Members of Parliament have backed a motion thanking President Yoweri Museveni for the State of the Nation Address, delivered to the House and country on June 5, 2025.
Hon. Faith Nakut (NRM, Napak district) who moved the motion during the House sitting on Thursday, 31 July 2025, highlighted the President’s achievements, including support for small businesses and increased national revenue. Legislators including Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality) and Hon. Jane Avur (NRM, Pakwach district), seconded the motion, citing economic growth, job creation, and macroeconomic stability.
Annually, Parliament debates and passes a motion appreciating the President for the clear and precise exposition of government policy as contained in the address.
The members praised the government’s initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, for transforming lives and boosting the economy. The MPs also commended the President’s efforts in promoting women’s leadership and stabilizing fuel prices.
“These interventions increased Ugandan participation in production and trade. More Ugandans are into business now,” Nakut said.
She added that national revenue has grown from Shs5 billion in 1986 to Shs31.9 trillion, while electricity generation has increased from 156 to 2,052 megawatts. She also praised the stabilisation of fuel prices and investment in mineral processing, which she said had created jobs and boosted the economy.
“In 1986, our economy was US$3.92 million. It is now projected to hit US$ 60.4 billion,” he said, noting that Uganda is expected to grow at 7 percent in the coming financial year.
He credited the government’s wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Project for transforming lives.
“Some people have touched a million shillings for the first time in their lives,” he said. On tourism, he cited growth in receipts from US$ 562 million in 2020 to US$ 1.4 billion in 2024, attributing the improvement to peace, infrastructure, and Uganda Airlines’ new international routes.
Hon. Jane Avur (NRM, Pakwach District Woman Representative) also seconded the motion, commending the President for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
“The Ugandan shilling has appreciated by 6.1 percent over the past year, and inflation is under control. Uganda has Africa’s second-lowest inflation rate over the past decade,” she said.
Avur emphasised the importance of price stability, calling it a “crucial enabler of investment and economic predictability.”
She also applauded export growth, noting a 26 percent increase to US$ 9.3 billion, and highlighted the impact on sectors like cosmetics, which employ over two million Ugandans, mostly women and youth.
Speaker Anita Among welcomed the contributions, saying, “We have a stable economy. We have peace. And when you look at the development that is coming up, it is out of the exports and services that are creating jobs.”
Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe (NRM, Mubende District) thanked the President for his role in promoting women’s leadership, noting that many women now hold key positions in government. “That came as a result of affirmative action,” she said, prompting applause from female MPs.
Speaker Anita Among welcomed the contributions, emphasizing the importance of a stable economy and peace in driving development.
The debate on the motion was deferred pending a statement in response to the President’s address from the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Shaheen’s bill would have clarified that the President does not have the authority to level sweeping tariffs through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but it was blocked from passage by Senate Republicans**
(Washington, DC) – Ahead of many of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs taking effect on Friday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, took to the Senate floor this evening to call for unanimous consent to pass her Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act and lead her colleagues in highlighting the devastating impacts the President’s trade war has on families, small businesses, American manufacturing and key trade partnerships across the world. If Senate Republicans had not blocked the move, Shaheen’s legislation would have clarified that the President does not have the authority to invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act(IEEPA) to level sweeping tariffs. ClickHEREto watch Shaheen’s remarks in full.
U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Shaheen to underscore the damaging effects of the Trump tariff taxes.
Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:
“Those tariffs are expected to add about $2,400 in costs for the average household per year. That’s why I introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hike on Imported Goods Act. This bill states clearly that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act cannot be used to place taxes on imports. If the President needs to block a dangerous product, he still can under my legislation. But if there is a real threat, I think we’d want to stop it, not just tax it. That’s what my bill does. It makes clear what a Federal Court has already found: that IEEPA, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, does not authorize tariffs. Passing my bill would give businesses and families more certainty to plan for the future, and to keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets.”
“Now we just saw a deal announced with the EU by the President and Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, forcing 15% taxes on imports. Now compare that to what we were paying in 2024 for at the same time. That was about 1.5%. So under this “great deal” that the President negotiated with the EU, Americans are going to be paying ten times what we paid last year. And with Japan, President Trump agreed to a 15% tax. That’s also ten times what we were paying last year. So, let’s not pretend that these are some big wins. The President can announce that, but they’re only a slight improvement on a crisis that the President created himself.”
“At a time when people are rightly worried about the rising cost of living, Trump’s tariffs amount to a tax to make everything from clothes to housing to food even more expensive. For example, last month, home prices hit a record high. And these tariffs could add more than $10,000 to the cost of a home. Coffee prices hit a record high earlier this year, and now President Trump wants to put a 50% tariff on Brazil, our largest source of coffee. As families do their back to school shopping, they’re going to see higher prices for clothing and shoes. Those prices could go up by 35% by the end of the year. And for new parents, just for example, the price of one stroller at Walmart went up 50% in two months.”
Full Remarks as Delivered
On Friday, we may be facing the next escalation in the President’s trade war. The tariffs that the President announced in April on virtually every country in the world are set to go into full effect tomorrow night at 12:01 AM.
Those tariffs are expected to add about $2,400 in costs for the average household per year.
That’s why I introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hike on Imported Goods Act. This bill states clearly that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act cannot be used to place taxes on imports. If the President needs to block a dangerous product, he still can under my legislation.
But if there is a real threat, I think we’d want to stop it, not just tax it. That’s what my bill does. It makes clear what a Federal Court has already found: That IEEPA, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, does not authorize tariffs.
Passing my bill would give businesses and families more certainty to plan for the future, and to keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets.
Virtually every business in New Hampshire that I’ve visited since the President announced his proposed tariffs has said that, in addition to the tariffs, the uncertainty is as difficult for them as the tariffs.
So, I’m disappointed that Senator Crapo decided to block this commonsense legislation. Sadly, I’m not surprised.
But this bill would do so much to help families and businesses in all of our states. It would shield them from higher costs.
And we’ve been hearing about some of these deals that Senator Crapo referred to that have been reached with the EU and Japan. But let’s be clear about what those deals mean, because even after those deals, those “agreements”, trade agreements, Americans are going to be left paying dramatically higher tariffs.
A new analysis this week found that we will be paying the highest tariffs since the Great Depression. And we saw what those tariffs before the Great Depression contributed to.
Now we just saw a deal announced with the EU by the President and Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, forcing 15% taxes on imports.
Now compare that to what we were paying in 2024 for at the same time. That was about 1.5%. So under this “great deal” that the President negotiated with the EU, Americans are going to be paying ten times what we paid last year.
And with Japan, President Trump agreed to a 15% tax. That’s also ten times what we were paying last year.
So, let’s not pretend that these are some big wins. The President can announce that, but they’re only a slight improvement on a crisis that the President created himself.
At a time when people are rightly worried about the rising cost of living, Trump’s tariffs amount to a tax to make everything from clothes to housing to food even more expensive.
For example, last month, home prices hit a record high. And these tariffs could add more than $10,000 to the cost of a home.
Coffee prices hit a record high earlier this year, and now President Trump wants to put a 50% tariff on Brazil, our largest source of coffee.
As families do their back to school shopping, they’re going to see higher prices for clothing and shoes.
Those prices could go up by 35% by the end of the year.
And for new parents, just for example, the price of one stroller at Walmart went up 50% in two months.
And there are countless more products that are facing higher prices.
So let’s be clear: These tariffs do nothing to bring down costs. And in fact, I could add, as I said earlier in this statement, about $2,400 to the average household’s yearly expenses.
That’s money that most families don’t have just lying around. We have all of those costs from these tariffs. And yet at this moment, 30 hours from when the tariffs are going to go into effect, we still have seen no official notice implementing any of these deals.
And that includes, by the way, no clarity on whether prescription drugs coming from Europe will face a 15% tariff starting in two days.
I had a chance to meet with a pharmaceutical company this week, and they were lamenting what the impact was going to be on prescription drug prices because of the tariffs from the EU.
Last Friday, I visited the Brueckner Group in New Hampshire. They supply equipment to domestic manufacturers and import some of their specialized machines, which they make in Europe.
The machines they bring in are sold to manufacturers here in the U.S. to make everything from IV bags to toothpaste containers. They have 80 employees in the U.S., and far more work on their machines at other companies across the country.
They saw orders put on hold in April, and further investments in the U.S. are delayed because they can’t be certain what the tariffs are going to be that they might face.
So they told me that even worse than the tariffs in some way, is the uncertainty that’s been created, the chaos that’s been created by President Trump’s announcements because people don’t know how to plan. Businesses don’t know what to invest in.
I believe in supporting domestic manufacturing. It’s New Hampshire’s third largest industry, but half of all imports are raw materials and intermediate goods. The very things that domestic manufacturers rely on.
Instead of supporting domestic manufacturing, these trade policies are making future American manufacturing more expensive. And furthermore, they’re threatening jobs.
You know, my husband and I started out our married life owning and operating a small business. I know the hardest part of small businesses is growing and sustaining those businesses when you’re uncertain about what’s going to happen. And that’s what these tariffs create. As I heard, Brueckner Group USA, as I’ve heard of every business I’ve visited.
When I visited Brueckner four days ago, we had a 10% tax on everything imported from the EU, and at the time, that was set to jump to 30% this Friday. Then Sunday we saw an agreement to set the tax at 15%, but with unclear exceptions to that tax. Like as I heard from the pharmaceutical company, with prescription drugs.
I also heard from Flight Coffee Roasters in Bedford, New Hampshire. They’re worried about the President’s threat to place new tariffs on Brazil because they’ve already been paying a 10% markup on coffee because of these tariffs. Now they’re facing a 50% tax on Brazilian coffee starting on Friday, and they have no choice but to charge consumers more.
Their most popular product comes from Brazil. So this is a big hit to their business. And they can’t be sure how this is going to impact their sales.
And we should be clear, the U.S. has a trade surplus with Brazil.
This threat is just because the President wants Brazil’s independent judiciary to stop the prosecution of Brazil’s former President.
How is any business supposed to plan for that kind of rationale and for those kinds of swings?
They need to secure financing. They need to place orders. They need to invest in order to grow in the months and years ahead.
But building a new plant and moving production takes time. In some cases, it takes years.
So how can companies plan when they don’t even know whether the Trump tax, his tariff, is going to be 10% or 30% or something in between or something higher?
New Hampshire’s in a housing crisis. How can builders plan their costs when no one can tell them if there’s going to be a new 30 or even 50% tax on their materials come Friday?
And how can a family already struggling with high costs continue to pay the rent and put food on the table if their household expenses are going up $2,400 this year?
And now, on Friday, the administration is planning to make the good businesses and families need 10 or 30 or 40 or 50% more expensive overnight.
This President promised to lower the price of everything: Groceries, rent, energy. What these tariffs do is just the opposite.
And we’re hearing a lot of positive spin from the administration about the deals that they’re striking. But let me end by making two points.
First, we heard a lot of talk about 90 deals in 90 days. Well, we’re way past that deadline. And we’ve seen six, count them, six announcements. And it’s not even clear that Vietnam has actually agreed to what the President announced.
Second, I want to remind all of us that these deals all force Americans and American businesses to pay a tax rate that is far higher than what we saw before the President engaged in this trade war.
I talked earlier about how for both Europe and Japan, Americans will face a tax that’s ten times higher than we paid last year. That same trend holds across every deal he’s announced.
With Indonesia, he agreed to a 19% tax, four times what we paid last year. With the Philippines, a 20% tax, up from 1.3%. So 15 times what we paid last year. And for the UK, where we have a trade surplus, again, a trade surplus, he agreed to a 10% tariff, again ten times what we paid in 2024.
So we should be very clear: All of these rates are an increase from what Americans have been paying since April.
This President has raised average tariffs from 2.5% to more than 17%, the highest level since the Great Depression.
Again and again, he is adding cost to American families and businesses. And what are these costs for? They’re to finance tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, for the biggest corporations.
The end result of the President’s art of the deal on trade is higher costs for families, uncertainty for businesses and alienated allies who no longer view America as a reliable partner to do business with.
Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Last week, Shaheen helped introduce bipartisan legislation, Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from the sweeping tariffs imposed on Canadian products. Last month, Shaheen led 30 Senators in filing an amicus brief in a key case, Oregon v. Department of Homeland Security, challenging the Trump Administration’s abuse of emergency powers to impose tariffs. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act.
In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to discuss the impact of tariffs on New Hampshire’s tourism industry and to visit businesses impacted by President Trump’s trade war including Brueckner Group USA, Colby Footwear, Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings.
China’s already vast infrastructure programme has entered a new phase as building work starts on the Motuo hydropower project.
The dam will consist of five cascade hydropower stations arranged from upstream to downstream and, once completed, will be the world’s largest source of hydroelectric power. It will be four times larger than China’s previous signature hydropower project, the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtse river in central China.
The Chinese premier, Li Qiang, has described the proposed mega dam as the “project of the century”. In several ways, Li’s description is apt. The vast scale of the project is a reflection of China’s geopolitical status and ambitions.
Possibly the most controversial aspect of the dam is its location. The site is on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau. This is connected to the Brahmaputra river which flows into the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh as well as Bangladesh. It is an important source of water for Bangladesh and India.
Both nations have voiced concerns over the dam, particularly since it can potentially affect their water supplies. The tension with India over the dam is compounded by the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has been a focal point of Sino-Indian tensions. China claims the region, which it refers to as Zangnan, saying it is part of what it calls South Tibet.
At the same time, the dam presents Beijing with a potentially formidable geopolitical tool in its dealings with the Indian government. The location of the dam means that it is possible for Beijing to restrict India’s water supply.
This potential to control downstream water supply to another country has been demonstrated by the effects that earlier dam projects in the region have had on the nations of the Mekong river delta in 2019. As a result, this gives Beijing a significant degree of leverage over its neighbours.
One country restricting water supply to put pressure on another is by no means unprecedented. In fact in April 2025, following a terror attack by Pakistan-based The Resistance Front in Kashmir, which killed 26 people (mainly tourists), India suspended the Indus waters treaty, restricting water supplies to Pakistani farmers in the region. So the potential for China’s dam to disrupt water flows will further compound the already tense geopolitics of southern Asia.
Concrete titans
The Motuo mega dam is an advertisement of China’s prowess when it comes to large-scale infrastructure projects. China’s expertise with massive infrastructure projects is a big part of modern Chinese diplomacy through its massive belt and road initiative.
This involves joint ventures with many developing nations to build large-scale infrastructure, such as ports, rail systems and the like. It has caused much consternation in Washington and Brussels, which view these initiatives as a wider effort to build Chinese influence at their expense.
The completion of the dam will will bring Beijing significant symbolic capital as a demonstration of China’s power and prosperity – an integral feature of the image of China that Beijing is very keen to promote. It can also be seen as a manifestation of both China’s aspiration and its longstanding fears.
Harnessing the rivers
The Motuo hydropower project also represents the latest chapter of China’s long battle for control of its rivers, a key story in the development of Chinese civilisation.
France 24 report on the construction of the mega dam project.
Such struggles have been embodied in Chinese mythology in the form of the Gun-Yu myth. This tells the story of the way floods displaced the population of ancient China, probably based on an actual flooding at Jishi Gorge on the Yellow River in what is now Qinghai province in 1920BC.
This has led to the common motif of rivers needing human control to abate natural disaster, a theme present in much classical Chinese culture and poetry.
The pursuit of controlling China’s rivers has also been one of the primary influences on the formation of the Chinese state, as characterised by the concept of zhishui 治水 (controlling the rivers). Efforts to control the Yangtze have shaped the centralised system of governance that has characterised China throughout its history. In this sense, the Motuo hydropower project represents the latest chapter in China’s quest to harness the power of its rivers.
Such a quest remains imperative for China and its importance has been further underlined by the challenges of climate change, which has seen natural resources such as water becoming increasingly limited. The Ganges river has already been identified as one of the world’s water scarcity hotspots.
As well as sustaining China’s population, the hydropower provided by the dam is another part of China’s wider push towards self-sufficiency. It’s estimated that the dam could generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year – about the same about produced by the whole UK. While this will meet the needs of the local population, it also further entrenches China’s ability to produce cheap electricity – something that has enabled China to become and remain a manufacturing superpower.
Construction has only just begun, but Motuo hydropower project has already become a microcosm of China’s wider push towards development. It’s also a gamechanger in the geopolitics of Asia, giving China the potential to exert greater control in shaping the region’s water supplies. This in turn will give it greater power to shape the geopolitics of the region.
At the same time, it is also the latest chapter of China’s longstanding quest to harness its waterways, which now has regional implications beyond anything China’s previous dynasties could imagine.
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Tom Harper 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.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On the agenda: the results of a working trip to the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts, writing off debt on budget loans to regions, and increasing the grace period for mortgage payments upon the birth of a second child.
Opening remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:
Good afternoon, dear colleagues!
Before we move on to the agenda of today’s Government meeting, I would like to talk about the results of the trip to Omsk Oblast, which became the final point of our major working trip to the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts.
The region is developing. Significant infrastructure is being actively built, including transport infrastructure, which is part of the high-speed automobile route “Russia” – from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. It is necessary to complete all planned work within the established deadlines.
We visited several healthcare and educational facilities. We made a number of decisions on the hospital and clinic for war veterans so that participants in the special military operation could undergo treatment and recovery in comfortable conditions. Comprehensive support for our heroes is one of the key priorities of the Government.
We got acquainted with the course of the admission campaign at Omsk University. We will help with equipping its main building with educational equipment. We will allocate additional funds for major repairs of dormitories.
The region presented its initiative to create an inter-university campus. The modern educational space will become a point of attraction for talented young people. This will be decided within the framework of the competition of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Participants of the meeting
List of participants of the Government meeting, July 31, 2025
In September, the first branch of a foreign university in our country, the Kazakh National University, will begin teaching students in Omsk. Almost everything is ready for its opening. We will continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of higher education and scientific research.
In the Amur Region, we inspected how the reconstruction of the airport complex is being carried out, the expansion of the road that leads to the airport – the most important objects for the region and residents. Here I would ask, Vitaly Gennadyevich (addressing V. Savelyev), you, the Ministry of Transport to monitor the timing and progress of the work.
We also visited the customs and logistics terminal and the checkpoint on the border with China – Kani-Kurgan. I know how Vitaly Gennadyevich was actively involved in this. This will be a model checkpoint, to which we distribute, among other things, technological solutions built on domestic software products.
Completion of its construction will increase the volume of transportation on the new bridge crossing over the Amur River. This is only part, I will say again, of the large work on developing cross-border logistics. Almost 180 billion rubles have been allocated for the modernization of points in the next three years, taking into account the prospective trade turnover and priority areas for the country.
The most important thing now is that plans for launching such facilities in the region and throughout the country as a whole are implemented clearly and on time.
In the Trans-Baikal Territory, in Chita, a separate meeting was held on issues of grain export development.
Our own production covers our domestic needs. Let me remind you that Russia is a world leader in wheat and barley supplies abroad. The potential is even higher. It is important to fully realize it. We will continue to support our farmers, expand port capacities, and create the necessary infrastructure for both storage and transportation of products.
Oksana Nikolaevna (addressing O. Lut), I would like to ask you to create additional opportunities for domestic agricultural producers to enter foreign markets.
I know there are a number of questions. I also want to tell the members of the Government that we need to help our exporters in this regard.
This is also necessary to increase the competitiveness of our economy and to fulfill the task approved by the President to increase exports of the Russian agricultural sector.
We also inspected the perinatal center in Chita. The national project “Family” provides for its re-equipment already this year. Equipment is being received so that both mothers and babies receive modern treatment.
This work continues throughout the country. In just six years, advanced equipment will be delivered to 142 perinatal centers, including nine federal ones.
In Transbaikalia, major repairs are also being carried out at medical institutions, and a number of new ones are being created.
Mikhail Albertovich (addressing M. Murashko), as we agreed, we need to monitor the construction deadlines to ensure their timely opening. This is very important for people. We need to interact more actively with colleagues from the region in this area.
Issues of improving healthcare infrastructure were also given attention during a working visit to the Altai Republic. There, under the national project “Long and Active Life”, a hospital admissions department was built using federal funds. High-tech medical care will become even more accessible to local residents. It is in demand there.
With the head of this Russian subject, Andrey Anatolyevich Turchak, we discussed in detail the progress of the implementation of the individual program of socio-economic development, which, by decision of the President, was formed until 2030.
We also looked separately at how projects that are important for people are being implemented, including those to strengthen transport connectivity. Roads, bridges, and crossings are being repaired. The airport is being modernized. This is also important given the significant growth in tourist flow to this region. Travelers come there from all over Russia and from abroad. In early July, a separate domestic terminal opened in Gorno-Altaisk, and last week, a new international one, in line with all standards. Its first visitors were guests of the International Environmental Conference, in which we took part.
Together with our colleagues – heads of government of a number of countries, during the plenary session we exchanged a vision of joint work to protect the environment in the interests of the present and future generations. We will strengthen cooperation in this important area.
In our country, environmental well-being has been approved by the President as one of the national goals. We will continue to do everything necessary to achieve it. First of all, if we list the priorities, this is the conservation of forests, water bodies, rare species of animals and plants, the development of protected areas. We will also continue to form a closed-loop economy.
The Ministry of Natural Resources needs to expand cooperation with foreign partners in all these areas. Establish an exchange of best practices, create conditions for ecotourism – all the colleagues who spoke spoke about this – so that more people could see pristine nature.
And I would also like to say that the topic of ecology and environmental protection is very important for our colleagues from the CIS countries.
This topic is also relevant for the Altai Territory. We discussed this in detail with Governor Viktor Petrovich Tomenko. In the region, with the support of the federal budget, transport accessibility is being improved, and the infrastructure needed for travelers is being formed. Without a doubt, this work should be continued.
Colleagues, I ask all area curators to constantly monitor how the implementation of projects is proceeding locally.
I would like to separately mention one important issue that I discussed with the governors of the Amur Region and the Zabaikalsky Krai – emergency situations caused by forest fires.
The situation has now stabilized. But the fight against the fire required the involvement of additional forces – specialists, heavy equipment, aviation. In connection with which, of course, the costs of the necessary measures have increased. An order has been prepared to provide almost 1.4 billion rubles to these regions, as well as to Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Republic of Buryatia. These funds will be used to compensate for the costs of extinguishing the fires.
It is difficult to predict fire situations and their intensity accurately, but I ask the leadership of regions where such cases are not uncommon to pay special attention to prevention. There should be no threats to people’s health and safety. And at the same time, of course, it is necessary to monitor the efficiency of spending budget funds.
The government continues to stimulate economic development in Russian regions. To do this, we are reducing the financial burden, primarily for those who actively attract investment and build infrastructure. For them, on the instructions of the President, we have provided the opportunity to write off two-thirds of the debt on budget loans. The corresponding rules were adopted in February.
Today, we will write off such loans for eight more regions in the amount of over 47.27 billion rubles. These are the republics of Kalmykia and Karelia, as well as the Voronezh, Kirov, Kemerovo, Moscow, Smolensk and Tver regions. They previously allocated funds for the implementation of national projects, improvement of housing and utilities, resettlement of citizens from dilapidated housing, support for industry and other purposes.
Such a decision on debts should have a positive impact on the budget system of these territories, on the dynamics of their development, which will contribute to the fulfillment of many tasks, including social issues.
And also – about supporting families with children. This is one of the key priorities of the Government’s work, which the head of state has repeatedly drawn attention to. A number of measures have been taken on his instructions. Today we will supplement them with another one.
A bill has been prepared that is intended to reduce the burden on parents paying off a mortgage. Currently, when a child is born, the borrower is entitled to a six-month credit holiday if his or her income has decreased by more than 20%, and the costs of servicing the loan exceed 40% of average monthly income.
Now, for those who have given birth to or adopted a second or subsequent child, the grace period will be increased to one and a half years. At the same time, interest on the principal debt will be charged only from the 7th to the 18th month. And they can be paid not immediately, but after the obligations under the current agreement are paid off. In equal parts and with the same frequency as before.
This will support families during the most difficult period, when one of the parents is caring for a child and is unable to go to work. And of course, we expect that together with other current measures, this will affect the demographic situation in the country as a whole.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In June, prices fell or remained unchanged in 17 Russian regions, in 42 they rose less than in May, and in the rest, price growth accelerated.
Food prices increased moderately in June, and vegetables and fruits became cheaper even more significantly than usual in the season. Eggs and butter continued to become cheaper, and sugar prices decreased. At the same time, tea, coffee and cocoa became more expensive faster.
Among non-food products, the most noticeable decline in price was in equipment and electronics. Demand for these products was falling primarily due to the cooling of lending. The strengthening of the ruble also contributed.
The growth in prices for services remained high, but was much less than in May. In particular, household, medical services, and foreign tourism services increased in price less.
Annual inflation fell in 68 regions of the country in June. The Bank of Russia will continue to reduce price growth, maintaining high rates. According to the forecast, annual inflation will return to 4% in 2026 and remain close to this level in the future.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Bicameral lawmakers warn Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UG) that they have put American veterans at risk of criminal and civil liability for de facto “military operations” in Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) in leading an effort to demand answers from U.S.-based security companies, Safe Reach Solutions, LLC (SRS) and UG Solutions, LLC (UG) about their activities in Gaza, which according to press reports, include using lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites.
The lawmakers warned SRS and UG that the companies and personnel—many of them American military veterans hired as private security contractors—may be subject to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation. The lawmakers also requested the preservation of all documents and communication related to the security companies’ contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
“We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.”
The lawmakers continued: “As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.”
Read and download the letter here and below:
Mr. Govoni, Mr. Reilly,
We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation.
Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.
As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.
Even before the latest revelations, press had reported on Israeli military actions that include the wanton destruction of civilian homes, the use of human shields, rules of engagement resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, and blockage of medicine and food. More than 50,000 children have already been killed or injured in Gaza, and as we write, infant boys and girls are starving to death. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response to a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike, is reported to have said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reported to have said, “Gaza will be totally destroyed… They will be totally despairing… and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.” As a result of these actions, U.S. allies have already cut off the supply of offensive weapons to Israel.
We, therefore, ask that you urgently respond to the following questions:
What are the Rules of Engagement currently in effect for your staff in Gaza and what is the nature of their command-and-control relationship with Israeli military officers and government officials?
Did you inform your investors and staff prior to their departure from the United States that they are subject to U.S. criminal law prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation, including under the War Crimes Act? And further, that they could be held legally responsible for crimes by Israeli forces when those actions were enabled or facilitated by your operations?
Did you inform prospective staff and investors that they could face civil suits upon return to the United States under the Torture Prevention Act by Americans and the families of Americans harmed in Gaza?
Did you inform your staff that the International Criminal Court and third states may exercise jurisdiction over war crimes in Gaza and that they could consider your American staff as combatants for purposes of liability, potentially limiting future freedom of travel to other countries?
How is your organization documenting activities in Gaza and what happens to that data? We request that you preserve all documents and communications related to your contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
We respectfully request a response withing two weeks.
Sincerely,
CC:
Charles J. Africano (“Chuck”/“Joe”), Safe Reach Solutions (SRS)
Kevin Sullivan, UG Solutions
Jennifer C, UG Solutions
Lou Rassey, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Brian Grogan, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ravi Shah, Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Joel Revill, Chief Executive Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Albert Forkner, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Dustin Sventy, Chief Investment Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Services exports in Europe and North America increased by only 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, down from 8% and 11% respectively in the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, strong growth was sustained in Asia at 9%.
The overall slowdown in services trade was mainly due to “Other commercial services,” a category that encompasses a wide variety of mostly digitally deliverable services ranging from financial to professional services (Chart 1). In 2024, “Other commercial services” accounted for some 60% of global services trade, with Europe contributing 40% of those exports (Chart 2).
Chart 1: Commercial services trade growth by main sector, 2024Q1-2025Q1 Year-on-year % change
Note: Services trade measured as exports. Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates.
Chart 2: Structure of world exports of commercial services, 2024 % shares
Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates.
Chart 3 shows a deceleration across selected subsectors of “Other commercial services” in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period of 2024. Growth in “Other business services,” covering various professional, technical and trade-related services, as well as research and development services, moderated. The United States posted a subdued 4% year-on-year increase in “Other business services” following an 8% expansion in the same period of 2024. Exports by the European Union remained flat in US dollar terms, although they rose by 4% when measured in euros.
Financial services exports grew by only 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting reduced investment activity amid increased global economic uncertainty. The sector was also affected by exchange rate movements, which dampened US dollar-denominated growth. Exports from both the European Union and the United States rose just 2% year-on-year while Switzerland’s exports fell by 3%. The United Kingdom, on the contrary, posted a robust 10% year-on-year increase sustained by double digit growth in exports to the United States (+13%).
Intellectual property related services expanded by 4% year-on-year in the first three months of 2025 in comparison with a 7% growth in the same quarter of 2024. Global trade in IP-related services remains highly concentrated, with the European Union and the United States accounting for nearly 70% of exports in 2024. EU exports, measured in US dollars, rose by just 3% year-on-year, held back by exchange rate volatility, despite stronger underlying growth of 6% in euro terms.
Global construction exports fell by 15% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reversing part of the strong 25% growth recorded during the same period in 2024. The decline reflects weaker performance across several key economies, including China (-25%), which alone accounted for over 28% of global construction exports in 2024, the Republic of Korea (-15%), and the European Union (-6%). The downturn in the first quarter likely reflects delayed investment due to uncertainty and rising costs.
Computer services exports were only marginally affected by the broader slowdown, as strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and cybersecurity solutions continued to drive growth. This momentum is expected to persist, supported by ongoing business adaptation to new technologies and rising consumer preferences for digital services. During the period, India’s computer services exports grew by 13%, while Ireland recorded a 9% increase.
Chart 3: Other commercial services exports by selected subsector, 2024 and Q1 2025 Year-on-year % change
Note: Sectors are ranked according to their relative share in services trade in 2024. Source: WTO estimates for Q1 2025 and Q1 2024; WTO-UNCTAD estimates for 2024.
As for the other main sectors of commercial services, global transport exports were up 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, following rapid growth especially in the third and fourth quarter of 2024 due to frontloading. Asia recorded the fastest growth, up 10%, driven by a 31% rise in China, while Singapore and the Republic of Korea posted modest gains of 2%. Payments for shipping services increased by 19% in South and Central America and the Caribbean, as demand for goods surged.
Despite a difficult economic and geopolitical context, international travel expanded by 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. For the first time since the pandemic, international tourist arrivals were 3% above 2019 levels according to UN Tourism data. In Asia, travel receipts grew by 13%, driven by China (+96%), Viet Nam (+33%), Japan (+25%) and Thailand (+18%) as tourism continues to recover in the region. By contrast, North America’s travel receipts fell by 1%.
Services trade performance varied across major traders in the first five months of 2025 according to available monthly statistics. Double digit exports growth was recorded in Asian economies such as China (+13%, through June), India (+12%) and Japan (+11%). In North America, the United States and Canada saw diverging trends. US service exports rose by 5%, while Canada recorded a 6% decline. The EU’s service exports to non-member countries rose by 3%, while imports from outside the Union grew more sharply, increasing by 6%. The United Kingdom recorded marked growth, with exports up 9% and imports rising by 13%.
Chart 4: Services export and import growth of selected economies, January-May 2025 Year-on-year % change
Note: Statistics for Brazil, China and Pakistan refer to January-June. Source : National sources and Eurostat.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer.
The Spokesman for the Presidency,Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call touched on the distinguished ties between Egypt and the United Kingdom. Both sides agreed to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields, particularly economic, trade, tourism, and education, in addition to supporting joint investment projects.
The call reviewed regional developments. The President reiterated that Egypt welcomes the British prime minister’s statements regarding the United Kingdom’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine. It was also emphasized that this step would represent a positive impetus toward restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, mainly the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Both sides emphasized that a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue through the establishment of an independent state is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
During the call, President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s vision for achieving calm and ending the war in the Gaza Strip, highlighting Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages and captives, as well as the importance of beginning the reconstruction process in the Strip as soon as possible.
President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s firm position of rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)
July 31, 2025
Bicameral lawmakers warn Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UG) that they have put American veterans at risk of criminal and civil liability for de facto “military operations” in Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro(TX-20) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in leading an effort to demand answers from U.S.-based security companies, Safe Reach Solutions, LLC (SRS) and UG Solutions, LLC (UG) about their activities in Gaza, which according to press reports, include using lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites.
The lawmakers warned SRS and UG that the companies and personnel—many of them American military veterans hired as private security contractors—may be subject to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation. The lawmakers also requested the preservation of all documents and communication related to the security companies’ contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
“We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel—American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.”
The lawmakers continued: “As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel—or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.”
Read and download the letterhereand below:
Mr. Govoni, Mr. Reilly,
We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation.
Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.
As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.
Even before the latest revelations, press had reported on Israeli military actions that include the wanton destruction of civilian homes, the use of human shields, rules of engagement resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, and blockage of medicine and food. More than 50,000 children have already been killed or injured in Gaza, and as we write, infant boys and girls are starving to death. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response to a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike, is reported to have said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reported to have said, “Gaza will be totally destroyed… They will be totally despairing… and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.” As a result of these actions, U.S. allies have already cut off the supply of offensive weapons to Israel.
We, therefore, ask that you urgently respond to the following questions:
What are the Rules of Engagement currently in effect for your staff in Gaza and what is the nature of their command-and-control relationship with Israeli military officers and government officials?
Did you inform your investors and staff prior to their departure from the United States that they are subject to U.S. criminal law prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation, including under the War Crimes Act? And further, that they could be held legally responsible for crimes by Israeli forces when those actions were enabled or facilitated by your operations?
Did you inform prospective staff and investors that they could face civil suits upon return to the United States under the Torture Prevention Act by Americans and the families of Americans harmed in Gaza?
Did you inform your staff that the International Criminal Court and third states may exercise jurisdiction over war crimes in Gaza and that they could consider your American staff as combatants for purposes of liability, potentially limiting future freedom of travel to other countries?
How is your organization documenting activities in Gaza and what happens to that data? We request that you preserve all documents and communications related to your contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
We respectfully request a response withing two weeks.
Sincerely,
CC:
Charles J. Africano (“Chuck”/“Joe”), Safe Reach Solutions (SRS)
Kevin Sullivan, UG Solutions
Jennifer C, UG Solutions
Lou Rassey, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Brian Grogan, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ravi Shah, Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Joel Revill, Chief Executive Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Albert Forkner, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Dustin Sventy, Chief Investment Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Duncan Caillard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Jason Momoa’s historical epic Chief of War, launching August 1 on Apple TV+, is a triumph of Hawaiians telling their own stories – despite the fact their film and TV production industry now struggles to be viable.
The series stars Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones) as Kaʻaina, an ali’i (chief) who fights for – and later rises against – King Kamehameha I during the bloody reunification of Hawaii.
Already receiving advance praise, the nine-episode first season co-stars New Zealand actors Temeura Morrison, Cliff Curtis and Luciane Buchanan, alongside Hawaiian actors Kaina Makua, Brandon Finn and Moses Goods.
A passion project for Momoa, the Hawaiian star co-created the series with writer Thomas Pa’a Sibbett after years in development. With a reported budget of US$340 million, it is one of the most expensive television series ever produced.
It is also a milestone in Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) representation onscreen. Controversially, however, the production only spent a month in Hawaiʻi, and was mostly shot in New Zealand with non-Hawaiian crews.
Momoa has even expressed an interest in New Zealand citizenship, but the choice of location is more a reflection of the troubled state of the film industry in Hawaiʻi. On the other hand, it is a measure of the success of the New Zealand screen industry, with potential lessons for other countries in the Pacific.
Ea o Moʻolelo – story sovereignty
Set at the turn of the 19th century, Chief of War tells the moʻolelo (story, history) of King Kamehameha I’s conquest of the archipelago.
Hawaiʻi was historically governed by aliʻi nui (high chiefs), and each island was ruled independently. Motivated by the threat of European colonisation and empowered by Western weaponry, Kamehameha established the Hawaiian Kingdom, culminating in full unification in 1810.
The series is an important example of what authors Dean Hamer and Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu have called “Ea o Moʻolelo”, or story sovereignty, which emphasises Indigenous peoples’ right to control their own narrative by respecting the “the inalienable right of a story to its own unique contents, style and purpose”.
Chief of War is also the biggest Hawaiian television series ever produced. Although Hawaiʻi remains a popular setting onscreen, these productions have rarely involved Hawaiians in key decision-making roles.
Sea of troubles
The series hits screens at a time of major disruption in Hollywood, with streaming services upending established business models.
“Linear” network television faces declining viewership and advertising revenue. Movie studios struggle to draw audiences to theatres. The consequences for workers in the the industry have been severe, as the 2023 writers strike showed.
Those changes have had a catastrophic impact on the Hawaiʻi film industry, too.
Long a popular location – Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980, 2010-2020), Magnum P.I. (1980-1988, 2018-2024) and Lost (2004-2010) were all shot on location in Hawaiʻi – it is an expensive place to film.
Actors, crew and production equipment often have to be flown in from the continental United States, and producers compete with tourism for costly accommodation.
Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha and New Zealand actor Luciane Buchanan as Ka’ahumanu in Chief of War. Apple TV+
An industry in transition
These are not uncommon problems in distant locations, and many governments try to attract screen productions through tax incentives and rebates on portions of the production costs.
New Zealand, for example, offers a 20-25% rebate for international productions and 40% for local productions. Hawaiʻi offers a 22-27% rebate.
But this is less than other US states offer, such as Georgia (30%), Louisiana (40%) and New Mexico (40%). Hawaiʻi also has an annual cap of US$50 million on rebates.
To make things even harder, Hawaiʻi offers only limited support for Indigenous filmmakers. Governments in Australia and New Zealand provide targeted funding and support for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori filmmakers.
By contrast, the Hawaiʻi Film Commission doesn’t provide direct grants to local filmmakers or producers (Indigenous or otherwise). Small amounts of government funding have been administered through the Public Broadcasting Service, but this is now in jeopardy after US President Donald Trump recently cut federal funding.
The Hawaiʻi screen industry faces a perfect storm. For the first time since 2004, film and TV production has ground to a halt. Many workers now doubt the long-term sustainability of their careers.
Lessons from Aotearoa NZ
While there are lessons Hawaiʻi legislators and industry leaders could learn from New Zealand’s example, there should also be a measure of caution.
The Hawaiʻi tax credit system is out of date. But despite industry lobbying, legislation to update it failed to reach the floor of the legislature earlier this year. New tax settings would help make local production viable again.
Secondly, decades of investment in Māori cinema have seen it become diverse, engaging and creatively accomplished. Hawaiʻi could benefit from greater direct investment in Hawaiian storytelling, respecting its cultural value even if it doesn’t turn a commercial profit.
On the other hand, New Zealand has a favourable currency exchange rate with the US which can’t be replicated in Hawaiʻi. And New Zealand film production workers have seen their rights to unionise watered down compared to their American peers.
But if Hawaiʻi can get its settings right, a possible second season of Chief of War may yet be filmed there, which could mark a genuine rejuvenation of its own film industry.
Duncan Caillard 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.
As the cool nights continue, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a new batch of captivating films and series.
This month’s streaming highlights bring a little bit of everything, from gripping true crime, to thought-provoking political drama, and a nostalgic music documentary on the life and times of piano man Billy Joel.
So grab a blanket (and maybe a snack or two). Your next binge-watch awaits.
One Night in Idaho: The College Murders
Prime Video
I remember seeing the gruesome 2022 murder of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, splashed all over the news in Australia. The world seemed momentarily gripped by the brutality of the killings, which happened in off-campus housing, while two other roommates slept downstairs.
The ensuing investigation was given significantly less attention, though. So when Prime Video dropped this four-episode limited series, well, that was my weekend sorted.
The docuseries features exclusive interviews with the friends and families of the victims, so it doesn’t feel gratuitous. It respectfully recounts the tragedy and explores its continued impact, while honouring the victims. It also builds the kind of tension and disquiet that is so beloved in the true crime genre, but not in a way that makes you feel gross watching it.
Notably, legal proceedings for the case were still underway when One Night in Idaho was released. And the series made it clear there was more to the story which couldn’t be shared with, or by, the producers.
However, the trial has since concluded, with more information now available for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the case. This makes the series an absorbing watch.
– Alexa Scarlata
The Night of the Hunter
Various platforms
In 1955, director Charles Laughton crafted The Night of the Hunter: one of the darkest, strangest fairy tales ever to come out of Hollywood.
Shortly before Ben Harper is hanged for robbing a bank and killing two men, he hides the $10,000 loot in the toy doll of his young daughter Pearl. Only Pearl and her brother John know the secret – until the deranged serial killer-priest Harry Powell hears about the money and sets out to recover it.
Harry marries Willa, Harper’s widow, and then, after killing her, pursues John and Pearl relentlessly across West Virginia.
Robert Mitchum’s depiction of pure evil is one of cinema’s most vivid creations, with LOVE and HATE tattooed on the fingers of each hand.
The film did not align with the mainstream tastes of the era. Audiences and reviewers didn’t know what to make of this abnormal mix of fairy tale logic, nightmarish imagery and biblical allegory.
Successive generations of critics and filmmakers have caught on to its brilliance. Critic Roger Ebert said it was “one of the greatest of all American films”. In 2008, French film magazine Cahiers du cinémavoted it as the second-best film of all time, behind only Citizen Kane (1941).
The Night of the Hunter remains unsettlingly modern, 70 years on.
The highest point in Denmark, Mollehoj, is 171 metres above sea level, so it is plausible to imagine the whole country being overrun by water due to rising sea levels, leading to mass evacuation. This is the basic premise of the Danish series Families Like Ours.
The cleverness of this premise is that it turns comfortable middle-class Danes into refugees, facing hostility, poverty and violence as they seek to resettle. Given Denmark’s hard line on refugees, this makes the series politically powerful, equally so for us in Australia.
The central figure is a young woman, Laura (Amaryllis August), who creates disaster for her family through what she believes is an act of huge empathy. The same is true of Henrik (Magnus Millang), who shoots an innocent man in what he believes is an act of self-defence.
Families Like Ours is not a comfortable series to watch, but it manages to raise central issues of our time, without ever seeming didactic or preachy. It succeeds in combining the personal and the political in a six-part show that is powerful – and leaves enough loose ends for a potential second season.
– Dennis Altman
The Man from Hong Kong
Various platforms
A cinematic firecracker of a film exploded onto international screens 50 years ago, blending martial arts mayhem, Bond-esque set pieces, casual racism – and a distinctly Australian swagger.
From its audacious visual style; to its complex, life-threatening stunts; to its pioneering status as an international co-production, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s The Man from Hong Kong has solidified its place as a cult classic.
A Sydney-based crime lord’s activities come under the scrutiny of a determined Hong Kong detective, Inspector Fang Sing Leng. A fiery East-meets-West martial arts showdown explodes across the Australian landscape, pushing both sides to their limits.
The movie is a playful pastiche that confidently combines martial arts action, police procedurals, spy thrillers, and Westerns, all filtered through a distinctly Australian “crash-zoom” lens.
The film was an influence to Quentin Tarantino and paved the way for films such as Mad Max (1979), particularly in what Trenchard-Smith and his partner in film, stunt legend Grant Page, might call its “cunning stunts”.
The elaborate car chases and explosive stunt setups in The Man from Hong Kong served as prototypes for iconic sequences that would inspire the Mad Max films, among others, a testament to a bygone era of practical effects and thrill seeking audacity.
The Man from Hong Kong remains an exhilarating piece of pure cinema, despite its relatively small budget. It’s an exemplar (and occasional cautionary tale) for filmmakers in terms of international co-production, its cunning stunts, and genre blending.
Based on the book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept Q is a gripping television adaptation for fans of Nordic noir and British crime drama.
In Edinburgh, Scotland, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) has returned to work after a shooting which left him physically and psychologically wounded, his colleague partially paralysed, and another colleague dead.
With the dregs of a budget assigned to cold cases, and a team of misfit officers, Morck sets out to solve the four-year-old case of missing Crown prosecutor, Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie).
We follow Merritt’s story across various stages of her life. We see her as a teenager in the lead-up to a devastating crime that left her brother with a traumatic brain injury, as well as later in life, when she loses a major case involving a wealthy man on trial for his wife’s death.
Shortly after the devastating verdict, Merritt went missing on a ferry ride to her childhood home, on the fictionalised island of Mhòr. Returning to the present, we see she has been held captive inside a hyperbaric chamber for the past four years.
The pressure under which Merritt is kept makes Morck’s investigation high stakes from the start, while the movement between past and present highlights the impacts of past traumatic events on both characters.
Dept Q is a fast-paced, breathless thriller which will leave viewers craving its rumoured second season.
– Jessica Gildersleeve
Billy Joel: And So It Goes
HBO Max
Produced by Tom Hanks, this two-part documentary about singer/songwriter Billy Joel covers more than five decades of music. Created very much from Joel’s perspective, who is also the main narrator, the archival content is fascinating, and the music difficult to deny.
Discussion of Joel’s early suicide attempts are a shocking and terrible reminder of how different things might have been. From here, the role of the women in his life – his wives, daughters, and mother (“his champion”) – becomes vital. Beyond the headlines (particularly with his second wife Christie Brinkley), are partners who were muses, business supporters and emotional support pillars – some of whom gave Joel ultimatums when the time came to battle his alcohol addiction.
Brinkley, as well as Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, are particularly moving interviewees. They would wait at home, or stand nervously backstage as Joel “went to work” to earn, repair and rebuild against the odds. No spoilers, but let’s just say Joel ended up in trouble more than once.
On the other hand, the men in Joel’s life are often distant: Jewish grandparents who escaped Nazi Germany; a father who left when Joel was small; a half-brother discovered later in life. These losses are never really healed.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a five-hour epic, a story of survival and ultimately, of peace. It is, of course, also a reminder of an incredible catalogue of music – joyful, ordinary and wonderful – and the extraordinary life behind it.
– Liz Giuffre
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
Gardening Australia, season 36
ABC iView
Since it first aired in 1990, Gardening Australia has offered tips and inspiration from every state and territory on a weekly basis. A perennial favourite, the show seems to possess perpetual appeal for world-weary viewers open to slowing down by growing plants.
The no-nonsense host Peter Cundall helmed the series until 2008 (Cundall died in 2021 at the age of 94). The honour of “King of Compost” now rests with the gregarious Costa Georgiadis, and a wider cast of presenters that has expanded to be more diverse and engaging. One stalwart from the start, Jane Edmanson, is still flourishing in season 36: her episode 4 segment titled “Fronds with Benefits” certainly caught my eye.
Topics covered this season range from small-space innovation and passion projects, to Indigenous knowledge and bush foods, through to permaculture and climate change. Episodes 6 and 20 – specials on native plants and NAIDOC Week, respectively – are both worth a watch.
While the series can distance renters, and might not be edgy enough for younger audiences, it has managed to stake out ground in the digital realm – with a blooming online presence for budding green thumbs.
One of the longest-running Australian shows still on air, it doesn’t look as though Gardening Australia will be pulling up roots anytime soon.
– Phoebe Hart
The Buccaneers, season two
Apple TV
Loosen your corsets, The Buccaneers is back for a second season of feminist sisterhood and fabulous gowns.
Adapted from Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, the series follows a group of outspoken young American women navigating the marriage market in 1870s Victorian England. Gleefully anachronistic with feisty girl power speeches and a contemporary pop music soundtrack, The Buccaneers is equal parts Bridgerton and Gossip Girl (complete with a character played by Leighton Meester).
Season two picks up where the first left off, with Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) and Guy (Matthew Broome) fleeing the country to escape Jinny’s violent husband Lord James Seadown (Barney Fishwick).
Meanwhile, sister Nan (Kristine Froseth) is busy back home leveraging her position as Duchess of Tintagel to help facilitate Jinny’s return – a campaign that includes wearing a showstopping red gown to a black and white ball. In keeping with the series’ M.O., this might be narrative nonsense, but it looks exquisite.
While trysts and love triangles continue to provide escapist entertainment, Jinny’s abusive marriage dominates later episodes. If season one sought to expose the isolation and entrapment Jinny endured in her marriage, season two foregrounds her resistance in the face of it, intent on highlighting how perpetrators of violence manipulate legal and medical systems to tighten the noose around victims’ necks.
Season two’s veering between frothy excess and melodrama arguably results in some tonal patchiness. Nonetheless, it should be commended for its careful treatment of the corrosive impacts and dangers of coercive control. This – more than the downloadable soundtrack and dazzling costumes – makes it good viewing.
– Rachel Williamson
Dangerous Animals
Prime Video
Dangerous Animals is perhaps the most original and entertaining shark horror film we have seen since Jaws – incorporating traditional elements of the shark thriller genre, while challenging them at the same time.
The film starts with the primal fear of being eaten alive by monstrous sharks, with gruesome shock-thrill scenes of tourists being torn apart in a blood red ocean.
But later, the narrative reminds us it is the boat captain, not the great white, who is the real sadistic killer. Predictably, we see a young bikini-clad woman who gets horribly dismembered (just like the first unforgettable victim in Jaws).
However, it is also a fearless bikini-clad woman, Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) who turns the tables on the boat captain, outwits him, rescues her boyfriend and even makes friends with the shark.
Dangerous Animals includes some interesting subtext and commentary, such as when it compares women to fish – creatures hunted for sport – and when it highlights the inherent cruelty of fishing, and the hook that impales the prey.
The film delivers sophisticated special effects and gruesome eco-horror entertainment. It is a fun, self-aware and postmodern watch that will leave you thinking.
The Australian influence is delightfully evident in the irreverent humour. And for anyone who has been to the Gold Coast, there is much pleasure in seeing the film play out across its iconic locations.
This film will trigger your childhood fear of Jaws – but with a twist.
– Susan Hopkins
Shark Whisperer
Netflix
In Shark Whisperer, the great white shark gets an image makeover – from Jaws villain to misunderstood friend and admirer.
However the star of the documentary is not so much the shark, but the model and marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey (yes, that’s her real name).
The film centres on Ramsey’s self-growth journey, with the shark co-starring as a quasi-spiritual medium for finding meaning and purpose (not to mention celebrity status).
Whisperer and the Ocean Ramsey website tap into the collective fascination with dangerous sharks fuelled by popular culture. Many online images show Ramsey in a bikini or touching sharks – she’s small, and vulnerable in the face of great whites. As with forms of celebrity humanitarianism, what I have dubbed “sexy conservationism” leaves itself open to criticism about its methods – even if its intentions are good.
Globally at least 80 million sharks are killed every year. Thanks in part to the hashtag activism of Ocean Ramsey and her millions of fans and followers, Hawaii was the first state in the United States to outlaw shark fishing.
So, Ramsey may be right to argue her ends justify the means.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tbilisi, July 31 (Xinhua) — Georgia and Turkey have confirmed their readiness for a full-scale launch of cargo transportation on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development reported on Thursday after a meeting in Tbilisi between Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu.
The parties discussed the development of regional transport infrastructure, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line, the East-West highway, the Anaklia deep-water port and the new international airport in Tbilisi.
The importance of the Middle Corridor as a strategic direction for cargo transit was emphasized, as well as the need to attract additional volumes of transportation. Attention was also paid to cooperation in the areas of logistics, transport, tourism and civil aviation.
In 2024, the modernization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway section in Georgia was completed, as a result of which the line’s capacity increased from 1 million to 5 million tons of cargo per year. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan provided an update about more than $53 million of highway investments this year in the southwest and area that keep Saskatchewan’s export-based economy moving.
“These projects are a snapshot of our provincial government’s ongoing commitment and investment to maintain, improve and upgrade our highways,” Education Minister and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley said on behalf of Highways Minister David Marit. “Our road network is a key link in getting Saskatchewan goods and products throughout the province, across Canada and around the world to support our economy to maintain our quality of life. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all motorists during road construction. Drivers are reminded to be cautious, alert and obey all signage and flag persons when approaching work zones as highway crews and contractors do this important work. We want everyone to get home safely.”
Provincial highway work includes paving, culvert replacements, grading and various maintenance.
“The Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce sincerely appreciates the provincial government’s investment in highways and related infrastructure in the southwest,” Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Corla Rokochy said. “Continued investment in our transportation network helps local businesses grow, supports tourism and ensures that communities across southwest Saskatchewan remain connected. We value the Government of Saskatchewan’s ongoing commitment to building and maintaining the infrastructure that drives economic opportunity in our region.”
“Infrastructure investments like those being made in southwest Saskatchewan are vital to the success of our industry,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Susan Ewart said. “Enhancing key trade routes, such as the Trans-Canada Highway, strengthens supply chains, supports innovation through modern vehicle configurations and ensures goods move safely and efficiently. The Saskatchewan Trucking Association welcomes these improvements and the continued commitment to growing our province’s economic backbone.”
Some of the projects in the southwest in the Swift Current and Kindersley areas include:
An estimated $12.2 million toward Trans-Canada Highway 1 east of Swift Current to pave about 25 km and to upgrade five culverts. The culverts are under Highway 1 eastbound between Waldeck and 7 km west. The paving portions are in the westbound lanes of Highway 1 from west of the Herbert Access Road to about 3 km east of its junction with Highway 4. Work began in April and was completed in July.
About $4.5 million to micro-surface more than 95 km of Highway 1 west of Swift Current. Work is expected to begin around mid-August and be completed this fall.
An estimated $14 million for daily routine maintenance from spring to fall this year in the southwest. Examples of that maintenance work, which can occur over a day or two include: shoulder work on Highway 37 from its junction with Highway 18 north to Shaunavon and spot sealing west of Cadillac on Highway 13 earlier this year.
An estimated $15.9 million to grade and replace culverts toward upgrading work on more than 24 km of Highway 51 west of Biggar. Work began in July and is expected to be finished by late 2026. Paving for the project has yet to be tendered.
An estimated $3.4 million toward improving the driving surface of about a 4.5 km segment of Highway 44 between Glidden and Eston. Work began in May and will be completed this summer.
About $3.5 million for surface mixing and paving on approximately 10 km of Highway 13 west of Cadillac. The work is anticipated to start in summer of 2025.
The start and completion dates of all projects are subject to weather.
Motorists are reminded to check the Highway Hotline before heading out. Saskatchewan’s provincial road information service provides details about construction zones, ferry crossings, closures and incidents related to wildfires.
Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure, improving over 21,800 kilometres of highways across the province.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer Highways Regina Phone: 306-787-3179 Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Following Announcement of Recent Trade Agreement, Indonesian Authorities Have Publicly Disputed Announced Agreements
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer calling on the Trump Administration to provide more transparency to Congress on their trade negotiations with other nations, in light of recent reporting showing that a trade agreement announced with Indonesia has been publicly disputed by Indonesian authorities. Her letter comes one day before President Trump’s tariffs on other nations are scheduled to go into effect.
In a recent statement, the White House has asserted that Indonesia had committed to lifting its ban on nickel exports. “However, Indonesian officials are now saying that they made no such commitment,” the Senator wrote. “Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has said that the U.S.-Indonesia agreement does not touch Indonesia’s export restrictions and that ‘nothing will be removed.’ Similarly, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources – which oversees Indonesia’s mining sector – has confirmed that Indonesia will not export raw minerals to the United States and that there are no directives or policy revisions permitting such exports to the United States. Key industry groups in Indonesia – like the Indonesia Mining Association – are also unaware of any forthcoming changes to the country’s export ban, and continue to tout the success of this policy.”
“As we look ahead, I strongly urge you to adopt greater transparency and Congressional consultation in your negotiations. Indonesia’s export ban policy is not only an important economic issue impacting U.S. firms, but given Chinese investment in Indonesia’s nickel sector, it has national security implications for our country. I stand ready to work with you to ensure real commitments and real enforceability in our trade agreements, and encourage you to adopt a more effective and transparent approach in your negotiations,” the Senator concluded.
Read the full letter here.
Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada small businesses. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed USTR Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would impact the American people.
One of the Plymouth’s waterfront locations is set for an exciting future thanks to a long-term agreement with Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.
A 30-year lease on Commercial Wharf on Madeira Road is to be granted to the commissioners who want to invest, improve and manage the location, to continue to grow the visitor economy of marine visitors to our city from the water.
The wharf is already home to 19 boathouses, which are used for a variety of commercial purposes, including marine, storage and leisure. The site includes the quay wall, a 17th century quay from the Mayflower Steps to a public access slipway as well as a public open space.
The commissioner’s plan is to make the area a destination in itself, to create a more welcoming feel to this historic wharf, to attract more tourists, events, visitors and marine tourism including cruise, tall ships, superyacht and leisure passengers embarking or disembarking from the nearby Barbican Landing Stage, and visitor moorings.
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) took back ownership and responsibility for managing and maintaining the Barbican Landing Stage from the Council in early 2023 – a decision that not only saved the Council future maintenance costs, but meant that, CHC, as the Statutory Harbour Authority, had better access to resources and expertise to maintain the safe operation of the facility.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We constantly review all our assets and as we have said before, try to find creative solutions for some of our properties that can unlock jobs, opportunities and prospects – and this certainly hits the mark.
“It just makes sense for the wider good of the city. We do not have the resources or the expertise to carry out repairs to the sea wall – they do.
“We still retain the long-term interest in the wharf, but this deal will allow the commissioners to create something special and look after this landmark using the expertise they have on tap. I can’t wait to see what they do!”
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners: “As we continue to grow the number of visiting leisure vessels to the Port, and invest in nearby facilities including toilets and showers, it’s a logical next step that we take on the lease of the wharf.
“We have thousands of visitors who’s first experience of Plymouth is coming ashore at Commercial Wharf, we want to make this experience better, and we’re looking forward to ensuring the site provides one of the best step off points in the South West.”
Cattewater Harbour is a trust port, an independent statutory body. There are no shareholders, or owners, and any surplus generated is reinvested into the port for the benefit of its stakeholders.
Since April 2020, the Council’s Facilities Management have spent over £400,000 including over £300,000 on capital repairs to the sea wall. Significant capital expenditure, major repair and maintenance issues remain.
As part of the tenancy agreement CHC will ensure the wharf remains in good repair – including structures, surfaces and sea walls. They will also be responsible for keeping the public spaces neat and tidy and have agreed to invest in critical maintenance and improvements to the site.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 31) the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2025.
According to the advance estimates, GDP increased by 3.1% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.0% in the first quarter.
Analysed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure increased by 1.9% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 1.2% in the first quarter.
Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 2.5% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.9% in the first quarter.
Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased by 2.9% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, following the increase of 1.1% in the first quarter.
Over the same period, total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 11.5% in real terms over a year earlier, accelerated further from the growth of 8.4% in the first quarter. Imports of goods measured in national accounts terms grew by 12.7% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 7.2% in the first quarter.
Exports of services rose further by 7.5% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, after the increase of 6.3% in the first quarter. Imports of services increased by 7.0% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 4.7% in the first quarter.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 0.4% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 when compared with the first quarter.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong economy continued to expand solidly in the second quarter of 2025, supported by strong exports performance and improved domestic demand. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew by 3.1% over a year earlier, picking up slightly from the preceding quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose further by 0.4%.
Analysed by major expenditure component, total exports of goods saw accelerated growth, as the external demand was resilient and the temporary easing of US tariff measures led to some “rush shipments”. Exports of services continued to expand notably, thanks to strong growth in inbound tourism, further expansion in cross-boundary traffic, and vibrant financial and related business service activities amid the buoyant local stock market. Domestically, private consumption expenditure resumed moderate growth after four consecutive quarters of decline, as supported by the stabilisation in the domestic consumption market. Meanwhile, overall investment expenditure increased further alongside the economic expansion.
The Hong Kong economy exhibited remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025. Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Asia, particularly in the Mainland, combined with the Government’s various measures to bolster consumption sentiment, attract investment, diversify markets, and promote economic growth, will continue to provide steadfast support for various segments of the Hong Kong economy. Nevertheless, uncertainties in the external environment remain elevated. The US’ renewed tariff hikes of late will exert pressure on global trade flows as well as its domestic economic activity and inflation. The uncertain pace of US interest rate cuts will also affect investment sentiment. Moreover, the “rush shipment” effect is expected to fade later this year. Hong Kong’s economic performance going forward will, to a certain extent, depend on how these factors evolve.
The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the second quarter of 2025, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2025, will be released on August 15, 2025.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP and selected major expenditure components in real terms from the second quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1.
For enquiries about statistics on GDP by expenditure component, please contact the National Income Branch (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 5077 or email: gdp-e@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (July 31).
The value of total retail sales in June 2025, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, increased by 0.7% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in May 2025 increased by 2.4% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 3.3% compared with the same period in 2024.
Of the total retail sales value in June 2025, online sales accounted for 8.5%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.5 billion, increased by 8.4% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in May 2025 decreased by 1.2% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 0.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in June 2025 decreased by 0.3% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in May 2025 increased by 1.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first half of 2025, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 4.7% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.
Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing June 2025 with June 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 6.8%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+7.2% in value); commodities in supermarkets (+0.4%); medicines and cosmetics (+6.0%); commodities in department stores (+5.7%); and optical shops (+1.0%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of wearing apparel decreased by 4.3% in June 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-1.5% in value); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-9.3%); motor vehicles and parts (-6.0%); fuels (-8.7%); furniture and fixtures (-16.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.2%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-2.0%); and books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-4.7%).
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.7%.
Commentary
A government spokesman said that retail sales showed signs of stabilisation in recent months. The value of total retail sales increased further by 0.7% in June 2025 over the year.
Looking ahead, the spokesman said continued increase in employment earnings, buoyant local stock market, coupled with the Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events and also enterprises’ strenuous effort in providing more diversified experiences would provide support to the consumption sentiment in the domestic market and businesses of the retail sector.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for May 2025 as well as the provisional figures for June 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first half of 2025 are also shown.
Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.
The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.
Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in US politics and international security, University of Portsmouth
There are masked men, and some women, on the streets in American cities, sometimes travelling in unmarked cars, often carrying weapons and wearing military-style kit. They have the power to identify, arrest, detain non-citizens and deport undocumented immigrants. They also have the right to interrogate any individual who they believe is not a citizen over their right to remain in the US.
These are agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, known as Ice. This is a federal law enforcement agency, which falls under the control of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is playing a significant and contentious role in the implementation of Donald Trump’s tough immigration policy.
On the campaign trail Trump promised “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history”. And he is giving Ice more power to deliver his plans.
Since Trump took office in January, Ice funding has been significantly increased. Trump’s “big beautiful bill”, passed by Congress in July 2025, gave Ice US$75 billion (£55 billion) of funding for the next four years, up from around US$8 billion a year.
This funding boost will allow the agency to recruit more agents as well as adding thousands more beds plus extensions to buildings to increase the capacity of detention centres. There is also new funding for advanced surveillance tools including AI-assisted facial recognition and mobile data collection. There’s another US$30 billion going to frontline operations, covering removing immigrants and transport to detention centres.
The president has committed to deporting everyone who is in the US illegally, that is estimated by the Wall Street Journal to be about 4% of the current US population. For the past five months, the numbers of people being picked up by Ice agents has been ticking up fast.
Average daily arrests were up 268% to about 1,000 a day in June 2025, compared with the same month a year earlier. This was also a 42% rise on May 2025, according to data analysis from the Guardian and the Deportation Data Project. However, this is still considerably short of the 3,000 a day ordered by secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
Ice’s tactics have already attracted significant criticism. Right-leaning broadcaster Fox News has reported on how masked agents are not showing ID or naming their agency when picking up people in raids. Other reporting has highlighted allegations that American citizens are also sometimes being swept up in the raids.
The agency, currently led by acting director Todd M. Lyons, has three main divisions: the Enforcement and Removal Operations division, which identifies and deports undocumented immigrants as well as manages detention centres. The Homeland Security Investigations, which investigates criminal activities with an international or border nexus such as human trafficking, narcotics, and weapons smuggling. The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor provides legal advice to Ice and prosecutes immigration cases in court.
Lyons claimed that mask wearing was necessary because of Ice agents being “doxed” – when a person’s personal information such as names and home addresses are revealed online without their permission. Assaults on Ice agents have risen, he claimed. DHS data suggested that there were 79 assaults on Ice agents from January to June 2025, compared to ten in the same period in 2024.
Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries compared mask wearing by Ice agents to secret police forces in authoritarian regimes. “We’re not behind the Iron Curtain. This is not the 1930s.”
The Ice agency was established in 2003 by the George W. Bush administration, partly as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and was part of a broader reorganisation of federal agencies under the then newly created DHS. It incorporated parts of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and some elements of the US Customs Service.
According to the agency’s website, Ice’s core mission is “to protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety”.
News coverage of Ice agents wearing masks and not identifying themselves.
What’s changed?
At the start of the administration in January, the White House gave Ice the authority to hasten the deportation of immigrants that had entered the country with government authorisation during the previous administration. This “expedited removal” authority allowed Ice to deport individuals without requiring an appearance before an immigration judge.
As arrests have grown in the past months, Lyons told CBS News that Ice would detain any undocumented immigrant, even if they did not have a criminal record.
And the Trump administration has also allowed Ice agents to make arrests at immigration courts, which had previously been off limits. This restriction was introduced by the Biden administration in 2021 to ensure witnesses, victims of crimes and defendants would still appear in court without fear of arrest for immigration violations, unless the target was a national security threat.
Protests over Ice raids have spread across California.
However, Lyons rescinded those restrictions in May, part of a broader shift towards aggressive enforcement.
Much of the time, Ice has targeted illegal immigrants. But the agency has also arrested and detained some individuals who were residents (green card holders) or tourists – and, in some cases, citizens.
In recent weeks, according to the Washington Post, Ice has been ordered to increase the number of immigrants shackled with GPS-enabled ankle monitors. This would significantly increase the number of immigrants that are under surveillance. Ankle monitors also restrict where people can travel.
Sparking protests
There have been numerous public protests about Ice raids, most notably in California. This peaked on June 6 after Ice had conducted numerous raids in Los Angeles, resulting in clashes between agents and protesters. This led to the White House sending around 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, despite opposition from California governor Gavin Newsom.
Part of the friction between the Trump administation and the state is that Los Angeles and San Francisco have adopted local policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities including Ice. California has sanctuary laws, such as SB 54, that prohibit local police and sheriffs from assisting Ice with civil immigration enforcement.
However, Trump shows every sign of pushing harder and faster to crack down on illegal immigrants, and Ice agents are clearly at the forefront of how he aims to do it.
Dafydd Townley 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.
Manchester City Council is set to earmark almost £250,000 to support grassroots music venues in the city and help them share the success of the city’s summer of music.
In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of music fans have converged on the city to celebrate its music scene – 340,000 at the five Oasis Heaton Park homecoming gigs alone. Other star names appearing in Manchester this summer include Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Charlie XCX, Elbow, Fontaines DC and Robbie Williams.
Over the course of the summer it has been estimated that Manchester will have attracted 1.3 million music tourists – a tremendous boost for the city’s economy as a whole, especially the hospitality industry.
These huge events are also generating income for the Council, either by being hosted in the city’s largest parks – with commercial arrangements for their use – or through the business rates paid by major venues.
As well as reinvesting part of this revenue in parks, the Council is planning to set aside £245,000 to be made available in financial support for Manchester’s grassroots venues.
While exact details are being finalised, the intention is that the scheme will be administered by Music Venue Trust to ensure that the money gets to where it is needed as quickly and effectively as possible.
It comes as small venues across the country face a difficult economic climate, with a combination of increasing costs and reducing incomes leaving some in a precarious position. One particular challenge is an increase in nationally-set business rates. These had been significantly reduced for the sector in response to the impacts of the pandemic, but this financial year (2025/26) – while still being lower than pre-pandemic levels – they have gone back up significantly.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is a big noise in the music world. This summer all eyes have been on the city as we’ve hosted some huge concerts and seen unprecedented success in our large venues as the EMA MTV Music Awards showed.
“But while the biggest gigs – in the city’s arenas and parks – might dominate the headlines, we know they are only possible because they are part of a wider ecosystem with smaller, grassroots venues providing the launchpads for acts to develop and grow.
“We know that across the country grassroots venues are struggling. That’s why we want to ensure that our grassroots venues can share some of the benefit from the success of those big events.
“We’re blessed in Manchester with an array of great smaller venues. They are there to be enjoyed and I’d encouraged anyone who values them to get out and support them.”
Jay Taylor, Music Venue Trust National Co-ordinator, said: “Music Venue Trust wants to thank and congratulate Manchester City Council for leading on this crucial support for grassroots music venues. It’s inspiring to see Manchester recognise its place as one of the world’s leading music cities, and acknowledge that the fantastic grassroots music venue network in the city is an essential cornerstone of the amazing music being produced by Manchester artists.
“In April, the government reduced business rates relief in England for many grassroots music venues, significantly impacting their long-term sustainability. Manchester City Council has taken the lead with this bold and innovative action and we hope many more cities and towns across the country can join their efforts to secure the future of the UK’s grassroots music venue network.”
Kate Lowes, Director, Brighter Sound (sector lead Manchester Music City) said: “Grassroots venues sit at the heart of our city’s music scene – supporting emerging artists, bringing people together, and enriching local communities.
“Recent research, commissioned by Manchester Music City and delivered by the hub, has shown that business rates relief is one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. We therefore welcome this announcement and are encouraged to see Manchester City Council and Music Venue Trust working in partnership to deliver meaningful and targeted support.
“Manchester Music City is now working with the council to shape a full sector response and action plan, with a further set of actions to be announced this autumn. This type of collaborative approach and investment is essential to ensuring that Manchester remains a city where music and creativity can thrive at every level.”
The Central Government has constructed 16,207 km of National Highways and sanctioned ₹69,342 crore for railway projects to bolster infrastructure and accelerate economic development in the Northeastern Region (NER), the Parliament was informed on Thursday.
Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Sukanta Majumdar told the Rajya Sabha that the Ministry of Railways has approved 12 railway projects – including 8 new lines and 4 doubling projects – spanning a total length of 777 km, either partially or fully within the NER. Of this, 278 km have already been commissioned, and ₹41,676 crore has been expended up to March 2025.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the government has sanctioned 17,637 road works covering 89,436 km and 2,398 bridges in the Northeast. Out of these, 16,469 road works (80,933 km) and 2,108 bridges have been completed, the Minister added.
To enhance digital connectivity in remote and rural areas of the Northeast, several initiatives have been undertaken with support from the Digital Bharat Nidhi. As many as 6,355 Gram Panchayats have been made service-ready under the BharatNet project. In addition, 3,297 mobile towers have been commissioned in the region under various government-funded mobile connectivity schemes.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, has significantly improved regional air connectivity by operationalising 90 routes in the Northeast. These routes connect 12 airports and heliports across the region, aiming to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the masses.
Further, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is providing financial assistance to all eight Northeastern states for developmental projects related to infrastructure, connectivity, and communication, under five Central Sector Schemes.
A key initiative in this regard is the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE). This 100% centrally funded scheme, launched with a total outlay of ₹6,600 crore, is scheduled to run from 2022–23 to 2025–26. The scheme focuses on funding infrastructure projects in line with PM GatiShakti, supporting social development, and promoting livelihood opportunities for youth and women, while addressing developmental gaps in critical sectors.
The DoNER Ministry is also providing financial support to boost tourism development across the eight Northeastern states through its various Central Sector Schemes.
Hong Kong’s economy in the second quarter increased 3.1% year-on-year, picking up from the 3% growth in the preceding quarter.
The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product for the second quarter.
According to the estimates, private consumption expenditure increased 1.9% in real terms in the second quarter.
Government consumption expenditure grew 2.5% year-on-year.
Gross domestic fixed capital formation rose 2.9% year-on-year.
Over the same period, exports of goods increased 11.5%, accelerated further from the growth of 8.4% in the first quarter. Imports of goods grew 12.7%, higher than the increase of 7.2% in the first quarter.
Compared with a year earlier, exports of services rose 7.5% in the second quarter, while imports of services went up 7%.
Commenting on the figures, the Government said that during the second quarter, total exports of goods saw accelerated growth, as the external demand was resilient and the temporary easing of US tariff measures led to some rush shipments.
Exports of services continued to expand notably, thanks to strong growth in inbound tourism, further expansion in cross-boundary traffic, and vibrant financial and related business service activities amid the buoyant local stock market.
Domestically, private consumption expenditure resumed moderate growth after four consecutive quarters of decline, as supported by the stabilisation in the domestic consumption market. Meanwhile, overall investment expenditure increased further alongside the economic expansion.
Hong Kong’s economy exhibited remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025.
Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Asia, particularly in the Mainland, combined with the Government’s various measures to bolster consumption sentiment, attract investment, diversify markets, and promote economic growth, will continue to provide steadfast support for various segments of the Hong Kong economy.
Nevertheless, uncertainties in the external environment remain elevated. The US’ renewed tariff hikes of late will exert pressure on global trade flows as well as its domestic economic activity and inflation. The uncertain pace of US interest rate cuts will also affect investment sentiment.
Moreover, the “rush shipment” effect is expected to fade later this year.
Hong Kong’s economic performance going forward will, to a certain extent, depend on how these factors evolve, the Government added.
The value of total retail sales in June, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, was up 0.7% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 0.3% lower year on year.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales was up 0.3% in the second quarter compared with the first quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.7%.
Online sales accounted for 8.5% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.5 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 8.4% compared with a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 6.8%.
There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+7.2%); commodities in supermarkets (+0.4%); medicines and cosmetics (+6%); commodities in department stores (+5.7%); and optical items (+1%).
By contrast, the value of sales of apparel decreased by 4.3% for the period. Also down were sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-1.5%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-9.3%); motor vehicles and parts (-6%); fuels (-8.7%); furniture and fixtures (-16.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.2%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-2%); and books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-4.7%).
The Government said that retail sales have shown signs of stabilisation in recent months. Looking ahead, it expects that continued increases in employment earnings and a buoyant local stock market, coupled with the Government’s efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, as well as enterprises’ efforts to provide more diversified experiences, will support consumption.
The nation has a long history of similar efforts, including a wildly unpopular 1980 attempt by Reagan administration Interior Secretary James Watt to promote development and expand private concessions in the parks. But debate over using public national park land for private profit dates back more than a century before that.
As I explain in my forthcoming book, no park has played a more central role in that debate than Yosemite, in California.
Early concerns
In early 1864, Central American Steamship Transit Company representative Israel Ward Raymond wrote a letter to John Conness, a U.S. senator from California, urging the government to move swiftly to preserve the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees to prevent them from falling into private hands. Five months later, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, ceding the valley and the grove to the state of California, “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” This was years before Yellowstone became the first federal land designated a national park in 1872.
California said their businesses threatened the state’s ability to develop roads and trails in Yosemite by competing for tourist dollars. A legal battle ensued and was not resolved until an 1872 U.S. Supreme Court ruling found that the men’s land claims had not been fully validated according to the procedures of the time. The California legislature paid both men compensation for their land, and both left the park.
Yet, as my research has found, the role of private interests in the park remained unsolved. Private companies under contract to the National Park Service have long provided needed amenities such as lodging and food within the national parks. But questions over what is acceptable in national parks in the pursuit of profit have shaped Yosemite’s history for generations.
In 1925, I found, the question centered on the right to build the first gas station inside the park, in Yosemite Valley. Two private businesses, the Curry Camping Company and the Yosemite National Park Company, had long competed for tourist dollars within the park. Each wanted to build a gas station to boost profits.
Frustrated over the need to decide, National Park Service Director Horace Albright ordered the rival firms to simplify management of the park’s concessions. The companies merged, and the newly formed Yosemite Park and Curry Company was granted the exclusive rights to run lodges, restaurants and other facilities within the park, including the new gas station.
But as I found in my research, the park service and the concessions company did not always see eye to eye on the purpose of the park. The conflict between profit and preservation is perhaps most clearly illustrated by the construction of a ski area within the park in the early 1930s. The park service initially opposed the development of Badger Pass Ski Area as not conducive to the national park ideal, but the Yosemite Park and Curry Company insisted it was key to boosting winter use of the park.
In 1973, the Music Corporation of America, an entertainment conglomerate, bought the Yosemite Park and Curry Company. The company already had a tourist attraction operating near Hollywood, where visitors could pay to tour movie sets, but had not yet changed its name to Universal Studios or launched major theme parks in Florida and California. Its purchase of the park’s concessions set off a firestorm of controversy over fears of turning Yosemite into a theme park.
That didn’t happen, but annual park visitor numbers climbed from 2.5 million to 3.8 million over the 20 years MCA ran the concessions, which sparked concerns about development and overcrowding in the park. Conservationists argued the park service had allowed the corporate giant to promote and develop the park in ways that threatened the very aspects of the park most people came to enjoy.
With three restaurants, two service stations with a total of 15 gas pumps, two cafeterias, two grocery stores, seven souvenir shops, a delicatessen, a bank, a skating rink, three swimming pools, a golf course, two tennis courts, kennels, a barbershop, a beauty shop, Badger Pass Ski Area and three lodges, the Yosemite Valley was a busy commercial district. Critics argued that such development contradicted the park service’s mandate to leave national parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
Falling profits and consolidation within the music industry led MCA to sell its concessions rights in Yosemite in 1993. The Delaware North Companies, a global hospitality corporation, took over and ran the park’s concessions until 2016, when it sold the rights to Aramark.
But in that sale, the question of public resources and private profits arose again. Delaware North demanded $51 million in compensation for Aramark continuing to use the names of several historic properties within the park, such as the Ahwahnee, a hotel, and Curry Village, another group of visitor accommodations. The company claimed those names were a part of its assets under its contract with the park service.
The park service rejected the claim, saying the names, which dated back more than a century, belonged to the American people. But to avoid legal problems during the transition, the agency temporarily renamed several sites, including calling the Ahwahnee the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and changing Curry Village to Half Dome Village. Public outrage erupted, denouncing the claim by Delaware North as commercial overreach that threatened to distort Yosemite’s heritage. In 2019, the park service and Aramark agreed to pay Delaware North a total of $12 million to settle the dispute, and the original names were restored.
Protesters unfurl an upside-down U.S. flag from the top of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in February 2025, protesting Trump administration changes to the National Park Service.
Renewed interest in commercial efforts
In June 2025, Yosemite again took center stage in the dispute over the role of federal funding versus private interests at the start of the second Trump administration when a group of climbers unfurled an American flag upside down off El Capitan in protest of the administration’s cuts in personnel and slashing of the park service’s budget.
Whichever side prevails in the short term, the debate over the role of private interests within national parks like Yosemite will undoubtedly continue.
Michael Childers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.
The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.
The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.
China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.
Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.
The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.
The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.
The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.
The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.
China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.
Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.
The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.
The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Children draw pictures beside the fields at Yuxin Town of Nanhu District in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
“Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books” is a proverb many Chinese parents have faith in, and its sentiment is fueling the rise of study tours, particularly during the ongoing summer vacation in China.
Integrating educational content with holiday vibes, these tours typically involve visits to prestigious universities, museums and cultural heritage sites.
And now a shift is underway — parents, schools and travel agencies are turning away from bustling cities and opting for the tranquil countryside when making holiday arrangements for children and teens, aiming to help them broaden their horizons and get close to nature.
In northeast China, where cornfields stretch far and wide, Ma Zhihai demonstrated how to use stone axes and iron sickles, both traditional farming tools that are unfamiliar to many urbanites, to an attentive study tour group.
The 62-year-old farmer from Changchun, Jilin Province, works as a part-time guide at a corn museum in his village. With a collection of nearly 10,000 items, the museum often caters to groups of local students.
“The oldest exhibits date back to dynasties 1,000 years ago,” Ma said, viewing the collections as a living textbook preserving China’s farming culture.
Ma’s village is among China’s many rural areas that are tapping into the potential of educational tours and opening a new gateway to rural revitalization. Data shows that this booming market neared a scale of 147 billion yuan (20.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023 and is projected to hit 242 billion yuan by 2026.
Featuring wild landscapes, rich histories and folk cultures, China’s rural areas have natural advantages for study field trips.
“Look, I caught a crab!” a girl exclaimed in a paddy field that is also used for crab breeding. Mud spots on her face marked her triumph and also her study results.
The field in Zhoujiazhuang, a village in north China’s Hebei Province, allows rice and crabs to coexist, while also serving as a dedicated base for educational tours. Students on the tour were seen planting rice seedlings and taking notes on the ideal water temperature for crab cultivation.
“It’s so fun. I’m even thinking about raising a crab myself now,” one boy said.
Attracted by such niche experiences, many of the tourists visiting Zhoujiazhuang are now willing to remain there longer, with overnight stays increasing notably. Ranging from brief snapshot visits to deeper immersion in a slow-paced way of life, rural tourism is gaining new vitality.
This positive trend is also a result of the progress China’s rural areas have made in their development of infrastructure and living environments. Today, over 90 percent of administrative villages across the country are covered by the 5G network, and more than 300,000 village-level logistics facilities have been put into use.
Thanks to a government push to stimulate consumption and the country’s efforts to promote comprehensive rural revitalization, a multitude of study tour campsites have sprouted across rural China. By giving full play to local tourism resources, they are emerging as a new form and key driver of rural revitalization.
In southwest China’s Yunnan Province, a popular tourist destination, travelers are attracted by the opportunity to learn about ceramics, bamboo weaving and ethnic-minority embroidery handicrafts. Meanwhile, in Yudong Village in east China’s Zhejiang Province, which is known for its folk arts, the likes of travelers, artists and farmers sit down together to paint picturesque scenery.
Rural residents are deeply involved in this wave — and their incomes have increased markedly via sales of specialty foods and the running of guesthouses.
In a village of Zhongyi Township, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, workshops on local dances, tea and desserts have created more than 200 jobs and spawned over 20 derivative products, like noodles and honey beverages, achieving a remarkable 43-percent repurchase rate on multiple e-commerce platforms.
Zhongyi was once among the poorest towns in Chongqing — its local average annual income was less than 10,000 yuan in 2019.
Capitalizing on the “tourism-plus-educational-tour” model, Zhongyi recorded 189,000 tourist trips in 2024, generating 9.88 million yuan in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing by 32 percent compared with 2020.
“We have designed 10 tours involving different routes, transforming Zhongyi into a live-scenario classroom that teaches about bees while representing traditional farming and folk customs,” said Liu Chengyong, an educational tour guide.
Liu is a native of Zhongyi. In 2020, he returned to his hometown and joined a collective that organizes study tours. He led other young entrepreneurs to tap into the market and design compelling educational programs. Now, the company can handle 1,300 visits each day.
The transformation of Zhongyi has convinced more young people like Liu to return home and pitch in. Over the past three years, the town has attracted over 100 young entrepreneurs, giving rise to new jobs like “countryside CEO” and study tour guide.
Young returnees in rural areas also help address the lack of guides and breathe new life into rural revitalization with fresh eyes and business philosophies.
Ni Shuna, who was born in the 1990s, operates an ecological agricultural company based in a town under the administration of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang. Seeing the potential of educational tours, Ni’s team designed activities such as fruit picking, orchard tours and starry-night camping, making her company a multi-functional leisure business that integrates catering, entertainment and education.
“Kids come here to increase their knowledge and broaden their horizons. It’s worthwhile to see their eyes gleam with curiosity and gratification,” Ni said.
Johannesburg, South Africa – on July 22, 2025, The New Development Bank (NDB) and the South African National Roads Agency Soc Limited (SANRAL) have today signed a landmark loan agreement worth ZAR7 billion to finance the rehabilitation and expansion of key national road segments. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to modernizing South Africa’s transport infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and boosting economic growth.
The loan agreement will fund critical upgrades including the widening of highways, rehabilitation of bridges, and improvement of intersections along major freight corridors. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to significantly reduce travel times, improve road safety, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across the country.
To optimise financial efficiency, the loan is denominated in South African Rand (ZAR), which helps reduce debt financing charges by mitigating currency risk and aligning repayment obligations with local revenue streams.
South Africa’s transport sector plays a vital role in the national economy, and efficient road networks are essential for supporting trade, tourism, and job creation. By investing in the modernization of its road infrastructure, SANRAL aims to lower transportation costs for the majority of road users in South Africa, enhance connectivity between urban and rural areas, and stimulate inclusive economic development.
This financing aligns with the New Development Bank’s mission to support sustainable infrastructure projects that foster regional integration and economic resilience. As Mr. Monale Ratsoma, Chief Financial Officer, explained, “This loan agreement with SANRAL demonstrates the New Development Bank’s commitment to partnering with South Africa in building resilient and efficient infrastructure that drives economic transformation. We are proud to support projects that will improve the quality of life for millions of South Africans.”
From SANRAL’s perspective, Reginald Demana, Chief Executive Officer, emphasised, “The investment from the New Development Bank is a vital step towards upgrading our national road network. It will enable us to deliver safer, more reliable roads that underpin economic growth and social development.
The signing ceremony took place in Johannesburg at NDB’s Africa Regional Office and was attended by senior officials from both organisations, highlighting the strong cooperation between the New Development Bank and South African government agencies. Background Information
New Development Bank
NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
For more information on NDB, please visit www.ndb.int
South African National Roads Agency LTD
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is an independent, statutory company. South Africa’s Ministry of Transport is the sole shareholder and owner of SANRAL. Its mandate focuses on building and maintaining roads to enhance connectivity and development in South Africa.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tourists visit scenic areas in Dali, SW China
Updated: July 31, 2025 11:04Xinhua
Tourists take a boat in Xihu wetland park in Eryuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, July 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists visit the Three Pagodas scenic area in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, July 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo shows tourists taking a boat in Xihu wetland park in Eryuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, July 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
NREL Provides Expertise to Local Governments and Tribes Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
From capital cities in the East to Alaskan villages in the West, NREL is advancing community-driven energy solutions from coast to coast through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
The EECBG Program has allocated noncompetitive funding for energy projects and programs in hundreds of communities. Community grant recipients can use funding for projects and programs that cut energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and create jobs.
Recipients also receive vouchers to access support from NREL experts with a wide array of technical expertise in order to advance their priorities using EECBG funding. NREL, leveraging the wealth of the laboratory’s modeling and analysis capabilities, began working with dozens of communities to deliver this support in the fall of 2024.
“Already, DOE’s EECBG Program is helping so many different areas of the country,” said Nathan Wiltse, decision support analysis group manager and EECBG technical lead for NREL. “Through the program, big cities and small towns can set their course in realizing their energy goals. Their drive and enthusiasm has been encouraging, and our NREL team is proud to be a part of their journey through the technical assistance we provide with DOE’s guidance.”
DOE-funded EECBG Program support—provided by NREL—spans multiple sectors, tapping into technical knowledge and expertise that provide local governments with actionable insights for their self-identified priorities, helping them improve energy affordability and more in their jurisdictions.
Improving Mobility Options in Encinitas, California
A bus crosses an intersection in Encinitas, California. Encinitas is considering microtransit in addition to more traditional public transportation methods like buses. Photo from the city of Encinitas
The beach city of Encinitas in San Diego County, California, is served by a regional rail service, with many workers commuting into the city. Tourism is also a big economic driver for the city, with many recreation opportunities and annual arts and cultural events.
To better support commuters, tourists, and residents, the city is looking to expand its public mobility options through microtransit. Microtransit systems commonly use smaller vehicles like minivans, which operate in a defined service area and provide rides to users on request. Instead of having fixed routes, like more traditional bus and rail services, microtransit generally provides varying point-to-point services as requested by riders.
According to NREL research, microtransit provides a low-cost and convenient alternative to personal car use. Applying this strategy for public transportation can then save costs for riders while improving air quality in communities.
“For a relatively small city like Encinitas, more traditional public transportation methods may not be the best fit,” said Andy Duvall, NREL researcher and voucher support subject matter expert. “Exploring microtransit could provide a variety of financial and environmental benefits for residents, visitors, and the community.”
With EECBG voucher technical assistance, NREL will assist Encinitas in developing a microtransit program by conducting analysis that gives the community a better understanding of its current transportation landscape and viable microtransit options and funding strategies. This support will be rooted in community engagement, with community workshops and data collection built in to learn about the residents’ challenges with public transit, specific issues, and ideas for solutions that will bolster the economy.
Increasing Household Energy Efficiency in Chenega, Alaska
Chenega, Alaska, is only accessible by air or water. Photo from the Native Village of Chenega
Chenega, home to the Native Village of Chenega, is located on an island in Southern Alaska. The community spans less than 30 square miles and has 19 residential buildings. Though small in size, Chenega has big goals to improve energy efficiency for residents, with a target of reducing the Tribe’s energy usage by 50% by 2050 or sooner, significantly cutting energy costs.
The Native Village of Chenega and the Chenega Corporation want to use their EECBG funding to help implement a community-wide energy efficiency program. To help Chenega plan for this program, NREL is organizing energy audits for a majority of homes in the community. Energy audits consist of a thorough inspection of a home both inside and out to identify potential comfort or safety problems and energy-saving opportunities. Through this process, Chenega will get a better understanding of which upgrades will be most cost-effective for their residents.
“Our technical assistance is helping Chenega set the foundation for more work to come that will cut energy costs for their community,” said Wiltse, who has over a decade of experience as a buildings researcher and economist in Alaska.
Chenega aims to use the results from these energy audits to apply for grant funding to implement the upgrades. The community also wants to use the audits to satisfy pre-installation requirements for DOE’s Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, which can provide rebates of up to $14,000 per household for efficiency and appliance upgrades.
Reducing Energy Use and Costs in Sugar Land, Texas
As Sugar Land, Texas, charts out its future energy projects, one of the city’s top priorities is reducing energy use and saving money for residents. To embed this commitment into daily operations, the city is developing a strategic energy plan focused on increasing efficiency, cutting waste, and lowering energy consumption across public buildings and infrastructure. To make this comprehensive energy plan succeed, the city needs more information on its current energy landscape.
Using tools like NREL’s State and Local Planning for Energy Platform, researchers are helping Sugar Land understand its current energy consumption and potential efficiency opportunities. With expert guidance from NREL, the city will move step by step through a hands-on energy planning process, from setting goals to evaluating project feasibility and prioritizing actions. Researchers will also analyze energy savings potential and financial impacts of various energy efficiency strategies across the city.
“Our research and analysis will help the city understand which energy efficiency strategies will be most cost-effective,” said Vanessa Mathews, NREL researcher. “Sugar Land can use this information to apply for funding opportunities and take meaningful steps towards its energy goals.”
Through the energy planning process, the city will identify clear, actionable steps to better understand its energy costs, evaluate the costs and benefits of potential efficiency projects, and explore reliable and affordable energy options and potential funding sources to inform the city’s future budget decisions.
Learn more about NREL’s technical assistance for EECBG.
When UK Conservative party head Kemi Badenoch recently declared that she aspires to be Britain’s Milei, she aligned herself with one of the world’s most radical and controversial leaders.
Javier Milei, Argentina’s self-styled “anarcho-capitalist” president, has gained global notoriety since his election in December 2023 for wielding a chainsaw at rallies, promising to destroy the so-called “political caste” and launching a scorched-earth economic reform programme.
But what has Milei actually achieved since entering office? And should Britain really be looking to his administration for inspiration?
Milei swept to power on a wave of anti-establishment anger. Styling himself as an outsider economist rallying against the ruling caste, he promised to slash state spending and replace Argentina’s peso with the more stable US dollar. He also pledged to eliminate entire government ministries, including health, education and culture.
His now-famous “chainsaw plan” proposed a dramatic restructuring of Argentina’s political and economic institutions, which he blamed for decades of stagnation and corruption. Backed by business elites and libertarian ideologues, Milei offered a vision of Argentina remade through radical individualism and state retrenchment.
His campaign, which contained some clear populist tendencies, was built as much on spectacle as substance. It contained daily media outbursts, personal attacks and an anti-caste rhetoric designed to turn governance into performance.
Inflation was central to Milei’s campaign. When he took office, annual inflation in Argentina stood at over 130%, one of the highest rates in the world. Milei promised to bring it under control by slashing the fiscal deficit and enforcing monetary discipline.
Monthly inflation doubled in the first months of his administration, forcing millions of Argentinians further into poverty. But it has fallen below 50% since the middle of 2025, which has been held by the government as a success.
However, the decrease in the inflation rate is the result of economic recession. While international markets have praised Milei’s fiscal orthodoxy, there is little sign of a growth rebound. Investment has stalled, consumption has plummeted and local industries are struggling amid cuts to public procurement.
Consumption has shown signs of recovery in the last few months, but only in the high-income segment. This has deepened a dual reality where middle-class and working sectors cannot make ends meet. Instead of helping the Argentinian economy recover, high-income consumption also pushes the trade balance to deteriorate.
Milei’s government has endeavoured to keep the Argentine peso strong. A strong currency has seen foreign investments paused and, despite ongoing capital controls, millions of US dollars leave the country with a surge in Argentinian tourism abroad. This trend is exactly the opposite of the most controversial of Milei’s promises: to adopt the dollar in Argentina.
Given the critical level of the central bank’s foreign reserves, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of a US$4.7 billion (£3.5 billion) loan tranche in April 2024. It is expected to loan an extra US$2 billion before the 2025 mid-term elections in October.
Squeezing Argentinian society
Job losses have been extensive. Tens of thousands of public sector workers have been laid off, and many more have seen their salaries decimated by inflation. Entire agencies have been shut, from science and housing to the post office.
Milei’s framing of public employees as part of a parasitic caste has helped him politically. It has reinforced his anti-establishment credentials and mobilised resentment among private sector workers and the self-employed. But it has further polarised an already fragmented Argentinian society.
Meanwhile, Congress has been sidelined. Milei’s critics warn of creeping authoritarianism as the president governs increasingly by decree, perhaps most notably by attempting to fill two vacancies of the Supreme Court in February.
Environmental protection and foreign policy have also been reshaped by Milei’s radical agenda. The ministry of environment was among the agencies targeted for elimination. And Milei’s sweeping law of bases bill, which became law in 2024, included provisions to weaken environmental regulations and accelerate extractive industries such as lithium and oil.
Milei dismisses environmental concerns as leftist distractions from economic freedom. This is a stance echoed in his foreign policy, which has seen Argentina pivot away from regional cooperation. He has snubbed neighbours like Brazil, withdrawn from the accession process to the Brics group of nations and has aligned himself more closely with the US, Israel and the global far right.
He frequently rails against “global socialism”, and presents himself as a figurehead of a new anti-globalist movement. This posture appeals to his domestic base and international allies, but has further isolated Argentina diplomatically and eroded longstanding regional ties.
If Badenoch wants to emulate Milei, it raises serious questions about the political and economic future she envisions for Britain. Argentina is currently living through a radical experiment in state destruction. Despite circumstantially winning praise from bond markets and libertarian circles, it has brought pain, polarisation and increasing levels of repression.
For those looking beyond spectacle, Milei’s presidency offers not a blueprint for bold reform, but a cautionary tale about the dangers of governing by chainsaw.
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
