Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: Approved prospectus – 21 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the stock exchange announcements issued by IDEX Biometrics ASA (the “Company”) on 11 March and 11 April 2025 regarding the successful loan financing of NOK 30 million and the subsequent conversion of such debt to shares in the Company at a subscription price of NOK 0.01 per share, resulting in the issuance of 3,000,000,000 new shares (“Debt Conversion” and “Debt Conversion Shares”), the subsequent offering of up to 600,000,000 new shares at a subscription price equal to the subscription price in the Debt Conversion (“Subsequent Offering” and the “Offer Shares”), and the amendment of a certain senior convertible bond (the “Convertible Bond”) issued by an affiliate of Heights Capital Management (“Heights”) to the Company, whereby, among other things, the principal amount of the Convertible Bond was reduced to an aggregate principal amount of NOK 49,980,000.

    The listing of the Debt Conversion Shares, the Subsequent Offering and the listing of the Offer Shares remain subject to approval of a prospectus (“Prospectus”) by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (“FSA”), and the subsequent publication of such Prospectus by the Company. Further, the future listing of shares that may be issued by the Company upon conversion of the Convertible Bond (the conversion price currently being NOK 0.065, but which conversion price is subject to customary adjustment provisions) also remains subject to approval and publication of a Prospectus.

    The FSA has today approved the Prospectus. As a result of the above, the subscription period for the Subsequent Offering starts on 22 May 2025 and expires on 5 June 2025 at 16:30 CET. For further information on the Subsequent Offering, please refer to the Prospectus.

    Further, by reason of the approval and publication of the Prospectus, the Debt Conversion Shares will be transferred to the Company’s ordinary ISIN and be admitted to trading on Oslo Børs.

    The Prospectus is enclosed with this announcement. It will also be available in electronic format at www.idexbiometrics.com/investors/share-information/prospectuses .

    Printed copies of the Prospectus may be obtained free of charge at the office of IDEX Biometrics ASA, Dronning Eufemias gate 16, NO-0191 Oslo, Norway, telephone +47 6783 9119 or by e-mail: companysecretary@idexbiometrics.com.

    Arctic Securities AS acts as financial advisor and bookrunner in connection with the Subsequent Offering (the “Manager”). Ræder Bing advokatfirma AS acts as the Company’s legal advisor.

    For further information, please contact:

    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +47 95092322

    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics:

    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice:

    This notice was issued by Kristian Flaten, CFO, on 21 May 2025 at 08:45 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: First quarter 2025 report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IDEX Biometrics ASA’s first quarter 2025 report is attached to this notice.

    Recent highlights:

    On 11 March 2025 IDEX Biometrics announced a new strategy with a fundamental shift in how the company would take its unique technology and products to market

    New CEO appointed – Anders Storbråten

    Securing a new debt facility of NOK 30 million, converted to shares

    Heights convertible bond renegotiated and amended

    Range of operational improvement initiatives under way – target quarterly run rate OPEX from end Q3 2025 in the range of $1.5-1.7 million.

    Production order in Japan from the manufacturing partner Beautiful Card Corporation (BCC). The order has a value of approx. USD 50,000

    Order received from DigAware to deliver biometric sensor solution for access cards with sensor systems from IDEX

    IDEX Biometrics receives IDEX Pay order for VISA biometric cards in the Middle East & Africa region of 10,000 units

    KONA I granted Mastercard Letter of Approval for IDEX Pay biometric cards

    Completed debt conversion, launching subsequent offering allowing investors to participate at the same terms as shareholders participating in the debt conversion

    Financial results Q1 2025:

    Revenues of $0.1 million in the quarter.

    Ordinary operating expenses amounting to $2.4 million.

    Net loss was $4.1 million.

    Cash balance per 31 March 2025 at $1.1 million

    IDEX Biometrics CEO Anders Storbråten will host a presentation at Arctic Securities at 12:00 CET today. The presentation will be published to the stock exchange.

    IDEX Biometrics’ reports and presentations are available on our website: www.idexbiometrics.com/investors

    For further information, please contact:

    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +47 95092322

    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics:

    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice:

    This notice was issued by Kristian Flaten, CFO, on 21 May 2025 at 08:52 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Sterling Trading Tech and eflow Global launch webinar series on risk management in volatile markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and LONDON, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sterling Trading Tech (Sterling), a leading global provider of technology in order management, risk and margin, and trading, and eflow Global (eflow), an award-winning regulatory compliance technology vendor, today announced the launch of a joint webinar series focused on preparing firms for volatile markets.

    The series, Lines of Defense: A Modern Risk Playbook, will feature short, informative sessions designed to help firms better understand how to navigate market uncertainty. Each webinar will highlight how Sterling and eflow’s combined solutions reduce operational workloads, lower the risk of human error, eliminate manual processes, and provide scalable, cost-effective infrastructure to support financial institutions during periods of fast-moving market volatility.

    This collaborative effort reflects Sterling and eflow’s shared commitment to helping firms modernize their risk management and compliance frameworks through practical, technology-driven strategies. As ongoing geo-political, economic and societal change increases the likelihood of market volatility that will test operational resilience, Sterling and eflow aim to provide actionable insights that firms can immediately leverage.

    Said Sterling Trading Tech President & CEO Jen Nayar: “Supporting our clients through changing market conditions is at the core of what we do. By partnering with eflow, we are delivering a focused educational series to help firms strengthen their operations, enhance their risk management practices, and better position themselves for what’s next.”

    eflow Global CEO Ben Parker added, “Volatile markets demand robust, scalable solutions. Through this series, we are offering firms clear, practical guidance on how to build greater resilience into their regulatory operations. We are excited to partner with Sterling to deliver these timely insights to the market.”

    The first webinar in the series will take place in June 2025, with additional sessions planned through July. Registration details can be accessed through this link here.

    -END-

    About Sterling Trading Tech
    Sterling Trading Tech (Sterling) is a leading provider of professional trading technology solutions for the global equities, equity options, futures, fixed income, mutual funds, FX and crypto markets. With over 100 clients including leading brokers, clearing firms, and prop groups in over 20 countries, Sterling provides solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Sterling is committed to providing fast, stable technology along with outstanding customer service.

    About eflow Global
    Founded in 2004, eflow Global provides financial firms with technology solutions to help them comply with their regulatory requirements in a more streamlined, efficient and robust way. It offers award-winning solutions for market abuse surveillance, best execution, transaction-cost analysis, transaction reporting and eComms surveillance. The company currently services over 130 clients across five continents, providing both buy-side and sell-side firms with highly configurable digital tools that are designed to keep them compliant and competitive in this ever-changing regulatory landscape.

    Media Contacts
    Wendy Chan
    The Realization Group for Sterling Trading Tech
    wendy.chan@therealizationgroup.com
    +1 646 535 8899

    Rosie Lane
    CommsCo for eflow Global
    rlane@thecommsco.com
    +44 7770 239888

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Wix Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Strong start to year with Q1’25 total bookings of $511 million, up 12% y/y, with very robust top of funnel demand in the quarter and new cohort strength continuing through April and early May
    • Q1’25 total revenue of $474 million exceeded expectations, up 13% y/y, driven by accelerating Self Creators growth accompanied by solid Partners momentum as Studio adoption continued to ramp healthily
    • Launched Wixel, a new standalone AI-powered visual design platform that brings the most advanced creative tools into a single intuitive interface and puts complete visual editing control into the hands of everyone – marking Wix’s milestone foray into creation beyond websites
    • Achieved FCF margin of 30% in Q1’25 as we continued to maintain a resilient operating cost structure amidst robust top-line performance
    • Increased share repurchase board authorization to a total of $400 million under current program

    NEW YORK — Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX) (the “Company”), the leading SaaS website builder platform1, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025. In addition, the Company provided its outlook for the second quarter and an updated outlook for full year 2025. Please visit the Wix Investor Relations website at https://investors.wix.com to view the Q1’25 Shareholder Update and other materials.

    “This year we are setting out to reimagine and expand the online creation experience and have set the bar high with the milestone release of Wixel, which I believe will democratize digital creation,” said Avishai Abrahami, Wix Co-founder and CEO. “We have been transforming web development since 2006 and are now organically extending our user-first design expertise, AI leadership and focus on accessibility to beyond websites. What you see today is the first version of our standalone next-gen visual design platform, representing the culmination of years of development in advanced design and AI and unifying the best models, intuitive UI, and powerful high-end features into one cohesive platform. Importantly, with Wixel, anyone, regardless of skill level, can now create beautiful visuals with just a few clicks. We have an ambitious roadmap for Wixel ahead and I’m excited to see how Wixel starts to reshape the design world.”

    Lior Shemesh, CFO at Wix, added, “Our strong first quarter results demonstrate the critical value of the Wix platform to anyone and everyone requiring an online presence globally amid an ever evolving macro environment, particularly SMBs. Top of funnel demand was very strong with Q1’25 new user cohort bookings finishing 12% higher than the bookings generated by the Q1’24 cohort in its first quarter. This acceleration in new cohort growth was almost entirely driven by better fundamentals, particularly an increased number of users, as well as product innovation. Encouragingly, these strong cohort trends have continued through April and early May, bolstering confidence in 2H bookings and revenue growth acceleration as additional cohorts layer on through the year. As a result of this new cohort strength and healthy existing user behavior, bookings grew a solid 12% y/y and revenue growth of 13% y/y finished above expectations in Q1. Durability was broad based across our segments with our Partners business delivering 24% y/y revenue growth, fueled by ongoing market share gains driven by Studio, as well as another consecutive quarter of Self Creators growth acceleration as AI continued to remove friction for more users in the website creation journey.”

    Q1 2025 Financial Results

    • Total revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $473.7 million, up 13% y/y
    • Creative Subscriptions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $337.7 million, up 11% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions ARR increased to $1.373 billion as of the end of the quarter, up 10% y/y
    • Business Solutions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $136.0 million, up 18% y/y
      • Transaction revenue2 was $58.9 million, up 19% y/y
    • Partners revenue3 in the first quarter of 2025 was $171.6 million, up 24% y/y
    • Total bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $510.9 million, up 12% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $369.5 million, up 10% y/y
      • Business Solutions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $141.4 million, up 15% y/y
    • Total gross margin on a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2025 was 68%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 83%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 30%
    • Total non-GAAP gross margin in the first quarter of 2025 was 69%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 84%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 31%
    • GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $33.8 million, or $0.61 per basic share and $0.57 per diluted share
    • Non-GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $93.9 million, or $1.69 per basic share and $1.55 per diluted share
    • Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 2025 was $145.5 million, while capital expenditures totaled $3.1 million, leading to free cash flow of $142.4 million
    • In January, we completed $200 million of share repurchases, repurchasing 868,026 Wix ordinary shares in total at an approximate volume-weighted average price per share of $230.41
    • Total employee count at the end of Q1’25 was 5,275

    Increase to Share Repurchase Program

    Wix’s Board of Directors has authorized an increase to its program to repurchase the Company’s securities (ordinary shares and/or convertible notes) by an additional amount of up to $200 million, on top of the $200 million previously approved by the Board on February 26th, 2025 (which has not been used to date). This approval brings the repurchase authorization under the program to a total amount of up to $400 million.

    ____________________
    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of Q3 2024.
    2 Transaction revenue is a portion of Business Solutions revenue, and we define transaction revenue as all revenue generated through transaction facilitation, primarily from Wix Payments, as well as Wix POS, shipping solutions and multi-channel commerce and gift card solutions.
    3 Partners revenue is defined as revenue generated through agencies and freelancers that build sites or applications for other users (“Agencies”) as well as revenue generated through B2B partnerships, such as LegalZoom or Vistaprint (“Resellers”). We identify Agencies using multiple criteria, including but not limited to, the number of sites built, participation in the Wix Partner Program and/or the Wix Marketplace or Wix products used (incl. Wix Studio). Partners revenue includes revenue from both the Creative Subscriptions and Business Solutions businesses.

    Financial Outlook

    Healthy first quarter results demonstrate impactful product innovation and disciplined execution of our key growth initiatives, including Studio, AI and our focus empowering Self Creators. Notably, new cohort strength remains robust through April and early May against a dynamic macro backdrop. We expect new cohort strength to continue and drive top-line growth acceleration in 2H as additional cohorts layer on throughout the year.

    While we are encouraged by our strong Q1 results and robust top of funnel, we are maintaining full year bookings outlook of $2,025 – 2,060 million, up 11-13% y/y. This reflects conservatism due to macro uncertainty, specifically in our Business Solutions segment, with potential volatility offset by fully dissipating FX headwinds.

    With these same considerations, we are also maintaining our full year revenue outlook of $1,970 – 2,000 million, up 12-14% y/y.

    We expect total revenue in Q2 2025 to be $485 – 489 million, up 11-12% y/y.

    For the full year 2025, we continue to expect non-GAAP total gross margin of ~70% and non-GAAP operating expenses to be 47-48% of revenue for the full year.

    We continue to expect to generate free cash flow of $590 – 610 million, or ~30-31% of revenue.

    As a result, we remain on track to achieve Rule of 45 in 2025 at the high end of our outlook.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Wix will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible from the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at https://investors.wix.com/.

    About Wix.com Ltd.

    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients.

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact: PR@wix.com

    Share Repurchase Program

    Under the Board authorized repurchase program, Company securities may be repurchased from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, all in accordance with U.S. securities laws and regulations, including Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company may also, from time to time, enter into plans that are compliant with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act to facilitate repurchases of its securities under this Board authorization. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of securities, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. Repurchases under the repurchase program may begin after conclusion of the 30-day period for creditors of the Company to object to the Company’s intent to perform the distribution by way of repurchase in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Whose Securities are Traded on Stock Exchanges Outside of Israel), 5760-2000 and the Israeli Regulations (Approval of Distribution), 5761–2001. The actual timing, number and value of securities repurchased depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares, general market and economic conditions, any objections received by the Company from its creditors, the Company’s financial results and liquidity, and other considerations. The Company expects to fund repurchases with cash on hand and future cash generated from its operations.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Operating Metrics

    To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Wix uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, bookings on a constant currency basis, revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, free cash flow, free cash flow on a constant currency basis, free cash flow, as adjusted, free cash flow margins, non-GAAP R&D expenses, non-GAAP S&M expenses, non-GAAP G&A expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenue expense, non-GAAP financial expense, non-GAAP tax expense (collectively the “Non-GAAP financial measures”). Measures presented on a constant currency or foreign exchange neutral basis have been adjusted to exclude the effect of y/y changes in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Bookings is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adding the change in deferred revenues and the change in unbilled contractual obligations for a particular period to revenues for the same period. Bookings include cash receipts for premium subscriptions purchased by users as well as cash we collect from business solutions, as well as payments due to us under the terms of contractual agreements for which we may have not yet received payment. Cash receipts for premium subscriptions are deferred and recognized as revenues over the terms of the subscriptions. Cash receipts for payments and the majority of the additional products and services (other than Google Workspace) are recognized as revenues upon receipt. Committed payments are recognized as revenue as we fulfill our obligation under the terms of the contractual agreement. Bookings and Creative Subscriptions Bookings are also presented on a further non-GAAP basis by excluding, in each case, bookings associated with long term B2B partnership agreements. Non-GAAP gross margin represents gross profit calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization, divided by revenue. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) represents operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, acquisition-related expenses and sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) represents net loss calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income), amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and acquisition-related expenses and non-operating foreign exchange expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share represents non-GAAP net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of shares used in computing GAAP loss per share. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow, as adjusted, represents free cash flow further adjusted to exclude one-time cash restructuring charges and the capital expenditures and other expenses associated with the buildout of our new corporate headquarters. Free cash flow margins represent free cash flow divided by revenue. Non-GAAP cost of revenue represents cost of revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP R&D expenses represent R&D expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP S&M expenses represent S&M expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP G&A expenses represent G&A expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP operating expenses represent operating expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP financial expense represents financial expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for unrealized gains of equity investments, amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and non-operating foreign exchange expenses. Non-GAAP tax expense represents tax expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for provisions for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments.

    The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these measures provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

    For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the reconciliation tables provided below. The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures. The Company is unable to provide reconciliations of free cash flow, free cash flow margin, free cash flow, as adjusted, bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, and non-GAAP tax expense to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact those GAAP financial measures are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Such information may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on our future financial results.

    Wix also uses Creative Subscriptions Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) as a key operating metric. Creative Subscriptions ARR is calculated as Creative Subscriptions Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) multiplied by 12. Creative Subscriptions MRR is calculated as the total of (i) the total monthly revenue of all Creative Subscriptions in effect on the last day of the period, other than domain registrations; (ii) the average revenue per month from domain registrations multiplied by all registered domains in effect on the last day of the period; and (iii) monthly revenue from other partnership agreements including enterprise partners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding our future performance, including, but not limited to revenue, bookings and free cash flow, and may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “aim,” “forecast,” “indication,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “subject”, “project,” “outlook,” “future,” “will,” “seek” and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the quarterly and annual guidance, are based on management’s current expectations, which are subject to uncertainty, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, our ability to attract and retain registered users and partners, and generate new premium subscriptions and additional business solutions as we continuously adjust our marketing strategy and customer care; maintenance of our brand and reputation, and generation of revenue from sources other than premium subscriptions; risks associated with international operations and the use of platform in various countries; risks related to the macroeconomic environment and ongoing global conflicts; security risks and payment risks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; failures of third-party hardware, software and infrastructure on which we rely, or failure to manage the operation of our infrastructure; adverse market conditions, including inflation, interest rates and other adverse developments that may adversely affect our cash balances and investment portfolio; our history of operating losses and inability to achieve sustained profitability; downturns or upturns in sales are not immediately reflected in full in our operating results; our ability to repurchase our ordinary shares and/or 0.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 pursuant to our repurchase program; our ability to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms; risks related to acquisitions and investments, pricing decisions, pandemics, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; our ability to develop and introduce new products and services, as well as maintain third-party products and are ability to keep up with rapid changes in design and technology; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to attract a diversified customer base and increased competition; our ability to maintain compatibility of our platform and solutions with changes in third-party applications and changes to technologies used in our solutions; our ability to acquire and service small business users; risks related to security breaches and unauthorized access to data, cyberattacks; our expectation regarding the uncertain future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, taxes, government regulations, and tariffs; our ability to comply with the regulations applicable to our operations, including new governmental regulations regarding the internet, consumer protection, artificial intelligence (“AI”), privacy and data protection laws and regulations, as well as contractual privacy and data protection obligations; risks relating to intellectual property, including infringements, litigation and claims, and our ability to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information; our expectations regarding the outcome of any regulatory investigation or litigation, including class actions; risks related to the development and integration of AI, generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, and similar tools into our offerings, and comply with the regulatory environment impacting AI and AI-related activities; risks related to activities of registered users or content of their websites, and risks related to domain names and industry regulations; risks related to compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to economic sanctions, tariffs, export controls, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, anti-trust, and consumer protection, and changes in these laws and regulations; risks related to tax, including application of indirect taxes, tax laws, changes in tax laws or changes in provision for income tax and examination of income tax returns; risks related to ordinary shares, activist shareholders, and our status as a foreign private issuer; risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel, including conflicts in the area; our expectations regarding future changes in our cost of revenues and our operating expenses on an absolute basis and as a percentage of our revenues; our planned level of capital expenditures and our belief that our existing cash and cash from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future; and our ability to enter into new markets and attracting new customer demographics, including our ability to successfully attract new partners and large enterprise-level users and to grow our activities, including through the adoption of our Wix Studio product, with these customer types as anticipated and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2025. The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – GAAP
    (In thousands, except loss per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
        473,651       419,776  
           
    Cost of Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions   56,067       54,803  
    Business Solutions   95,725       82,494  
        151,792       137,297  
           
    Gross Profit   321,859       282,479  
           
    Operating expenses:      
    Research and development   127,497       124,245  
    Selling and marketing   111,563       107,234  
    General and administrative   45,394       41,330  
    Total operating expenses   284,454       272,809  
    Operating income   37,405       9,670  
    Financial income, net   5,832       18,884  
    Other income, net   64       211  
                   
    Income before taxes on income   43,301       28,765  
    Income tax expenses   9,535       4,763  
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
           
    Basic net income per share $ 0.61     $ 0.43  
                   
    Basic weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted net income per share $ 0.57     $ 0.41  
                   
    Diluted weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   60,384,510       58,647,238  
           
    Wix.com Ltd. 
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
    (In thousands) 
           
      Period ended
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
    Assets (unaudited)   (audited)
    Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 653,276     $ 660,939  
    Short-term deposits   112,078       106,844  
    Restricted deposits   793       773  
    Marketable securities   304,555       338,593  
    Trade receivables   47,328       44,674  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   59,132       128,577  
     Total current assets   1,177,162       1,280,400  
           
    Long-Term Assets:      
    Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets   31,343       27,021  
    Property and equipment, net   125,450       128,155  
    Marketable securities   6,183       6,135  
    Intangible assets, net   20,680       22,141  
    Goodwill   49,329       49,329  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   395,513       399,861  
     Total long-term assets   628,498       632,642  
           
     Total assets $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Current Liabilities:      
    Trade payables $ 38,032     $ 47,077  
    Employees and payroll accruals   78,983       143,131  
    Deferred revenues   698,343       661,171  
    Current portion of convertible notes, net   573,674       572,880  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   79,546       63,246  
    Operating lease liabilities   29,369       27,907  
    Total current liabilities   1,497,947       1,515,412  
    Long Term Liabilities:      
    Deferred revenues   96,461       89,271  
    Deferred tax liability   1,066       1,965  
    Other long-term liabilities   19,414       16,021  
    Operating lease liabilities   359,389       369,159  
    Total long-term liabilities   476,330       476,416  
           
     Total liabilities   1,974,277       1,991,828  
           
    Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Ordinary shares   107       107  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,923,576       1,840,574  
    Treasury shares   (1,225,165 )     (1,025,167 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   641       7,242  
    Accumulated deficit   (867,776 )     (901,542 )
    Total shareholders’ deficiency   (168,617 )     (78,786 )
           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficiency $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation   6,137       6,442  
    Amortization   1,461       1,483  
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
                   
    Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    Changes in accrued interest and exchange rate on short term and long term deposits   (224 )     880  
    Amortization of premium and discount and accrued interest on marketable securities, net   3,557       597  
                   
    Remeasurement loss (gain) on Marketable equity         (3,367 )
    Changes in deferred income taxes, net   1       (5,011 )
    Changes in operating lease right-of-use assets   4,803       5,024  
    Changes in operating lease liabilities   (8,763 )     (3,652 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange, net   (2,006 )     553  
    Decrease (increase) in trade receivables   (2,654 )     1,119  
    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets   58,289       (12,568 )
    Decrease in trade payables   (9,338 )     (2,123 )
                   
    Decrease in employees and payroll accruals   (64,148 )     (2,429 )
                   
    Increase in short term and long term deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
                   
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities   19,193       2,635  
                   
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491       113,836  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from short-term deposits and restricted deposits   107,780       823  
                   
    Investment in short-term deposits and restricted deposits   (112,810 )     (30,162 )
    Investment in marketable securities   (27,693 )     (27,847 )
    Proceeds from marketable securities   58,292       52,805  
                   
    Purchase of property and equipment and lease prepayment   (2,629 )     (7,715 )
    Capitalization of internal use of software   (421 )     (410 )
    Proceeds from sale of equity securities         22,148  
    Proceed from realization of investments in privately held companies   417        
                   
    Purchases of investments in privately held companies   (750 )     (550 )
                   
    Net cash provided by investing activities $ 22,186       9,092  
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from exercise of options and ESPP shares   22,654       22,628  
    Purchase of treasury stock   (200,000 )     (241,302 )
                   
    Net cash used in financing activities $ (177,346 )     (218,674 )
    Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash   2,006       (553 )
                   
    DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (7,663 )     (96,299 )
                   
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period   660,939       609,622  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period $ 653,276     $ 513,323  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions   337,676       304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
    Total Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
           
    Creative Subscriptions   369,469       334,637  
    Business Solutions   141,436       122,644  
    Total Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  
    Creative Subscriptions ARR   1,372,670     $ 1,244,264  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES TO BOOKINGS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    Change in deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Y/Y growth   12 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions Revenues $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Change in deferred revenues   38,901       34,158  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Creative Subscriptions Bookings $ 369,469     $ 334,637  
           
    Y/Y growth   10 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Business Solutions Revenues $ 135,975     $ 115,483  
    Change in deferred revenues   5,461       7,161  
    Business Solutions Bookings $ 141,436     $ 122,644  
           
    Y/Y growth   15 %    
     
     
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF COHORT BOOKINGS
    (In millions)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Q1 Cohort revenues   9     $ 9  
    Q1 Change in deferred revenues   27       23  
    Q1 Cohort Bookings $ 36     $ 32  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES AND BOOKINGS EXCLUDING FX IMPACT
    (In thousands)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   4,225        
    Revenues excluding FX impact $ 477,876     $ 419,776  
    Y/Y growth   14 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   7,775        
    Bookings excluding FX impact $ 518,680     $ 457,281  
    Y/Y growth   13 %    
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS GAAP TO NON-GAAP
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
    (1) Share based compensation expenses: (unaudited)
    Cost of revenues $ 3,320     $ 3,590  
    Research and development   31,491       31,102  
    Selling and marketing   9,177       10,483  
    General and administrative   16,273       12,967  
    Total share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    (2) Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    (3) Acquisition related expenses         5  
    (4) Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    (5) Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    (6) Unrealized loss (gain) on equity and other investments   (42 )     (3,367 )
    (7) Non-operating foreign exchange income   (3,079 )     (4,663 )
    (8) Provision for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments         774  
    Total adjustments of GAAP to Non GAAP $ 60,105     $ 53,285  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit $ 321,859     $ 282,479  
    Share based compensation expenses   3,320       3,590  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit   325,846       286,736  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin   69 %     68 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions $ 281,609     $ 249,490  
    Share based compensation expenses   2,367       2,669  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions   283,976       252,159  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Creative Subscriptions   84 %     83 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Business Solutions $ 40,250     $ 32,989  
    Share based compensation expenses   953       921  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Business Solutions   41,870       34,577  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Business Solutions   31 %     30 %
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Operating income $ 37,405     $ 9,670  
    Adjustments:      
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    Acquisition related expenses         5  
    Total adjustments $ 62,432     $ 59,751  
           
    Non GAAP operating income $ 99,837     $ 69,421  
           
    Non GAAP operating margin   21 %     17 %
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NON-GAAP NET INCOME PER SHARE
    (In thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Share based compensation expenses and other Non GAAP adjustments   60,105       53,285  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 93,871     $ 77,287  
           
                   
    Basic Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.69     $ 1.38  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing basic Non GAAP net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.55     $ 1.29  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing diluted Non GAAP net income per share   60,384,510       60,073,986  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491     $ 113,836  
    Capital expenditures, net   (3,050 )     (8,125 )
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
           
           
    Capex related to HQ build out         5,362  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: First-quarter results 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    (Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period last year)

    21 May 2025 – Prosafe SE reported EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million) for the first quarter of 2025. The company had four active vessels during the quarter.

    Operations and HSSE

    • Good operating performance
    • Safe Zephyrus extended with Petrobras to Q3 2027
    • Sale of Safe Concordia and Safe Scandinavia
    • Safe Caledonia re-activated for UK contract with start 1 June
    • Safe Boreas in transit to Singapore ahead of Australia contract
    • Safe Notos declared winner of Brazil 4-year tender

    Q1 financials

    • Revenues of USD 33 million (USD 34 million) and EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million)
    • Cash flow from operations of USD 28.4 million (negative USD 1.4 million) including contract prepayments for Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Capex of USD 21.2 million (USD 1.7 million) due to reactivation of Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Liquidity position of USD 54 million, compared to USD 46.8 million at year-end 2024

    Recapitalisation

    • Terms agreed for equitisation of USD 193 million of debt for 90% of the shares in the company
    • Supported by lenders representing the USD 250 million and the USD 93 million loan facilities and approved by Prosafe shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting on 16 May
    • Existing shareholders to retain 5% ownership with penny warrants for further 5% at EUR 0.01 per share
    • Transaction provides a sustainable capital structure and sufficient liquidity to meet capital expenditure and working capital needs for the foreseeable future
    • Estimated post recapitalization net debt of USD 220 million
    • Expected completion in Q3 2025

    Market and outlook

    • Ongoing Petrobras tenders confirm strong market fundamentals in Brazil
    • North Sea operators continue to plan for future campaigns with focus on 2027 and beyond
    • Increased backlog, improved market and recapitalisation positions Prosafe for improved earnings

    Please see the Q1 2025 presentation for further details.

    Terje Askvig, the CEO of Prosafe, says, “Operationally, we maintain high utilisation on our active fleet, while making good progress on preparing for new contracts in Australia and the UK. We also continue to build backlog with Safe Notos recently named winner, subject to final contract, of a 4-year tender with Petrobras in Brazil. We are also very pleased with the support shown by our lenders and shareholders through the agreed refinancing which will create a sustainable capital structure going forward and ensure that Prosafe continues to be the world’s leading provider of floating accommodation vessels and Units for Maintenance and Safety (UMS).”

    Presentation

    Terje Askvig, CEO, and Reese McNeel, CFO, will present the results at Pareto Securities, located at Dronning Mauds gate 3, 0115 Oslo, on 21 May 2025 at 10:00 CEST.

    This presentation is open to the public and will be live-streamed on Prosafe’s website.

    https://wwww.prosafe.com

    It will be possible to ask questions during the presentation by using the Q&A tool embedded in the audiocast. These questions will be answered after the presentation.

    A replay of the audiocast will be made available on Prosafe’s website shortly after.

    The Q1 2025 press release and presentation is attached and can be downloaded from https://www.prosafe.com and www.newsweb.no (https://www.newsweb.no). The 2024 annual report was published on 30 April 2025.

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com (https:///www.prosafe.com)

    For further information, please contact:

    Terje Askvig, CEO Phone: +47 952 03 886

    Reese McNeel, CFO Phone: +47 415 08 186

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Expands XBT Provider Platform with Seven New Physical Crypto ETPs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    May 21, 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Group”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), a leading global investment company specializing in digital assets with over $6 billion in AUM, announces the expansion of its Swedish XBT Provider Platform with the launch of seven new physically-backed crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs).

    CoinShares is leveraging its well-established and respected Swedish platform, CoinShares XBT Provider AB, to offer investors access to new digital assets with best-in-class structuration, cost-effective management fees, and staking rewards for proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. Each product employs physical replication, meaning the underlying cryptocurrencies purchased and directly held in a regulated custodian.

    The seven new products, all denominated and traded in SEK and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, include:

    Name Management Fees Staking Reward
    CoinShares XBT Litecoin 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Chainlink 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Polkadot Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 5.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT Solana Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 3.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT Cardano Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 2.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT XRP 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Uniswap 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto

    Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, commented on the launch: “We are glad to reinvigorate the CoinShares XBT Provider platform, which made history as the world’s first open-ended crypto ETP when created in 2015 and subsequently acquired by CoinShares in 2016. With this product extension, we’re enabling Swedish investors to access an expanded range of tokens through a pioneering and time-tested crypto ETP platform. The XBT Provider platform has consistently demonstrated its reliability and has become the trusted choice for Swedish investors seeking exposure to digital assets.

    This expansion represents our commitment to developing the Swedish market, providing institutional-grade investment vehicles that can help bridge the adoption gap that currently exists compared to other European markets. By offering these innovative products on a trusted platform, we aim to accelerate digital asset integration within Sweden’s sophisticated financial ecosystem.”

    “We are happy to see CoinShares expand their offering on our markets. The demand for ETPs is continuing to grow and this is an important step for the Swedish market in meeting that demand. With a broader range of locally listed ETPs, we give investors the opportunity to take advantage of cost-effective, transparent investment opportunities.” says Adam Kostyál, President, Nasdaq Stockholm

    About CoinShares 

    CoinShares is a leading global digital asset manager that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Founded in 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Stockholm, the UK, and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, in the US by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com 
    Company  | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com 
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com 

    PRESS CONTACT

    CoinShares
    Benoît Pellevoizin
    bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

    M Group Strategic Communications
    Peter Padovano
    coinshares@mgroupsc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Submissions open for the Anzac Day Amendment Bill

    Source:

    This bill would amend the Anzac Day Act 1966 to cover conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in past or future times of war or in warlike conflicts that are not currently covered by the Act.

    Tell the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee what you think

    Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

    For more details about the bill:

    ENDS

    For media enquiries contact:

    Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee staff

    fadt@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The opening of the 2nd Lhasa Import Expo 2025 will mark a new chapter in international trade and economic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    On May 16, under the theme of “Opening Up a New Lhasa, Opening Up New Opportunities for Everyone”, the 2nd Lhasa Import Expo 2025 opened in Pavilion 2 of the Xizang Exhibition Center. More than 250 companies and nearly 600 representatives from 31 countries and regions including Europe, Africa, South America, South Asia, Central Asia, ASEAN, Japan, the Republic of Korea, as well as Xiangang, Macao and Taiwan are participating in the event. As one of the key events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the scale of the expo has been significantly expanded compared with the first session. Its aim is to build an international platform for economic cooperation and promote the deepening integration of Lhasa into foreign trade and the global supply chain.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Billions missing from health budget

    Source: Team effort to rescue teens

    New analysis from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi shows that the health service is likely to be underfunded by between $1.2bn to $2bn at the Budget.

    “We have examined the spending decisions and announcements of the Minister of Health over the past few months. These demonstrate a pattern of making a new service promise but not providing any new funding for that new service,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

    “That means the commitments have to be paid out of the existing budget, which is already under huge pressure. These sneaky cuts add up to $1.2bn across 4 years.

    “At Budget 2024 the government provided $1.370bn for cost pressures. This has been calculated by the Treasury as simply covering the cost of existing services. The $1.2bn of new spending are all new services on top. If they come from the ‘cost pressure’ payment above, that acts as a direct cut to existing health services.

    “Assuming the Treasury cost pressure costs are right, health needs $1.713bn just to stand still at Budget 2025 in direct new funding – and likely a figure closer to $2bn once the unknown costs are added.

     “If this money is coming from pay equity funding, it would be the equivalent of those low-income health workers paying for the new service themselves.

    “In opposition, National said that it would “prioritise increases in funding for health and education to account for inflation.” The government now appears to be robbing the very funding set aside for inflation in health to pay for its new priorities, breaking their pre-election promise,” said Renney.

    New Announcements
    Commitment Annual Amount ($m)
    After Hours Care 41
    Cancer Medicines 151
    Hawkes Bay Endoscopy 0.4
    GP Practices 95
    Private Sector Support[1] 50
    Practice Nurses 6
      343.4                4-year total ($m) 1,223.80

    The government has also made the following announcements and has not provided any costing information with those announcements. These costs are likely in the hundreds of millions, but we simply have no current idea about if the government will provide any further resources for them.

    Unknown

    • Bonding of Doctors
    • 100 Overseas Doctors
    • 400 graduate registered nurses
    • New Digital Telehealth Service

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden provides SEK 20 million to Uganda’s Ebola response

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On Monday 17 March, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa visited Uganda’s crisis centre – which is established in the event of major disease outbreaks – in response to the ongoing spread of the Ebola virus in the country. Sweden is providing SEK 20 million to Uganda’s Ebola response, to be channelled through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish initiative to get Ukrainian products in Swedish shops

    Source: Government of Sweden

    A new Swedish initiative to get Ukrainian products in Swedish shops has been presented by representatives of the Swedish Food Retailers Federation, together with Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. The initiative aims to provide Swedish consumers’ increased access to Ukrainian products and opportunities to support Ukraine at the grocery store.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Outstanding exporters to be recognised at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

    Source: EMA

    Judges for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards have announced the finalists who will be honoured at the awards gala on Friday 18 July at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui. The awards, organised by the EMA, celebrate the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses who are exporting goods and services to markets around the world.
    The event is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Sharp Tudhope, Air NZ Cargo, Page Macrae, Zespri, and Orbit Travel, and supporting partners NZTE, Comvita and Port of Tauranga.
    Winners announced at Awards Gala on 18  July, at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
    The success of each finalist will be celebrated at the 1920s-themed awards gala on 18 July, which promises to be a night of elegance, glamour and celebration, honouring the innovation and resilience of the region’s exporters. Gala tickets are available at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2025 .
    List of finalists – ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
    Finalists in the 2025 awards encompass a broad range of innovative businesses, showcasing the breadth and depth of exporting excellence in the Bay of Plenty region. These include heavy engineering and precision machine manufacturers, technology and software solution providers for the agricultural, health and legal sectors, as well as a manufacturer of kids’ cycling accessories. The finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards are:
    • Bluelab – a manufacturer of precision instruments for measuring pH, electrical conductivity and temperature in controlled agricultural environments.
    • Carepatron – a provider of a secure, cloud-based healthcare solution for practitioners to manage clients, appointments, payments, and records.
    • Kids Ride Shotgun – a designer and manufacturer of mountain bike seats and accessories for young children to enjoy biking with their families.
    • LawVu – a provider of a unified, cloud-based legal workspace, designed for in-house legal teams to efficiently manage matters, contracts, spend, documents, and reporting within a single, secure platform.
    • Medella Health – a developer of innovative wellness devices, including the Flowpresso therapy suit, which combines compression, deep pressure and thermo therapy.
    • Oasis Engineering – a manufacturer of high-pressure control devices for gases, such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas.
    • Plazmax – a designer and manufacturer of advanced computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting and robotic welding systems for precision engineering.
    • Rhino Manufacturing – an industry-leading supplier of parts for trucks and trailers; Rhino guards blend powerful performance with striking style.
    • Spida Machinery – a manufacturer of high-quality, precision machinery for the frame, truss, and building-component industries.
    • Trimax Mowing Systems – a designer and manufacturer of tractor-powered roller and flail mowers for commercial use.
    The short-listed exporting companies will be judged over the following categories:
     Best Emerging Business (in partnership with Air New Zealand Cargo) – recognising businesses in the early stage of their international growth journey.
     Excellence in Innovation (in partnership with Page Macrae) – recognising success in the commercialisation of innovation in international markets, incorporating intellectual property, strategy, processes and monitoring.
     Exporter of the Year (in partnership with Sharpe Tudhope) – recognising the success of those businesses that are established in their international growth journey.
    In addition, the Export Achievement Award (in partnership with Zespri) recognises an individual who has made a material contribution to the export success of a business. Finalists for this category are:
     Sarah Webb, LawVu
     Karl Stevenson, BlueLab
    Finally, the Services to Export Award (in partnership with Orbit Travel) recognises an individual or business, who may or may not be directly involved with exporting, but has made a significant contribution to exporting success in the Bay of Plenty. Entry for this award is by nomination only, with the winner announced at the awards gala on 18 July.
    Highlighting export innovation in Bay of Plenty
    The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. EMA Chief Executive John Fraser-Mackenzie says, “We look forward to honouring these outstanding companies at this year’s awards gala on 18 July, which will harness the spirit of the ‘Roaring Twenties’.
    “The awards celebrate the community of business, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and knowledge sharing among like-minded, export-oriented companies.”
    Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee Warwick Downing says, “These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.
    “Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
    Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank Mike Atkins says, “We are excited to partner with ExportNZ to celebrate the export champions from the Bay of Plenty region.
    “At ASB, we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, and food & fibre.”
    Executive Director of ExportNZ Josh Tan says, “These awards are a recognition of the incredible mahi of exporters in the Bay of Plenty who continue to deliver excellence.
    “The awards not only celebrate the individual enterprises, importantly they encourage a collaborative culture that nurtures exporting success across the region.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Source: Greenpeace

    With the Government set to release its Budget tomorrow, Greenpeace is calling for bold investment in climate and nature, but is bracing for the worst.
    “Given that this Government just legalised killing kiwi, we’re bracing for a Scorched Earth Budget,” says Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Gen Toop.
    Greenpeace has been critical of the Luxon-led Government’s anti-environment policies, but says that the PM’s war on nature does not have to continue in the 2025 Budget.
    Budget 2024 decreased funding for DOC to such an extent that last year the agency was asking for public donations to fund its work and is this year reportedly facing a 30% shortfall for maintaining its hut and track network.
    “This Budget is a chance for the Government to change course from its war on nature,” says Toop. “It’s a chance to invest in climate action, protect biodiversity, and support everyday people with the cost of living – that’s what a responsible, future-focused Budget would do.”
    “People have a right to clean water, a livable climate, and groceries and power bills they can afford. Any budget that prioritises corporate profits and tax cuts for landlords instead of those basic rights is not the kind of budget we need,” says Toop.
    Greenpeace says a Budget that truly tackles the climate, biodiversity, and cost of living crises would:
    • Make a significant investment in distributed solar to bring down power bills, reduce emissions and help communities generate their own energy.
    • Create an ecological farming fund to support farmers to transition away from intensive dairy and take advantage of the rise in demand for plant-based food.
    • Bring back Jobs for Nature, funding real employment in the restoration of forests, rivers and wetlands to combat the biodiversity crisis.
    • Fund it all by taxing corporations and the ultra-wealthy, starting with bringing the country’s biggest climate polluter, Fonterra and intensive dairying into the Emissions Trading Scheme.
    Since taking the reins, the Government has abolished the clean car discount; forced the Ministry for the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Conservation to cut jobs; canceled the Auckland Light Rail Project; cut public transport subsidies for young people; and steadfastly refused to put agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on May 21, 2025 to place OFZ issue No. 26239RMFS and issue No. 26246RMFS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26239RMFS from 11.06.2021
    Date of the auction May 21, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU26239RMFS2
    ISIN code RU000A103901
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26246RMFS from 08.05.2024
    Date of the auction May 21, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU26246RMFS7
    ISIN code RU000A108EE1
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N90376

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of China

    A meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Russian Far East and the Northeast of the People’s Republic of China was held in Moscow. The Russian part of the commission is headed by Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev. The head of the Chinese part of the commission is Vice Chairman of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Zhang Guoqing.

    “Our meeting is taking place immediately after an important political event – the official visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Russia and his participation in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The leaders of our countries confirmed their course to strengthen good-neighborliness and cooperation. In late August – early September, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin plans to visit China to participate in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the celebrations of the anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II. Relations between Russia and China are an important stabilizing factor in global politics and economics. I am confident that the work of our commission as one of the bridges of cooperation between Russia and China is of particular importance today. In recent years, our countries have faced unprecedented challenges, destabilization of international relations and the global economy. At the same time, Russian-Chinese ties continue to strengthen. In 2024, mutual trade turnover once again set a record, reaching almost 245 billion US dollars. “I am confident that our meeting today will contribute to the implementation of the agreements of the heads of state and government, primarily in the development of cooperation between the Russian Far East and Northeast China,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    “In recent years, under the strategic leadership of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Sino-Russian relations reached the highest level in their history and have become the standard of cooperation between world powers and neighboring countries. Our leaders set a course and direction for our further interaction, sent the whole world a clear signal about the stable and healthy development of Sino-Russian relations at a high level, which introduced stability and positive to a complex international situation. The key task of today’s meeting is to implement agreements between our leaders and conduct appropriate preparations for the upcoming meeting between them, as well as for regular meetings of the heads of government. Currently, individual countries under various pretexts abuse tariff measures, which grossly violating the laws, rights and interests of other states and seriously contradicts the Rules of the WTO, damages the multilateral trading system, undermines the stability of the global economic order. Such actions have a negative impact on the world supplies and production chains. In these conditions, it is important for us to consistently deepen cooperation in all areas, including the interaction of the north-east of the People’s Republic of China and the Far East of the Russian Federation in order to make an even greater contribution to the development of our countries, ”said Zhang Gotsin.

    The results and promising areas of joint work in the Russian Far East and the North-East of the People’s Republic of China were discussed. Over 6 years (from 2018 to 2023), the trade turnover of the Russian Far East with the People’s Republic of China increased by almost 2.5 times and exceeded 1.9 trillion rubles in 2023.

    In the territories of advanced development and in the free port of Vladivostok, 65 investment projects with a total investment volume of 1 trillion rubles are being implemented with the participation of Chinese capital. Projects with the participation of Chinese companies in the total investment volume in the Far East make up 10%. In a number of large projects, Chinese companies are technological partners, carry out work on the construction of new enterprises, and participate in start-up work.

    Work on the creation of a new preferential regime – an international territory of advanced development – is being completed. The regime was developed in cooperation with representatives of China and other countries. The draft law on international territories of advanced development was adopted in the first reading by the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The regime will be created by the end of this year. Chinese companies are showing interest in interaction within the new legal framework. Five companies from China have already applied as residents.

    The development of transport infrastructure was discussed. In 2024, the volume of bilateral foreign trade cargo transportation through border crossings and seaports of Russia and China increased by 9% to almost 176 million tons. In 2024, land checkpoints on the border with China increased cargo turnover from 40.4 to 45.9 million tons. A significant contribution to the growth was made by the opening of two new bridge crossings in 2022: Blagoveshchensk – Heihe and Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang. In 2024, 6.2 million tons of cargo were transported through them.

    The construction of a bridge in the area of the settlements of Jalinda (Russia) and Mohe (China) can contribute to the increase in freight traffic. Amur Region and Heilongjiang Province have formed a promising freight base. The location of the bridge has been agreed upon. On the Russian side, key participants in the project and the main technical parameters have been determined.

    The Russian side invited Chinese partners to further develop the Northern Sea Route. In 2024, the number of voyages carried out by Chinese companies in the NSR waters doubled and amounted to 14 voyages.

    On the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a project to create an innovative scientific and technological center on Russky Island is being implemented. Research and development centers in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, marine engineering, artificial intelligence and big data are being created. The construction of a pilot building is nearing completion. Chinese organizations and departments, representatives of scientific communities have been invited to participate in the implementation of joint projects in these areas.

    “This September, the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum will be held in Vladivostok with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation. This event is invariably an important platform for developing cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. China is traditionally one of the main guests of the Eastern Economic Forum. We invite our Chinese colleagues to take part in the work of the tenth Eastern Economic Forum in September this year,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    Summing up the meeting, Yuri Trutnev once again emphasized: “The Russian government is open to dialogue and is ready to provide support to Chinese partners in the Far East.”

     

    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 Russia: Kingdom of the Netherlands–The Netherlands: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 20, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    An IMF team, led by Mr. Fabian Bornhorst, visited the Netherlands during May 7–20 to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation. The following statement was issued at the end of the visit:

    The Dutch economy is among the most developed countries globally and has drawn strength from integration in global value chains. In recent years, it has weathered shocks well, yet its resilience is being tested, again—this time by trade tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation. Fiscal buffers are ample, and the financial system is well-positioned to absorb shocks. At the same time, the economy is operating at capacity and inflation is elevated. And increasingly binding constraints—in the labor market, housing, emissions space, and the electricity grid—are limiting the ability to grow and adapt. Futureproofing the economy will therefore require policies that both tackle bottlenecks and expand supply capacity, and align with a long-term vision for sustainable growth. Reforms, complementary to EU initiatives, should aim to increase labor input and firm productivity, expand the availability of SME financing, and effectively manage the green and demographic transitions.

    Outlook

    1. After a weak start, domestic demand is projected to drive growth in 2025 even as trade tensions affect momentum. Real GDP growth is projected to reach 1.1 percent this year. Fundamentals remain strong: unemployment is low, wage growth is robust, and real household purchasing power is solid—supporting private consumption. However, tariffs, trade tensions, and lower trading partner growth are expected to dampen external demand. Combined with uncertainty over future trade policies and less favorable financial conditions, these factors hold back investment and weaken consumer confidence. With a cooling economy, the small positive output gap is expected to close next year; medium-term growth will converge to its estimated potential of 1.2 percent.
    2. Elevated inflation is projected to decline gradually and reach the 2 percent target in late 2026. Inflation is projected at 3 percent in 2025. Wage growth has been robust, although real wages have not reached pre-pandemic levels. Going forward, wage growth is projected to moderate as indicated by recent collective wage agreements and early signs of easing labor market tightness. Fiscal measures, on net, will contribute positively to inflation in 2025 and 2026, as the roll-back of some reduced VAT rates and the increase in excise rates are partly offset by energy subsidies and the freeze on social housing rents. As the trade shock reverberates through the global economy, deflationary forces are expected to arise from lower global growth and energy prices, and appreciation of the euro.

    Risks

    1. Downside risks to growth dominate and arise mainly from trade tensions. Possible direct effects from new/higher U.S. tariffs on currently exempt items (e.g., pharmaceuticals) would lower exports. More generally, rising geoeconomic fragmentation and stronger-than-expected indirect effects from global trade disruptions pose downside risks to growth. The disruption to supply chains could be more severe than expected, leading to upward price pressures even in the context of subdued growth. Policy makers should stay vigilant and nimble. Barring more extreme scenarios, automatic stabilizers in the fiscal framework are sufficient to weather shocks. Domestically, uncertainties in economic policy and the extent to which growth bottlenecks are binding represent risks to the outlook. These can be addressed by implementing consistent, forward-looking, and confidence-building measures.

    Fiscal Policy

    1. Fiscal policy is geared to supporting households in the near term, while aiming to keep the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2030. In view of many, and competing, demands, it is welcome that revised plans in the Spring Memorandum adhere to the trend-based fiscal policy (the Dutch Medium-Term Fiscal Framework) and are in line with national fiscal rules. Key measures in 2025 to support household purchasing power include income tax relief, extending reduced fuel excise duties, energy subsidies, and rent support. To meet the deficit target by 2030, spending cuts in public administration, international cooperation, education, and asylum are proposed. The plans, however, are more backloaded than before, and, in many cases, specific measures have yet to be formulated.
    2. Pivoting fiscal policy from stimulating demand to expanding supply would help the economy grow and adapt. Fiscal policy is set to provide an impulse of around 1 percent of GDP in 2025-26. As household real incomes now exceed pre-pandemic levels and the economy is operating at capacity with elevated inflation, broad fiscal support is no longer needed. Scaling back demand support is timely and advisable. While underspending and revenue overperformance could deliver a neutral fiscal stance—as in 2024—proactively identifying and implementing measures would allow for steering the adjustment. To boost the supply capacity of the economy, the government should invest in infrastructure, education, and R&D, foster investment to increase the housing supply and productivity, implement growth-enhancing tax reforms, and tackle bottlenecks from nitrogen and electricity grid congestion. Fostering private and increasing public investment will also contribute to reducing the high external current account surplus.
    3. Better aligning policies with long-term goals would improve the effectiveness of fiscal policy. For example, while freezing social rents provides immediate support to some households, it weakens the financial health of housing associations and limits investment to expand and upgrade the housing stock—key to addressing shortages. Extending the reduction of fuel excises disincentivizes the clean energy transition, countering efforts to reduce implicit fuel subsidies and foster EV adoption through subsidies. Limited inflation adjustment of income tax brackets—including to finance reduced VAT rates—offsets previous income tax relief, disproportionately affects poorer households, and disincentivizes labor supply. Education and R&D spending cuts are at odds with fostering high levels of human capital and innovation. In this context, the announced tax and benefits system reform is welcome, offering an opportunity to simplify and align policies.
    4. Tackling medium-term spending pressures through structural fiscal reforms will increase fiscal room to maneuver. With a low debt-to-GDP ratio of 43.4 percent, the fiscal position is strong. Moreover, deficits and debt are projected to remain structurally below 3 and 60 percent of GDP through 2030. However, projections also indicate that, by 2050, spending on health, ageing, and climate change will increase by about 4 percent of GDP. Ambitions to scale up defense spending beyond 2 percent of GDP adds to these pressures. Addressing cost drivers early would free fiscal room to maneuver, including: (i) reversing the reduction of health deductibles, increasing health care co-payments, and adjusting the basic policy package while supporting solidarity; (ii) linking the retirement age one-to-one to greater life expectancy for tax-funded old-age pensions; and (iii) moving away from fuel subsidies to revenue-generating carbon pricing and taxation.
    5. Implementing the planned tax reforms would support growth. The Building Blocks Tax report rightly recommends streamlining inefficient and ineffective tax expenditures, including abolishing reduced VAT rates. This would lower compliance costs, broaden the tax base, and may open the door to a lower tax rate. Speedy implementation of the proposed capital income taxation reform (‘Box 3’) would align investment incentives by taxing capital income more consistently. and encouraging better resource allocation. Together, the reforms will foster higher investment, productivity, and growth.

    Financial Sector Policies

    1. Risks to financial stability are elevated and have risen, warranting continued close monitoring. Trade policy tensions and uncertainty have increased financial market volatility and weighed on investor confidence in recent months. More volatility in asset prices could trigger periodic margin calls, particularly on pension funds’ derivatives. Elevated inflation still poses non-negligible risks for insurers. While household and corporate indebtedness is declining, it remains well above the euro area average. In real estate, developments in the commercial sector signal reduced risks. However, the residential market shows renewed signs of overheating. Nominal and real house prices, as well as sales, have picked up again, and housing valuations remain among the highest in Europe.
    2. Even so, the financial sector remains resilient to shocks as buffers are ample and commensurate to risks, and the macroprudential policy stance is broadly appropriate. Banking, insurance, and pension fund (PF) fundamentals remain sound. Banks are well capitalized and liquid. Bank profits remain robust and loan delinquencies low, despite a pick-up in corporate bankruptcies, which reflects normalization following phasing out of pandemic support. The countercyclical capital buffer has been maintained at the 2 percent positive neutral rate since May 2024. Other buffers for the largest banks remain in a 0.25‑2 percent CET1-to-risk-weighted-assets ratio range. The insurance sector is profitable and solvent. Funding ratios of occupational PFs have declined as interest rates fell but are rebounding ahead of the system’s transition to defined-contribution schemes and stood comfortably at 120 percent, on average, at end-2025Q1. PFs are resilient to liquidity risks in adverse stress scenarios and can raise cash at short notice if needed from repo or other money markets to meet margin calls on interest derivatives.
    3. Addressing access to homeownership through policies that increase housing supply would allow recalibrating borrower-based macroprudential measures towards minimizing financial risks. Housing market risks continue to be mitigated by structural factors including rising real disposable incomes, the large share of fixed-rate mortgages, and full legal recourse in case of default. The maximum LTV limit was lowered to 100 percent in 2018. Eligibility for, and duration of the mortgage interest deductibility were tightened, and the maximum rate reduced. Mortgage risks are further mitigated by the recent extension of risk-weight floors until November 2026. Efforts to ensure a clear legal basis for supervisory authorities’ regular access to granular transaction and loan-level data for risk monitoring and analysis—to identify pockets of vulnerability as they emerge—should continue. Still, as recommended in the 2024 IMF Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) report, to cool the housing market, maximum LTV limits should be progressively lowered even more, to 90 percent, mortgage interest deductibility gradually removed, and borrowers further incentivized to lower exposures to interest-only mortgages. A significant increase in housing supply is needed to boost housing affordability, facilitate broad access to the property ladder, and to reduce banking and insurance risks from residential mortgage exposures. This will require reconsideration of the roles of housing associations and private investors, revisiting rent controls, revising land-use policies and streamlining building regulations.
    4. The pension reform will strengthen PFs financial sustainability, and offers an opportunity to improve intergenerational fairness, and rebalance portfolios. Most defined-benefit schemes (DBs) have faced financial pressure since 2008. Many have struggled to index benefits in the low-interest-rate environment, and some were forced to cut benefits. Also, DBs asset allocations do not reflect age-related risk preferences. This has raised concerns about intergenerational fairness. Together, these factors weakened confidence in the system. The transition to defined-contribution schemes will alleviate pressures from ageing on PFs sustainability. It will also allow for portfolio allocations that better align with risk preferences of age cohorts, including more investments in equity, while maintaining a high degree of solidarity and collective risk-sharing. Notably, about 80 percent of plans are expected to combine individual investment accounts with collective investments that bundle assets and distribute returns across individual accounts.

    Addressing Growth Bottlenecks

    1. A legally-robust and future-oriented nitrogen strategy is urgently needed. Developers now face permit uncertainty, investors lack confidence, and farmers remain in limbo, as environmental targets slip further out of reach. Recognizing the urgency, the government is developing a strategy that includes shifting from deposition to direct emission measurement and extending the timeline to halve emissions by 5 years. More details on possible measures are paramount. Economic considerations suggest that fees on emitters are the most cost-effective and efficient way to reduce emissions. To avoid tax increases for the average farmer, a system of feebates—where emissions-intensive farming pays fees that fund rebates for lower emission practices—offers a balanced approach. Socially-acceptable solutions and emission reductions have been achieved through a combination of taxation, regulation, subsidies, and science-based guidance.
    2. Plans to relieve electricity grid bottlenecks and ready the grid for the green transition should be accelerated and paired with dynamic pricing. The government’s strategy focuses on expediting high-voltage grid extensions and streamlining permitting. There are plans to guarantee debt issuance by the grid operator of about 4.4 percent of GDP to facilitate grid expansion. However, in the meantime, connection wait-times remain too long. Efforts to manage grid pressures should also include increasing storage capacity and incentivizing energy efficiency of households and industry, while helping the energy-poor adapt. To better manage demand, energy savings could be further incentivized by promoting greater use of dynamic metering and pricing. These are effective in shifting consumption to off-peak periods, help consumers save money, and reduce the need for extra capacity to meet peak demand.

    Strengthening Labor and Firm Productivity

    1. Labor market reforms should continue to focus on enhancing human capital. Given the aging population and labor shortages, it is critical to fully utilize the potential of workers across all generations and smaller firms. Reforms should improve educational outcomes and vocational training to address skill shortages and enhance lifelong learning. Recent progress to address labor market duality, such as reducing false self-employment, are welcome. Introducing mandatory disability insurance and strengthening pension arrangements for the self-employed are important measures to be implemented.. Additionally, better integration of workers with a migratory background would be facilitated by stepped-up language training, job search support, and recognition of qualifications acquired abroad.
    2. Policies to support firm productivity should address several key areas. First, business dynamism should be promoted by reducing entry/exit barriers to enhance firm-level allocative efficiency. Second, productivity-enhancing investment should be increased by improving the investment climate and addressing growth bottlenecks, advancing digitalization, and encouraging R&D. Third, productivity spillovers should be fostered by investments with large spillover effects (e.g., research parks and networks) to build connections among firms, research institutions, and regions. Fourth, efforts are needed to support firms to grow from start-ups to scale-ups and beyond. Plans to equalize tax treatment of stock options for small firms are welcome and should be expanded to include eliminating the reduced profit tax rate for SMEs as well as providing a menu of financing options along a firm’s development stages.  

    Domestic Capital Market Reforms

    1. Capital market reforms would help expand SME financing by improving valuations, stimulating investor demand for both equity and debt instruments, and simplifying debt issuances.  
    • Improving valuations—thereby increasing the amount of capital firms can raise when they issue stocks or bonds—will require increasing the size and liquidity of secondary markets. This should be combined with measures to narrow information gaps, such as easing investor benchmarking, to help reduce investor risk, and with reforming the Bankruptcy Act and securities laws to help investors shorten the settlement cycle for transferable securities and reallocate capital from failed startups more quickly. The authorities should also continue to push forward EU-level reforms, as integration into a larger, EU-wide capital market would also improve liquidity, and hence valuations.
    • Increasing PFs’ and insurers’ investments in domestic venture capital and other equity funds would also increase equity market size and raise valuations. The pension reform offers such an opportunity. Higher pension investment, including from abroad, in domestic equity may also be supported at the EU level by revised legal and supervisory requirements for pan-European private pension products that allow for more venture capital investment.
    • Standardizing and simplifying procedures for smaller-denomination corporate debt securities issuance, lowering the minimum denomination, making pricing more transparent, and leveraging online platforms and other dealer markets would help increase retail investor participation and make more debt capital available to firms.

    Managing the Green Transition

    1. To meet national and European climate goals, stronger policies will be needed, including to reduce uncertainty and build public support.  The current policy settings are projected to fall short of the 2030 goals. Clear and consistent policies are required to provide investment certainty for the private sector. The EU climate agenda—including introduction of CBAM and phasing out of free ETS allowances and expansion of ETS coverage—will facilitate progress. These measures may impact purchasing power. Lower-income households may struggle to adapt even though the burdens of ETS reforms across different income groups are estimated to be uniform relative to consumption. To manage these challenges, implementing compensatory funds and other targeted fiscal tools can help balance policy trade-offs and enhance public support.
    2. Recalibrating transport policies can prevent a decline in fiscal revenues and address congestion, while meeting climate targets and managing electricity demand. By 2035, revenue from transport is projected to decline by 0.5 percent of GDP, while electricity demand could rise by 20 percent with electrification of the vehicle fleet. These challenges would be best addressed with congestion pricing in urban areas and distance-based charges.

    Supporting EU Reforms

    1. The authorities should continue to push for rapid implementation of EU-wide reforms, including as the Netherlands stands to gain from these initiatives. With its mature markets, enhancing EU-wide competition by cutting intra-EU trade barriers would complement national efforts to boost business dynamism and productivity. EU-level actions to foster intra-EU labor mobility—recognition of professional qualifications, pension portability—are complementary to addressing labor and skill shortages at home. A European Savings and Investment Union (SIU) would broaden investment opportunities for Dutch savers and allow Dutch firms to more easily tap a wider pool of European savings. Finally, completing the EU energy market would ensure better connectivity and energy security, lower prices, and also lower investment needs to match increasing demand.

    *   *   *   *   *

    The IMF team thanks the authorities and other counterparts for the constructive policy dialogue and productive collaboration.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva-Maria Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/19/mcs-05192025-kingdom-of-the-netherlands-staff-concluding-statement-of-2025-art-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Adopts Enforcement Procedure on Registered Swap Entities Using Substituted Compliance

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Market Participants Division and Division of Enforcement today released procedures regarding CFTC-registered non-U.S. swap dealers or major swap participants (“Swap Entities”) relying on substituted compliance. 
    The procedures establish how the Divisions will address potential non-compliance with foreign law that has been found by the CFTC to be comparable in outcome to the Commodity Exchange Act or CFTC regulations pursuant to a substituted compliance order. 
    Generally, the procedures require CFTC staff to adhere to principles of international comity and deference to the foreign regulator, including that the foreign regulator interprets and applies the home country regulation (not the CFTC), and that MPD and DOE will not pursue an inquiry if the foreign regulator determines that the non-U.S. Swap Entity is in compliance with foreign comparable standards, or the foreign regulator is addressing the non-compliance issue through its supervisory process.
    Any inquiry involving substituted compliance will be handled by MPD, unless MPD determines that a supervision or non-compliance issue is material and makes a referral to DOE pursuant to CFTC Staff Letter 25-13.
    The procedures were developed following a request, submitted jointly by IIB, ISDA, and SIFMA, for guidance regarding the CFTC’s referral process for substituted compliance.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Plantro Ltd. Increases Purchase Price under All-Cash Tender Offer to Acquire Class A Shares of Information Services Corporation to $30 per Class A Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tender Offer Amended to up to 9.9% of Class A Shares

    Tender Offer Extended Until 5:00pm Eastern Time on June 3, 2025

    ST. HELIER, Jersey, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”) today announced that it is extending and amending its ongoing all-cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to acquire class A limited voting shares (the “Class A Shares”) in the capital of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (“ISC” or the “Company”).

    Pursuant to the terms of a third amended and restated offer document dated May 20, 2025 (the “Offer Document”), Plantro has increased the consideration under the Tender Offer to $30 per Class A Share, payable in cash (the “Tender Price”). Plantro has also extended the expiry date of the Tender Offer to 5:00pm (Eastern Time) on June 3, 2025, unless the Tender Offer is further varied, extended, or withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Offer Document (the “Expiry Time”). The maximum number of Class A Shares to be purchased under the Tender Offer has been reduced to 1,398,887 Class A Shares, reflecting that, together with the 435,150 Class A Shares Plantro currently owns, the Tender Offer is for a maximum of 9.9% of ISC’s issued and outstanding Class A Shares.

    Due in part to the extreme lack of trading liquidity of the Class A Shares, Plantro reduced the size of the Tender Offer and increased the Tender Price. The Tender Offer is an opportunity for shareholders weary of the ISC board of directors’ continued refusal to take actions to unlock value for shareholders, to realize full and fair value for their Class A Shares.

    Plantro notes that the Tender Price of $30 is above the 12-month price target of $28 per Class A Share maintained by the sell-side analyst for ISC’s primary financial advisor and equals the 12-18 month price target provided by a sell-side analyst of the other major Canadian investment bank providing research coverage of the Company.

    Finally, based on Plantro’s calculations, the Tender Price values the Company at approximately 20.3x Price to LTM EPS, 19.0x Enterprise Value to LTM Levered Free Cash Flow and 9.6x Enterprise Value to LTM EBITDAi.

    Shareholders are urged to consider this attractive opportunity to receive certainty of value and all-cash consideration.

    Shareholders of ISC who have already validly deposited and not withdrawn their Class A Shares are not required to take any further action to accept the Tender Offer and will be deemed to have deposited their Class A Shares at the increased Tender Price. No Class A Shares will be taken up and paid for by Plantro pursuant to the Tender Offer until after the Expiry Time.

    Other than as set out herein, all other terms of the Tender Offer remain unchanged. Details of the Tender Offer, including instructions for tendering Class A Shares, are included in the Offer Document. The Offer Document and the third amended and restated letter of transmittal dated May 20, 2025 (together with the Offer Document, the “Offer Documents”) will be filed and made available on ISC’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Shareholders of ISC should carefully read the Offer Documents prior to making a decision with respect to the Tender Offer.

    About Plantro

    Plantro is a privately held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses.

    Shareholder Questions

    Shareholders of ISC who have questions with respect to the Tender Offer, or who need assistance in depositing their Class A Shares, should please contact the depositary or the information agent for the Tender Offer at the contact details below:

    Depositary: Odyssey Trust Company

    Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-888-290-1175
    Calls (All Regions): 587-885-0960
    Email: corp.actions@odysseytrust.com

    Information Agent: Carson Proxy

    North America Toll Free: 1-800-530-5189
    Local and Text: 416-751-2066
    Email: info@carsonproxy.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Specifically, certain statements contained in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the Tender Offer, taking up and paying for Class A Shares deposited under the Tender Offer, and the expiry of the Tender Offer, contain “forward-looking information” and are prospective in nature. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future outcomes expressed or implied by the statements containing forward-looking information.

    Although Plantro believes that the expectations reflected in statements containing forward-looking information herein made by it (and not, for greater certainty, any forward-looking statements attributable to the Company) are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include the assumption that the business and economic conditions affecting the Company’s operations will continue substantially in the current state, including, without limitation, with respect to industry conditions, general levels of economic activity, continuity and availability of personnel, local and international laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, taxes, that there will be no unplanned material changes to the Company’s operations, and that the Company’s public disclosure record is accurate in all material respects and is not misleading (including by omission).

    Plantro cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. While these factors and assumptions are considered by Plantro to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Plantro and there is no assurance that they will prove correct.

    Important facts that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, among other things, actions taken by the Company in respect of the Tender Offer, the content of subsequent public disclosures by the Company, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the Tender Offer, general economic conditions, legislative or regulatory changes and changes in capital or securities markets. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although Plantro has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to Plantro or that Plantro presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

    Statements containing forward-looking information in this press release are based on Plantro’s beliefs and opinions at the time the statements are made, and there should be no expectation that such forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Plantro disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

    Non-IFRS Measures

    This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS financial measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS financial measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from the Company’s perspective as disclosed by the Company in its public disclosure. The Company’s definitions of non-IFRS measures may not be the same as the definitions for such measures used by other companies or investors in their reporting. Non-IFRS measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s financial information reported under IFRS. Please refer to the Company’s public disclosure documents, which are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for further details regarding its use of non-IFRS measures.

    Media Contact: Gagnier Communications

    Riyaz Lalani / Dan Gagnier
    Email: Plantro@gagnierfc.com

    i LTM is last twelve months to March 31, 2025. EPS equates to the sum of ISC’s Earnings per share, diluted for the past four quarters; Levered Free Cash Flow is equal to ISC’s Net cash flow provided by operating activities less: Additions to property, plant and equipment, Additions to intangible assets, Interest paid and Interest paid on lease obligations net of Interest received, and Principal repayments on lease obligations; EBITDA is equal to Net income before Depreciation and amortization, Net finance expense and Income tax expense.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Golar LNG Limited: 2025 AGM Results Notification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Golar LNG Limited (the “Company”) advises that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Company was held on May 20, 2024 at 10:00 am (Bermuda time) at 2nd Floor, The S.E. Pearman Building, 9 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.  The audited consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024 were presented at the Meeting.

    The following resolutions were passed:

    1.   To set the maximum number of Directors to be not more than eight.
    2.   To resolve that vacancies in the number of Directors be designated as casual vacancies and that the Board of Directors be authorized to fill such vacancies as and when it deems fit.
    1.  To re-elect Tor Olav Trøim as a Director of the Company.
    2.  To re-elect Daniel W. Rabun as a Director of the Company.
    3.  To re-elect Carl E. Steen as a Director of the Company.
    4.  To re-elect Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen as a Director of the Company.
    5. To re-elect Lori Wheeler Naess as a Director of the Company.
    6. To elect Benoît de la Fouchardiere as a Director of the Company.
    7. To elect Mi Hong Yoon as a Director of the Company.
    8. To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP of London, England as auditors and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration.
    9. To approve remuneration of the Company’s Board of Directors of a total amount of fees not to exceed US$2,000,000.00 for the year ended December 31st, 2025.

    Golar would like to thank Georgina Sousa and Thorleif Egeli who retired from Golar’s Board of Directors today after two decades of combined service to the Company. Their contribution to the governance and transformation of Golar from a shipping company to a pure play FLNG business has been invaluable and we wish them well.

    Following their election today as Directors, Golar also welcomes Benoît de la Fouchardiere and Mi Hong Yoon to its Board. Both have already contributed to Golar’s success – in the case of Benoît, through his part in contracting FLNG Hilli in Cameroon; and in the case of Mi Hong – through her role as Company Secretary.  The Company looks forward to benefiting from their relevant and extensive experience as it seeks to grow its leading FLNG offering.

    Hamilton, Bermuda
    May 20, 2025

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Takes Action to Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Help More Coloradans Connect to Skills

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order directing Colorado’s state agencies to work together with the Department of Education to help more post-high school learners access needed credentials. The Governor was joined by Department of Higher Education executive director Dr. Angie Paccione, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment executive director Joe Barela, Office of Economic Development and International Trade executive director Eve Lieberman, Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs executive director Patty Salazar, and leaders from the Colorado Department of Education. 

    “Colorado is a national leader in helping students and workers develop needed skills to enter the job market with credentials and build a successful career. We’ve broken down barriers to apprenticeships, made it free to attend community college for in-demand credentials, and created new ways to help Coloradans succeed. This Executive Order builds on that work by ensuring our state meets learners and earners where they are and helps Coloradans get a meaningful job. We’re asking how our state agencies and operations can better support Coloradans throughout successful lives and careers,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Executive Order directs the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to work with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Education to develop recommendations to: 

    • Seamlessly integrate postsecondary education, skills attainment, and training strategies to improve the flexibility and permeability of the system;
    • Future-proof talent development by investigating and scaling strategies that help the postsecondary education and workforce development strategies be more adaptive and efficient;
    • Improve the ability for learners, employers, community members, and State agencies to navigate the postsecondary talent development system;
    • Increase postsecondary credential attainment, particularly for the students who historically have not connected to postsecondary education or training within six years of high school graduation; and
    • Reduce bureaucratic barriers to cross-functional education and training. 

    These recommendations are due by December 1, 2025. Read the Governor’s Executive Order. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: XWELL Reports First Quarter 2025 Results, Advancing Mission to Liberate Science-Proven Wellness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL) (“XWELL” or the “Company”), a pioneer in science-proven, accessible wellness, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. With a growing portfolio of in-airport and off-airport wellness brands, XWELL continues to redefine what wellness access looks like –connecting high-impact, science-backed care to everyday consumers wherever they are. From leading the nation’s biosecurity response to building tech-forward wellness spaces in transportation hubs and neighborhoods alike, XWELL is extending wellness beyond the elite and into real life.

    Operating Highlights:

    • Reported first quarter 2025 revenue of $7.0 million.
    • The Company continues its focus on returning to overall profitability. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025:
      • Total cost of sales decreased approximately 6% from the 2024 first quarter.
      • Total operating expenses decreased approximately 11% from the 2024 first quarter.
    • Secured a three-year extension of its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”).
    • Successfully closed a private placement in January 2025, comprising of the Company’s Series G Convertible Preferred Stock and Series Warrants for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $4 million before deducting offering expenses payable by the Company.

    “XWELL began 2025 with strong momentum,” commented Ezra Ernst, Chief Executive Officer of XWELL. “With our renewed CDC partnership, continued discipline in operations, and a clear growth plan in wellness and beauty, we believe we are expanding what accessible wellness looks like — anchored in science, backed by biosurveillance, and designed for everyday life.”

    Liberating Wellness, Inside and Outside Airports

    XWELL’s multi-brand strategy is designed to unify wellness experiences under a single, accessible platform — from express treatments in airport terminals to full-service spas in communities.

    In March 2025, the Company announced plans to acquire select medical spas in high-demand metropolitan areas, including Orlando, Dallas and Salt Lake City, extending its presence beyond travel hubs and into the everyday wellness routines of consumers.

    “Our vision is a seamless continuum of care,” added Ernst. “From biometric screenings at the airport to advanced skin and body treatments on Main Street, we believe that we are democratizing access to trusted, science-proven wellness.”

    Science-Proven Wellness, Real-World Impact

    Through XpresCheck and HyperPointe, XWELL continues to operate at the frontlines of biosurveillance and digital healthcare infrastructure.

    In March 2025, XWELL secured a three-year extension of its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program (“TGS”), operated with CDC and Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings. The TGS program, which has been supported by the CDC under contract number 75D30125C20439, provides early detection of emerging pathogens, safeguarding national health through airport-based biosurveillance in eight major hubs.

    XpresCheck and HyperPointe, which helped power national COVID-19 testing and reporting during the pandemic, now serve as the operational and technological core of this next phase of strategic, science-driven wellness program.

    Expanding the XWELL Ecosystem

    XpresSpa® remains the airport wellness category leader, operating 28 locations across major U.S. and international airports. Each are being upgraded to reflect XWELL’s science-driven approach to wellness, offering premium wellness tech, retail, and self-care services. XWELL is actively broadening its retail product portfolio to feature a range of cutting-edge wellness offerings. These offerings include state-of-the-art wellness devices, nutritional supplements, and innovative wellness patches — each designed to support holistic health and cater to the evolving needs of today’s wellness-conscious consumers.

    Naples Wax Center®, the Company’s first off-airport brand, operates a group of upscale hair removal locations with core products and service offerings from face and body waxing to a range of skincare and cosmetic products. In December 2024, the Company announced the planned opening of a new Naples Wax location in Estero, Florida, and is pursuing plans to open an additional 6 locations across Florida during 2025.

    Consistent with XWELL’s strategy to extend its footprint into transportation hubs, the Company expects to open an XWELL location in New York City’s Penn Station in mid-2025. The tech-forward spa is being designed to serve commuters and tourists with quick-access, self-led wellness services in a high-traffic urban setting.

    Liquidity and Financial Condition

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had approximately $3.7 million of cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash), approximately $7.3 million in marketable securities, total current assets of approximately $14.8 million, and no long-term debt.

    In January 2025, the Company announced the closing of its private placement offering the Company’s newly designated Series G Convertible Preferred Stock and Series Warrants. The aggregate gross proceeds of the private placement were approximately $4.0 million, before deducting offering expenses payable by the Company.

    Summary First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Total Revenue

    Total revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $7.0 million compared to approximately $8.7 million for the 2024 first quarter. The decrease in revenue was primarily driven by lower XpresTest revenue and XpresSpa revenue offset by Priority Pass revenue, which is a new revenue stream for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, primarily consisted of approximately $4.3 million from XpresSpa locations and approximately $2.2 million from XpresTest, which includes XWELL’s bio-surveillance partnership and its HyperPointe business. Naples Wax Center accounted for approximately $552,000 of revenue.

    The Company noted that revenue from the CDC bio-surveillance program in the first quarter of 2025 was lower than anticipated due to timing of the extension. Revenue is expected to be made up in subsequent quarters.

    Total Cost of Sales

    Total cost of sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $5.7 million, compared to approximately $6.1 million for the 2024 first quarter.

    General and Administrative Expenses

    General and administrative expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, were approximately $4.3 million, compared to approximately $4.2 million for the 2024 first quarter. The increase was primarily due to the increase in accounting, legal and public company costs for the 2025 first quarter.

    Total Operating Expenses

    Total operating expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, were approximately $4.5 million, compared to approximately $5.1 million for the 2024 first quarter.

    Operating Loss

    Operating loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $3.2 million, compared to approximately $2.4 million for the 2024 first quarter.

    Net Loss Attributable to XWELL

    Net loss attributable to XWELL for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $4.7 million, compared to approximately $2.5 million for the 2024 first quarter.

    The Company noted that it incurred higher than normal one-time expenses during the first quarter of 2025, primarily related to accounting, seasonal costs, and other non-recurring items.

    Investor Conference Call

    The Company intends to host an investor conference call and webcast in the next several weeks to highlight updates on growth initiatives and forthcoming programs. Additional details will be provided approximately one week prior to the event.

    About XWELL, Inc.   

    XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL) is a global wellness company on a mission to liberate science-proven wellness for all. Through a portfolio of brands that include XpresSpa®, Treat®, Naples Wax Center®, XpresCheck®, and HyperPointe™, XWELL delivers accessible, real-world wellness across travel, retail, and clinical settings.

    For more information on XWELL’s offerings, visit www.XWELL.com

    Forward-Looking Statements  

    This press release may contain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “seeks,” “future,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relating to expectations about future results or events are based upon information available to XWELL as of the date of this press release, and are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning XWELL, or other matters and attributable to XWELL or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. XWELL does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.   

    Media
    Heather Tidwell
    MWW
    htidwell@mww.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Barbados and Morocco delivered opening remarks on behalf of the co-coordinators. They highlighted the successful midterm review in April of the DPP’s work in 2025 and underscored the importance of delving deeper into each focus area to advance potential outcomes. They noted co-sponsors’ interest in the ongoing global efforts to reduce plastics pollution, particularly the negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under the United Nations, which is scheduled to hold its next round of talks in August 2025 in Geneva.
    The co-coordinators reported on the productive discussions held during a workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean on 16 May, highlighting the DPP initiative’s continued efforts to incorporate regional perspectives and to hear from smaller delegations. The first region-focused workshop, held alongside the April DPP meeting, had centred on Africa.
    They noted that regional experts underscored the importance of boosting trade and strengthening institutional regulatory capacities to address plastics pollution. The workshop emphasized strong support for small businesses, calling for technical assistance and financial incentives to help them participate in a more sustainable economy.
    Participants also highlighted the need to promote locally sourced, sustainable substitutes — such as banana peel, bamboo and sugarcane byproducts — alongside green finance mechanisms, while considering consumer awareness of non-plastic substitutes and cultural preferences for certain alternative materials. The discussion further stressed the value of enhanced regional cooperation and a unified regulatory approach to single-use plastics, with platforms such as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and ALADI (Latin American Integration Association) identified as key avenues for regulatory cooperation and aligning standards. 
    Switzerland and China facilitated thematic discussions on the two focus areas. On the first topic — enhancing cooperation on applicable standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives — members heard from a diverse range of institutions and companies. The Codex Alimentarius Committee under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization presented its work on food packaging standards for traded goods, with a focus on food safety.
    Representatives from companies and associations in Peru, the Philippines and the Netherlands shared their experiences and challenges in navigating domestic and international regulations while using nature-compatible and biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics. The United States also provided a debrief on recent discussions in the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, which explored domestic practices and the potential negative impacts of changes to food packaging regulations. The importance of cross-committee collaboration between the DPP and other WTO bodies was underscored.
    Participants expressed a shared commitment to addressing plastics pollution through the DPP, while cautioning against duplicating the work of existing WTO committees and international standard-setting organizations. Several emphasized the importance of the DPP focusing on its unique contributions — such as facilitating information exchange, sharing domestic experiences, and examining the commercial, environmental and safety dimensions of non-plastic alternatives. Many also underscored the need for international cooperation, the harmonization of standards and certification schemes, and equitable access to sustainable solutions, particularly for developing economies.
    On the second topic — enhancing transparency of trade flows of plastics — members received an update from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which presented its work on developing statistical guidelines for measuring plastic flows throughout the life cycle. The European Union’s Joint Research Centre also gave a presentation on the bloc’s evolving policy landscape and its strengthened measures to track material flows of plastics across its value chain.
    Participants welcomed the guidelines as useful tools for monitoring the trade flow of goods with embedded plastics, as well as single-use plastic items. They encouraged broader knowledge sharing to include guidelines developed by other organizations and called for greater support to developing and least-developed members in building capacity for data collection.
    In conclusion, Australia thanked members and stakeholders for their inputs, emphasizing that transparency is a critical step toward effective policy design. It noted that the discussions underscored the potential of non-plastic substitutes and alternative materials, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges.
    Co-coordinators will provide updates on the next steps following further consultations.
    More
    DPP co-sponsors have identified eight areas for achieving possible outcomes at MC14. The remaining six areas include: supporting ongoing multilateral negotiations under the United Nations to reduce plastics pollution; exploring strategies to harmonize trade-related measures for single-use plastics; identifying best practices; improving access to relevant technologies and services; building capacity for developing members; and considering the potential development of domestic inventories of trade-related plastic measures.
    Launched in November 2020 by a group of WTO members, the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution currently consists of 83 co-sponsors, representing almost 90 per cent of global trade in plastics.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fish Fund Steering Committee advances work on Call for Proposals, welcomes new members

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The agreement on next steps brings the Steering Committee closer to opening its first Call for Proposals. The Fund will receive funding requests for project grants that will support developing and least developed country (LDC) members to implement the Agreement provided they have ratified it.

    The Committee welcomed Barbados, The Gambia, Haiti, Mauritius, Peru, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Sierra Leone as new members to represent beneficiary members while acknowledging the contributions of Djibouti, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Senegal, who served on the Committee since January 2024.

    Donor representatives to the Fish Fund will rotate at a later stage. Both donors and beneficiaries may rotate their delegates at any time, provided that at least two LDC members remain on the Committee. All Steering Committee members are required to serve a minimum term of one year.

    Eligible and interested members will be able to submit calls for proposals when 101 WTO members have deposited their instruments of ratification. Currently, 99 WTO members have deposited their instruments. After the Call for Proposals is launched, the Secretariat of the Fish Fund will receive proposals for a period of approximately three months, after which all applications will be reviewed and submitted to the Steering Committee.

    Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard said:

    “It is a pleasure to open today’s meeting and see the tremendous progress made as we near entry into force. Everyone’s hard work – donors, beneficiaries, and partners – has paid off.

    The Fund is ready to support the members that have deposited their instruments of ratification and, in so doing, committed to a more environmentally and economically sustainable future and healthier oceans.”

    The Steering Committee also approved the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework for the Fish Fund, a key tool to support the effective implementation of future projects.

    Known as the Fish Fund, the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Funding Mechanism was established under Article 7 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022. Developing and LDC members that have ratified the Agreement are eligible to submit projects supporting implementation of the Agreement. The Fish Fund will operate in cooperation with relevant international organizations, such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank.

    This was the Steering Committee’s fifth meeting since the Fish Fund became ready to accept voluntary contributions from WTO members in November 2022. The contributing members thus far are Australia, Canada, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

    A total of 111 ratifications from WTO members are needed for the Agreement to enter into force. So far,99 instruments of acceptance of the Agreement have been received. The full list is available here.

    More information on the Fish Fund is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes Prime Minister Plenkovic of Croatia to the WTO

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DG Okonjo-Iweala complimented Croatia on its resilient and forward-looking economy, which is driven by services trade and digital transformation. Both leaders agreed that the WTO’s next Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026 is an important opportunity for reform of the WTO and for strengthening its role in governing global trade.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam, who chaired the 43rd Round of Consultations of the Director-General’s Consultative Framework Mechanism for Cotton (DGCFMC), drew members’ attention to the latest meeting of the Steering Committee of the “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, which built on a series of national consultations held last year in the Cotton 4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire).
    The meeting took place at the headquarters of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo on 28-29 April. Important suggestions were made regarding advancing the cotton development agenda in the C-4+ countries, and there was productive discussion on available financing options, including concrete proposals to support the cotton-textile-clothing value chain.
    DDG Paugam stressed that, while it has been projected that US$ 5 billion could be unlocked over the next 10 years under the framework of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, this would require the C-4+ to act as the driving force and to adopt a regional approach to attract and sustain investment.
    A study published in June 2024 highlights the potential of processing 25 per cent of C4+ cotton locally. Although this would require an investment of around US$ 5 billion in facilities and workforce training, it could create 500,000 jobs, especially for women and youth, and would significantly enhance value addition within the region.
    Acknowledging previous concerns about implementation, transparency, and commitment to the Evolving Table on Cotton Development Assistance, DDG Paugam called for a dedicated meeting with donors to explore ways to enhance the effectiveness and impact of this tool. The Evolving Table contains project updates by a number of WTO members and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
    Chad, the FAO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) jointly announced that the 2025 World Cotton Day will take place on 7 October in Rome, which will coincide with the 80th anniversary of the FAO. The event aims to boost visibility and promote investment in African cotton through the work of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, as well as to encourage discussion of climate challenges to cotton.
    Afreximbank reiterated the importance of a harmonized project submission template for standardization, transparency, collaboration and monitoring of C4+ cotton projects and proposed joint financing initiatives, shared knowledge platforms, capacity-building, risk mitigation strategies and policy advocacy.
    Members took the floor to share their experiences of activities within the framework of South-South cooperation. They also expressed support for the cotton industry, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, de-risking investments, tailored cooperation, regional strategies and enabling environments. Delegations also discussed industrialization, global value chain integration, investment clarity and progress on regional development projects in the context of the cotton industry.
    On emerging challenges, members learned about the latest developments in cotton-producing countries, as well as new challenges facing the cotton sector in C-4+ countries. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) shared a presentation about water use in cotton cultivation, which explained that it is a misconception that cotton – a semi-desert crop – requires large quantities of water for cultivation. Nevertheless, ICAC cautioned that climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, and that this is a matter of concern for cotton cultivation.
    The DGCFMC also outlined key next steps. A technical online seminar on second-hand and recycling of clothing by Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for 19 June. Other members were encouraged to coordinate with the WTO Secretariat to propose similar initiatives. A harmonized “Partenariat pour le Coton” project submission template will be created to enable C-4+ countries to present priority projects at an upcoming technical workshop. The WTO will support monitoring, evaluation and engagement with development agencies. Meanwhile, FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will encourage the use of C-4+ cotton for apparel, to produce T-shirts and polo shirts in West Africa and distribute these items globally by the end of 2025.
    In conclusion, DDG Paugam underscored the need to sustain and build on the current momentum surrounding cotton, especially given that MC14 is approaching. Progress made, consolidated synergies and promising prospects ahead call for redoubling efforts, he said.
    Ambassador Hussain, who facilitated the discussion on addressing the trade aspects of cotton, gave an update on his consultations with members on the way forward for agriculture negotiations, focusing on cotton.
    He noted that the C-4+ countries and other members had stressed the importance of cotton within the agricultural negotiations, and that members had highlighted the need to make significant progress on this issue at MC14, as this would resonate positively in Africa and benefit the WTO as a whole.
    The C-4+ Group also suggested the possibility of decoupling cotton negotiations from the broader agriculture package to facilitate reaching a standalone decision on cotton at MC14. The Group, along with several other developing members, emphasized the importance of adhering to past ministerial decisions and called for progress to be made to reduce cotton-specific trade-distorting domestic support.
    Ambassador Hussain urged members to engage actively in open dialogue, express their concerns clearly, and work together to bridge differences. He proposed to convene a “cotton quad plus” meeting in the coming weeks to facilitate honest and concrete discussions. The “cotton quad plus” forum involves the C-4+ countries and several major cotton players, including Australia, China, Brazil, the European Union, India, Pakistan and the United States.
    The ICAC also provided an overview of the global cotton market for the 2024-25 season, forecasting a production increase of approximately 7 per cent compared to the previous season. World cotton consumption is anticipated to rise by 2 per cent in 2024-25, although trade projections have been revised downward to 9.45 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. This adjustment reflects a decrease from the previous forecast of 9.94 million tonnes, as reported in April 2024. The ICAC also presented findings from a recent analysis on specialty cotton, which grows annually and currently accounts for about 31 per cent of total global cotton lint production. Specialty cotton, as defined by the ICAC, includes any long or extra-long staple varieties, as well as cotton from specific identity programmes encompassing various certification initiatives worldwide, such as “Better Cotton” and “Cotton Made in Africa”.
    The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the ITC Cotton Portal, a joint initiative with the WTO to consolidate cotton-related information. The portal, launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, features three main modules: trade statistics, market information and learning. The ITC reported that the portal has around 3,000-4,000 users annually. Planned improvements include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), additional languages, and better data on e-commerce and logistics.
    The ITC Cotton Portal aggregates cotton-related information from the ICAC, ITC and WTO, as well as other sources. For instance, it features a live data feed from ICAC on cotton production, as well as direct links to essential tools that facilitate cotton trade, such as the Export Potential Map.
    The C-4+ agreed concerning the relevance of this tool in contributing to a more efficient cotton trading system by improving transparency and accessibility of trade-related information relevant for cotton producers, traders and policymakers. They called for more training to raise awareness of the platform in Africa and to increase its utilization, as this could help governments in making informed policy decisions. The ITC and the WTO expressed their readiness to pursue discussions with the C-4+ concerning ways to make the portal more accessible and as relevant as possible in developing economies, and especially in Africa.
    The WTO Secretariat introduced a revised background paper compiling all cotton-related information available at the WTO, including members’ notifications, replies to a questionnaire on cotton policy developments and information on tariff and non-tariff measures.
    As part of Cotton Day at the WTO members attended  the opening of an exhibition featuring a data visualization structure that consolidated and presented information on cotton-related activities, telling the story of cotton through interactive maps, infographics, images and dynamic graphics. The exhibition concluded with a reception hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at WTO headquarters.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lesotho formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I deeply appreciate Lesotho’s commitment to the WTO and to supporting the implementation of this historic agreement. We are now very close to breaking new ground in safeguarding livelihoods and food security and securing the future of our shared oceans and marine fisheries – just 12 more acceptances to go!”

    Ambassador Khathibe said: “Our deposit of the instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies reaffirms Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system and our support for global efforts to ensure the sustainable use of our shared natural resources. Although Lesotho is a landlocked least developed country (LDCs) with no marine fisheries of its own, we recognize the significance of this Agreement in addressing harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the depletion of global fish stocks—resources that many coastal LDCs and developing countries depend on for livelihoods, nutrition and economic development.

    By accepting this Agreement, Lesotho stands in solidarity with the global community in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 and protecting the marine environment for present and future generations. We commend the leadership of the Director-General, and urge all members to complete their domestic processes, and join us in bringing this historic Agreement into force.”

    For the Agreement to come into force, formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required – representing 111 members. The list of current instruments of acceptance deposited with the WTO is available here.

    Ministers adopted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas. Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the Agreement implement the new obligations.

    WTO members also agreed at MC12 that negotiations on remaining fisheries subsidies issues would continue, with the objective of finding consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.

    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment can be found here.

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Issues Determination of Reasonable Indication of Injury— Polyethylene Terephthalate from China and Pakistan 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario, May 20, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today determined that there is a reasonable indication that the dumping and subsidizing of polyethylene terephthalate originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have caused injury to the domestic industry.

    The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will continue its investigations and, by June 17, 2025, will issue preliminary determinations.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – PMSG production and Directive 2010/63/EU – E-001931/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001931/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lynn Boylan (The Left)

    Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) is used as a fertility enhancer on European farms. Every year, thousands of pregnant mares in Iceland are subjected to weekly five-litre blood extractions, which far exceed international guidelines. This process causes the animals stress, fear and pain, and violence is often used during the extraction. It also puts the mares at risk of infection, vein inflammation, thrombosis and anaemia.

    As a member of the European Economic Area, Iceland is subject to Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. In 2023, the EFTA Surveillance Authority started an infringement procedure against Iceland but, to this day, the Icelandic pharmaceutical company Ísteka has a valid licence to collect mares’ blood in order to produce the fertility hormone PMSG.

    In the light of this, will the Commission:

    • 1.comment on Iceland’s continued violation of Directive 2010/63/EU and provide an update on infringement proceedings?
    • 2.respond to Parliament’s call in its 2021 resolution on the farm to fork strategy to stop the import and domestic production of PMSG in the EU?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    Last updated: 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: $XDX Presale Heats Up as XenDex Readies First Audit and Platform Design Reveal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With XRP rapidly regaining its dominance across the global crypto market, XenDex is solidifying its position as the most promising decentralized exchange being built on the XRP Ledger. And with the $XDX presale entering its final stretch, urgency is building fast.

    The soft cap is already filled, and with the hard cap now almost fully reached, only a limited number of $XDX tokens remain before the presale closes. As investor excitement surges, XenDex has officially announced two major milestones this week:

    Buy $XDX Before Exchange Listing

    1. A full mockup design of the XenDex platform will be unveiled showcasing its clean, intuitive user interface and how all major features will operate.
    2. XenDex will undergo its first third-party security audit, reinforcing its commitment to safety, smart contract integrity, and long-term trust.

    What Is XenDex?

    XenDex is building the first all-in-one decentralized finance platform for XRPL, combining the most in-demand tools into a single seamless platform:

    • AI-Powered Copy Trading
    • Non-Custodial Lending & Borrowing
    • Cross-Chain Trading (with BNB, Ethereum, and Solana)

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price

    Only $XDX presale buyers will receive early access to Version 1 of the platform.

    Why Is XRP Surging?

    XRP’s bullish momentum follows several landmark events:

    • SEC lawsuit officially withdrawn
    • Judge Torres’ rulings in Ripple’s favor
    • Approval of ProShares’ XRP Futures ETF
    • Brazil’s first XRP Spot ETF launch

    With rising institutional interest, analysts are now forecasting long-term XRP price targets as high as $1,000 and XenDex is launching at the perfect moment to ride that wave.

    $XDX Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Price: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    • Minimum Buy: 150 XRP

    Buy XDX on XenDex

    Major Listings Confirmed

    Post-presale, $XDX will be listed on:

    • Binance
    • Gate.io
    • MEXC
    • BitMart
    • FirstLedger
    • MagneticX

    Join the XenDex Community

    Buy $XDX – xendex.net/presale
    Telegram – t.me/xendexcommunity
    X (Twitter) – x.com/xendex_xrp
    XenDex Docs – xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/520da55d-69bd-4670-ba05-f4ba3e6c93d8

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: LACKAWANNA COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Highlight Positive Results of Historic Investments in K-12 Public Education, Importance of Continuing to Deliver for PA Students

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 21, 2025Scranton, PA

    ADVISORY – LACKAWANNA COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Highlight Positive Results of Historic Investments in K-12 Public Education, Importance of Continuing to Deliver for PA Students

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton to meet with students, teachers, and legislators and highlight how the historic funding he secured for public K-12 education is leading to positive results in schools across the Commonwealth. In his first two budgets, Governor Shapiro secured historic investments in our public schools, students, and teachers, delivering the largest increase in K-12 education funding in Pennsylvania history.

    Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal builds on that foundation by proposing new funding for K-12 public education, with a focus on driving more dollars to the schools that need them most. It also continues our progress to build strong and safe school communities, hire and support our teachers, and expand mental health resources.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Representative Bridget Kosierowski
    Dr. Erin Keating, Scranton School District Superintendent
    Ty Holmes, Scranton School Board President

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00AM

    WHERE:
    Isaac Tripp Elementary School
    1000 N. Everett Avenue,
    Scranton, PA 18504

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News