a few things from the Trump administration that I oppose. When I feel strongly about it, I am going to say something about it. But there are also plenty of areas where I agree with the President.
We do need to secure our borders. We do need to stop the flow of fentanyl. Our trade relationships aren’t always fair. The war in Ukraine does need to end, and I am encouraged that there may be some progress here that we will actually see that end. Our partners and allies do need to step up for themselves and the defense of democracy.
Things are going to be different, for the next two to four years or beyond. We’re already seeing that.
Some of it will be difficult—I’m acknowledging that Alaskans are out of jobs, projects are stuck or canceled, volatility in the markets, the potential for trade wars or the collapse of international partnerships, to name a few.
Some of it has been difficult for a while—like in our fisheries, which need every bit of help we can give amid Russia’s war on fish, trade manipulations, lawsuits from extreme environmental groups, and climate change. This has been hard.
But some of it is also going to be notably better. There are good people we can work with to do good things for Alaska.
On fisheries, as we push to bring back our fish and crab, we recognize we have the ability to modernize. We need to reinvest. We need to recapitalize an aging fleet. The President’s push for more domestic shipbuilding can be great for us, and it can extend to Ketchikan, Seward, and more. So, these are good areas of cooperation.
We also have a chance to grow our private sector and reduce our dependence on the federal government. We need to embrace that, because it will benefit and could define our economy, our budget, and our quality of life for a generation or more.
We can put Alaska back on the global map for energy and resource production. Turn the NPR-A back into a petroleum reserve, as it was designated by law decades ago. We need to tap into the rich resources beneath a small fraction of the non-wilderness Coastal Plain. Reverse the political decision to reopen and reject the Ambler Road.
We can get Graphite One through permitting. Produce antimony, copper, nickel, tungsten, tin, and other critical minerals. Restore our federal timber harvests to more than a single—but beautiful—Christmas tree in front of the U.S. Capitol. Lift public land orders, complete conveyances, and ensure our Alaska Native veterans receive their rightful allotments. We can not only approve, but build the life-saving road to King Cove that has been sought for so long.
All of that is now right in front of us—and we are working hard through every person and every process available to us, including budget reconciliation—but there’s more.
After years of skepticism and doubt, I think we have a real chance to move forward on an Alaska natural gas pipeline. The President mentioned it in his recent address to Congress, and he’s given the project an incredible lift.
Here in Alaska, Senator Sullivan and Governor Dunleavy have helped bring Japan, Korea, and Taiwan into the conversation. There is movement and there is reason for encouragement as we think about our natural gas resources. And I thank them for working this.
You know I hate LNG imports with the white-hot fury of a thousand suns, but I will acknowledge, just this once, that maybe we can take those lemons and use them as part of a bigger plan to export our North Slope reserves.
There’s so much we can begin to partner on. Again, though, I would remind you—every one of our opportunities depends on our people. People make it all happen. People allow us to be resilient.
Resource development. Road construction. Fishing and tourism. Everything.
Our opportunities, our industries, require people. They depend on the essential workers who build our houses, keep us healthy, and teach and watch the kids while we work. To bring it full circle, our opportunities also depend on functional government—the men and women who do the trawls and the surveys, who issue permits, maintain visitor facilities, forecast the weather, and a whole lot more.
We have incredible potential, but it will take all sorts of people, doing all sorts of things, to realize it.
A big part of my job is to make sure we have people in place at the federal level who will help us. And at the state level, it’s a big part of yours.
We need to grow our own, for every facet of life in Alaska, so we can grow as a state. We need to take care of our own, so that people can stay and build and enjoy their lives here. And that means we need to work together to knock down every barrier we find in housing, schooling, childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, the cost of living, the cost of energy, and everything else.
Through it all, we also need to treat people like people—because we are all Alaskans, we are all invested in the future of this great place, and we all contribute to it in our own way.
We must treat one another with the respect and dignity that we would wish to be treated with ourselves. So, I wish you all success in this session; we’ve got a lot of work to do. And I believe you will find it, if you keep the Alaskan people front and center in everything you do.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail to connect visitors and locals with the island’s unique coastal landscape
March 21, 2025 · Port Hood, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, creating jobs and strengthening communities. The Government of Canada is supporting eco-friendly, year-round tourism that creates memorable outdoor experiences while protecting the environment and growing the local economy.
New Coastal Trail Coming to Cape Breton
Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $3 million to the Municipality of the County of Inverness. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
This funding will help the municipality design and build the Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail, a 50-kilometre coastal trail in Cape Breton’s Northern Highlands. This project includes constructing overnight huts at three sites along the trail. Once completed, the trail will offer multi-day hikes, guided tours, and will expand possibilities for seasonal activities such as ski touring and snowshoeing. It is expected to attract visitors to stay and explore the region in all four seasons, enhance recreation opportunities for surrounding community members, and generate new tourism prospects for nearby businesses.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism, strengthening communities, and protecting natural spaces for future generations.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
March 21, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Transport Canada
Trade infrastructure and transportation corridors enable Canada to get its products to global markets. That is why the Government of Canada is making investments to open new potential markets through the Arctic and secure reliable surface transportation through northern Manitoba.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Honourable Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced an investment of $175 million over five years to support operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) and pre-development activities at the Port of Churchill, owned by Arctic Gateway Group (AGG).
AGG is a partnership of 29 First Nations and 12 isolated communities served by HBR in Northern Manitoba. The Hudson Bay Railway is critical to Indigenous reconciliation, connecting communities, and economic development, including the development of critical minerals and tourism, in northern Manitoba. Both the HBR and the Port of Churchill play an important role in ensuring supplies reach northern Manitoba and Nunavut.
Canada is strongest when we are united. There should be one Canadian economy, not thirteen. Creating one Canadian economy will create higher paying jobs, improve affordability, and strengthen our national security.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
FedNor funds will foster new and existing business development as well as adventure tourism
March 21, 2025 – Wawa, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, today announced a total FedNor investment of $1,825,250 in two projects in the Superior East and Algoma areas. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Of the total funds, $1,600,000 will go to the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation (SECFDC) in support of operating costs for the period of 2025 to 2029. The funding will help SECFDC provide business counselling and investment services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as leadership in community strategic planning, succession planning, and socio-economic development.
The remaining $225,250 of FedNor funds will support R&R Watson Inc. in renovating and expanding their Windy Point Lodge facility, a fly-in fishing and hunting destination resort. FedNor’s investment will enable the renovation and expansion of the main lodge, dock, and cabins. This project will allow Windy Point Lodge to accommodate both more guests and staff. As a fly-in fishing and hunting destination, the lodge will help expand regional tourism by drawing visitors from urban centres to nearby rural communities.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The visitor economy in the North East and the West Midlands is receiving a £1.35 million funding boost over the next year to help the regions attract even more tourists and investment to the UK.
The visitor economy in the North East and the West Midlands is set to benefit from a £1.35 million funding boost over the next year to help the regions attract even more tourists and investment to the UK.
The new funding, announced during English Tourism Week, will support the government’s ambition to welcome 50 million international visitors a year to the UK by 2030, as part of the Plan for Change.
The British tourism industry is worth £58 billion to the economy and employs millions of people around the country. But for the sector to keep growing it is crucial that all its different elements – from transport and accommodation to culture and sport events – are working together as efficiently as possible.
That is why the government has been working to improve the management of destinations across England so they can attract more visitors who stay for longer, and bring in more investment and opportunities to their areas.
As part of this, two regional pilot programmes have been running in the North East and West Midlands called Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs). The programmes have been looking at how we make it easier for people to visit those regions and enjoy a range of things to do when they are there, including great places to eat, shop and stay.
The pilots have already shown how a cross-regional approach can support the growth of the visitor economy by attracting more investment in attractions, hotels and connectivity, creating jobs and by marketing regions outside of London as destinations in their own right.
The government is now providing an extra £1.35 million of support so the pilots can operate for another year before assessing whether to roll the scheme out more widely. The extension will provide an opportunity to keep testing how a regional approach to managing the visitor economy can help drive visitor numbers, increase spending and create jobs.
Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
I want our tourism industry – and all the brilliant people who work in it – to thrive and to continue to attract millions of visitors to the UK each year.
To achieve this we have to make sure that regions across England have the support they need so they can better market their areas to tourists and attract more investment and events.
That’s why I’m delighted we are providing an extra £1.35 million over the next year so our Destination Development Partnerships can keep paving the way for an even brighter future for our visitor economy.
VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said:
This extension and further funding are testament to the success of the Destination Development Partnership (DDP) pilots in the West Midlands and the North East. It also demonstrates the central role that the DDP pilots, developed and supported by VisitEngland, have been playing in growing regional economies to deliver jobs and opportunities for local people, communities, and businesses.
These destination partnerships are ensuring that the West Midlands and the North East continue to be compelling destinations for both domestic and international visitors, as well as great places to live and work, now and in the future.
The DDP programme is as much about providing high-quality destinations for Brits who want to holiday in the UK as it is about attracting more international visitors.
Since the launch of the pilot in 2022, 11 new attractions have opened in the North East with a combined investment value of £13 million, alongside 60 new bars and restaurants. The pilot, run by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), has played a vital role in the completion of these projects by providing crucial data and information that boosted investor confidence and contributed to the scaling of investments.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
The North East is home to stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and bustling market towns, award-winning coastlines and beautiful countryside, all packed with world-class arts and culture – it’s why people in our region are so proud to call the North East home.
However, our region currently receives the lowest number of domestic and international visitors in England. As Mayor, I’m determined to change that and double the size of our visitor economy over the next decade, creating more jobs and opportunity, and attracting investment into our towns and cities.
To achieve that we need to shout louder and showcase our region. Working with the Government and NGI, that’s exactly what we will do – so more people discover what the North East has to offer and our region can stand tall on the national and international stage.
The West Midlands has also seen positive results, with the value of the region’s visitor economy increasing by 15% to £16.3 billion and more jobs than ever (143,988) supported by tourism since its DDP pilot, run by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), was launched in 2023. By September 2024, the pilot had generated £10 million through attracting business conferences and nearly £4 million from major sporting events for the region.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said:
Tourism is big business in the West Midlands – with record visitor numbers driving growth and creating good jobs for local people.
The government is backing my plan to keep investing in our cultural and creative industries and improving transport links so even more people come to enjoy the sights and hear the stories we have to tell.
I’m securing the West Midlands’ reputation as a world-class destination and delivering real benefits for our communities.
ENDS
Published 21 March 2025
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
Federal support for upgrades to Village musical acadien will enhance visitor experience
March 21, 2025 · Evangeline, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities. It also helps preserve and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The Government of Canada is investing to help a Prince Edward Island community share the vibrant traditions, culture and stories of the Acadian people.
Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a commitment of up to $284,200 to Village musical acadien in the Évangéline region, P.E.I. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Village musical acadien is a cultural hub that celebrates the region’s Acadian heritage through music, food and historic exhibitions. This contribution will help the village make upgrades to the interior and exterior of the property’s arrival area and install energy efficient lighting. These improvements will create a welcoming and memorable visitor experience.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a robust and sustainable tourism sector that showcases the diversity of Atlantic Canada.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on the WMO’s (World Meterological Organisation) announcement on World Day for Glaciers.
Dr Bethan Davies, Chair in Glaciology, Newcastle University, said:
“Worldwide, glaciers are shrinking. Everywhere we look, glaciers are getting smaller each year; they are melting and losing more ice than they are gaining from snowfall or other solid precipitation.
“The loss of glaciers is a loss for society. Glaciers are beautiful in their own right, forming some of our world’s most inspiring landscapes. They have a cultural importance, being revered by mountain and polar communities in different regions across the world. They have an economic importance and value; glaciers bring in funds through tourism and adventure travel. But most importantly, glaciers provide ecosystem services. As they melt, they maintain the river flow down-valley, especially in dry seasons and even more importantly in drought years. This melt eventually makes its way to the sea, where it contributes to global sea level rise.
“On World Day of the Glacier in the International Year of Glacier Preservation we may ask, what does it mean to ‘preserve’ glaciers?
“The most effective way to preserve glaciers is by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and curbing the rise in global heating. While we can hypothesise about potential glacier-geoengineering solutions, none of these are tested and may cause more harm than good. All would require substantial investment in inhospitable and often politically contested parts of the world; funds that would be better invested in clean energy and transport.
“I am pleased that the UN and WMO have brought glaciers to the forefront and highlighted their significance and importance to society. While they are an iconic image of climate change, they are so much more, providing water and ecosystem services, contributions to GDP through tourism, being an important cultural part of our landscape, and driving rising sea levels and increasing mountain hazards as they shrink. We must do more to ‘preserve’ them by immediately curbing carbon emissions and meeting the Paris agreement of 1.5 C of warming.”
Declared interests
Bethan Davies: none to declare
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
On March 19, Luohu introduced 31 innovation scenarios across six key sectors, including industrial upgrades, technological innovation, and cultural tourism. The district also unveiled two major action plans to accelerate technology and scenario-driven innovation.
By 2026, Luohu aims to establish a comprehensive scenario innovation system, selecting at least 50 benchmark projects with high scalability, opening over 500 scenario opportunities, and supporting more than 1,000 enterprises specializing in new technologies and products.
To build a robust tech innovation ecosystem, Luohu is launching incubators offering up to three years of free rent for eligible startups and rental subsidies for growth-stage firms. The district will also introduce talent incentives, including customized support for top-tier teams, funding for entrepreneurial leaders, and employment subsidies for young professionals and interns. Additionally, a new 10 billion yuan industrial promotion fund will boost investments in emerging industries.
Luohu is also advancing scenario-driven innovation with 31 projects set for implementation in 2025. Plans include a passenger flight hub at the border area, digital yuan applications, AI-powered logistics, and smart retail solutions. The district will pioneer AI in pharmaceuticals, intelligent medical robotics, and low-altitude drone logistics while expanding smart city initiatives such as autonomous shuttles, AI-managed parks, and urban air mobility services.
To support the AI industry, Luohu is developing a computing power center and a data repository, integrating resources from the education and healthcare sectors to create a standardized, intelligent, and open data hub. The district will also introduce “computing vouchers” to lower AI firms’ operational costs.
By combining policy incentives, cutting-edge infrastructure, and scenario-driven applications, Luohu aims to position itself as a premier innovation hub in the Greater Bay Area.
Source: China State Council Information Office
The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) has announced 10 measures to stimulate cultural and tourism consumption among workers to invigorate economic and social development further.
Key initiatives include distributing trade union consumption coupons, raising the standards for helping people in need, and increasing support for consumption assistance, according to the ACFTU.
It said these measures will enhance workers’ access to cultural, sports, and tourism services while improving welfare protection.
Grassroots unions are encouraged to issue annual consumption coupons for daily goods and cultural and tourism products.
In January, China’s State Council announced a series of measures to incentivize cultural and tourism consumption, such as offering more coupons and discounts for consumers and more cultural, arts-related and other relevant services at public institutions.
