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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Keepers of Memory: How the Volunteer Corps for the 80th Anniversary of Victory is Being Prepared

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Distributing St. George ribbons to passersby, telling people about the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, meeting veterans at train stations and airports – volunteers will do this and much more during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    More than five thousand people will help at patriotic events dedicated to the important date. The first training center of the International Volunteer Corps of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Russia was opened in Moscow to train them. More than 12 thousand Muscovites have already applied to join this corps.

    mos.ru correspondents found out what future memory keepers are taught and why it is important to know about key military events.

    Training according to a single standard

    The training of the volunteer corps for the 80th anniversary of Victory is taking place at the regional center “Good Place. SZAO”. In-person training according to a single standard began here in early March 2025.

    “The online course includes seven blocks of videos and landing pages (scrolling pages) dedicated to a specific topic, such as the Battle of Moscow. At the end of each section, volunteers are asked to answer questions to consolidate the knowledge they have gained. After completing the test, you can sign up for in-person classes at the training center of the International Volunteer Corps of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War: these are historical and volunteer minimums, as well as additional instructions before the start of a particular event,” explains the holder of the “Volunteer of Moscow” badge of distinction, executive director of the Moscow regional branch

    All-Russian public movement “Volunteers of Victory” Lyudmila Gorelova.

    She is a professional teacher, a lecturer at MIREA – Russian Technological University, conducts trainings on the volunteer minimum (this is the basic knowledge that a volunteer must have when going on shift. – Note mos.ru), where she talks about equipment, as well as how to communicate correctly with veterans of the Great Patriotic War and citizens with disabilities.

    “Such people require a special approach, it is important to be as polite and tactful as possible, and to be able to provide first aid if necessary,” adds Lyudmila Gorelova.

    Since the opening of the center, the corps volunteers have already taken part in more than 250 patriotic events. They congratulated veterans on holidays, conducted courage lessons and patriotic quests for schoolchildren, and also accompanied events dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the fascist blockade, the 82nd anniversary of the defeat of the Nazi troops by Soviet troops in the Battle of Stalingrad, and Defender of the Fatherland Day.

    Volunteers will also help during all patriotic events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Thus, on April 24, the international event “St. George’s Ribbon” will begin in the capital. Volunteers will hand out the main symbol of Victory in squares, parks, and near metro stations. From May 6 to 8, they will join the “Streets of Heroes” event and hand out triangular letters to passersby describing the exploits of the defenders of the Fatherland, and will tell about tankmen, pilots, marshals, and generals in whose honor the city streets are named.

    On May 6, the “Victory Waltz” event will take place at the main entrance arch to VDNKh: 400 college students dressed in 1940s costumes will dance to the song “May Waltz”. In addition, all days before the holiday, a headquarters will be operating to meet veterans who independently arrive in Moscow from other regions. And the culmination will be the Victory Parade on Red Square – volunteers will also help with its holding.

    Events dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory will be held until the end of the year, so anyone can join the international volunteer corps throughout 2025. To do this, you need to register on the website All-Russian public movement “Volunteers of Victory” Click the “Study with us” button and take an online course using a uniform training standard for all of Russia.

    The first center in Russia to prepare a volunteer corps for the 80th anniversary of Victory has opened in MoscowPatriotic event “Streets of Heroes” to be held in the capital

    Mission – to preserve memory

    The volunteer district center “Dobroe Mesto. SZAO”, where the International Volunteer Corps of the 80th Anniversary of Victory is trained, opened on Aerodromnaya Street (building 6) in the summer of 2024. Above the entrance to the center is a white canopy with the inscription “Mosvolonter”. The premises of the center are also decorated in light colors: the walls, the sign and the poster “International Volunteer Corps of the 80th Anniversary of Victory” in the lobby, chairs in two lecture halls.

    Today in “Good Place. SZAO” there is a lecture on the historical minimum, it is conducted by Daniil Myatin, a member of the federal team of the All-Russian public movement “Volunteers of Victory”. Classes are organized on weekdays and weekends as the next group is recruited.

    “The historical minimum is a necessary base for a participant in the movement. Even if a volunteer simply hands out St. George ribbons on the streets, any passerby can ask him, for example, about what battles Marshal Georgy Zhukov participated in or how the Great Patriotic War differs from World War II. And he must answer, because his mission is to preserve the memory of those events and pass on knowledge to others. Of course, it is impossible to retell the whole story in an hour, so I try to focus on the most significant moments. In addition, each volunteer receives a short manual with dates and names of heroes,” says Daniil Myatin.

    During the lesson, the teacher asks the students to pair up and name key facts about the Great Patriotic War to each other: this is how the volunteers develop their communication skills and review the material they have studied online. Then a representative of each pair tells the group what they have managed to remember, and Daniil Myatin writes the answers on the board and comments.

    “One of the most memorable and tragic events of the Great Patriotic War was the siege of Leningrad, which lasted from September 1941 to January 1944. At the events in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, you will meet those who survived then, and your task is to show that you are with them, remember and empathize,” the teacher instructs.

    At the call of the heart

    Some participants of the 80th Anniversary of Victory Volunteer Corps are high school seniors, others are working, and some are already retired, but they are united by a common goal – to preserve the memory of their ancestors, those who in the 1940s, regardless of age and occupation, went to the front or worked in the rear. As a rule, they come to classes already well prepared. Many volunteers decided to join the movement in memory of their grandparents, whose stories greatly impressed them.

    “My grandmother Nina Trushina was a nurse during the war, and my grandfather Fyodor Voloshin participated in the defense of Smolensk and the Caucasus, received many awards, including the medal “For Courage”. In 1945, during the liberation of the western regions of Poland, he was wounded and, while he was being taken to the hospital on a train, he met my future grandmother. After the war, they got married. The theme of Victory is very close to me. About eight years ago, I began to help organize events congratulating veterans, and now I have signed up for the international volunteer corps,” shares volunteer Anastasia Voloshina.

    Now 38 years old, she works as a doctor, raises a teenage daughter and finds time to help.

    Timofey Timoshenko is 15 years old, he is a ninth-grader at school #1591. Both of his great-grandfathers went through the war. One, Vladimir Khromov, was a child himself at the time, the other, Alexey Zakharov, served at the front, reached Konigsberg, was seriously shell-shocked, but nevertheless lived until the early 2000s.

    “I listened to Grandpa Volodya’s stories and tried to imagine myself in his place. When I started studying history, I became even more interested in the topic, went with my class to the Victory Museum, and as soon as I reached the right age, I immediately signed up as a volunteer. For now, I hope to participate in the distribution of St. George ribbons,” says Timofey Timoshenko.

    Another visitor to the classes at the Dobroe Mesto. SZAO center, Svetlana Filina, is 53 years old. She works as a teacher of additional education and a methodologist for sports tourism.

    “My grandfather Ivan worked in the rear, and my grandmother Praskovia was captured by the Germans, then many years later she was able to return to Russia. She did not like to talk about those events: it was too hard. But sometimes she still remembered something, and I, listening to her, could not hold back my tears. Now I consider it my duty to join the movement in memory of the people closest to me,” admits Svetlana Filina.

    According to the training organizers, volunteers not only carry the banner of memory, but also pass it on to their children and set an example.

    “People often come to us with younger schoolchildren, asking permission to take them along to events, and we don’t object. After all, the most important thing is a sincere desire to participate, to help and to get joy from it,” sums up Lyudmila Gorelova.

    “80 Years Ago. A Day in History”: An Educational Project Will Tell Schoolchildren About the Battle of Moscow“A Good Place”: How to Choose and Book a Space in Volunteer CentersSobyanin: This year, we will install another 240 historical markers for Victory Day“And courage, like a banner, was carried”: a patriotic exhibition will open at the Alexander Shilov Gallery

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152383073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Malaysia agree to build high-level strategic community with shared future

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 — China and Malaysia have agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future to accelerate their modernization efforts and jointly promote regional and global prosperity and stability.

    The two countries made the announcement on Thursday in a joint statement released in the context of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia.

    In the statement, China and Malaysia vowed to strengthen strategic coordination, deepen synergy of development, tighten people-to-people bonds, maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, strengthen regional cooperation, and conduct multilateral cooperation.

    Malaysia reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China policy, recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, Taiwan is an inalienable territory of the People’s Republic of China, and in order for China to achieve national reunification, will not support any call for the independence of Taiwan.

    The two sides agreed to become a pacesetter for regional cooperation on new quality productive forces and further synergize development strategies.

    Focusing on four key areas of digital economy, green economy, blue economy and tourism economy, the two sides pledged to expand future economic cooperation, promote integrated, coordinated and complementary development, achieve deep integration of industrial and supply chains, value chains, data chains and talent chains, so as to further improve the level and quality of China-Malaysia cooperation.

    The two countries also agreed to jointly build a safe and stable industrial and supply chain and strengthen cooperation.

    According to the statement, the Malaysian side welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of Malaysia’s 5G network. Both sides look forward to exploring potential cooperation in the semiconductor industrial chain to the extent practicable to maintain the stability of the industrial and supply chains.

    The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening rail transportation and infrastructure cooperation and contributing to the realization of the Pan-Asian Railway vision.

    China said it welcomes Malaysia to continue promoting Malaysian products and expanding exports to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the Global Digital Trade Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo.

    As a way to tighten people-to-people bonds between the two countries, the two sides agreed to continue to conduct joint research on panda protection and expect to achieve more progress in this field.

    In a bid to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, the two countries agreed to resolve disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, said the statement, noting that both sides recognized that the involvement of parties not directly concerned could be counter-productive.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Spring in the City: The Moscow Longevity Project Invites You to Walking Tours

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    One of the most popular areas of the project “Moscow Longevity” “Walking Lecture Hall” remains. For example, in the spring, some tour guides prepared routes dedicated to Easter traditions and Victory Day for older city residents. Participants learn about life in Moscow during the war, the everyday life of residents and its heroes. The project guides constantly conduct research work to show the capital from an unexpected side.

    During the walks, the tourists immerse themselves in different historical eras, get acquainted with the architecture, famous personalities of the present and the past, learn new facts about their hometown, discover the secrets of estates and their inhabitants, visit parks and squares. At the same time, they improve their health by walking more steps per day. Currently, more than 800 groups are open within the framework of the “Walking Lecture” direction.

    In addition to the classic routes, the guides of Moscow Longevity constantly develop thematic excursions, dedicating them to historical figures, events, significant dates and even different seasons.

    “Developing one route can take from one evening to several months. To make it interesting and informative, I study historical documents, memoirs, and go to libraries. Sometimes, excursionists bring various magazines or share stories. The project participants are such an interested audience that they often make the route bright and diverse. I notice that people with an active life position and a large amount of knowledge go on excursions. By summer, I am developing a new route along the embankments, between two bridges – Bolshie Kamenny and Moskvoretsky, which I will present to the participants in May,” shared Elena Alyabyeva, a tour guide.

    The walks are adapted for senior citizens and last no more than two hours. The guides note that weather conditions do not stop the participants of the Moscow Longevity project. Thus, Muscovite Svetlana Kuzmina said that she tries to attend the excursions every week and has introduced her neighbor to this activity. Now Svetlana has a lot of free time, which she tries to spend usefully for self-development and self-education. The excursions inspired her to take courses in art history.

    Under the guidance of professional guides, even familiar places in the capital are revealed in a new way. For example, tour guide Elena Leonova has developed 10 routes along the well-known Tverskaya Street and its alleys. Project participants visit not only the historical center, but also new, improved areas and public spaces, where they get acquainted with the modern life of the city.

    “The excursion participants really like the routes that are far from the center, the unusual places. For example, I developed a route through my own district – Yasenevo. It turned out that even those who live nearby have not seen the Yasenevo estate with its rich history. But even on the widely known historical streets there is a place for amazing and little-known facts. In total, I have more than 100 original routes for the participants of “Moscow Longevity” and several are in development. For example, on the eve of the holiday, I prepared the route “Easter Moscow”, – added Elena Leonova.

    The project also includes several different routes dedicated to the theatrical and literary life of the city. Thus, guests can find out where the first theater appeared in the capital, in which restaurants actors and patrons celebrated premieres. They will also walk through the favorite places of writers and literary heroes.

    All interested senior Muscovites are invited to join the classes in the “Walking Lecture” direction. You can choose a group and immediately sign up for it atmos.ru portal or by contacting any Moscow longevity center.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152695073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Backing community-led biodiversity protection

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A $9.2 million investment into community-led biodiversity protection will benefit the environment and sustainable tourism, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. 

    The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai has chosen 20 groups who applied to the DOC Community Fund for support in protecting threatened species and ecosystems across Aotearoa New Zealand. A total of 291 groups applied for the 2025 funding round.

    “Our country’s natural beaty and rich biodiversity attracts visitors from around the world. Investing in biodiversity is great for the environment, good for tourism, and helps support economic growth that creates jobs and boosts incomes,” Mr Potaka says. 

    “Projects include supporting The Forest Bridge Trust to do landscape scale predator control, which will protect nationally critical tara iti and matuku-hūrepo up north of Auckland. With a population of fewer than 40, the tara iti is probably our most endangered indigenous breeding bird.

    “At the other end of the country, we are supporting the Hokonui Rūnanga in their goal of helping the nationally vulnerable kanakana/lamprey by identifying waterway issues.

    “Delivering better public services means prioritising high value initiatives that will deliver the greatest outcomes. The department selected projects most likely to have the greatest impact for biodiversity working with local communities, Iwi and Hapū,” Mr Potaka says.

    “In the Lower North Island, we are supporting the Manaaki Ruahine Trust to do predator control over 40,000 ha in Ngā Pae Maunga o Ruahine to support the recovery of nationally vulnerable whio and other threatened species.

    “We are supporting the Chatham Islands Taiko Trust to do predator control mahi over private and public land that will protect breeding habitats for the nationally critical Chatham Island tāiko.”

    The DOC Community Fund is a contestable Crown fund, open to community groups and private landowners to support community-led conservation projects on public and private land. It has invested $57.4 million into 769 community conservation initiatives since 2014.

    This year’s recipients and their related projects are available on the successful applications 2025 webpage.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic

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

    Despite the challenges faced by local democratic activists, Thailand has often been an oasis of relative liberalism compared with neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

    Westerners, in particular, have been largely welcomed and provided with a measure of protection from harassment by the authorities. Thailand’s economy is extremely dependent on foreign tourism. Many Westerners also work in a variety of industries, including as academics at public and private universities.

    That arrangement now seems under pressure. Earlier this month, Paul Chambers, an American political science lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested on charges of violating the Computer Crimes Act and the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code for allegedly insulting the monarchy.

    Chambers’ visa has been revoked and he now faces a potential punishment of 15 years in jail.

    The lèse-majesté law has become a common tool for silencing Thai activists. At least 272 people have been charged under the law since pro-democracy protests broke out in 2020, according to rights groups.

    Its use against foreigners has, until now, been limited. No foreign academic has ever been charged with it. Because of the law, however, most academics in Thailand usually tread carefully in their critiques of the monarchy.

    The decision to charge a foreign academic, therefore, suggests a hardening of views on dissent by conservative forces in the country. It represents a further deterioration in Thailand’s democratic credentials and provides little optimism for reform under the present government.

    Thailand’s democratic deficit

    Several other recent actions have also sparked concerns about democratic backsliding.

    Following a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China in February, the government violated domestic and international law by forcibly returning 40 Uyghurs to China.

    The Uyghurs had fled China a decade earlier to escape repression in the western Xinjiang region and had been held in detention in Thailand ever since. They now potentially face worse treatment by the Chinese authorities.

    Then, in early April, Thailand welcomed the head of the Myanmar junta to a regional summit in Bangkok after a devastating earthquake struck his war-ravaged country.

    Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned internationally since the junta launched a coup against the democratically elected government in Myanmar in 2021, sparking a devastating civil war. He has only visited Russia and China since then.

    In addition, the military continues to dominate politics in Thailand. After a progressive party, Move Forward, won the 2023 parliamentary elections by committing to amend the lèse-majesté law, the military, the unelected Senate and other conservative forces in the country ignored the will of the people and denied its charismatic leader the prime ministership.

    The party was then forcibly dissolved by the Constitutional Court and its leader banned from politics for ten years.

    In February, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission criminally indicted 44 politicians from Move Forward for sponsoring a bill in parliament to reform the lèse-majesté law. They face lifetime bans from politics if they are found guilty of breaching “ethical standards”.

    Even the powerful former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is also the uncle of the current prime minister, is not immune from the lèse-majesté law.

    He was indicted last year for allegedly insulting the monarchy almost two decades ago. His case is due to be heard in July.

    This continued undermining of democratic norms is chipping away at Thailand’s international reputation. The country is now classified as a “flawed democracy” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, with its ranking falling two years in a row.



    Read more:
    Thailand’s democracy has taken another hit, but the country’s progressive forces won’t be stopped

    Academic freedom at risk

    The lèse-majesté law has always represented something of a challenge to academic freedom in Thailand, as well as freedom of speech more generally. Campaigners against the law have paid a heavy price.

    The US State Department has provided a statement of support for Chambers, urging the Thai government to “ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression”. However, given the Trump administration’s attacks on US universities at the moment, this demand rings somewhat hollow.

    Academic freedom is a hallmark of democracies compared with authoritarian regimes. With the US no longer so concerned with protecting academic freedom at home, there is little stopping flawed democracies around the world from stepping up pressure on academics to toe the line.

    The undermining of democracy in the US is already having palpable impacts on democratic regression around the world.

    With little international pressure to adhere to democratic norms, the current Thai government has taken a significant and deleterious step in arresting a foreign academic.

    In the future, universities in Thailand, as in the US, will find it harder to attract international talent. Universities – and the broader society – in both countries will be worse off for it.

    Adam Simpson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic – https://theconversation.com/thailands-fragile-democracy-takes-another-hit-with-arrest-of-us-academic-254706

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Cambodia ties set model for building community with shared future — Chinese ambassador

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

    China-Cambodia ties set model for building community with shared future — Chinese ambassador

    PHNOM PENH, April 16 — The friendly and close cooperation between China and Cambodia has become a model for building a community with a shared future for mankind and a new type of international relations as well, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin has said.

    Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian leaders, the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future has entered a new era of high quality, high level and high standard, Wang said in a written interview with Xinhua.

    China and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1958, and their traditional friendship fostered by successive generations of Chinese and Cambodian leaders has been continuously advanced, becoming a model of mutual respect and equal treatment between countries with different social systems and different sizes, he said.

    Recent years have seen steady growth in their friendly and practical cooperation under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two countries, said the Chinese ambassador.

    The two sides, he said, have been working to implement a new action plan on building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future, not least by promoting the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, enriching the dimensions of the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework and accelerating the building of the “industrial development corridor” and the “fish and rice corridor.”

    The efforts have yielded fruitful results, Wang said.

    First, two-way trade has expanded remarkably thanks to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade deal and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). China has been Cambodia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. And in 2024, two-way trade reached 17.83 billion U.S. dollars, up by 20.7 percent year-on-year.

    The approval for high-quality Cambodian agricultural and fishery products such as rice, bananas, mangoes, longans, coconuts and basa fish to enter the Chinese market has not only graced the dining tables of Chinese consumers but also boosted the incomes of Cambodian people.

    Second, investment cooperation has continued to deepen. China has remained Cambodia’s largest source of foreign investment for 13 consecutive years, with investments spanning a wide range of sectors, including transportation, power, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, special economic zones, as well as information and communications technology, characterized by extensive coverage, large scale and strong results.

    Take the power sector. By the end of 2024, Chinese companies had completed and put into operation 10 hydropower plants and two thermal power plants in Cambodia, with a total installed capacity accounting for over 60 percent of the country’s total. This has provided a robust guarantee for Cambodians to “access electricity” and “enjoy reliable electricity.”

    Third, mutually beneficial cooperation has improved people’s livelihoods. Major China-Cambodia landmark projects of Belt and Road cooperation, such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, have become key drivers of Cambodia’s economic and social development, creating tens of thousands of local jobs.

    Additionally, China has helped Cambodia build or upgrade approximately 4,000 km of roads and construct over 10 mega bridges, and implemented multiple “small yet smart” public wellbeing projects, including rural roads and water supply systems, significantly improving the living conditions of local residents.

    Wang said that China-Cambodia people-to-people exchanges, as a key pillar of China-Cambodia friendship and cooperation, were boosted by the China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year 2024. Over the years, the medical cooperation programs including “Love Heart Journey,” “Bright Journey” and “Smile Journey” have provided quality healthcare service to grassroots populations in more than 20 Cambodian provinces and cities.

    The envoy said he expects people-to-people exchanges to continue to expand under the guidance of the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative, which, according to him, will benefit areas ranging from culture, youth, media, think tanks, tourism and technology, to healthcare and cultural relics restoration.

    As history and reality have both proven, he said, China and Cambodia are good neighbors, good brothers, good friends and good partners who share weal and woe and stand together through thick and thin.

    The friendship between the two countries is not a transactional relationship, nor a stopgap measure, still less a bloc confrontation, he said.

    Rather, it is rooted in the practical needs of our respective national development and rejuvenation, serves the common interests of both nations and peoples, and aligns with the historical trend of solidarity, self-strengthening and shared development among Global South countries, Wang said.

    Facing an international landscape of turbulence and transformation along with ever-emerging global challenges, both China and Cambodia are committed to advancing peace, development and progress in the world, he said.

    China will continue working hand in hand with Cambodia to carry forward their everlasting friendship, enhance strategic mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to elevate their traditional friendship to new heights and make fresh contributions to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity both regionally and globally, Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Denmark

    Source:

    We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Denmark and advise exercise normal safety precautions.

    Denmark’s domestic terror threat level is set to ‘significant’ (level 4 of 5). Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Terrorists may target tourist areas and attractions or other places frequented by foreigners. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2 R.I. arts and culture organizations received ‘cultural sustainability’ grants

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, R.I. � The R.I. State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that Teatro ECAS and PVD World Music, both of Providence, were among the recipients of grants to fund cultural sustainability and operating support. Funded by the Wallace Foundation and delivered by the regional arts agencies including the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), Teatro ECAS will receive $100,000 and PVD World Music will be granted $25,000.

    The grant provides support to arts organizations of color with annual operating expenses under $500,000. The funding will enable both organizations to sustain and expand their practices; serve their communities more deeply and impactfully; and provide meaningful arts and cultural experiences for larger, cross-cultural audiences.

    Additionally, working together as a regional learning cohort with NEFA staff, the recipients will have the opportunity to address some of their self-identified organizational needs.

    “The Cultural Sustainability grant acknowledges that arts organizations rooted in communities of color deserve to become long-lasting, well-resourced cultural pillars across New England,” said Harold Steward, NEFA’s executive director. “NEFA is honored to do this work in partnership with The Wallace Foundation and our sister Regional Arts Organizations.”

    “Arts organizations rooted in communities are often the cornerstones of the neighborhoods they serve, and as we work to create a more equitable and thriving arts sector having a deeper understanding of how funders can better support their work is vital,” said Bahia Ramos, vice president of arts at Wallace. “The Wallace Foundation is grateful to NEFA and the other Regional Arts Organizations for encouraging us to expand our work to support and better understand their practices.”

    “On behalf of RISCA, congratulations to Teatro ECAS and PVD Word Music. RISCA has been long time supporters of both organization through our grant programs, including general operating support and cultural facilities, as well as through the RI Expansion Arts program. Thank you to the Wallace Foundation and NEFA for championing the arts and acknowledging the need for targeted investment to sustain small arts and cultural organizations centered in communities of color,” said Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA, “Both Teatro ECAS and PVD World Music Institute deliver strong and important work in our community � educating our young people; driving tourism; and contributing to the civic and social health of our state.”

    Based in the heart of southeastern New England, Teatro ECAS brings together diverse multigenerational audiences to experience the joy of live theater performed in Spanish, fostering self-discovery and cultural connection. With a focus on children, youth and families, Teatro ECAS aspires to enrich the cultural and civic vitality of our community while achieving national prominence for its artists and its artistry. www.teatroecas.org.

    Providence World Music Institute (PVD World Music) is a community-centered nonprofit based in Providence. Its mission is to celebrate, promote and preserve the rich musical traditions and arts of African refugee and immigrant communities in Rhode Island. Our vision is to safeguard and shine a light on the intangible cultural heritage of African and Indigenous peoples. We bring cultural enrichment to underserved communities through our flagship programs and are a member of the cohort for the RI Expansion Arts Program, a partnership with RISCA, R.I. Foundation and RI Humanities. www.pvdworldmusic.com.

    NEFA invests in artists and communities and fosters equitable access to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape in New England and the nation. NEFA accomplishes this by granting funds to artists and cultural organizations; connecting them to each other and their audiences; and analyzing their economic contributions. NEFA serves as a regional partner for the National Endowment for the Arts, New England’s state arts agencies, and private foundations. Learn more at?www.nefa.org.

    The Wallace Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan research foundation focused on the arts, school leadership, and youth development. They collaborate with grantees and research partners to design and test innovative approaches to address pressing problems in the fields they serve. The evidence-based insights they share�searchable online and free of charge�support policymakers and practitioners in their efforts to improve outcomes, enhance community vitality, and help all people reach their full potential. www.WallaceFoundation.org.

    Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. www.arts.ri.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cracking regional tourism spending tipped for extended Easter and ANZAC Day holiday

    Source: Premier of Victoria

    • More than $750 million spending boost to regional towns expected
    • Local accommodation, hospitality and bakeries the big winners
    • Service station spending set to soar as Aussies opt for road trips to regional locations

    Regional towns across the country are expecting a bumper spending period this Easter as travellers flock to the regions to enjoy an extra-long holiday period.

    New NAB data reveals more than $750 million is expected to be spent on regional tourism, including accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions over the Easter period.

    More than $450 million is expected to be spent at regional service stations as Australians pack up the car and nearly $200 million will be spent at regional restaurants, bars and pubs.

    Whether it’s for a pitstop on the way through, or a pie and sausage roll for lunch, bakeries will also benefit from the influx of holidaymakers, expecting an $18m uptick and spending about 11% higher than normal.

    Aussies stocking up on last minute chocolate eggs will see regional confectionary stores benefit from more than $1.6m in spending.

    NAB Retail Customer Executive Larna Manson said many Aussies planned ahead this year and were enjoying a 10-day break by taking just three days off between the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays.

    “We expect regional towns to be big winners out of this extra-long Easter break, with many accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants booked out ahead of time by travellers,” Ms Manson said.

    “With cost of living still at the forefront of many people’s minds, road trips across Australia are proving to be a more cost-effective way families can enjoy some time away and make new memories without the price tag of an overseas trip.”

    Tim Bone, owner of BIG4 Holiday Parks Bellarine and Anglesea, said the extra-long break coming off the back of school holidays was a welcome addition for the tourism industry.

    “We’re booked out for three weeks straight in April which is great,” Mr Bone said. “It’s definitely helped having school holidays combined with the Easter and ANZAC day periods together this year.

    “It’s been a slower start to the year for bookings, but this is a welcome boost for us and small businesses across the region.”

    Notes to the Editor: 
    Predictions made from NAB transaction data pulled during the 2024 Easter period.

    Topics

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    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Hosts Inaugural FOCUS Africa Trade and Investment Forum to strengthen economic integration in Africa

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

    CAIRO, Egypt, April 16, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation (MoPEDIC) of Egypt and the Group of African Ambassadors in Cairo, is hosting the inaugural FOCUS Africa Trade and Investment Forum from 15 to 16 April 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Cairo, Egypt.

    FOCUS Africa will address key investment challenges and unlock high-impact opportunities across multiple sectors, including agribusiness, technology, infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and the blue economy.

    The Forum brings together key policymakers, business leaders, and investors to explore strategies for increasing African direct investment (ADI) and foreign direct investment (FDI) while showcasing bankable projects capable of attracting regional and international capital.

    Despite attracting only 3% to 4% of global foreign direct investment (FDI), Africa can bridge the estimated $130 billion to $170 billion annual infrastructure financing gap.

    Speaking at FOCUS AFRICA, Her Excellency Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, said “Today, Africa stands at a pivotal moment. With a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over USD$3.1 trillion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—the largest free trade area globally—presents unprecedented opportunities. However, intra-African trade currently accounts for only 15% of total African trade. This is where our efforts must intensify.

    “Egypt sees private sector development as essential for inclusive and sustainable growth. Through our Government Work Plan, we’re fast-tracking reforms, enhancing the business climate, and building investor confidence with clear regulations and sound fiscal management to ensure stability and attract private capital.

    “As a result, private investments now account for 63% of total investments in Egypt—a clear indication of the growing role of the private sector in driving economic development.

    “By 2030, we aim to attract $60 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and increase our annual exports to $145 billion, leveraging Egypt’s strategic location and industrial capacity to serve as a trade and manufacturing hub for Africa.”

    Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said in his opening remarks: “Globalisation, as we know it, is regrettably under life support. The African Continental Free Trade Area is the instrument that offers Africa the opportunity to look inwards within itself, as a source of growth and development. If we achieve a truly integrated market with a combined GDP of about USD3 trillion, a diverse ecosystem and variety of natural resources, we can create our own internal globalisation and be in a position to integrate the African Diaspora and engage the rest of the world more meaningfully.”

    H.E. Dr Mohamadou Labarang Dean of the African Ambassadors’ Group, commented, “the Ambassadors’ Group strongly believes that there is a crucial need to draw the attention of the business community in the Middle East — and particularly in Egypt — to the wealth of opportunities that are now available through the smart and sustained implementation of the AfCFTA.

    “Africa is changing. Across our regions, opportunities abound in agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, and tourism. But these opportunities will remain dormant unless we galvanise the right investment partnerships — partnerships built not on aid or charity, but on mutual

    benefit, shared growth, and strategic vision.

    “Globalisation appears to be losing momentum. Each country and region must be able to harness its own potential to meet these emerging challenges.”

    Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, said: “Africa’s infrastructure gap is not just a statistic — it’s a brake on our growth and a bottleneck to our global competitiveness.

    “FOCUS Africa is a testament to our shared vision of harnessing Africa’s immense potential and driving sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and innovative financial solutions tailored to the continent’s needs.”

    She added: “At the very heart of Africa’s transformation is scaling Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) models to meet the continent’s infrastructure and trade ambitions. By mobilising African capital, building local capacity, and fostering strategic partnerships, we are proving that African firms can deliver world-class infrastructure — not in theory, but in practice.

    “We must move from pockets of success to a coordinated push for scale. With the right models, the right finance, and the right vision, the right partners, Africa’s EPC sector can become the cornerstone of our integration and trade agenda.”

    Afreximbank, through its Intra-African Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) Contract Promotion Initiative, is determined to shift the paradigm — from externally driven growth to African-led development.

    By bridging investment gaps and fostering stronger trade partnerships, FOCUS Africa 2025 in Cairo marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey toward economic self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.

    Structured to align with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), FOCUS Africa will catalyse intra-African trade and investment and strengthen economic integration.

    By facilitating business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) partnerships, matchmaking initiatives, and addressing access to tailored financial instruments, the Forum aims to enhance the private sector’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic transformation and foster a sense of growth and development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Small Businesses Highlight Devastating Impacts of Sweeping Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    Video download is available here.

    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) highlighted the devastating impacts the chaos of the Trump Administration’s tariffs have had on the cost of operating small businesses and on the American economy itself. President Donald Trump recently implemented sweeping new tariffs that will raise the cost of groceries, energy, and household goods for Nevada businesses and families and are impacting travel and tourism to Nevada. The Senator was joined by Co-Founder of Tacotarian Kristen Corral, CEO and Founder of Mothership Coffee Juanny Romero, and Owner of BAMBU Dessert Drinks Santy Luangpraseuth.

    “In his first 100 days, President Trump has done nothing but create chaos and uncertainty, impacting hardworking families across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Nevada’s small businesses know better than anyone just how hard it has been to operate right now. I will never stop fighting for our small business owners.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families. Earlier this month, the Senator wrote a letter to the Administration demanding they provide their plan to mitigate the economic stress caused by the implementation of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other executive actions. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative 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 investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people and make that information public.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 Gala Dinner (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 Gala Dinner today (April 16):

    Mr Michael Lee, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Guo Huaigang, Secretary General of WTCF, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and friends from the global tourism community,

    Good evening, everyone!

    Over the past few days, we have witnessed together a rich and colourful array of Summit activities, from experiencing Hong Kong’s diversified and unique tourism resources through visiting tourists attractions, to engaging in in-depth fora and meetings about the latest developments, trends, and insights of the tourism industry, on top of deepened mutual understanding and strengthened friendship, I know that we also reached valuable consensus covering many aspects on tourism development. Through exploring innovative strategies and best practices that can elevate our respective destinations and enhance the experiences we offer to visitors from around the globe together, I am confident that we shall meet our common goal and achieve high-quality development of the tourism economy.

    As far as Hong Kong is concerned, we boast significant traditional strengths: world-class tourist attractions, vibrant culinary scene, efficient urban management and unparalleled transport systems, to name just a few. Some of you have experienced first hand the tourism assets of Hong Kong earlier this week and just now in the afternoon. But Hong Kong is a city that never stands still. We are working in full steam to strengthen these assets, as well as unearthing new tourism resources to consolidate our position as a world-class premier tourist destination. One of our key strategies is to press ahead with the four “+ Tourism” directions, which integrates culture, sports, ecology and mega events into our tourism offerings. And tonight we are enjoying the breathtaking ambiance of the iconic Happy Valley racecourse, which is a perfect example for illustrating this approach. 

    Horse racing has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural identity for over a century. It is a game, a sport and so much more. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is Hong Kong’s largest charitable donor, and the various sectors under my purview – sports, culture and tourism, benefit tremendously from the generosity of the Jockey Club. And as you can see and feel for yourselves, horse-racing is also a vibrant social event that brings people together, and people are enjoying themselves no doubt. We are further enriching this activity with cultural experiences, culinary delights, and entertainment. Unique tourism products, integrating different offerings, are being developed to bring holistic experience to visitors. Similarly, we are also crafting a series of distinctive and attractive tourism products and projects under the four “+ Tourism” directions to showcase Hong Kong’s unique and diversified characteristics in new and exciting ways.

    Tourism is an important dynamo for economic development, and an important bridge that connects people and culture. In the face of future challenges and opportunities, we need to unite more closely and jointly explore new friends, areas and paths in tourism. I believe that with the friendship we developed in the last few days, and our concerted efforts, we can together foster brighter and sustainable development of the global tourism industry. 

    Once again, please accept my sincere gratitude for your active participation in this episode of the Fragment Hills Tourism Summit, and your unwavering dedication to advancing the tourism sector. 

    I would also like to take this opportunity to express my special and heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Chairman Michael and CEO Winfried, for the Club’s generous sponsorship of this wonderful evening.

    Thank you so very much, and enjoy the rest of your evening!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom files lawsuit to end President Trump’s tariffs

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 16, 2025

    What you need to know: California today filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs, which have created economic chaos, driven up prices, and harmed the state, families, and businesses.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Trump’s use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses. The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing, and agriculture state in the nation. 

    These tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state and Californians, and inflicted billions in damages on California’s economy, the fifth largest in the world.

    “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy — driving up prices and threatening jobs. We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “The President’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state. I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California’s vibrant economy, businesses, and residents.”

    Attorney General Rob Bonta

    The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, requests the court to declare the tariffs imposed by President Trump void and enjoin their implementation. 
     

    The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs

    The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China, and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff. The President’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact tariffs is unlawful and unprecedented. 
     

    The IEEPA gives the President authority to take certain actions if he declares a national emergency in response to a foreign national security, foreign policy, or economic threat.  The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the President can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them. In fact, this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs. 
     

    Supreme Court precedent

    The lawsuit invokes the U.S. Supreme Court’s major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorization from Congress. In recent years, the Court has applied this standard to strike down major initiatives, including President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, ruling that novel executive actions with broad impacts on the national economy cannot rest on vague statutory authority. 

    It is difficult to imagine a more economically significant set of actions than the one Trump is taking on tariffs, which have inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses on a whim, using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law. 

    California is the backbone of the nation’s economy 

    California’s gross domestic product was $3.9 trillion in 2023, making it 50% bigger than the GDP of the nation’s next-largest state, Texas. The state drives national economic growth and also sends over $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives in federal funding. California is the leading agricultural producer in the country and is also the center for manufacturing output in the United States, with over 36,000 manufacturing firms employing over 1.1 million Californians. The Golden State’s manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods spanning aerospace, computers and electronics, and, most recently, zero-emission vehicles.

    The Golden State is global leader in two-way trade

    California engaged in nearly $675 billion in two-way trade in 2024, supporting millions of jobs throughout the state. California’s economy and workers rely heavily on this trade activity, particularly with Mexico, Canada, and China – our top 3 trade partners. Over 40% of California imports come from these countries, totaling $203 billion of the more than $491 billion in goods imported by California in 2024. These countries are also our top three export destinations, buying nearly $67 billion in California exports, which was over one-third of the state’s $183 billion in exported goods in 2024. 

    Tariffs irreparably harm California businesses and consumers

    As the largest economy in the nation, the largest agriculture state in the nation, and the largest U.S. trading partner, the harm of the tariffs on the state of California is immense. President Trump’s policies have already inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses. 

    Tariffs have an outsized impact on California businesses, including its more than 60,000 small business exporters. 

    Standing up for California families and businesses 

    Governor Newsom has responded quickly to help reduce negative impacts from the Trump tariffs on California’s economy and maintain California’s strong partnerships worldwide. Today’s lawsuit follows the Governor’s recent announcement of California’s goal to create new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains.  The Governor has also announced a new international campaign to help maintain the strong tourism partnership between California and Canada.

    More opposition to President Trump’s tariffs

    U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas): “Listen, I love President Trump, I’m his strongest supporter, and I think he’s doing incredible things as president. But here’s one thing to understand, a tariff is a tax.”

    U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky): “Every dollar collected in tariff revenue comes straight out of the pockets of American consumers.”

    U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): “And if the global implications of these tariffs have shown us nothing else, it’s that measures that are as important as these should be considered by the 535 elected individuals that are in tune with the American people, rather than vesting that with just one individual acting unilaterally.”

    Ben Shapiro, political commentator: “The idea that this is inherently good and makes the American economy strong is wrongheaded; it is untrue…”

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “What we have heard from business of all sizes, across all industries, from around the country is that these broad tariffs are a tax increase that will raise prices for American consumers and hurt the economy.”

    National Retail Federation: “American consumers could lose between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power each year if new tariffs on imports to the United States are implemented.”

    The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: “The dumbest trade war in history.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Active Longevity: Finding a Balance Between Tourism and Being a Grandmother

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    Within the framework XXV Yasinsky (April) International Scientific Conference A round table was held on the topic of active longevity. Experts discussed the implementation of state policy and corporate experience in this area.

    The round table “Active Longevity Programs: Regional and Corporate Experience” was organized jointly Institute of Social Policy HSE University and the D.I. Mendeleyev Institute of Demographic Policy.

    Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Institute of Social Policy Liliya Ovcharova recalled that the President’s decree on national development goals contains two target demographic indicators: increasing the total fertility rate and increasing life expectancy.

    “There are many events aimed at promoting the birth rate, and the topic of increasing life expectancy is still not sufficiently represented in the information agenda. At the same time, there are many scientific publications confirming the contribution of active longevity programs to healthy life expectancy,” she noted.

    Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Policy at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Oksana Sinyavskaya spoke about the specifics of socio-demographic processes that influence the priorities of social policy in the interests of the older generation. She noted that the population of Russia is aging, but the reserves for increasing life expectancy are high. According to the definition of the speaker, active longevity is “a state of social, economic, physical and psychological well-being that provides older citizens with the opportunity to meet their needs and be included in various spheres of society, achieved with the active participation of the citizens themselves.”

    Oksana Sinyavskaya also spoke about the implementation of the principles of active longevity in the Strategy of Actions in the Interests of Senior Citizens in the Russian Federation until 2030. Its goal is to increase the life expectancy and quality of life of the elderly. In addition to health protection and the development of medical care in the geriatrics profile, it talks about strengthening the value of a multi-generational family in society, creating conditions for the realization of the personal potential of senior citizens, increasing their financial security and developing infrastructure for a high-quality and safe life.

    More than 12 million people are currently participating in regional active longevity programs. Among the most popular areas of these programs are physical education and sports, education and enlightenment, socio-cultural events and social tourism. At the same time, the speaker noted the rather low awareness of citizens about the possibilities of the programs, as well as some limitations in the offer of services, especially in the area of social tourism.

    Ivan Efimov, Executive Director of the D.I. Mendeleyev Institute of Demographic Policy, noted that despite the beneficial effects of active longevity programs, research shows that they often “take grandparents away from the family.” “I think it is important to work from the point of view that no nanny can replace a grandmother. If we are talking about improving demographics, including the birth of children, it is important that there is a favorable environment for a grandmother to be with her family, with her grandchildren,” he believes.

    Deputy Executive Director of the D.I. Mendeleyev Institute of Demographic Policy, Head Responsible Business Laboratory HSE University Oleg Krivokhizhin told which indicators related to active longevity are taken into account by the Business Reputation Index of Entrepreneurs (EKG-rating). He noted that many enterprises take care of pensioners, make them additional payments and pension supplements, issue voluntary health insurance, organize spa treatment and various cultural events.

    “Today, the ECG rating of companies is becoming an indicator not only of how the company stimulates birth rates, but also of how it supports employees after retirement,” the expert noted.

    Deputy Director of the State Budgetary Institution “Moscow Longevity” Anna Skorik informed about the positive experience of the project implemented in the capital, and the head of the public projects department of the Russian Gerontological Scientific and Clinical Center of the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov Vadim Samorodov spoke about the medical aspects of working with the elderly and the importance of a systematic approach in this work aimed at improving the quality of life in old age. He noted that in the last five years of life, people spend about 50% of their lifetime treatment costs.

    Olga Eremenko, Vice President and Director of the Department of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance of PSB Bank, Anastasia Gorelkina, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDS Holding Company, Member of the Board of Directors of Azot JSC, Vice President of the Association of Communication Agencies of Russia (AKAP), and Alexey Basisty, Deputy General Director for HR Management of Gazprom Transgaz Moscow, shared their companies’ experience in creating conditions for employment of people of different ages and implementing active longevity projects.

    “As part of the implementation of the social support program in 2024, the company allocated more than 190 million rubles to improve the quality of life of people of silver age,” Anastasia Gorelkina reported, in particular.

    According to her, the events cover a wide range of areas – from regular financial assistance to providing free mobile communications. In addition, the company provides additional payments for holidays. For example, Victory Day, Miner’s Day.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese commerce minister calls for efforts to expand service consumption

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

    BEIJING, April 16 — Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has called for multiple measures to bolster service consumption, amid efforts to spur domestic demand and economic growth.

    He made the remarks in a signed article published Wednesday in Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Expanding service consumption is an important lever for stimulating domestic demand across the board, a task that has been identified as the top priority for 2025 in China’s government work report, according to the commerce minister.

    In recent years, service consumption has gained steam in China. Per capita service consumption expenditure in 2024 among residents rose 7.4 percent compared to the previous year, contributing 63 percent to the overall growth in per capita consumption expenditure.

    China has tailwinds to expand service consumption, driven by the unlocking of market potential, upgrading consumption structure and accelerating industry development, according to Wang.

    However, the minister cautioned that several challenges, such as the relatively low level of service industry openness, insufficient supply of high-quality services, and the room for improvement in consumption environment, still pose constrains on the sector’s expansion.

    To further stimulate service consumption, the government plans to roll out policies that support sectors such as household services and digital consumption, Wang said, adding that support will also be directed toward industries related to tourism, ultra-high-definition, the sports events economy, and traditional Chinese medicine health services.

    China will develop fiscal, tax, and financial policies to introduce targeted and practical measures, he said.

    A fresh move in this direction, China on Wednesday unveiled a work plan to boost service consumption. The plan proposes 48 specific measures across a broad spectrum of industries, covering both main service sectors as well as new forms of business and new consumption scenarios.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aviva’s Charged for Change Program to Power Up another 10 Canadian Communities with EV Charging Stations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aviva Canada is thrilled to announce that an additional 10 communities across Canada will soon be equipped with Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations thanks to its Charged for Change program, presented in partnership with Earth Day Canada. This year also marks the first time the program will fund EV infrastructure projects on First Nations territory.

    The recipients are:

    • We’koqma’q First Nation, NS
    • qathet Regional District, BC
    • Municipality of Neguac, NB
    • Village of Arcadia, NB
    • Municipality of Thames Centre, ON
    • Town of Essex, ON
    • Town of Fort Erie, ON
    • Town of Otterburn Park, QC
    • Town of Gravelbourg, SK
    • Town of Radisson, SK

    Charged for Change is an initiative aimed at addressing barriers to EV adoption in communities that lack adequate access to public charging infrastructure. Since 2021, this $3 million partnership has enabled municipalities and Indigenous communities to apply for funding to install Level 2 EV charging stations. In its first two years, the program successfully provided funding for public charging stations to 15 municipalities across Canada.

    “We’re grateful for the enthusiastic response from municipalities to our Charged for Change initiative, and pleased that Aviva has made a positive difference in multiple communities across the country,” stated Pascal Dessureault, Aviva Canada’s Chief Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Officer. “While this marks the final year of the program, we know there’s still so much more to be done to support the climate transition and we’re eager to explore those opportunities.”

    Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director of Earth Day Canada, added, “For three years, Charged for Change and our partnership with Aviva Canada has supported small, rural communities across Canada in making their EV public infrastructure projects a reality. We’re very excited for this final cohort of communities to benefit from the program and to see them support EV adoption for their residents.”

    Testimonials from year three Charged for Change recipients:

    “The addition of new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie’s ongoing commitment to building a greener future. This grant allows us to expand our efforts to combat climate change. It’s encouraging to see our community take tangible steps towards continued sustainability, such as welcoming our first EV and enhancing local charging infrastructure.”
    — Wayne Redekop, Mayor, Town of Fort Erie

    “We’koqma’q First Nation applied for Charged for Change funding because we are committed to building a greener, more sustainable future for our community. With the climate challenges we face, including rising water levels and increased flooding, we know the importance of taking action now. This funding allows us to invest in cleaner transportation and infrastructure, helping us reduce emissions and move towards energy independence. Receiving this support is a huge step forward for our community, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have for generations to come.”
    – Jordan Keeling, Director of Public Works, We’koqma’q First Nation

    “The qathet Regional District is proud to have been selected for the Charged for Change program, which will help bring much-needed public EV charging infrastructure to our rural, remote, and island communities, including Texada Island. By expanding access to EV charging in underserved areas, we are supporting sustainable transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering tourism, and strengthening local and regional economies. This funding is a crucial step in advancing our climate action goals and ensuring a more connected and resilient future for our communities.”
    – Mikhael Drosdovech, Manager of Assets and Capital Projects, qathet Regional District

    About Aviva Canada

    Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, lifestyle, and business insurance to 2.5 million customers coast to coast. A subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, we have the financial strength, scale and are a trusted insurance provider globally for more than 325 years.

    For more information, visit aviva.ca or Aviva Canada’s blog, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges joint efforts to build high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi met with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new “Golden 50 Years” for bilateral ties.

    Xi made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during a state visit to the country. Prior to their meeting, Sultan Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi.

    During the meeting, Xi pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family. Bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future, he added.

    Xi said he is ready to work with Sultan Ibrahim, the Malaysian supreme head of state, to lead the long-term and stable development of China-Malaysia ties, and write a new chapter in good-neighborliness, friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

    China and Malaysia should continue to deepen political mutual trust and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said.

    The two sides should deepen the synergy of development strategies, draw on each other’s strengths for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly pursue modernization, he said.

    He called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

    China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia, he said.

    China stands ready to promote the Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue with Malaysia and to carry out further cooperation with Malaysia in culture, tourism and education to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said the Chinese president.

    China supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said.

    He also urged joint efforts to promote the Global South’s pursuit of solidarity-driven collective advancement and common development, so as to contribute more certainty and positive energy to the region and the world.

    For his part, Sultan Ibrahim said that President Xi’s state visit to Malaysia is a major event in bilateral relations, which fully demonstrates the high level of Malaysia-China relations, adding that his successful visit to China last September is still fresh in his memory.

    Sultan Ibrahim said he believes that Xi’s visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China’s impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

    Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will join hands to forge ahead for win-win cooperation and promote the building of the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future no matter how the international landscape evolves, he said.

    Malaysia attaches importance to regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is ready to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost people-to-people and educational exchanges, said Sultan Ibrahim.

    The Malaysian side speaks highly of China’s central conference on work related to neighboring countries held recently and values China’s important role in addressing global and regional challenges, he said.

    As the rotating chair of ASEAN and country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is committed to promoting greater development of ASEAN-China ties and jointly building a peaceful and prosperous future, he added.

    After the meeting, Xi attended the welcome banquet held by Sultan Ibrahim.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How the preferential rent program helps capital entrepreneurs save money

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The program “1 ruble per square meter per year” allows businesses to use a preferential rental rate. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The program “1 ruble per square meter per year” has been operating in Moscow for 13 years. This is a mutually beneficial option for cooperation between the city and business, allowing for the restoration of architectural monuments and other objects and at the same time supporting entrepreneurs. Currently, following the results of the auctions, investors are renting 67 city buildings and premises with a total area of almost 65 thousand square meters, 48 of which – this is more than 50 thousand square meters of space – at a preferential rate. This year alone, their savings from participating in the program will amount to about one billion rubles,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    Since 2012, winners of specialized tenders have been able to lease cultural heritage sites that are in poor condition. Since 2013, private schools and kindergartens can be located in renovated buildings, and since 2022, hotels.

    The city concludes an agreement with an investor planning to open educational institutions for 49 years, and with entrepreneurs wishing to develop the hotel business for 20 years.

    “Before the preferential terms come into effect, the business must renovate the building or premises, prepare it for the declared activity and start working, for example, conduct training or rent rooms to tourists. Private kindergartens and schools will save the most thanks to this program this year – 677 million rubles. Four participants in the program who invested in the development of the hotel business will save 56 million rubles in their budget, and 20 tenants of cultural heritage sites – 235 million rubles,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property

    Maxim Gaman.

    Tenants of another 19 buildings, for which contracts have also been concluded under the “1 ruble per square meter per year” program, will be able to switch to a preferential rate once they have put them in order and opened a business.

    As the head of the Department of Competition Policy noted Kirill Purtov, the city regularly puts up for auction for entrepreneurs and residents of the capital real estate objects, including buildings and premises under the preferential rent program. The showcase of offers is Moscow investment portal. In the section “Property from the city” Information about the lots is published, including photographs, documentation, conditions and form of implementation.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152648073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kashi Ringing the Bells of Progress

    Source: Government of India

    Kashi Ringing the Bells of Progress

    Building Modern India

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 2:28PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, Kashi stands not only as a symbol of antiquity but also as a beacon of progress.”

    ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    On April 11, PM Modi launched development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Kashi. The ancient city is getting a modern makeover. Roads are being widened; schools are being upgraded and new power stations are coming up. Kashi is growing while keeping its roots alive. From 2014 to March 2025, 580 projects were taken up under Kashi Development with a total investment of ₹48,459 crore. The aim is to improve infrastructure, preserve heritage and support tourism in Varanasi.

    Kashi’s Development Journey: Key Milestones

    🗓️ November 7, 2014: The Powerloom Service Centre was inaugurated and a ₹2,375 crore revival package was announced for district cooperative banks.

    🗓️ September 18, 2015: ₹572 crore was announced for Kashi’s upgrade, along with ₹11,000 crore for roads connecting nearby districts.

    🗓️ December 22, 2016: Projects worth ₹2,100 crore were inaugurated, including foundation stones of various projects.

    🗓️ September 22, 2017: PM Modi dedicated the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts.

    🗓️ July 14, 2018: Foundation stone of key projects worth over ₹900 crore was laid.

    🗓️ March 8, 2019: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

    🗓️ November 30, 2020: The 73 km six-lane NH19 built at ₹2,447 crore was inaugurated to ease travel between Prayagraj and Varanasi. The Maha Kaal Express India’s first overnight private train was also launched.

    🗓️December 13-14, 2021: Phase 1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores inaugurated.

    🗓️ July 7, 2022: PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over ₹1,800 crore. This includes ₹590 crore under Varanasi Smart City and Urban Projects.

    🗓️ January 13, 2023: PM Modi flagged off the world’s longest river cruise ‘MV Ganga Vilas.’ 🗓️ December 18, 2023: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several development projects worth over ₹19,150 crore in Varanasi.

    🗓️ October 10, 2024: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth Rs 6,100 crores.

    From Pilgrimage to Premium Experiences

    Tourism in Varanasi is more than just travel, it’s a journey through history, faith and vibrant culture. Below are key initiatives that are reshaping the tourism experience in the city:

    1. MV Ganga Vilas: World’s Longest River Cruise

    Launched by PM Narendra Modi on January 13, 2023, the MV Ganga Vilas is the world’s longest river cruise, starting from Varanasi and culminating in Dibrugarh on 28th February 2023.

     

    2. Tent City: Riverside Luxury Experience

    The Tent City was inaugurated on January 13, 2023 on the opposite bank of the Ganga from the city ghats. Open from October to June annually, the Tent City helps manage the increasing tourist flow by providing a unique and peaceful riverside stay experience.

     

    3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

    Inaugurated on December 13, 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a transformative ₹355-crore project that spans an area of 5.5 acres. It connects the Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly to the Ganges River via a four-lane pathway, making the temple more accessible to pilgrims.

     

    4. Monument Illumination Projects

    To enhance the visual appeal of Varanasi’s historic monuments, several illumination projects have been undertaken: In 2015, ₹5.12 crore was sanctioned for lighting up monuments like Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tomb of Lalkan, and Man Mahal. In 2017, ₹2.93 crore were sanctioned to illuminate Dashashwamedh to Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the Sarnath Museum.

     

    Kashi’s Infrastructure Boost

    Kashi’s infrastructure development has seen major progress from 2021 to 2025. The Varanasi-Gorakhpur NH-20 (Package-2), a 72.16 km road was inaugurated on October 25, 2021. The project cost was ₹3,509 crore. The redevelopment of Namo Ghat (Khidkiya Ghat) was completed on November 15, 2024. The cost of the redevelopment was ₹95.2 crore. The ghat now features a cafeteria, viewing platforms and heritage murals. The construction of the jetty at Rajghat costed approximately Rs.10 crore. Each cruise boat was procured at a cost of Rs.20 crore. Furthermore, the tourism circuit along the riverfront will feature the construction of a walkway, a viewing deck, and a food court. The operation of cruise boats started in March, 2023.  Additionally, over ₹980 crore is allocated for flyovers, road bridges, and an airport underpass on April 11, 2025.

    Urban Transformation in Kashi

    Varanasi is undergoing a major urban makeover with focus on sustainability and civic upgrades. To reduce pollution in the Ganga, diesel/petrol boats were converted to CNG. This project, worth ₹29.7 crore, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on July 7, 2022. It is being executed by Varanasi Smart City Ltd. and GAIL. The Goitha Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), with a capacity of 120 million litres per day (MLD), was inaugurated on February 19, 2019. Built at a cost of ₹217.57 crore, it was aimed at treating sewage and reducing pollution in the Ganga. Under the Namami Gange scheme, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 55 million litres per day (MLD) is also being built at a cost of ₹300 crore. On April 11, 2025, ₹345 crore has been allocated under Jal Jeevan Mission for rural drinking water schemes. Varanasi connected 55,000 houses to sewer lines under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), using ₹105 crore, by March 2017. For better parking and traffic flow, the Godowlia Multilevel Two-wheeler Parking, a four-storey facility for 375 vehicles, was built for ₹19.55 crore and operates 24/7 with full security.

    Varanasi’s Handloom and Handicraft Revival

    Varanasi is renowned not just for its spiritual aura, but also for its rich tradition of handlooms and handicrafts. Generations of artisans have mastered the art of silk weaving, wood and stone carving, metalwork, pottery and jewellery making. Their creations reflect incredible skill and cultural heritage. Many of these crafts, like Banarasi sarees, Soft Stone Jali work, Banaras Gulabi Meenakari and Wooden Lacquerware & Toys etc, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, marking their authenticity and excellence.

    To support and promote these traditional arts the government announced the establishment of a Trade Facilitation Centre and Crafts Museum in the 2014-15 Union Budget. This initiative aimed to help weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs market their products. The complex was built over 7.93 acres with a total cost of ₹300 crore, providing a space for showcasing, training and selling local crafts. The Centre was inaugurated on September 22, 2017 and today stands as a key step in preserving Varanasi’s artistic legacy.

    Kashi’s Education and Health Drive

    Kashi is witnessing rapid growth through major investments in research, healthcare, energy, and education. The Inter-University Teacher Education Center (IUTEC) at BHU, Varanasi, was inaugurated on December 23, 2021. Built at a cost of ₹107.36 crore, it will offer a two-year M.Ed. program for 1,000 students. In February 2019, PM inaugurated the PARAM Shivay Supercomputing Center at BHU, with a peak performance of 3.3 petaflops and a cost of ₹32.5 crore. In agriculture, ₹105 crore bonus was transferred to Banas Dairy milk suppliers in April 11, 2025. In the power sector, ₹1,820 crore has been allocated for new substations and transmission upgrades. The redevelopment of Sports Stadium in Sigra is an ambitious project with a total budget of ₹180.03 crore (Phase 1: ₹90.01 crore, Phase 2: ₹90.02 crore). It was designed as a world-class hub for sports. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on October 20, 2024.

    Conclusion

    Kashi stands today as a shining example of how heritage and modernity can thrive together. With transformative projects in infrastructure, tourism, health, education, and culture, the city is not just preserving its spiritual essence but also creating a vibrant, future-ready identity. From ghats to gateways of development, Kashi is truly ringing the bells of progress.

    References

    Click here to see PDF.

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2122058) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Enforcement actions against traffic offences and contraventions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):

    Question:

    It has been reported that from time to time, the Police conduct enforcement actions against specific vehicles to combat offences under the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374A). However, some commercial vehicle drivers have indicated that the Police’s enforcement actions in recent years have been too stringent (e.g. vehicles which have just passed the annual examination of the Transport Department are still subject to the issuance of vehicle examination orders or towed away for examination), thus affecting the normal operation of the trade and the livelihood of drivers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the following information on the enforcement actions taken by the Police against various types of commercial vehicles in contravention of Cap. 374A in the past two years: the number of such actions, the number of days, the locations and the police resources involved;

    (2) of the following information on the offences involving contravention of Cap. 374A in each of the past two years: (i) the number of vehicle examination orders issued, (ii) the number of vehicles towed away for examination and (iii) the number of vehicles which were not found to have contravened the regulations after examination, and set out in the table below a breakdown by vehicle class (i.e. (a) taxi, (b) ‍public light bus, (c) student service vehicle, (d) tourist coach and (e) ‍goods vehicle);
     

    Vehicle class (i) (ii) (iii)
    2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024
    (a)            
    ……            
    (e)            

    (3) of the most commonly contravened offences under Cap. 374A in the past two years; whether the authorities will step up publicity and education efforts targeting at offences relating to Cap. 374A, so as to ensure road safety; and

    (4) as there are views that the Police’s enforcement actions in respect of traffic offences and contraventions “take the easy way out”, focusing only on unlawful acts relating to the construction of vehicles but neglecting the harm brought about by vehicles used for illegal carriage of passengers for reward (commonly known as “white licence cars”), whether the authorities will step up enforcement actions against white licence cars; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    In respect of the questions about traffic enforcement raised by the Hon Frankie Yick, having consulted the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Transport Department (TD), my reply is as follows:

    (1) Taking enforcement action against contraventions of the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374A) is a regular duty of the HKPF. The HKPF does not keep a breakdown of the statistics being enquired.

    (2) and (3) The HKPF takes enforcement actions against vehicles which do not comply with the requirements of the Regulations or are unfit for use on road from time to time, including requiring the vehicles concerned to undergo examination to ensure road safety. The vehicle examination dates specified in the vehicle examination orders issued by the TD are normally set at three weeks after the date of issue to allow sufficient time for the vehicle owners to rectify the situation.

    The number of vehicles detained and examined by the HKPF for suspected non-compliance with the Regulations or being unfit for road use, the number of vehicle examination orders issued by the TD in respect of referrals made by the HKPF (excluding those which were towed away by the HKPF for examination), and the number of such vehicles which have passed the examination on the first time in the past two years are set out at the Annex. The HKPF does not keep statistics on the most commonly contravened offences under the Regulations.

    Based on the number of licensed vehicles in Hong Kong in 2023 and 2024, the number of vehicles detained and inspected by the HKPF (including all types of vehicles such as private cars and commercial vehicles) only accounted for 0.3 per cent of the licensed vehicles. As regards the number of vehicle examination orders issued by the TD in response to the HKPF’s referrals, the number of taxi, light buses, buses and goods vehicles issued with examination orders only accounted for 0 per cent to 0.5 per cent of the licensed vehicles of the respective types. Most of the taxis and light buses subject to examination were able to pass the inspection on the first time.

    (4) The Government has been paying close attention to the use of vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. In taking traffic enforcement actions, apart from following the established guidelines, the HKPF will also consider each case on its own merits and deploy resources flexibly to take appropriate regulatory and enforcement actions. The HKPF has been taking targeted enforcement actions and gathering intelligence through various channels, with a view to combating illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. Where sufficient evidence is found indicating that a vehicle without a valid hire car permit is suspected to be used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, enforcement actions will be taken accordingly.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Immigration clearance service at Hong Kong International Airport

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ14: Immigration clearance service at Hong Kong International Airport 
         It has been reported that passenger throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 53.1 million last year, representing an increase of more than 30 per cent compared to 2023. However, it is learnt that many overseas visitors have to wait for a long time before they could complete immigration clearance procedures at HKIA, which has adversely affected the reputation of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the HKIA control point in the past three years, their average waiting time for immigration clearance (including for those using the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel) service), and the proportion of cases where the waiting time exceeded the standard of the Immigration Department’s performance pledge;
     
    (2) whether it has conducted a survey on the specific difference in the average time taken to clear visitors between HKIA and other major international airports, including those in Japan, Korea, Thailand and Singapore; if not, whether it has plans to conduct such a survey with a view to improving the standard of Hong Kong’s immigration clearance service; and
     
    (3) of the total annual number of visitors who used the e-Channel service at HKIA in the past three years, with a breakdown by the country and place of origin; whether it has plans to consider adjusting the eligibility criteria for visitors to register for the e-‍Channel service (e.g. lowering the requirement for the number of visits to Hong Kong by a visitor), thereby broadening the coverage of the service; whether it will allow visitors to opt to use facial recognition technology for self-service immigration clearance so that more visitors who meet the basic eligibility criteria can enjoy the convenience of the automated immigration clearance service; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In 2024, a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points, representing an increase of about 41 per cent over 2023 and a return to the level in 2019. The total number of visitor arrivals was about 44.5 million, representing an increase of about 31 per cent compared to 2023. Among them, around 9.86 million visitors travelled through the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) control point, representing an increase of about 42 per cent over 2023. In response to the significant volume of passenger traffic and adhering to the spirit of striving for excellence and innovation, the Immigration Department (ImmD) keeps leveraging innovative technologies to continuously improve its immigration clearance services. Various facilitation measures have been implemented at control points in order to provide visitors with a more convenient clearance experience.
     
         The reply to the Hon Rock Chen’s question is as follows:
     
    (1) In the past three years, the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the HKIA control point was as follows:
     

    Year     Regarding the clearance services at the HKIA control point, the ImmD pledges to clear 95 per cent of visitors within a 15-minute waiting time. Over the past three years, an average of over 99 per cent of visitors were cleared within a 15-minute waiting time each year. During peak passenger traffic periods at the HKIA, the ImmD would flexibly deploy manpower and optimise workflows, including operating additional counters and e-Channels when necessary, to ensure smooth passenger flow.
     
    (2) According to the open information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, in December 2024, the rate at which the major airports in Japan (including New Chitose Airport, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, Fukuoka Airport and Naha Airport) cleared inbound visitors within 20 minutes was 66 per cent. As for other major international airports mentioned in the question (i.e. those in Korea, Thailand and Singapore), the respective authorities have not disclosed data on the average immigration waiting time. Meanwhile, in a recent World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agent in the air transport industry, the ImmD won the 2025 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service. This marks another accomplishment of the ImmD following previous awards in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020, reflecting the global recognition of the services provided by the ImmD. The ImmD will continue to maintain close ties with immigration authorities worldwide, engaging in exchanges and sharing, as well as learning from their experiences and practices, with a view to introducing further visitor-friendly measures to enhance the level of clearance facilitation, thereby supporting the overall development of Hong Kong.
     
    (3) In the past three years, the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips using the e-Channel service at the HKIA control point was as follows:
     

    Year     The ImmD does not maintain a breakdown of other visitors by country or place of origin.
     
         To enhance the level of convenience for immigration clearance, the ImmD has been leveraging innovative technologies to boost the efficiency of e-Channels and broaden the service to cover more target groups.
     
         Currently, frequent visitors to Hong Kong (typically those who have made visits to Hong Kong via the HKIA for no fewer than three times in the past 12 months) and eligible passport holders from countries that have entered into an agreement with Hong Kong for mutual use of automated clearance services (including Korea, Singapore, Germany, Australia and Thailand) can enrol for the e-Channel service. Eligible visitors to Hong Kong holding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Passes, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards or Frequent Flyer Programme membership cards issued by relevant airlines can even enrol for the e-Channel service right upon their first arrival in Hong Kong. In addition, the ImmD launched the Smart Departure e-Channels in October 2017 which utilise facial recognition technology to verify visitors’ identities, thereby enabling eligible visitors from over 100 locations to complete self-service departure clearance without prior enrolment. Also, the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons has been launched since March 18, 2025 to provide automated clearance services for invited persons from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
     
         For visitors from the Mainland and Macao, the ImmD lowered the eligible age from 16 to 11 years old or above for holders of the Mainland’s electronic Exit-Entry Permits for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao to use the e-Channel service in April 2023. The ImmD also launched the “Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service” jointly with the Macao authorities in July last year, allowing eligible residents of both places to use QR Codes to pass through the automated clearance channels.
     
         To further reduce waiting time for inbound visitors, the ImmD is actively exploring ways to enhance the e-Channel service arrangements for visitors to Hong Kong, including relaxing application requirements for frequent visitors to Hong Kong and streamlining enrolment procedures. The ImmD will also step up publicity to boost the e-Channel service enrolment rate among visitors. Additionally, the ImmD and the Airport Authority Hong Kong are exploring the feasibility of installing additional e-Channels in the HKIA arrivals hall to cater for the trend that more visitors will use automated clearance service and the increase in demand in the longer term. Taking into account the practical and unique operational needs of immigration clearance at the HKIA, the ImmD is also looking into other measures, such as optimising staff deployment, to flexibly meet service demands while ensuring quality and efficiency of service.
     
         The ImmD will regularly review existing policies and measures, striving to balance effective immigration control with facilitating inbound visitors. Furthermore, the ImmD will continuously strive for innovation in enhancing clearance efficiency as well as broadening the e-Channel service to cover more target groups.
    Issued at HKT 11:58

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Promoting development of tourism industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Dr the Hon Lam So-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
     
    Question:
     
    Regarding promoting the development of the tourism industry, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has assessed the actual effectiveness of various tourism promotional campaigns (including the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” and the “Hello Hong Kong” campaigns) in the past three years, including but not limited to (i) the growth in the number of visitor arrivals, (ii) the consumption pattern and spending of visitors, (iii) ‍the actual economic benefits to the local retail and catering industries, and (iv) the gap between the actual effectiveness and the expected targets;
     
    (2) whether the Government has formulated a specific timetable and effectiveness indicators for the implementation of the 133 measures in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as given that it is learnt that the tourism industry and related service industries (e.g. retail and catering industries) are currently facing the challenges of manpower shortage and digital transformation, and that Blueprint ‍2.0 proposes to strengthen the cultivation of talents for the tourism industry and promote the development of smart tourism, of the Government’s specific support measures (including the relevant funding arrangements) in place to assist the industry (especially small and medium-sized enterprises) in overcoming the relevant difficulties?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In respect of the question raised by the Hon Lam So-wai, in consultation with the Labour Department, the reply is as follows:
     
    (1) With the re-opening of Hong Kong’s cross-boundary tourism activities in early 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) immediately launched a large-scale global promotional campaign, “Hello Hong Kong”, in February of the same year. Through the launch of a series of promotional activities, the HKTB has made every effort to promote the recovery of tourism, spread the welcome message around the globe, reconnect with global visitors and entice them to experience the excitement and charms of Hong Kong in person.
     
    Highlights of the large-scale global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong” included:
     

    Sending the greatest welcome to the world The HKTB invited trade representatives, celebrities and key opinion leaders (KOLs), etc, to take part in the production of more than 330 video clips featuring travel experiences in Hong Kong to send a welcome message to the world. These videos were broadcast on more than 3 000 different platforms worldwide. During the period, the “Hello Hong Kong” dance challenge launched on social media platform TikTok attracted over 1.2 million video clips from netizens with 1.5 billion global viewership. The challenge became TikTok’s promotional campaign with the highest traffic in the Southeast Asian market in the first quarter of 2023 and brought 300 000 new followers to the HKTB’s official account, increasing the total number of followers to around 2 million.
     
    To welcome inbound visitors from all over the world, provide an additional promotional channel for local merchants and create business opportunities, the HKTB distributed about 2 million Hong Kong Goodies visitor consumption vouchers (each valued at HK$100 or more) for visitors to redeem offers or free welcome drinks at one of the 4 000 designated catering outlets, retailers or attractions across the city.
     
    At the same time, the HKTB supported the promotion of the Airport Authority Hong Kong’s giveaway of 500 000 air tickets in various visitor source markets. 
    Seeing is believing – inviting guests to Hong Kong for first-hand experience In 2023, the HKTB invited over 2 000 trade and media representatives, celebrities, KOLs and HKTB’s Hong Kong Super Fans from the Mainland, Southeast Asia and Europe, etc, to visit the city in person for tailor-made thematic itineraries to showcase Hong Kong’s diverse tourism appeal and tell good stories of Hong Kong.
    Reaching out to the world – showcasing Hong Kong’s appeal The HKTB took the initiative in leading the trade to reach out to the world by participating in more than 20 large-scale travel fairs and trade events related to meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions held in the Mainland and overseas markets in 2023, so as to demonstrate Hong Kong’s tourism appeal and help the trade explore business opportunities.

    In 2024, the HKTB also actively developed diversified tourism experiences to enhance the city’s appeal as a travel destination by making use of Hong Kong movies to promote tourism, promoting panda tourism and riding on various Chinese and Western festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Halloween, as well as different themes like arts and culture, neighbourhoods, great outdoors, to bring in brand-new experiences and hype up the blissful ambience. 
     
    Meanwhile, over the past two years after the pandemic, the HKTB resumed hosting of different mega events covering sports, gastronomy and entertainment elements, including the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, Hong Kong Cyclothon, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Hong Kong WinterFest, Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations and International Chinese New Year Night Parade, while injecting new perspectives, elements and experiences to enrich the events. HKTB organised in 2023 the first “Harbour Chill Carnival” at the Wan Chai harbourfront, featuring music shows on water stage, street performances and X-Games performances; “Summer Chill Food Lane” was set up during the 2024 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races; “Cyclothon Carnival” was held in 2024 Hong Kong Cyclothon; and the previously four-day Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was extended to five-day in 2024, attracting more locals and visitors. 
     
    In addition, the HKTB presented a series of drone shows and pyrotechnic displays with different themes to tie in with festivals and events in 2024 such as the Galloping Horse in the Sky drone show and Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics Show, which successfully created a vibrant city-wide ambience. The events attracted both local and international media exposure and active participation of both locals and visitors, reinforcing the city’s status as the Events Capital of Asia and bringing global publicity value, thereby creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city and stimulating consumption and economy.
     
    To support the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign launched by the Government in mid-September 2023, HKTB also rolled out a number of mega events and promotions to enhance ambience at night. These included the promotion support for the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, promotion of the “Hallo” Hong Kong Halloween campaign, “Hong Kong Night Treats” dining vouchers, Hong Kong Night Bus Tour visitor exclusive offers and brand-new Temple Street promotion.
     
    The effectiveness of the HKTB’s tourism promotion work cannot be assessed entirely in quantifiable terms. Notwithstanding, the HKTB will set different indicators based on the nature of its promotions and events, such as website views, social media reach, global media exposure, participants’ satisfaction, likelihood to recommend to family and friends and intention to revisit, to measure the effectiveness. The various tourism promotions launched by the HKTB in the past three years received positive feedback. Not only have they successfully showcased Hong Kong’s return to normalcy after the pandemic, but also boosted the city vibe, creating more reasons for visitors to visit Hong Kong and attracting them to visit. The promotions have met their objectives.
     
    (2) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) announced on December 30, 2024, the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) outlining the overall working direction for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry from 2025 to 2030. Blueprint 2.0 proposes four-pronged positioning for tourism development and four major development strategies, covering product development, visitor source expansion, smart tourism and service enhancement, with a view to promoting the prosperous and healthy development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. At the same time, Blueprint 2.0 proposes 133 specific actions and measures that are conducive to the development of tourism, with a view to stimulating the vitality of the tourism market through diversified strategies, enriching the quality and content of tourism products and services, and further mobilising different industries to jointly promote the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The implementation schedule of the various measures which are categorised into short- (within three years), medium- (three to six years) and long- (more than six years) term and the related performance indicators are set out in Blueprint 2.0.
     
    (3) The CSTB has been maintaining liaison with tourism-related parties, including the HKTB, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), the Travel Industry Authority (TIA), the Hong Kong Hotels Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, to understand the existing situation of manpower resources among different job categories in the industry and explore feasible remedial measures in a bid to cope with the short, medium and long-term needs of manpower resources.
     
    Blueprint 2.0 sets out the overall working direction and strategy in the next five years and one of the development strategies is to enhance the service quality and support of the tourism industry on all fronts, and to cultivate talents, which covers 31 measures.
     
    Following the related strategy, the CSTB will continue to maintain close communication with the tertiary institutions that provide hotel and tourism-related curriculum, encourage collaboration among tertiary institutions and the trade in organising career expos and seminars to enhance young people’s understanding of the development prospects of the tourism industry, make good use of various tourism volunteer and youth ambassador programmes to nurture more aspiring youth to join the tourist guide profession, as well as continue to explore with the relevant bureau further expansion of the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme to cover hotel management, tourism and hospitality related programmes.
     
    On the other hand, the Government allocated $100 million in 2022-23 to subsidise the training and development of travel trade practitioners. The TIA will continue to utilise the funding to support training for travel trade and implement measures to attract more talents to pursue a career in the tourism industry and enhance the professional standards of the trade including assessing the manpower requirement for tourist guides, tour escorts and different job categories in travel agents through data collection, so that a more detailed and comprehensive manpower resources strategy can be formulated; supporting students of tertiary educational institutions to obtain a tourist guide licence; reviewing and streamlining the curriculum and requirements of the licensing examination and pre-examination training courses; launching a docent-to-tourist guide bridging programme and a specialised tourist guide licensing programme to increase the supply of professional tourist guides in the market; and engaging the TIC as a partner for placement opportunity and talents matching to improve talent supply and demand in the industry.
     
    Besides, the Labour Department has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 4, 2023, to alleviate the manpower shortage across different industries (including the accommodation services industry). Employers of the hotel sector may apply under ESLS to import workers at technician level or below to fill vacancies which they have genuine difficulties in recruiting suitable staff locally. As at March 31, 2025, employers of the accommodation services industry were approved to import 1 633 workers under ESLS, mainly for posts such as room attendant, waiter/waitress and receptionist.
     
    On assisting the industry in digital transformation, the Government allocated a total of $70 million to the TIC under 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2023-24 Budgets to launch the Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents, under which funding support is provided on a matching basis to each eligible travel agent. Funded projects include efficiency and productivity enhancement through big data, promotion of digital marketing, security of information technology system, development of mobile apps and website enhancement, to encourage the industry to make use of technology for upgrading and transformation, and to enhance the ability of travel agents to expand their business through information technology.
     
         The CSTB will work closely with the relevant bureaux/departments and executing organisations to actively alleviate the manpower shortage in the travel trade and the challenge of digital transformation, thereby improving service quality. This ensures that visitors get to experience Hong Kong’s zealous hospitality, thereby shaping a more attractive tourism brand.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SCST at World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 – Main Forum II: Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 – Main Forum II: Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum today (April 16):

    (Chairman of the China Tourism Group, Mr Wang Haimin), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board), distinguished guests, friends from the international tourism community and fellow stakeholders,

    Good morning. First of all, a very warm welcome to all of you to Hong Kong once again for this important forum dedicated to the development of the tourism industry. As the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, I am truly delighted to see so many passionate and talented counterparts and stakeholders from tourism related industries, home and away, gathered here today with the common goal of enhancing the vibrancy and sustainability of Hong Kong’s tourism development.

    For decades, Hong Kong has captivated the world as a premier travel destination. With concerted effort of the Government and our industry partners, Hong Kong’s tourism industry put up a strong comeback after the pandemic in 2023 and sustained with rising momentum in 2024, seeing a 31 per cent growth year-on-year in visitor arrivals. Stepping into the first quarter in 2025, we continued with an encouraging performance, welcoming over 12 million visitors, which represents a year-on-year increase of 9 per cent.

    A bright future of tourism development does not lie with increased visitor arrival numbers though. With the advancement in digital technology and changing consumer preferences under the global tourism landscape, we must embrace innovation and adapt our offerings to maintain our competitive edge. We must also be clear about Hong Kong’s uniqueness and positioning in order to emerge stronger for future challenges.

    With this in mind, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau promulgated in December last year the second Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry – we call it Blueprint 2.0, setting out our vision and mission for the next five-year period from 2025 to 2030.

    Blueprint 2.0 proposes four major development strategies and 133 measures that span every facet of the industry including product development, visitor source expansion, smart tourism and service enhancement.

    With Blueprint 2.0 and the strong support from the Central People’s Government in Beijing, I pledge to lead my team to strengthen ties and collaboration with stakeholders both within and outside the Government to implement Blueprint 2.0. I shall also empower and assist our trade practitioners to unleash Hong Kong’s tourism offerings in full.

    Tourism is a fast-moving and ever-changing landscape. The spirit of “steering changes” in Blueprint 2.0 is a key to meeting challenges ahead and seizing opportunities for growth. I encourage stakeholders to break out from the boundaries of previous endeavours, even old patterns of success. Let us be bold to come out of our comfort zones and embrace new innovation and technology, and bring out new proposals that can inject fresh impetus into Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

    Today’s forum offers great opportunity for putting our heads together for the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Hong Kong’s hosting of this year’s Fragrant Hills Summit also showcases our strategic advantages in fostering deeper international exchanges and co-operation in the area of tourism development, and in bringing together industry leaders worldwide for fruitful deliberation and swift actions. I look forward to writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s tourism story – one filled with innovation, resilience and boundless opportunities, with all of you.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issues of socio-economic development of the Kamchatka Territory

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on issues of socio-economic development of Kamchatka Krai.

    “The time has come to talk about the results, when the head of the region must talk about what has been done to improve the quality of life of citizens, about how the economy is changing in each area, and present plans for how subsequent work will be structured to move forward,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    “We are starting to hold meetings with residents: we will discuss the results achieved with them, define tasks for the future that would be related to people’s priorities. Improving the quality of life is the measure of our work. At the beginning of my work in Kamchatka, the first thing that was done was to conduct a survey of tens of thousands of people throughout Kamchatka. Their wishes were collected in a people’s program. Specific results have been achieved under it, which we will talk about with people and discuss the next stage of implementing this program. We managed to resolve issues with completing long-term construction projects of iconic facilities, and resolve long-standing infrastructure problems. The basis for further development has been formed, which we will definitely implement in accordance with the priorities of residents,” said Vladimir Solodov, Governor of Kamchatka Krai.

    The meeting discussed issues of development of the main sectors of the economy and aspects of the social sphere.

    The region’s economy is based on the fishing industry. Minerals are mined on the peninsula, and work continues to attract investment in tourism. The region ranks third in the Far East in terms of wages.

    Investment projects are an important basis for the future development of the region. Kamchatka has a priority development area, a free port, and investors are provided with financial and infrastructure support. 239 investors with projects worth 303 billion rubles have already taken advantage of such government support measures, investors have already invested 127 billion rubles, facilities of 90 investment projects have been commissioned, and more than 12 thousand new jobs have been created thanks to the commissioning of new enterprises. Kamchatka ranks ninth among the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District in terms of actual investments with government support, and sixth in terms of jobs created. Projects are being implemented in the fields of logistics, tourism, agriculture, housing construction, mining and processing of minerals.

    The most important area of work is the creation of comfortable living conditions for people. Attention is paid to improving the quality of medical and educational services, creating sports infrastructure.

    The region has support mechanisms – the Far Eastern mortgage and the Hectare program for the provision of a land plot for free use. More than 1.7 thousand people received preferential mortgages, and over 4.5 thousand people received their Far Eastern hectare.

    The issues of stimulating housing construction were considered separately. In the region, 82 thousand square meters of residential premises were commissioned in 2024. This is the eighth place among the Far Eastern regions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s Palestine Forum calls on Luxon to take ‘firm stand’ over Israeli atrocities with temporary ban on visitors

    Asia Pacific Report

    A Palestinian advocacy group has called on NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters to take a firm stand for international law and human rights by following the Maldives with a ban on visiting Israelis.

    Maher Nazzal, chair of the Palestine Forum of New Zealand, said in an open letter sent to both NZ politicians that the “decisive decision” by the Maldives reflected a “growing international demand for accountability and justice”.

    He said such a measure would serve as a “peaceful protest against the ongoing violence” with more than 51,000 people — mostly women and children — being killed and more than 116,000 wounded by Israel’s brutal 18-month war on Gaza.

    Since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, at least 1630 people have been killed — including at least 500 children — and at least 4302 people have been wounded.

    The open letter said:

    Dear Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Peters,

    I am writing to express deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to urge the New Zealand government to take a firm stand in support of international law and human rights.

    Palestinian Forum of New Zealand chair Maher Nazzal at an Auckland pro-Palestinian rally . . . “New Zealand has a proud history of advocating for human rights and upholding international law.” Image: Asia Pacific Report

    The Maldives has recently announced a ban on Israeli passport holders entering their country, citing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemnation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

    This decisive action reflects a growing international demand for accountability and justice.

    New Zealand has a proud history of advocating for human rights and upholding international law. In line with this tradition, I respectfully request that the New Zealand government consider implementing a temporary suspension on the entry of Israeli passport holders. Such a measure would serve as a peaceful protest against the ongoing violence and a call for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives.

    I understand the complexities involved in international relations and the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels. However, taking a stand against actions that result in significant civilian casualties and potential violations of international law is imperative.

    I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to consider this request seriously. New Zealand’s voice can contribute meaningfully to the global call for peace and justice.

    Sincerely,
     Maher Nazzal
    Chair
    Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    The Middle East Eye reports that Maldives ban on Israelis from entering the country was a protest against Israel’s war on Gaza in “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people.

    President Mohamed Muizzu signed the legislation after it was passed on Monday by the People’s Majlis, the Maldivian parliament.

    Muizzu’s cabinet initially decided to ban all Israeli passport holders from the idyllic island nation in June 2024 until Israel stopped its attacks on Palestine, but progress on the legislation stalled.

    A bill was presented in May 2024 in the Maldivian parliament by Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a lawmaker from the main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party, which sought to amend the country’s Immigration Act.

    The cabinet then decided to change the country’s laws to ban Israeli passport holders, including dual citizens. After several amendments, it passed this week, more than 300 days later.

    “The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” Muizzu’s office said in a statement.

    Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that at least 1,613 Palestinians had been killed since 18 March, when a ceasefire collapsed, taking the overall death toll since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023 to 50,983.

    The ban went into immediate effect.

    “The Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause,” the statement added.

    Last year, in response to talk of a ban, Israel’s Foreign Ministry advised its citizens against travelling to the country.

    The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, has a population of more than 525,000 and about 11,000 Israeli tourists visited there in 2023 before the Israeli war on Gaza began.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Alderney Marks 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII with Launch of New Occupation Trail – 16.04.25 Wednesday 16 April 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release

    Date: 15 April 2025

    Alderney Marks 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII with Launch of New Occupation Trail

    Alderney, Channel Islands – As the island commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a new Occupation Trail has officially launched, offering residents and visitors an immersive way to explore one of the most defining chapters in Alderney’s history.

    Unlike the other Channel Islands, the majority of Alderney’s residents made the exceptionally difficult decision to leave their beloved island home before German forces arrived in July 1940. The Occupation Trail, developed by Visit Alderney with the help of historian Colin Partridge, guides participants across 80 key sites around the island that played pivotal roles during the German occupation of Alderney between 1940 and 1945. The trail provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the island’s wartime experience.

    “This trail not only commemorates the past but helps future generations understand Alderney’s place in the wider story of World War II,” said Caroline Gauvain, from Visit Alderney. “Eighty years on, the scars and stories of the occupation remain deeply ingrained in our landscape and our identity.”

    Highlights of the trail include the Odeon, the Hospital Bunker, and several other significant locations, brought to life with photographs from the time. The experience can be explored using a printed map available at the Alderney Visitor Centre or accessed online.

    The launch of the WWII Occupation Trail forms part of a wider programme of events and exhibitions taking place throughout 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, and the eventual homecoming of the islanders in December 1945.

    ENDS

    Contact:
    Carolineor Alex at Visit Alderney
    Email: tourism@alderney.gov.gg
    Phone: 822333
    www.visitalderney.com 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: ‘The Sound of Chunhyang Opens the World’ – The 95th Namwon Chunhyang Festival to Kick Off on April 30

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAMWON, KOREA, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motivated by the Joseon Dynasty’s Chunhyang love story, the festival sees a growing number of foreign visitors engaging in K-culture experiences.

    Korea’s oldest traditional regional festival, soon to mark its 100th anniversary, aims to attract 2 million visitors. A classic Korean love story comparable to “Romeo and Juliet” is now gaining global attention as a cultural festival celebrating K-culture experiences. The spotlight is on the Chunhyang Festival, held in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province, the hometown of love and tradition.

    The name ‘Chunhyang’ in the festival comes from the heroine of “The Tale of Chunhyang,” a traditional Korean love story handed down from the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing love and fidelity. The story has been reinterpreted with a modern sensibility and transformed into a regional cultural festival enjoyed by people of all ages.

    The Namwon Chunhyang Festival, which began in 1931 and celebrates its 95th edition this year, is the oldest regional festival in Korea and one of the most beloved traditional cultural events. Selected as an outstanding festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and ranked first in the traditional arts category, it has grown into a nationally recognized regional event. Last year, it welcomed 1.2 million visitors, positioning itself as a global festival that draws international attention.

    The 95th Chunhyang Festival will take place from April 30 to May 6 across Namwon’s Gwanghallu Garden and the Yocheon Stream area. Under the theme “The Sound of Chunhyang Opens the World,” the festival will feature 100 diverse programs in anticipation of its centennial anniversary.

    Chunhyang Festival Connecting Past, Present, and the World Through Sound

    This year’s main concept of Chunhyang Festival is ‘sound’. A variety of musical performances will be presented to allow people from around the world to relate and enjoy together. Aspiring to become a high-quality global music festival, the event will be organized around three themes: the Sound of Korea, the Sound of the World, and the Sound of Fusion.

    Highlights include a 300-member civic choir, traditional Korean music performances, international ensemble exchanges, a K-pop dance competition, and the Chunhyang Ball. These diverse performances will be staged throughout Namwon, with nightly shows at Gwanghalluwon Garden offering unforgettable moments.

    As the festival is centered on the theme of sound, there will also be performances by band music teams that can communicate with various generations beyond Korean national music. On May 5 and 6, the outdoor stage at Love Square will host the national band contest “Let PungROCK Resound!” Featuring a mix of intense genres like rock, metal, and punk with smoother ones like blues and jazz, the contest will provide citizens and visitors with a rich musical experience.

    Throughout the week, the “One Day Spring Dream Concert” will showcase modern Korean traditional music alongside pop artists. Each day will feature performances by pop singers, international artists, music bands, and orchestras, captivating audiences with both sight and sound.

    Immersive Korean Traditional Culture Experiences in Hanbok

    Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire that gained global fame through BTS and BLACKPINK’s music video and performances, is now a must-do experience for international visitors. With its graceful colors, patterns, and textures, Hanbok rental is available throughout the Chunhyang Festival for guests to fully immerse themselves in Korean culture.

    During the week of the Chunhyang Festival, event staff members wear traditional hanbok to greet visitors. Visitors, too, can freely walk around the festival grounds dressed in hanbok of their choice, which they can personally select and rent, fully immersing themselves in the atmosphere of traditional Korean culture.

    Not only foreign visitors but also numerous citizens of all ages enjoy the festival programs wearing hanbok. Throughout the festival grounds, photo zones are set up where visitors dressed in hanbok can take commemorative photos, capturing the memorable moments of the Chunhyang Festival.

    Hanbok wearers can also take part in various cultural programs for a deeper experience. At Gwanghalluwon Garden, visitors can participate in tea ceremonies using prepared tea leaves, spinning a bowl games, traditional cup and ball games, and enjoy master performances at the historic Gwanghallu Pavilion, a National Treasure No. 281. The comedic “Pumba” performances in the canola flower fields will allow participants to special experience Chunhyang’s world firsthand.

    Popular programs such as the “Daedong Street Performance” street parade and “Hanbok Ball” will also be held. The Daedong Street Performance parade, themed after the Tale of Chunhyang, features citizen participation along with special international performers, taekwondo demonstrations, and police motorcycle parades, offering a vibrant spectacle. With people of all ages and nationalities joining the parade, the entire city of Namwon will be filled with music and excitement.

    Namwon’s multilingual tourism information system will help all visitors enjoy the festival with ease.

    A Feast for the Five Senses: Family Zone, Camping Zone, and Food Zone

    Evolving from a traditional cultural festival to a global event nearing its 100th year, the Chunhyang Festival will feature a dedicated “Family Zone” at Love Square, ensuring convenience for families with young children.

    The Family Zone includes amusement rides, various performance programs, food trucks, and amenities. Popular attractions like air bouncers, Viking rides, and disco pang-pang, along with circus acts, bubble shows, and magic shows, will keep families entertained. Finger food-friendly food trucks and comfortable rest areas, including nursing rooms, are also provided.

    Four free shuttle bus routes will be in operation for easier access to the venue, running every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 11 PM. To accommodate the expected surge in visitors, car camping and camping zones will be established in six areas, including Yocheon Eco Park and Geumam Park, accommodating up to 340 vehicles including caravans and passenger cars.

    A wide variety of foods made using local specialties will also be available. A barbecue zone, a traditional food court, and a food truck zone within the Family Zone will be in operation, and visitors will also be able to enjoy cocktails made with Namwon’s traditional liquor at various spots throughout the venue. In particular, the traditional food court operated directly by local residents offers a chance to experience and savor the diverse flavors of K-Food that has recently captured the taste buds of people around the world.

    Nights Brighter Than Days: Night Views, Music, and Fireworks

    The nights of the Chunhyang Festival shine even brighter than the days. A 3-hectare field of canola flowers along the Yocheon Stream sets the backdrop for breathtaking sunsets and golden blooms. With scenic lighting and photo zones, visitors can also enjoy the canola flower field at night.

    Traditional Korean lanterns, Cheongsachorong, placed throughout Namwon, will cast a warm glow, symbolizing love and hope. The fireworks at the festival’s opening and closing ceremonies will add a spectacular finale, leaving lasting memories of this spring’s most special moments.

    Media contact

    Organization: Chunhyang

    Contact: Park Jungna

    Email: jra0381@chunhyang.org

    Phone: 010-7674-0381

    Website: https://www.chunhyang.org/eng

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia Events – Accessibility Advisory Committee appointed to enhance inclusivity at leading Victorian venues – MCEC

    Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

    16 April 2025 – Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), operators of the globally renowned Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, have taken a significant step towards inclusivity by appointing four individuals living with disabilities to its Accessibility Advisory committee.
    VCET is the first convention centre operator in Australia to appoint a permanent external advisory committee dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive experiences for customers, visitors and employees.
    Following an open expression of interest process, Briar Harte, Nikhil Bora, Jess Price and Alex Stratikis were appointed to the committee.
    Each committee member brings a unique expertise to the table:

    • Briar Harte is a specialist in inclusive design and a former winner of the Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year award.
    • Nikhil Bora is an experience designer and co-founder of SignHow, a start-up that developed the first community-driven sign language dictionary.
    • Jess Price is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Paradigm Makers, a business consultancy that designs solutions that respond to systemic workplace challenges.
    • Alex Stratikis is a tourism consultant, writer, and founder of Autism Adventures Abroad, providing content and travel advice for autistic adults.

    Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM was delighted to join the committee members for their inaugural meeting earlier this month.

    “At MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, we aim to create spaces where people of all abilities can connect, discover and enjoy. By actively engaging people with lived experience, we hope to ensure our facilities and services are truly inclusive and welcoming to all.”

    “The Accessibility Advisory Committee members bring a wealth of knowledge, personal and professional experience to the table and I look forward to the progress we can make together.”

    The establishment of the Accessibility Advisory Committee aligns with VCET’s commitments to improving services and facilities at MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, as outlined in the Accessibility Action Plan launched last year. The committee will play a crucial role in monitoring progress and holding the organisation accountable to its commitments.

    Significant advancements have already been made at MCEC, including the opening of a Changing Place facility earlier this year and achieving Limited Mobility Accessible Tourism Accreditation.

    MCEC’s Customer Service team have also undertaken Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training, which recognises over 900 non-visible disabilities, chronic illnesses and health conditions, to better support visitors with diverse needs.

    Looking ahead at Nyaal Banyul, which is set to open in mid-2026, Universal Design Principles have been embedded to ensure accessibility and inclusivity from the moment the doors open. The new venue will feature a Changing Place Facility, sensory rooms, fully accessible seating, augmented hearing assistance and high-contrast wayfinding.

    VCET is committed to setting a positive example for the event industry, listening to lived experience and taking proactive steps to improve accessibility and inclusivity across two world-class venues.

    Two committee members had this to say about their appointment:

    “My goal is to help shift accessibility from something people have to ask for into something they can expect by design,” Jess Price.  

    “I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge as a disability inclusion advocate and experience as a Mum with a disability. Too often I avoid events for fear of accessibility barriers, I look forward to helping make Melbourne events more and more accessible for families like ours,” Briar Harte.

    About Victorian Convention and Event Trust

    With over 30 years of event management expertise, the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) is the powerhouse behind two of Victoria’s most iconic venues- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

    ABOUT MCEC

    At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.  

    MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.  

    Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.

    About Nyaal Banyul

    Welcome to Nyaal Banyul, where we gather on the waterfront of Wadawurrung land, continuing traditions of knowledge-sharing and gathering.

    Embedded in layers of Country, Nyaal Banyul immerses you in sky, sea, and land. Experience discovery and connection in Geelong/Dijlang’s newest venue.

    With a 1,000 seat-theatre and 3,700 square meters of versatile space, this venue hosts everything from community gatherings to large-scale conferences. The precent enhances Geelong with shops, diverse eateries, a public plaza and a 200-room hotel.

    So come gather with us.

    Open your eyes to the hills.

    Open your hear to community.

    Open your mind to a new perspective.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate our venues in Narrm and Djilang; the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to Elders of all First Nations communities and seek to honour the long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone 

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-04-10
    President Lai pens Bloomberg News article on Taiwan’s response to US reciprocal tariffs
    On April 10, an article penned by President Lai Ching-te entitled “Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties” was published by Bloomberg News, explaining to a global audience Taiwan’s strategy on trade with the United States, as well as how Taiwan will engage in dialogue with the aim of removing bilateral trade barriers, increasing investment between Taiwan and the US, and reducing tariffs to zero. The following is the full text of President Lai’s article: Last month, the first of Taiwan’s 66 new F-16Vs rolled off the assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina. Signed during President Donald Trump’s first term, the $8 billion deal stands as a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in advanced manufacturing. Beyond its economic impact – creating thousands of well-paying jobs across the US – it strengthens the foundations of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.  This deal is emblematic of the close interests shared between Taiwan and the US. Our bond is forged by an unwavering belief in freedom and liberty. For decades, our two countries have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in deterring communist expansionism. Even as Beijing intensifies its air force and naval exercises in our vicinity, we remain resolute. Taiwan will always be a bastion of democracy and peace in the region. This partnership extends well beyond the security realm. Though home to just 23 million people, Taiwan has in recent years become a significant investor in America. TSMC recently announced it will raise its total investment in the US to $165 billion – an initiative that will create 40,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands more in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D. This investment will bolster the emergence of a new high-tech cluster in Arizona. Taiwan is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in manufacturing and innovation. As a trade-dependent economy, our long-term success is built on trade relationships that are fair, reciprocal and mutually beneficial. Encouraging Taiwanese businesses to expand their global footprint, particularly in the US, is a vital part of this strategy. Deepening commercial ties between Taiwanese and American firms is another. These core principles will guide our response to President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. First, we will seek to restart trade negotiations with a common objective of reducing all tariffs between Taiwan and the US. While Taiwan already maintains low tariffs, with an average nominal rate of 6%, we are willing to further cut this rate to zero on the basis of reciprocity with the US. By removing the last vestiges to free and fair trade, we seek to encourage greater trade and investment flows between our two countries. Second, Taiwan will rapidly expand procurement of American goods. Over the past five years, rising demand for semiconductors and AI-related components has increased our trade surplus. In response to these market trends, Taiwan will seek to narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy, agriculture and other industrial goods from the US. These efforts will create thousands of new jobs across multiple sectors.  We’ll also pursue additional arms procurements that are vital to our self-defense and contribute to peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait. During President Trump’s first term, we secured $18 billion in arms deals, including advanced fighter jets, tanks and anti-ship missiles. Future purchases, which are not reflected in trade balances, build on our economic and security partnership while being essential to Taiwan’s “Peace Through Strength” approach. Third, new investments will be made across the US. Already, Taiwanese firms support 400,000 jobs throughout all 50 states. Beyond TSMC, we also see emerging opportunities in electronics, ICT, energy and petrochemicals. We will establish a cross-agency “US Investment Team” to support bilateral trade and investment – and we hope that efforts will be reciprocated by the Trump administration. Fourth, we are committed to removing non-tariff trade barriers. Taiwan will take concrete steps to resolve persistent issues that have long impeded trade negotiations. And finally, we will strongly address US concerns over export controls and improper transshipment of low-cost goods through Taiwan. These steps form the basis of a comprehensive roadmap for how Taiwan will navigate the shifting trade landscape, transforming challenges in the Taiwan-US economic relationship into new opportunities for growth, resilience and strategic alignment. At a time of growing global uncertainty, underpinned by growing Chinese assertiveness, closer trade ties are more than sound economics; they are a critical pillar of regional security. Our approach is long-term and principled, grounded in a lasting commitment to our friendship with the US, a firm belief in the benefits of fair and reciprocal trade, and an unwavering dedication to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We are confident that our shared economic and security interests will not only overcome turbulence in the international trade environment – they will define the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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    2025-04-08
    President Lai receives credentials from new Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae  
    On the morning of April 8, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lily Tangisia Faavae. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to her new post and thanked Tuvalu for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation. The president also noted that joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. He expressed his hope that we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a great pleasure today to receive the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu Lily Tangisia Faavae. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my warmest welcome to you. Last year, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Feleti Teo visited Taiwan in May last year for the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and again in October for our National Day celebrations. When I visited Tuvalu last December, I was warmly received by the government and people of Tuvalu, and I deeply felt that our two countries were like family. Ambassador Faavae’s posting to Taiwan demonstrates the importance Prime Minister Teo places on our ties. Widely recognized for her exceptional talent, Ambassador Faavae is an outstanding official with extensive experience in public service. Moreover, during her term as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, she voiced support for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. I believe that with her assistance, our two nations will further advance cooperation and exchanges. I want to thank the government of Tuvalu for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation. Furthermore, joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. Last year, Prime Minister Teo and I signed a joint communiqué on advancing the comprehensive partnership between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Going forward, we will stand together in tackling the challenges we face, including climate change and expanding authoritarianism. And we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. Once again, I warmly welcome Ambassador Faavae to her new post in Taiwan. Please convey warmest regards from Taiwan to Prime Minister Teo and all of our friends in Tuvalu. I wish you all the best in work and life during your term in Taiwan. Ambassador Faavae then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor and privilege to meet with President Lai today as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to Taiwan, and to present to him her letter of credence. She then extended, on behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, her warmest greetings and deep respect to the president and people of Taiwan. The letter of credence, she noted, signifies the trust and confidence that her government and governor-general have placed in her to represent their nation and to foster and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries. Ambassador Faavae said that our two countries have enjoyed a longstanding relationship of 45 years based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. She added that we have collaborated, and continue to do so, in such fields as education, health, climate change adaptation and sea level rise mitigation, agriculture, clean energy, and internet connectivity.  Ambassador Faavae pointed out that Tuvalu remains committed to deepening ties with Taiwan and that it values people-to-people connections and our shared Austronesian heritage. She noted that the people of Tuvalu, a small developing nation, have greatly benefited from Taiwan’s advanced technical expertise and diverse financial assistance. She said she believes Tuvalu and Taiwan share a common interest and are united in our efforts and commitment to upholding democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity for our people and making the world better and safer.  Ambassador Faavae stated that as ambassador of Tuvalu to Taiwan, she pledges to work diligently and respectfully to enhance our bilateral relations, promote mutual understanding, and facilitate collaboration in areas of shared concern. The ambassador said she looks forward to collaborating closely with the Taiwan government and other stakeholders to achieve our common objectives and to continue building a more prosperous and harmonious future for our nations. In closing, she thanked President Lai for the opportunity to serve and to further the enduring friendship between our two countries.  

    Details
    2025-03-28
    President Lai meets British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones
    On the afternoon of March 28, President Lai Ching-te met with British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. In remarks, President Lai welcomed Representative Bradley-Jones as she takes up her post in Taiwan, and thanked the United Kingdom government and parliament for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. The president indicated that Taiwan and the UK enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well, with great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. He stated that he looks forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to meet Representative Bradley-Jones here at the Presidential Office for this exchange. I understand that she has proactively called at many government agencies since taking up her post last month. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome. Taiwan and the UK are partners that share the values of freedom and democracy. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen. With the efforts of Representative Bradley-Jones and our respective governments, I look forward to the expansion of dialogue and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. This will further elevate our bilateral ties. Especially in the face of expanding authoritarianism, the UK is not only playing an important role in crafting a unified European response; it is also demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through various channels. For example, joint statements released after the Australia-UK ministerial consultations, as well as the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, underlined a high level of concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The UK government has publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation on multiple occasions. And last November, the UK House of Commons passed a motion clearly asserting that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. These actions attest to the UK’s belief in supporting democracy and peace, and have further solidified our countries’ friendship. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the UK government and parliament.  Currently, the UK is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe and second largest source of investment from Europe. We enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well. There is also great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. We look forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience. We also hope the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership so that together, we can work with more like-minded partners, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. Once again, I welcome Representative Bradley-Jones to Taiwan and wish her all the best with her work. I anticipate that Taiwan-UK relations will continue to steadily advance through our joint efforts. Representative Bradley-Jones then delivered remarks, first saying in Mandarin that she is honored to meet with President Lai to discuss topics of mutual concern and jointly deepen Taiwan-UK relations, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. She went on to say that she came to Taiwan last August to study Mandarin, and began her post as British Office Taipei representative in February this year, noting that every day she learns more about and gains a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Last year, she said, she visited Tainan and Wanli, and found Tainan’s wetlands and the scenery in Wanli very impressive. She added that she has also tried many different Taiwanese foods, and is looking forward to experiencing even more of Taiwan’s local culture and customs over the next four years. Continuing her remarks in English, Representative Bradley-Jones stated that since taking up her post, she has borne witness to the strength of the relationship between Taiwan and the UK and the potential for it to continue to grow. She said that on trade and investment, there is significant complementarity between Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Both governments are also together supporting Taiwan and UK businesses through our Enhanced Trade Partnership and annual trade talks, she said. Representative Bradley-Jones went on to say that on science and technology, Taiwan and the UK can and should do more together. She noted that the UK has the third largest tech sector in the world and is valued at over US$1.1 trillion, while Taiwan is the center of the semiconductor and AI hardware world. Given our complementary strengths, especially in areas such as semiconductors, space, and communications technology, she said, the UK has stepped up its level of activity in Taiwan, including by regularly hosting a UK Pavilion at SEMICON and funding 18 joint R&D programs through our new collaborative R&D fund, and looks forward to doing more together in the future.  In support of Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience, the representative said, the UK is supporting valuable exchanges, co-hosting GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshops, sharing lessons on financial sector resilience, and reaching out to mayors and community leaders across Taiwan. From financial resilience to cyber resilience, she said, the UK’s public sector and private industries have plenty to share and learn. Representative Bradley-Jones stated that on people-to-people links, parliamentarians, civil society, and academics are continuing to deepen contact, and that she is particularly excited by a new smart parliament partnership agreed upon by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aims to facilitate cross-party, cross-society, and cross-border exchanges on issues such as democratic governance, AI, inclusive policy-making, and public safety. The representative indicated that the examples she mentioned just scratch the surface of the full potential of the Taiwan-UK relationship. She said that the UK’s longstanding policy remains unchanged, and fundamentally, that is because we share a common set of values and interests. We are together focused on how to make our societies safer and more prosperous tomorrow than they are today, she said, and as like-minded democracies, innovative economies, and practical partners, the sincere and pragmatic cooperation between Taiwan and the UK is bringing material benefits to the prosperity and well-being of our people every day. 

    Details
    2025-03-21
    President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
    On the morning of March 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. In remarks, President Lai said that Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan, and that we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Alaska will have more frequent engagement and exchanges so that our relations can continue to grow to create prosperous development for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to our guests. This is Governor Dunleavy’s first visit to Taiwan, and last night, we both attended the Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Governor Dunleavy today at the Presidential Office for further dialogue. Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan. Our sister-state relationship was established in 1988, and we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. Currently, Taiwan is Alaska’s eighth largest export market and ninth largest source of imports. This goes to show just how close our trade and economic ties are and how much potential there is for further growth. As I said in my remarks at last night’s Hsieh Nien Fan banquet, Taiwan is interested in buying Alaskan natural gas. I am sure that Governor Dunleavy’s visit will help us explore even more opportunities for cooperation and continue to deepen Taiwan-United States relations. In the face of such challenges as expanding authoritarianism, climate change, and pandemics, we look forward to strengthening collaboration between Taiwan and the US. By drawing on our strengths, we can jointly build non-red supply chains to bolster our economic resilience and drive the advancement of global technology. I want to thank the US government for reiterating the importance it attaches to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements backing Taiwan help in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. Once again, I thank Governor Dunleavy for traveling such a long way to Taiwan. We hope to see more frequent engagement and exchanges between Taiwan and Alaska so that our relations can continue to grow, and we can create prosperous development for both sides. Governor Dunleavy then delivered remarks, saying that their trip to visit friends in Taiwan has been fantastic, thanking President Lai for the invitation to meet, and thanking all the staff. Governor Dunleavy said that as the pandemic was raging, the world went from “before COVID” to “after COVID.” Before COVID, he said, the world relied on a number of systems that were in place for decades after World War II involving supply chains, alliances, sources of energy, trading partners, and friends. He went on to say that as we go beyond COVID, we are reestablishing and reevaluating who our friends are, where we are going to get our energy, and who our trading partners are going to be. The governor said that we are creating a new world for the next 50 years with the new administration in Washington, and this is an opportunity for us to reevaluate and reinvest with our friends for the next 50 years in each other, our futures, and our security. Governor Dunleavy stated that one thing is for certain: that Taiwan is a friend of the US and a friend of Alaska, and has been for many, many decades. He said that it is their hope in this trip and subsequent trips to establish an even tighter bond among their friends in Taiwan, the US, and Alaska. The governor also said that we have much in common in that we are members of the Pacific family, are democracies, and believe in freedom, free speech, and capitalism. He indicated that he has much optimism for the future, and that as we reestablish relationships throughout the world, energy is going to be the key and the basis for our economic development, our national security, and our friendship. Governor Dunleavy said that he believes this trip is going to lay the groundwork for a fantastic future between Taiwan, Alaska, and the US, and that with President Lai’s support as well as the support of the US administration, we can work together to build even better relationships.

    Details
    2025-03-20
    President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan
    On the evening of March 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai pointed out that the United States is now a major source of investment in Taiwan, adding that last year US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. The president also pointed out that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination, as Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of its total outbound investment last year. President Lai expressed hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. He also emphasized that one essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. The president expressed his belief that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: I’m delighted to be here tonight. I want to wish everyone and their families a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For many years now, AmCham has acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the US. It not only advocates for Taiwan to various sectors in the US, but also offers advice for the development of Taiwan’s industries. So tonight, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our friends from the American business community. The 2025 Business Climate Survey, published by AmCham this January, demonstrates the confidence foreign businesses have in the Taiwan market. We are happy to see that over 80 percent of survey respondents reported stable or increased revenue last year, and around 80 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic prospects for the coming year. Moreover, 90 percent of businesses surveyed are planning to maintain or expand their investments in Taiwan. The positive developments in Taiwan made by our American friends here tonight, their outlook for the future, and their confidence in Taiwan, are further proof of Taiwan’s ideal environment for investment. The US is now a major source of investment in Taiwan. Last year, US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. In 2023, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung and Micron launched a new facility in Taichung. Last year, Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been choosing Taiwan to expand their presence. Over the past several years, the US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination. Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of our total outbound investment last year. Four years ago, TSMC’s [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] investment in facilities in Arizona became the biggest FDI [foreign direct investment] in a greenfield project in US history. And this month, TSMC announced it would expand that investment, breaking another record and highlighting the enduring prosperity shared by Taiwan and the US. In addition to TSMC, Taiwan’s GlobalWafers has built a 12-inch silicon wafer factory in Texas, the biggest in the US. This will be followed by many other industries. These companies are confidently expanding their global presence across the Pacific and eastward into the Americas. The US is moving to reindustrialize its manufacturing industry and consolidate high-tech leadership, as it moves to become a global AI hub. In these efforts, Taiwan is an indispensable partner for the US. While the US is a leader in chip design, Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing plays an irreplaceable part in the supply chain. Adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape and the coming era of smart technology, Taiwan will continue to promote its Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, AI, military, next-gen communications, and security and surveillance. This will drive the next stage in our economic development. A great time to invest in Taiwan is now. We will continue to better connect relevant government agencies and align with international standards to foster a friendlier investment environment. And I am confident that Taiwanese and American companies can leverage their respective high-tech expertise and invest in each other, boosting growth in industrial innovation and development for both our economies. At the same time, we hope to continue deepening Taiwan-US trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of the US, up one spot from the previous year, and bilateral trade grew by 24.2 percent. Taiwan is going to expand procurement from the US of industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas. I am very happy to welcome Governor [Mike] Dunleavy of Alaska, who has specially come all the way to Taiwan. Alaska is a source of high-quality natural gas, and its relatively short distance from Taiwan facilitates transportation. So we are very interested in buying Alaskan natural gas because it can meet our needs and ensure our energy security. We hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation and removing tax barriers to bilateral investment and trade, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. One essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. So we are grateful for the joint leaders’ statement issued by [US] President [Donald] Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in which they expressed their solid support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face growing authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to uphold our values of freedom and democracy and will be a responsible actor in regional and global security. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at about 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense, further enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. And we will advance our cooperation with the US and other democracies in upholding regional stability and prosperity. We also welcome continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the defense sector. I believe that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I look forward to seeing even greater achievements from Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Thank you. After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver, American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, and Governor Dunleavy raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.  

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam reaffirm commitment to closer ties, broader cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, greet the crowd after a grand welcome ceremony as they walk to the CPV Central Committee headquarters for talks in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with the two neighbors pledging joint efforts to accelerate the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    To that end, the two sides agreed to work together for stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer coordination on multilateral affairs and better management of differences.

    Before leaving for Malaysia to continue his three-nation Southeast Asia tour, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said he has full confidence in the future of China-Vietnam relations.

    Shared vision for shared future

    This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties, a milestone in the two nations’ profound traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.”

    During Xi’s state visit to Vietnam in December 2023, the two sides agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

    In his talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam on Monday, Xi called for further efforts to fulfill the vision.

    The two countries should work to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation with high quality, ensure steady and sustained progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute even more to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

    Building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future carries great global significance, Xi said, noting that as the two countries jointly pursue peaceful development, their combined population of over 1.5 billion is jointly advancing toward modernization, which will contribute to regional and global peace and stability while promoting common development.

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, at the CPV Central Committee headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    To Lam, for his part, said that Xi’s visit would definitely mark a new milestone in the history of friendly exchanges between the two parties and countries, further advancing the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, a researcher at the Institute for Asia-Pacific Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said the effort to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance reflects both the continuation and the deepening of the enduring friendship between the two countries.

    “It is built on the foundation of political trust, the promotion of commonalities and especially the sharing of benefits and mutual concerns,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to bring benefits to the people of both nations, support each country’s development, and contribute to regional peace and stability.”

    Over the past year, the agreement on building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future has already injected fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship, said Nguyen Vinh Quang, vice president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association, noting that businesses from both sides have demonstrated increased confidence in each other.

    March toward modernization

    On Monday, the Chinese president also urged the two countries to deepen cooperation across various fields and march toward modernization hand in hand.

    While meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Xi called on the two countries to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, and jointly oppose hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism.

    He called on the two sides to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, so as to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and defend peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and beyond.

    China and Vietnam, Xi said, should give full play to their geographical advantages of being connected by land and sea, strengthen the alignment of development strategies and tap the potential of industrial cooperation.

    He also called on the two countries to steadily advance cooperation in infrastructure development, enhance connectivity and ensure a smooth flow of trade.

    The two countries should firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, and work together to push for economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all, he added.

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, April 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In his meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man, Xi pointed out that his state visit to Vietnam once again allowed him to witness the new achievements in Vietnam’s cause of Doi Moi (reform) and personally experience the profound foundation of China-Vietnam friendship.

    Facing an international landscape fraught with changes and turbulence, Xi said, China and Vietnam should strengthen confidence in their paths and systems, enhance solidarity and coordination, continue to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, join hands to march toward modernization, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world.

    Carry forward traditional friendship

    As this year is also designated the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a series of activities have been organized and planned to further cement the public support of bilateral relations.

    During his meeting with representatives of the Chinese and Vietnamese People’s Friendship Meeting on Tuesday, Xi said that over the years, the peoples of China and Vietnam have stood together through thick and thin, and have jointly written a glorious chapter in the history of China-Vietnam friendship.

    He emphasized that China-Vietnam friendship has taken root and sprouted through mutual support between the two peoples, and has blossomed and borne fruit through their solidarity and coordination.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong jointly launch the “Red Study Tours” project at the International Convention Center in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, April 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Xi told To Lam during their talks that the two sides should take this year as an opportunity to organize more people-oriented exchange activities, and enhance cooperation in tourism, culture, media, public health and other fields.

    While meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, Xi urged the two sides to ensure the success of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties and the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, so as to tell the stories of friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as their joint pursuit of modernization.

    Particularly, noting that young people are the future and hope of the cause, Xi announced that in the next three years, China will invite Vietnamese youth to China for “Red Study Tours.”

    That, he added, will help the younger generation of both countries better understand the hard-won nature of the socialist countries and the great value of China-Vietnam good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation, and will cultivate greater vitality for the development of bilateral relations and the two countries’ respective national development.

    MIL OSI China News –