NewzIntel.com

Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Certified Re-Newed Now Includes Galaxy S24 Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Galaxy is further expanding the Certified Re-Newed lineup, announcing that the Galaxy S24 series – including Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 – are all available starting today.
    Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed smartphones offer a like-new phone experience. Devices are assembled by Samsung engineers and made with 100% Samsung genuine parts, along with a brand new battery, and backed by Samsung’s one-year manufacturer warranty.1
    With the Galaxy S24 series, users can experience new levels of innovation with advanced features and AI enhancements for communication, productivity, and creativity. The Galaxy S24 series features top-tier cameras, power-packed processors, and high-resolution displays across the series. Plus, it includes recycled materials, including certain recycled plastics, glass, and aluminum applied to internal and external components. With three models to choose from — Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 — users can select the device that fits their needs, while being sure that each is packed with the powerful experiences they expect from Samsung.

    In addition, Certified Re-Newed make life more fun and efficient with Galaxy AI.2 These phones offer smart AI features that help you unleash your creativity and streamline your daily tasks, like Photo Assist, which makes recommendations and executes next-level edits, and Note Assist, which can summarize written content into easy bullet points for a clear overview of what you’re reading.
    And with Samsung Wallet, your Galaxy S24 series Certified Re-Newed smartphone makes life even more streamlined. Samsung Wallet is designed to simplify your life by keeping your most important information available all in one place. Samsung Wallet lets you conveniently carry all your digital essentials — like your student ID, drivers’ license, and company ID,3 as well as your credit cards4, an upcoming boarding pass, and more — right on your mobile device.5

    Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your phone with confidence thanks to the same one-year limited warranty offered on new smartphones. While these phones are tough enough for whatever the day throws your way, you can rest assured knowing that Samsung Care+ is also available for Certified Re-Newed smartphones, including the newly introduced Galaxy S24 series for an additional cost, covering you for accidents, breaks, or other damage. You can also choose to add Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss4, giving you the ultimate protection.
    Galaxy S24 series Certified Re-Newed devices will be available exclusively on Samsung.com/us/CRN:
    Galaxy S24 Ultra Certified Re-Newed comes in Titanium Black, starting at $1,019.99 for the 256GB storage variant, and $1,139.99 for the 512GB option.
    Galaxy S24+ Certified Re-Newed is available in Onyx Black starting at $799.99 for 256GB and $919.99 for the 512GB option.
    Galaxy S24 Certified Re-Newed also comes available in Onyx Black, starting at $619.99 for 128GB, and $669.99 for the 256GB option.
    Galaxy S24 Ultra Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S24+ Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S24 Certified Re-Newed
    Trade-in your old phone today and get a great deal on a Samsung Certified Re-Newed phone that’s been rebuilt to work like new. You can get a minimum of $250 guaranteed value toward the purchase of any Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, or Galaxy S22 series Certified Re-Newed smartphone when you trade-in your qualifying smartphone, for a limited time.6
    For more information about Samsung Certified Re-Newed and the Galaxy S24 series, visit Samsung.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland application to cease as a recognised professional body for insolvency practitioners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland application to cease as a recognised professional body for insolvency practitioners

    Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland has applied to the Secretary of State for Business to give up its status as a recognised professional body for insolvency practitioners.

    Section 391N of the Insolvency Act 1986

    Revocation of recognition at the request of a body

    Notice in accordance with section 391N(3) of the Insolvency Act 1986

    The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland

    On 13 November 2024, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (otherwise known as Chartered Accountants Ireland ‘CAI’) asked the Secretary of State to consider a request made under section 391N of the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘the Act’), that it should cease to be a Recognised Professional Body (‘RPB’) for the purposes of section 391 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

    CAI is listed within the Insolvency Practitioners (Recognised Professional Bodies) Order 1986 as a body recognised under Section 391 of the Act, for the purpose of authorising insolvency practitioners.

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has considered this request and is satisfied that it is appropriate in all the circumstances to revoke this recognition in accordance with the procedure set out in section 391N of the Insolvency Act 1986.

    Accordingly, the Secretary of State is making the Insolvency Practitioners (Recognised Professional Bodies) (Revocation of Recognition) Order 2025.  This Order takes effect from 1 June 2025.

    The reasons for making the Order in relation to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (CAI) are:

    • CAI notified the Secretary of State that the low number of insolvency practitioners it authorised made it commercially unsustainable to continue as an RPB.
    • On 21 March 2024, the Council of the CAI approved the formal proposal to cease authorising insolvency practitioners from 1 January 2025.
    • CAI insolvency licence holders were informed of the intention to withdraw as an RPB on 2 June 2024.
    • CAI has completed all internal procedures to approve and implement the decision to withdraw as an RPB.
    • All insolvency practitioners licensed by CAI as at 31 December 2024 who wished to continue to practice are now authorised by another RPB.
    • Arrangements have been put in place for the investigation of complaints in the period between 31 December 2024 and the making of the Order formally revoking its recognition as an RPB, and in respect of any complaints made relating to conduct prior to 31 December 2024.
    • CAI has requested for its recognition as an RPB to be revoked.

    A print version of the notice is available from the Insolvency Service, 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ.

    Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Business and Trade

    Date: 8 April 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Paytronix Celebrates 10th Client Conference, PX|NXT with Leading Brands in Hospitality Guest Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWTON, Mass. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paytronix, an Access Group company and leader in guest engagement for restaurants and convenience stores, will host their premier guest engagement event next week, as Paytronix clients gather in Nashville for PX|NXT ’25. Hospitality leaders will come together once again to share their experiences and learn from the industry’s visionaries as they jam with Paytronix in Music City, at the Loews Nashville Hotel, from April 29th to May 1st.

    PX|NXT will feature lively presentations, interactive sessions, and signature social events, focused on building community and educating attendees on innovative guest engagement strategies, from loyalty and online ordering programs to reservation systems, kiosks, and messaging. Over three days, Paytronix will offer an opportunity to learn new revenue generating techniques and master the use of Paytronix’s solutions.

    Paytronix was acquired by UK-based The Access Group in October of last year, and PNX|NXT will be an opportunity for attendees to learn how new solutions and integrations from Access will help them take their guest engagement strategies to the next level.

    “We’re going even bigger for the 10th anniversary, bringing our customers together and building connections and deeper industry relationships because we learn the most from each other. PX|NXT has a tremendous lineup of customers and experts speaking and sharing their first-hand experiences,” said Pamela Robertson, CMO at Paytronix. “This year’s sessions will explore how new technologies in mobile, AI and digital engagement are not only taking guest experiences to new levels, but when done right — they’re also driving efficiencies and powering growth.”

    PX|NXT Speakers Present Game-Changing Experiences & Strategies
    Paytronix assembled a powerful lineup of experts to speak in 2025, with thought-provoking, high-energy sessions centered around upcoming products, theory and case studies around guest engagement strategy. This year’s speaking lineup is full of leaders who have driven loyalty and embraced innovation for some of the industry’s leading brands.

    In addition to Paytronix and customer speakers, this year’s keynotesinclude:

    • Liz Seelye, CEO and brand wayfinder of StarryEyed Strategy – who has proven why brand purpose matters and how restaurants can leverage it to lead their categories. For 20 years, Liz has helped brands, big and global (Starbucks, Cinnabon, Chick-fil-A, CAVA, FAT Brands), small and local (Legacy Pie Co., Pancho & Lefty’s, The Post) find their North Stars to move their businesses forward fast.
    • Gerry O’Brion, author and featured speaker on translating big brand strategies into knowledge that any business can use to win in the marketplace. Gerry shares experiences from leading marketing for top brands with Procter & Gamble, Coors Brewing Company, Quiznos restaurant chain and most recently, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.

    Executives from top restaurant and convenience store brands will share their restaurant tech strategies for guest engagement, loyalty, ordering, mobile and more. Read the full list of featured speakers online, including but not limited to:

    • Erin Newkirk, CMO, Caribou Coffee
    • Eric Rush, Director of Marketing, Tri Star Energy
    • Jeff Lee, Director of IT & Operations, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza
    • Jimmy VanValkenburg, Head of Digital Marketing & Loyalty, PDQ Chicken
    • Olga Lopategui, Founder & Principal Consultant, Restaurant Loyalty Specialists

    For more information, including FAQs and video highlights from last year’s event, visit https://www.paytronix.com/pxnxt.

    About Paytronix
    Paytronix, an Access Group company, is a cloud-based digital guest engagement platform for the hospitality industry. Our innovative, unified platform provides loyalty programs, online ordering, gift cards, branded mobile applications, and strategic insights to more than 1,800 leading restaurant and convenience store brands. Our valued clients leverage the power of Paytronix across 50,000 sites globally to create seamless, personalized, and brand-authentic experiences that foster lasting relationships with their customers. For more than 20 years, Paytronix has been a trusted partner helping brands maximize the lifetime value of their guests and grow more profitable businesses. For more information, visit www.paytronix.com.

    Media Contact:
    Calen McGee
    Paytronix Systems, Inc.
    Calen.McGee@theaccessgroup.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a022703b-562f-4eb4-bb2a-d4fe30b8f497

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WSO2 Launches Ambassador Program to Empower Tech Advocates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSO2, the leader in enterprise digital infrastructure technology, today announced the launch of the WSO2 Ambassador Program, a global initiative that celebrates and supports the most passionate voices in its tech community, including developers and architects. This program is designed to recognize individuals who actively share knowledge, inspire innovation, and contribute to the growth of the open-source ecosystem powered by WSO2 technologies.

    At the heart of the digital era are developers and architects—the problem-solvers and builders of the digital experiences we use every day. WSO2 recognizes that its success is deeply tied to the passion and ingenuity of its developer community. Developers are not only consumers of WSO2’s open-source platforms for API management, integration, identity and access management and WSO2’s internal developer platform, Choreo; they are also co-creators, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, improving the products through feedback, and building impactful solutions that serve millions. Architects, on the other hand, play a critical role in shaping the bigger picture—designing scalable, secure, and future-ready digital architectures that bring developer innovations to life.

    “Developers are the driving force behind innovation,” said Isabelle Mauny, Chief Developer Advocate at WSO2. “They are not merely users of our products—they are instrumental in shaping them. Architects help ensure that solutions built on WSO2’s platforms are robust, cohesive, and aligned with long-term business goals. The WSO2 Ambassador Program is our way of acknowledging their contributions and supporting their continued growth. Whether through leading community meetups, publishing technical tutorials, or contributing to our codebase, our ambassadors play a vital role in empowering others to succeed with WSO2.”

    WSO2’s commitment to open source goes beyond code—it’s about people. The Ambassador Program is a natural extension of that commitment. By offering mentorship, visibility, and support, WSO2 aims to empower developers to become leaders in their communities and advance their personal and professional growth.

    What Ambassadors can expect:

    • Skill-building opportunities in community leadership, developer advocacy, and public speaking
    • Sponsorship for local events, meetups, and conferences to grow regional communities
    • Visibility and recognition through WSO2’s digital channels and media
    • Access to exclusive WSO2 events, tools, and swag
    • Direct collaboration with WSO2 teams, providing feedback and influence on product direction

    The program is open to developers, architects, and technical leaders with experience using WSO2 technology and a passion for empowering others through content, events, and code. Ambassadors can contribute at their own pace, with flexible engagement levels.

    “Being a WSO2 Ambassador is not about holding a title—it is about making a meaningful impact,” Mauny explained. “It recognizes those developers who dedicate their time to writing tutorials, answering questions in forums, and mentoring the next generation of technologists. Our goal is to support their efforts, elevate their contributions, and connect them with a global community of peers and innovators.”

    Visit the WSO2 Ambassadors Page to learn more about the program, meet our 2025 ambassadors, and find out how you can get involved.

    About WSO2
    Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) to thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organizations to leverage the full potential of artificial intelligence and APIs for securely delivering the next generation of AI-enabled digital services and applications. Our open-source, AI-driven, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in and enables rapid digital product creation. Recognized as leaders by industry analysts, WSO2 has more than 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with over USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    22 April – Fleet utilisation for March 2025 was 52 per cent.   

    Safe Zephyrus operated at full capacity during March, achieving 100 per commercial uptime.  

    Safe Notos and Safe Eurus, both had 99 per cent commercial uptime in March.  

    Safe Concordia operated at full capacity on the days she was in operation. The vessel was transferred to the new owner on March 13, 2025. 

    Safe Caledonia has commenced reactivation activities in Scapa Flow, UK, and will mobilise to the Captain Field, UK, by 01 June 2025. 

    Safe Boreas is in Norway preparing for relocation in Q2 2025 for a contract in Australia commencing between mid-November 2025 and mid-February 2026.  

    Prosafe has entered into an agreement to sell Safe Scandinavia for recycling. A condition of the recycling is full compliance with all relevant conventions and regulations, with the vessel expected to be delivered within Q2 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 https://www.prosafe.com  

    For further information, please contact:  

    Terje Askvig, CEO 

    Phone: +4795203886 

    Reese McNeel, CFO 

    Phone: +4741508186 
     

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: China’s solar capacity installations grew rapidly in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    April 22, 2025

    Utility-scale solar power capacity in China reached more than 880 gigawatts (GW) in 2024, according to China’s National Energy Administration. China has more utility-scale solar than any other country. The 277 GW of utility-scale solar capacity installed in China in 2024 alone is more than twice as much as the 121 GW of utility-scale solar capacity installed in the United States at the end of 2024.

    Planned solar capacity projects will likely lead to continued growth in China’s solar capacity. More than 720 GW of solar capacity are in development: about 250 GW under construction, nearly 300 GW in pre-construction phases, and 177 GW of announced projects, according to the Global Solar Power Tracker compiled by Global Energy Monitor.

    Some of the largest projects under development are in the Inner Mongolia region in northern China. The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia is the planned site of the largest collection of solar projects called the Great Solar Wall.

    Plans for the Great Solar Wall, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030, provide for around 100 GW of installed capacity covering an area more than 250 miles long and 3 miles wide across Inner Mongolia and neighboring regions. Two components of the Great Solar Wall, the Inner Mongolia Kubuqi Desert North and South Megabase, are in pre-construction stages with planned installed capacities of 7 GW and 6 GW, respectively.

    More projects are announced but not yet in pre-construction phases, such as Ordos Desert Control solar farm and the Xinjiang-Sichuan Power Export solar farms, which register the largest planned capacity among the announced developments. Each of those projects has an intended capacity of 8.5 GW.

    Data source: Global Energy Monitor (GEM), Global Solar Power Tracker, February 2025
    Note: The GEM data include projects of at least 1 megawatt of installed capacity.

    Principal contributor: Katherine Antonio

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BCB Bancorp, Inc. Reports Net Loss of $8.3 Million in First Quarter 2025; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BAYONNE, N.J., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), (NASDAQ: BCBP), the holding company for BCB Community Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net income of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, and net income of $5.9 million for the first quarter of 2024. Its loss per diluted share for the first quarter of 2025 was ($0.51), compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.16 in the preceding quarter and $0.32 in the first quarter of 2024.

    The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share. The dividend will be payable on May 21, 2025 to common shareholders of record on May 7, 2025.

    “Our first-quarter loss was primarily driven by a $13.7 million specific reserve tied to a $34.2 million loan in the cannabis sector,” Michael Shriner, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCB Bank, explained. “Although the borrower remains current, the significant deterioration in their financial condition warranted a downgrade to non-accrual status and the establishment of the reserve. We also increased reserves for our discontinued Business Express Loan portfolio by $3.1 million, in response to the portfolio’s continued elevated deterioration and broader macroeconomic headwinds.”

    “While these credit actions have impacted short-term results, they reflect our disciplined and proactive approach to risk management,” added Mr. Shriner. “Thanks to the positive capital actions taken throughout 2024, we remain well-capitalized, giving us the flexibility to address credit challenges head-on.”

    “BCB Bank has bolstered its credit risk team with new hires who we believe bring deep expertise and a rigorous approach to underwriting,” said Mr. Shriner. “These efforts are part of a broader initiative to strengthen our credit quality oversight. Following a comprehensive portfolio review using a conservative risk framework, we’ve adjusted the risk ratings on a number of loans to better reflect current market realities. Importantly, the majority of our customers remain current on their payments, and our team is actively engaging with borrowers to secure updated financials and support improved risk profiles.”

    Executive Summary

    • Total deposits were $2.687 billion at March 31, 2025 compared to $2.751 billion at December 31, 2024.
    • Net interest margin was 2.59 percent for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.53 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024, and 2.50 percent for the first quarter of 2024.
      • Total yield on interest-earning assets was 5.20 percent for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 5.33 percent for both the fourth quarter of 2024, and the first quarter of 2024.
      • Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 24 basis points to 3.33 percent for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.57 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024, and decreased 21 basis points to 3.54 percent for the first quarter of 2024.
    • The efficiency ratio for the first quarter was 61.6 percent compared to 62.1 percent in the prior quarter, and 58.8 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
    • The annualized return on average assets ratio for the first quarter was (0.95) percent, compared to 0.36 percent in the prior quarter, and 0.61 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
    • The annualized return on average equity ratio for the first quarter was (10.4) percent, compared to 4.0 percent in the prior quarter, and 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
    • The provision for credit losses was $20.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $4.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, the Bank recorded a provision of $2.1 million.
    • The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) as a percentage of non-accrual loans was 51.6 percent at March 31, 2025 compared to 77.8 percent for the prior quarter-end and 155.4 percent at March 31, 2024. Total non-accrual loans were $99.8 million at March 31, 2025, $44.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $22.2 million at March 31, 2024.
    • Total loans receivable, net of the allowance for credit losses, of $2.918 billion at March 31, 2025, decreased 2.6 percent from $2.996 billion at December 31, 2024, and decreased 9.6 percent, from $3.227 billion at March 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Review

    Total assets decreased by $125.3 million, or 3.5 percent, to $3.474 billion at March 31, 2025, from $3.599 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in total assets was mainly related to a decrease in net loans and in cash and cash equivalents.

    Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $64.5 million, or 20.3 percent, to $252.8 million at March 31, 2025, from $317.3 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease in cash was primarily due to the reduction of the Bank’s exposure to wholesale funding by paying down high cost brokered deposits.

    Loans receivable, net, decreased by $78.6 million, or 2.6 percent, to $2.918 billion at March 31, 2025, from $2.996 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loan decreases during the period included decreases totaling $62.3 million in commercial real estate and multi-family loans, construction loans, 1-4 family residential loans and home equity loans. The allowance for credit losses increased $16.7 million to $51.5 million, or 51.6 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.73 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, as compared to an allowance for credit losses of $34.8 million, or 77.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.15 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024.

    Total investment securities increased by $14.7 million, or 13.2 percent, to $125.9 million at March 31, 2025, from $111.2 million at December 31, 2024, representing current year purchases.

    Deposits decreased by $64.4 million, or 2.3 percent, to $2.687 billion at March 31, 2025, from $2.751 billion at December 31, 2024. Brokered deposits decreased $112.5 million, and were offset by increases in certificates of deposit, money market accounts, transaction accounts and savings accounts which totaled $48.4 million.

    Debt obligations decreased by $49.8 million to $448.5 million at March 31, 2025 from $498.3 million at December 31, 2024, due to maturities and paydowns of our FHLB advances. The weighted average interest rate of FHLB advances was 4.33 percent at March 31, 2025 and 4.35 percent at December 31, 2024. The weighted average maturity of FHLB advances as of March 31, 2025 was 0.83 years. The interest rate of our subordinated debt balances was 9.25 percent at March 31, 2025 and at December 31, 2024.

    Stockholders’ equity decreased by $9.2 million, or 2.8 percent, to $314.7 million at March 31, 2025, from $323.9 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease was attributable to the decrease in retained earnings of $11.6 million, or 8.2 percent, to $130.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $141.9 million at December 31, 2024. Offsetting this were increases in accumulated other comprehensive income, and additional paid in capital on stock, which totaled $2.4 million.

    First Quarter 2025 Income Statement Review

    The Company reported a net loss of $8.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to net income of $5.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decline was primarily driven by an increase to the Provision for loan losses of $18.8 million. offset by $5.8 million decrease in income tax provisioning. Also, net interest income decreased by $1.1 million, or 4.9 percent, to $22.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, from $23.1 million for the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in net interest income resulted from lower interest income which was partially offset by lower interest expense.

    Interest income decreased by $5.1 million, or 10.3 percent, to $44.2 million for the first quarter of 2025 from $49.3 million for the first quarter of 2024. The average balance of interest-earning assets decreased $255.9 million, or 6.9 percent, to $3.444 billion for the first quarter of 2025 from $3.699 billion for the first quarter of 2024, while the average yield decreased 13 basis points to 5.20 percent for the first quarter of 2025 from 5.33 percent for the first quarter of 2024.

    Interest expense decreased by $4.0 million to $22.2 million for the first quarter of 2025 from $26.1 million for the first quarter of 2024. The decrease resulted from a decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities of 21 basis points to 3.33 percent for the first quarter of 2025 from 3.54 percent for the first quarter of 2024, while the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $256.2 million to $2.701 billion for the first quarter of 2025 from $2.957 billion for the first quarter of 2024.

    The net interest margin was 2.59 percent for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.50 percent for the first quarter of 2024. The increase in the net interest margin compared to the first quarter of 2024 was the result of a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities partially offset by the decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company recognized $4.2 million in net charge-offs compared to $1.1 million in net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2024. The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $99.8 million, or 3.36 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2025 as compared to $44.7 million, or 1.48 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $51.5 million, or 1.73 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, and $34.8 million, or 1.15 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The provision for credit losses was $20.8 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $4.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses on loans was adequate at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

    Non-interest income decreased by $318 thousand to $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2025 from $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in total non-interest income was mainly related to decreases in gains on equity securities and BOLI income of $245 thousand and $67 thousand, respectively.

    Non-interest expense decreased by $178 thousand, or 1.2 percent, to $14.7 million for the first quarter of 2025 when compared to non-interest expense of $14.8 million for the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in these expenses for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily driven by lower regulatory assessment charges, offset by higher salaries and employee benefits.

    The income tax provision decreased by $5.8 million, to an income tax credit of $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2025 when compared to a $2.5 million provision for the first quarter of 2024.

    Asset Quality

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company recognized $4.2 million in net charge offs, compared to $1.1 million in net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2024.

    The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $99.8 million, or 3.36 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, as compared to $22.2 million, or 0.68 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2024. More than 60% of the non-accrual loans are current with all payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance, including the previously mentioned loan that has been allocated a specific reserve.  However, given that the normal standard for non-accrual is a 90 day delinquency, logic and transparency dictates that this population of loans possess certain weaknesses that are beyond payment status and therefore, even though they are current, they should be placed on non-accrual.  Although our borrowers have made payment of their loan obligations to BCB a priority, our evaluation of their financial condition causes some concern about their continued ability to do so. The allowance for credit losses was $51.5 million, or 1.73 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, and $34.6 million, or 1.06 percent of gross loans, at March 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses was 51.6 percent of non-accrual loans at March 31, 2025, and 155.4 percent of non-accrual loans at March 31, 2024.

    About BCB Bancorp, Inc.

    Established in 2000 and headquartered in Bayonne, N.J., BCB Community Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCBP). The Bank has twenty-three branch offices in Bayonne, Edison, Hoboken, Fairfield, Holmdel, Jersey City, Lyndhurst, Maplewood, Monroe Township, Newark, Parsippany, Plainsboro, River Edge, Rutherford, South Orange, Union, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, and four branches in Hicksville and Staten Island, New York. The Bank provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products, and retail and commercial banking services. For more information, please go to www.bcb.bank.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release, like many written and oral communications presented by BCB Bancorp, Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

    The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, higher inflation levels, and general economic and recessionary concerns, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause increased loan delinquencies, a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, our ability to manage liquidity and capital in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. Other factors that could cause future results to vary materially from current management expectations as reflected in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the global impact of the military conflicts in the Ukraine and the Middle East; unfavorable economic conditions in the United States generally and particularly in our primary market area; the Company’s ability to effectively attract and deploy deposits; changes in the Company’s corporate strategies, the composition of its assets, or the way in which it funds those assets; shifts in investor sentiment or behavior in the securities, capital, or other financial markets, including changes in market liquidity or volatility; the effects of declines in real estate values that may adversely impact the collateral underlying our loans; increase in unemployment levels and slowdowns in economic growth; our level of non-performing assets and the costs associated with resolving any problem loans including litigation and other costs; the impact of changes in interest rates and the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of our loan and investment securities portfolios; the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio; changes in the quality and composition of the Bank’s loan and investment portfolios; changes in our ability to access cost-effective funding; deposit flows; legislative and regulatory changes, including increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance rates; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal and state governments; changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities; demands for our loan products; demand for financial services; competition; changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in management’s business strategies; changes in consumer spending; our ability to hire and retain key employees; the effects of any reputational, credit, interest rate, market, operational, legal, liquidity, or regulatory risk; expanding regulatory requirements which could adversely affect operating results; civil unrest in the communities that we serve; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report, and in other reports we filed with the SEC, including under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our other periodic reports that we file with the SEC.

    Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

    Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Reported amounts are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This press release also contains certain supplemental Non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s financial results for the periods in question.

    The Company provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders’ equity and efficiency ratios. These measures are utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors. For a reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release, see “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

             
      Statements of Operations – Three Months Ended,      
      March 31,2025 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2024 Mar 31, 2025 vs.
    Dec 31, 2024    		   Mar 31, 2025 vs.
    Mar 31, 2024
    Interest and dividend income: (In thousands, except per share amounts, Unaudited)      
    Loans, including fees $ 38,927   $ 41,431   $ 43,722     -6.0 %     -11.0 %
    Mortgage-backed securities   561     473     305     18.6 %     83.9 %
    Other investment securities   968     978     975     -1.0 %     -0.7 %
    FHLB stock and other interest-earning assets   3,736     3,771     4,283     -0.9 %     -12.8 %
    Total interest and dividend income   44,192     46,653     49,285     -5.3 %     -10.3 %
                 
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits:            
    Demand   5,418     5,866     5,257     -7.6 %     3.1 %
    Savings and club   151     156     166     -3.2 %     -9.0 %
    Certificates of deposit   10,762     12,218     14,983     -11.9 %     -28.2 %
        16,331     18,240     20,406     -10.5 %     -20.0 %
    Borrowings   5,856     6,219     5,736     -5.8 %     2.1 %
    Total interest expense   22,187     24,459     26,142     -9.3 %     -15.1 %
                 
    Net interest income   22,005     22,194     23,143     -0.9 %     -4.9 %
    Provision for credit losses   20,845     4,154     2,088     401.8 %     898.3 %
                 
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   1,160     18,040     21,055     -93.6 %     -94.5 %
                 
    Non-interest income income :            
    Fees and service charges   1,173     1,187     1,215     -1.2 %     -3.5 %
    (Loss) gain on sales of loans   –     (554 )   45     -100.0 %     -100.0 %
    Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on equity investments   (115 )   (661 )   130     -82.6 %     -188.5 %
    Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income   608     636     675     -4.4 %     -9.9 %
    Other   125     330     44     -62.1 %     184.1 %
    Total non-interest income   1,791     938     2,109     90.9 %     -15.1 %
                 
    Non-interest expense:            
    Salaries and employee benefits   7,403     7,117     6,981     4.0 %     6.0 %
    Occupancy and equipment   2,723     2,483     2,644     9.7 %     3.0 %
    Data processing and communications   1,844     1,754     1,853     5.1 %     -0.5 %
    Professional fees   692     599     595     15.5 %     16.3 %
    Director fees   418     269     277     55.4 %     50.9 %
    Regulatory assessment fees   709     769     1,142     -7.8 %     -37.9 %
    Advertising and promotions   179     212     216     -15.6 %     -17.1 %
    Other   692     1,164     1,130     -40.5 %     -38.8 %
    Total non-interest expense   14,660     14,367     14,838     2.0 %     -1.2 %
                 
    (Loss) Income before income tax provision   (11,709 )   4,611     8,326     -353.9 %     -240.6 %
    Income tax (benefit) provision   (3,385 )   1,339     2,460     -352.8 %     -237.6 %
                 
    Net (Loss) Income   (8,324 )   3,272     5,866     -354.4 %     -241.9 %
    Preferred stock dividends   482     475     434     1.6 %     11.0 %
    Net (Loss) Income available to common stockholders $ (8,806 ) $ 2,797   $ 5,432     -414.8 %     -262.1 %
                 
    Net (Loss) Income per common share-basic and diluted            
    Basic $ (0.51 ) $ 0.16   $ 0.32     -413.8 %     -260.4 %
    Diluted $ (0.51 ) $ 0.16   $ 0.32     -414.7 %     -260.5 %
                 
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding            
    Basic   17,113     17,056     16,930     0.3 %     1.1 %
    Diluted   17,113     17,108     16,939     0.0 %     1.0 %
                 
    Statements of Financial Condition March 31,2025 December 31,2024 March 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 vs.
    December 31, 2024    		 March 31, 2025 vs.
    March 31, 2024
    ASSETS (In Thousands, Unaudited)    
    Cash and amounts due from depository institutions $ 11,977   $ 14,075   $ 11,795     -14.9 %   1.5 %
    Interest-earning deposits   240,773     303,207     340,653     -20.6 %   -29.3 %
    Total cash and cash equivalents   252,750     317,282     352,448     -20.3 %   -28.3 %
               
    Interest-earning time deposits   735     735     735     –     –  
    Debt securities available for sale   116,496     101,717     86,966     14.5 %   34.0 %
    Equity investments   9,357     9,472     9,223     -1.2 %   1.5 %
    Loans held for sale   –     –     –     –     –  
    Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses on loans          
    of $51,484, $34,789 and $34,563 , respectively   2,917,610     2,996,259     3,226,877     -2.6 %   -9.6 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) stock, at cost   22,066     24,272     24,917     -9.1 %   -11.4 %
    Premises and equipment, net   12,474     12,569     12,744     -0.8 %   -2.1 %
    Accrued interest receivable   16,354     15,176     17,442     7.8 %   -6.2 %
    Deferred income taxes   22,814     17,181     17,555     32.8 %   30.0 %
    Goodwill and other intangibles   5,253     5,253     5,253     0.0 %   0.0 %
    Operating lease right-of-use asset   12,622     12,686     12,186     -0.5 %   3.6 %
    Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”)   76,648     76,040     74,081     0.8 %   3.5 %
    Other assets   8,643     10,476     8,768     -17.5 %   -1.4 %
    Total Assets $ 3,473,822   $ 3,599,118   $ 3,849,195     -3.5 %   -9.8 %
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
               
    LIABILITIES          
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 542,621   $ 520,387   $ 531,112     4.3 %   2.2 %
    Interest bearing deposits   2,143,887     2,230,471     2,460,547     -3.9 %   -12.9 %
    Total deposits   2,686,508     2,750,858     2,991,659     -2.3 %   -10.2 %
    FHLB advances   405,499     455,361     472,949     -10.9 %   -14.3 %
    Subordinated debentures   43,024     42,961     37,624     0.1 %   14.4 %
    Operating lease liability   13,087     13,139     12,579     -0.4 %   4.0 %
    Other liabilities   10,982     12,874     14,253     -14.7 %   -22.9 %
    Total Liabilities   3,159,100     3,275,193     3,529,064     -3.5 %   -10.5 %
               
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized   –     –     –     –     –  
    Additional paid-in capital preferred stock   25,243     24,723     27,733     2.1 %   -9.0 %
    Common stock: no par value, 40,000 shares authorized   –     –     –     0.0 %   0.0 %
    Additional paid-in capital common stock   201,804     200,935     199,726     0.4 %   1.0 %
    Retained earnings   130,291     141,853     138,643     -8.2 %   -6.0 %
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (4,269 )   (5,239 )   (7,624 )   –     –  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (38,347 )   (38,347 )   (38,347 )   0.0 %   0.0 %
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   314,722     323,925     320,131     -2.8 %   -1.7 %
               
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 3,473,822   $ 3,599,118   $ 3,849,195     -3.5 %   -9.8 %
               
    Outstanding common shares   17,163     17,063     16,957      
               
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
      Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate (3)   Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate (3)
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earning assets:              
    Loans Receivable (4)(5) $ 2,994,529   $ 38,927     5.27 %   $ 3,299,938   $ 43,722     5.30 %
    Investment Securities   117,205     1,529     5.22 %     96,226     1,280     5.32 %
    Other Interest-earning assets (6)   331,808     3,736     4.57 %     303,291     4,283     5.65 %
    Total Interest-earning assets   3,443,542     44,192     5.20 %     3,699,455     49,285     5.33 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   125,974           125,480      
    Total assets $ 3,569,516         $ 3,824,935      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:              
    Interest-bearing demand accounts $ 560,565   $ 2,369     1.71 %   $ 560,190   $ 2,230     1.59 %
    Money market accounts   394,282     3,049     3.14 %     369,096     3,027     3.28 %
    Savings accounts   252,227     151     0.24 %     277,731     166     0.24 %
    Certificates of Deposit   1,005,669     10,762     4.34 %     1,239,807     14,983     4.83 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,212,743     16,331     2.99 %     2,446,824     20,406     3.34 %
    Borrowed funds   488,418     5,856     4.86 %     510,503     5,736     4.49 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,701,161     22,187     3.33 %     2,957,327     26,142     3.54 %
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities   543,660           552,959      
    Total liabilities   3,244,821           3,510,286      
    Stockholders’ equity   324,695           314,649      
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,569,516         $ 3,824,935      
    Net interest income   $ 22,005         $ 23,143    
    Net interest rate spread(1)       1.87 %         1.79 %
    Net interest margin(2)       2.59 %         2.50 %
                   
    (1) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (3) Annualized.
    (4) Excludes allowance for credit losses.
    (5) Includes non-accrual loans.
    (6) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock.
                   
      Financial Condition data by quarter
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
               
      (In thousands, except book values)
    Total assets $ 3,473,822   $ 3,599,118   $ 3,613,770   $ 3,793,941   $ 3,849,195  
    Cash and cash equivalents   252,750     317,282     243,123     326,870     352,448  
    Securities   125,853     111,189     108,302     94,965     96,189  
    Loans receivable, net   2,917,610     2,996,259     3,087,914     3,161,925     3,226,877  
    Deposits   2,686,508     2,750,858     2,724,580     2,935,239     2,991,659  
    Borrowings   448,523     498,322     533,466     510,710     510,573  
    Stockholders’ equity   314,722     323,925     328,113     320,732     320,131  
    Book value per common share1 $ 16.87   $ 17.54   $ 17.50   $ 17.17   $ 17.24  
    Tangible book value per common share2 $ 16.56   $ 17.23   $ 17.19   $ 16.86   $ 16.93  
               
      Operating data by quarter
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands, except for per share amounts)
    Net interest income $ 22,005   $ 22,194   $ 23,045   $ 23,639   $ 23,143  
    Provision for credit losses   20,845     4,154     2,890     2,438     2,088  
    Non-interest income (loss)   1,791     938     3,127     (3,234 )   2,109  
    Non-interest expense   14,660     14,367     13,929     13,987     14,838  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (3,385 )   1,339     2,685     1,163     2,460  
    Net (loss) income $ (8,324 ) $ 3,272   $ 6,668   $ 2,817   $ 5,866  
    Net (loss) income per diluted share $ (0.51 ) $ 0.16   $ 0.36   $ 0.14   $ 0.32  
    Common Dividends declared per share $ 0.16   $ 0.16   $ 0.16   $ 0.16   $ 0.16  
               
      Financial Ratios(3)
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
    Return on average assets   (0.95 %)   0.36 %   0.72 %   0.30 %   0.61 %
    Return on average stockholders’ equity   (10.40 %)   4.04 %   8.29 %   3.52 %   7.46 %
    Net interest margin   2.59 %   2.53 %   2.58 %   2.60 %   2.50 %
    Stockholders’ equity to total assets   9.06 %   9.00 %   9.08 %   8.45 %   8.32 %
    Efficiency Ratio4   61.61 %   62.11 %   53.22 %   68.55 %   58.76 %
               
      Asset Quality Ratios
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands, except for ratio %)
    Non-Accrual Loans $ 99,833   $ 44,708   $ 35,330   $ 32,448   $ 22,241  
    Non-Accrual Loans as a % of Total Loans   3.36 %   1.48 %   1.13 %   1.01 %   0.68 %
    ACL as % of Non-Accrual Loans   51.6 %   77.8 %   98.2 %   108.6 %   155.4 %
    Individually Analyzed Loans   122,517     83,399     66,048     60,798     65,731  
    Classified Loans   251,989     152,714     98,316     87,033     97,739  
               
    (1) Calculated by dividing stockholders’ equity, less preferred equity, to shares outstanding.
    (2) Calculated by dividing tangible stockholders’ common equity, a non-GAAP measure, by shares outstanding. Tangible stockholders’ common equity is stockholders’ equity less goodwill and preferred stock. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter.”  
    (3) Ratios are presented on an annualized basis, where appropriate.
    (4) The Efficiency Ratio, a non-GAAP measure, was calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the total of net interest income and non-interest income. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter.”
               
      Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable by quarter
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands)
    Residential one-to-four family $ 232,456   $ 239,870   $ 241,050   $ 242,706   $ 244,762  
    Commercial and multi-family   2,221,218     2,246,677     2,296,886     2,340,385     2,392,970  
    Construction   118,779     135,434     146,471     173,207     180,975  
    Commercial business   330,358     342,799     371,365     375,355     378,073  
    Home equity   66,479     66,769     67,566     66,843     65,518  
    Consumer   2,271     2,235     2,309     2,053     2,847  
      $ 2,971,561   $ 3,033,784   $ 3,125,647   $ 3,200,549   $ 3,265,145  
    Less:          
    Deferred loan fees, net   (2,467 )   (2,736 )   (3,040 )   (3,381 )   (3,705 )
    Allowance for credit losses   (51,484 )   (34,789 )   (34,693 )   (35,243 )   (34,563 )
               
    Total loans, net $ 2,917,610   $ 2,996,259   $ 3,087,914   $ 3,161,925   $ 3,226,877  
               
      Non-Accruing Loans in Portfolio by quarter
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands)
    Residential one-to-four family $ 1,138   $ 1,387   $ 410   $ 350   $ 429  
    Commercial and multi-family   89,296     32,974     27,693     27,796     12,627  
    Construction   586     586     586     586     3,225  
    Commercial business   8,374     9,530     6,498     3,673     5,916  
    Home equity   439     231     123     43     44  
    Consumer   –     –     20     –     –  
    Total: $ 99,833   $ 44,708   $ 35,330   $ 32,448   $ 22,241  
               
      Distribution of Deposits by quarter
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands)
    Demand:          
    Non-Interest Bearing $ 542,620   $ 520,387   $ 528,089   $ 523,816   $ 531,112  
    Interest Bearing   537,468     553,731     527,862     549,239     552,295  
    Money Market   405,793     395,004     366,655     371,689     361,791  
    Sub-total: $ 1,485,881   $ 1,469,122   $ 1,422,606   $ 1,444,744   $ 1,445,198  
    Savings and Club   254,732     252,491     255,115     258,680     272,051  
    Certificates of Deposit   945,895     1,029,245     1,046,859     1,231,815     1,274,410  
    Total Deposits: $ 2,686,508   $ 2,750,858   $ 2,724,580   $ 2,935,239   $ 2,991,659  
               
      Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter
               
      Tangible Book Value per Share
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    Total Stockholders’ Equity $ 314,722   $ 323,925   $ 328,113   $ 320,732   $ 320,131  
    Less: goodwill   5,253     5,253     5,253     5,253     5,253  
    Less: preferred stock   25,243     24,723     29,763     28,403     27,733  
    Total tangible common stockholders’ equity   284,226     293,949     293,097     287,076     287,145  
    Shares common shares outstanding   17,163     17,063     17,048     17,029     16,957  
    Book value per common share $ 16.87   $ 17.54   $ 17.50   $ 17.17   $ 17.24  
    Tangible book value per common share $ 16.56   $ 17.23   $ 17.19   $ 16.86   $ 16.93  
               
      Efficiency Ratios
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
      (In thousands, except for ratio %)
    Net interest income $ 22,005   $ 22,194   $ 23,045   $ 23,639   $ 23,143  
    Non-interest income (loss)   1,791     938     3,127     (3,234 )   2,109  
    Total income   23,796     23,132     26,172     20,405     25,252  
    Non-interest expense   14,660     14,367     13,929     13,987     14,838  
    Efficiency Ratio   61.61 %   62.11 %   53.22 %   68.55 %   58.76 %
               
    Contact: Michael Shriner,
    President & CEO
    Jawad Chaudhry,
    EVP & CFO
    (201) 823-0700
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Provides Corporate Update Ahead of Digital Asset Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Highlights

    • Digital Asset Platform Introduction: Matador is preparing to launch its Digital Asset Platform, enabling the inscription of digital art onto physical gold. The platform integrates precious metals-based art with blockchain infrastructure using Bitcoin Ordinals, a protocol built on the Bitcoin Network.
    • “Grammies” – Digital Gold Collectibles: The first product, “Grammies,” consists of 1-gram gold units with digital inscriptions recorded on Bitcoin. These units are tradable and transferable via Ordinals-compatible Bitcoin wallets and can be converted into physical gold-based artwork.
    • Timing and Market Context: Gold has recently exceeded ~USD$3,400/oz, providing a favorable environment for the Digital Gold Product launch, particularly as investors explore alternative stores of value amid global macroeconomic uncertainty.
    • Team and Infrastructure Updates: To support product development, Matador appointed Antoine De Vuyst as CTO and “dxxmsdxy” as Lead Designer. Bitcoin custody is managed by BitGo, and physical gold is stored at the Royal Canadian Mint.
    • Ongoing Strategy: In addition to the gold product, Matador intends to expand to other precious metals. The Company holds 64 BTC (including equivalents) and 2 kg of gold as part of its broader treasury strategy.

    TORONTO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MTDTF), a Bitcoin Ecosystem company, is providing a corporate update as it moves toward the launch of its Digital Asset Platform, beginning with a gold-based product on the Bitcoin network, with an anticipated launch in the next couple of months. Over the past quarter, the Company has made progress in product development, treasury allocation, team expansion, and market engagement.

    Digital Asset Platform and Product Update

    The Company’s upcoming launch features “Grammies,” 1-gram units of physical gold linked to digital inscriptions using Bitcoin Ordinals. Users will be able to:

    • View Grammies in a personalized dashboard
    • Buy and sell in a secure trading environment
    • Transfer Grammies to Ordinals-compatible Bitcoin wallets
    • Print Grammies into physical gold artwork

    The launch coincides with a period of strong gold pricing—recently surpassing USD$3,400 per ounce (sourced from Reuters) —and increased interest in physical-digital asset convergence.

    “Gold has always been a store of value and we believe Bitcoin is the future of value transfer. Matador is where the two converge,” said Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies.

    In a press release issued on March 31, 2025, the Company appointed Antoine De Vuyst (CTO) and the pseudonymous artist “dxxmsdxy” (Lead Designer), both with experience in Bitcoin and Ordinals-related development. This team expansion aims to support secure and user-focused platform delivery.

    Matador expects the Grammies product to be the first of multiple offerings centered on precious metals and digital inscription. Silver and other metals are under consideration for future phases.

    Treasury and Capital Strategy

    As part of its asset diversification approach, Matador has continued to accumulate Bitcoin and physical gold. Since January 2025, the Company has added over 40 Bitcoin, bringing total holdings to roughly 64 BTC and BTC-equivalents. These purchases were funded with available cash.

    The Company also holds 2 kilograms of physical gold, acquired via Kitco Metals Inc, as announced in a press release issued on January 24, 2025. Matador remains debt-free.

    Custody and Market Access

    As announced in a press release issued on February 10, 2025, for custody of its Bitcoin, Matador has engaged BitGo Trust Company, which provides cold storage and multi-signature protection. Gold is held at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.

    To support market liquidity and visibility, Matador retained Independent Trading Group Inc. (ITG) as a market maker on the TSX Venture Exchange which was announced in a press release dated January 8, 2025. On March 18, 2025 the Company announced it listed on the OTCQB under the symbol MTDTF, broadening access to U.S.-based investors.

    Industry Engagement

    As indicated in a press release issued February 18, 2025, Matador participated in several recent industry events aimed at strengthening relationships with investors, partners, and other stakeholders, including:

    • Max & Stacy’s Bitcoin Golf Invitational (El Salvador)
    • The Inaugural Crypto Ball (Washington, D.C.)
    • AlphaNorth Capital Events (Bahamas and Whistler, Canada)
    • Centurion One’s Growth Conference (Toronto)
    • PDAC 2025 (Toronto)

    These engagements provided perspective on evolving market trends and helped reinforce Matador’s role within the Bitcoin, gold, and blockchain ecosystems.

    Looking Ahead

    Matador continues to advance its goal of developing a platform that combines real-world assets with blockchain utility. Supported by a clean balance sheet, growing team, and product focus, the Company is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional and digital finance.

    “We’ve made steady progress this quarter,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies. “We’re continuing to build the foundation needed to support the rollout of our Digital Gold Product and broader asset digitization strategy.”

    For additional information, please contact:

    Media Contact:
    Sunny Ray
    President
    Email: sunny@matador.network

    Phone: 647-932-2668

    About Matador Technologies Inc.
    Matador Technologies Inc. leverages blockchain technology to digitize assets like gold. Focused on building innovative financial solutions, Matador is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology to preserve and grow value. Matador’s digital gold platform aims to democratize the gold buying experience, combining the best of modern technology and time-proven assets, to create a platform that will allow users to buy, sell, and store gold 24/7 in a convenient and engaging way.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

    Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy and the launch of its mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GraniteShares 2x Long LCID Daily ETF (LCDL) and GraniteShares 2x Long RIVN Daily ETF (RVNL) Launch Today.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares, a provider of exchange traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of two new leveraged single-stock ETFs: GraniteShares 2x Long LCID Daily ETF (NASDAQ: LCDL) and GraniteShares 2x Long RIVN Daily ETF (NASDAQ: RVNL).

    An investment in the ETFs provides investors daily leveraged exposure to the two respective underlying stocks: Lucid Group (NASDAQ: LCID) and Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN).

    GraniteShares’ leveraged ETFs seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to 2 times (200%) the daily percentage change of the respective common stocks. These funds are designed for sophisticated investors looking to capitalize on short-term movements in the underlying stocks.

    Electric Vehicle (EV) Automotive Companies

    • Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) is an automotive company that designs, engineers, and manufactures electric vehicles. The company is headquartered in California and focuses primarily on the luxury EV segment. Its operations include vehicle production, battery technology and related energy solutions. Lucid cars are made in the USA.
    • Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN) is a U.S. based company that designs, develops and manufactures electric vehicles and related accessories. Its product lineup includes consumer models, such as the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, as well as commercial vehicles like the Electric Delivery Van (EDV). Rivian vehicles are made in the USA.

    Designed for Tactical Traders

    The new leveraged ETFs provide traders with a tool to gain leveraged exposure to these stocks, making them a potential consideration for those looking to execute short-term tactical trades.

    “We’re pleased to expand our suite of leveraged single stock ETFs,” said Will Rhind, Founder of GraniteShares. “By launching LCDL and RVNL, we are responding to market demand for more single stock ETFs, in addition to Tesla, that provide exposure to electric vehicles that are made here in the USA.”

    For more information on the new GraniteShares leveraged ETFs, read the company’s prospectus.

    About GraniteShares

    GraniteShares is an entrepreneurial ETF provider focused on high-conviction investment solutions. The firm offers a range of innovative ETFs spanning leveraged, inverse, and high-yield strategies, empowering investors with differentiated tools for portfolio construction. Founded in 2016, GraniteShares has grown rapidly by delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern market needs. For more information, visit www.graniteshares.com.

    Media Contact:
    GraniteShares Inc.
    Attn: Media Relations
    222 Broadway, 21st Floor
    New York, NY 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    Important Disclosures:

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus. Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. Please read the prospectus before investing.

    An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The use of derivatives such as option contracts and swaps is subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Additional risks include Risk of the Underlying Stock, Derivatives Risk, Leverage Risk, Price Participation Risk, and Market Volatility Risk. Consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

    Leveraged ETFs seek daily investment results that correspond to a multiple of the performance (both gains and losses) of an underlying index or security. Due to the compounding of daily returns, holding periods of greater than one day can result in performance that differs from the stated multiple. These ETFs are not suitable for all investors. These ETFs are intended for sophisticated investors who understand the risks associated with leverage and seek short-term tactical trading strategies.

    Investment in these funds involves significant risk. The funds pursue daily leveraged investment objectives, which means that the funds are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the funds magnify the performance of their underlying securities. These ETFs are designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2x) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use leverage and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the funds will lose money if the performance of the underlying stock is flat. It is possible the funds will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance increases over a period longer than one day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day. The volatility of the underlying security may affect the funds’ return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security.

    Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur costs that detract significantly from investment returns.

    This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iBio Expands Cardiometabolic and Obesity Pipeline through Licensing of First-in-Class Antibody Targeting Activin E from AstralBio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: IBIO), an AI-driven innovator of precision antibody therapies, today announced a licensing agreement with AstralBio Inc. for a preclinical first-in-class antibody targeting Activin E, which was discovered using iBio’s patented Machine-Learning Antibody Engine. Activin E is a promising novel therapeutic target whose inhibition is believed to induce fat-selective weight loss and offer protection against obesity and cardiometabolic disease. iBio plans to rapidly advance testing of the antibody in more complex models following preclinical studies that demonstrated strong antibody binding, inhibition of Activin E signaling and fat-specific weight loss in an obese rodent animal model.

    The in-licensed antibody represents what iBio believes to be the first functional inhibitor of Activin E, a challenging, yet genetically validated therapeutic target playing a key role in regulating energy balance and fat distribution. Inhibiting Activin E-mediated signaling could offer a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce internal abdominal fat while preserving muscle mass—potentially reversing obesity, preventing diabetes, and improving overall cardiometabolic health. As one of several cellular components involved in cardiometabolic regulation, Activin E, along with amylin, GLP-1 and others, are part of a broader network of signaling pathways that have the potential to be targeted simultaneously to yield synergistic benefits for patients.

    Using its proprietary Machine Learning Antibody Engine and advanced epitope engineering technology, iBio designed engineered epitopes representing five key regions of the Activin E protein. This approach led to the successful development of a molecule that fully blocks Activin E-mediated signaling and inhibits its function across multiple in vitro models. In vivo proof-of-concept was established in a rodent model of obesity, where the antibody induced fat-selective weight loss as a monotherapy and showed synergistic weight loss when added to a GLP-1 receptor agonist in recently published data by iBio. iBio plans to present additional preclinical data of its antibody targeting Activin E at the International BMP Conference, taking place in Philadelphia, PA, from May 2–6.

    “Our decision to license this Activin E-targeting functional antibody, a potentially first-in-class molecule, at this early stage reflects our firm belief in Activin E as a promising therapeutic target and our confidence in building upon the strong preclinical data we recently published,” said Martin Brenner, Ph.D., DVM, iBio’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. “This antibody represents a strategic expansion of our pipeline in cardiometabolic diseases and obesity and a significant step toward clinical development of a medication that can potentially offer meaningful benefits to patients.”

    Additionally, iBio amended its existing collaboration agreement with AstralBio to add a fifth target for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease. iBio will identify and create an antibody against such target, leveraging its proprietary Drug Discovery Platform. In exchange for adding an additional target to the collaboration and pursuant to the license agreement, AstralBio has provided iBio a $750,000 credit which iBio has applied toward the option fee for the exclusive license of the novel antibody that inhibits the function of Activin E. AstralBio will be eligible for development and commercialization milestone payments totaling up to $28 million. If iBio sublicenses the licensed product, AstralBio is to receive low to mid-single-digit sublicense fees on the proceeds of the sublicense fees. iBio is solely responsible for the research and development, manufacturing and commercialization activities of the licensed product.

    About iBio, Inc.

    iBio (Nasdaq: IBIO) is a cutting-edge biotech company leveraging AI and advanced computational biology to develop next-generation biopharmaceuticals for cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, cancer and other hard-to-treat diseases. By combining proprietary 3D modeling with innovative drug discovery platforms, iBio is creating a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs. Our mission is to transform drug discovery, accelerate development timelines, and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding the therapeutic potential of Activin E as a target for cardiometabolic disorders and obesity; Activin E being a promising novel therapeutic target whose inhibition is believed to induce fat-selective weight loss and offer protection against obesity and cardiometabolic disease; plans to rapidly advance testing of the antibody in more complex models; the in-licensed antibody being the first functional inhibitor of Activin E; inhibiting Activin E-mediated signaling offering a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce internal abdominal fat while preserving muscle mass potentially reversing obesity, preventing diabetes, and improving overall cardiometabolic health. As one of several cellular components involved in cardiometabolic regulation; Activin E, along with amylin, GLP-1 and others, having the potential to be targeted simultaneously to yield synergistic benefits for patients; plans to present additional preclinical data of its antibody targeting Activin E at the International BMP Conference, taking place in Philadelphia, PA from May 2–6; and the antibody having the potential to deliver meaningful benefits to patients. While iBio believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability of Activin E to be a successful target for cardiometabolic disorders and obesity and iBio’s antibody to induce fat-selective weight loss and offer protection against obesity and cardiometabolic disease; iBio’s ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of its product candidates, or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements; regulatory limitations relating to iBio’s ability to promote or commercialize its product candidates for specific indications; acceptance of iBio’s product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of products; and whether iBio will incur unforeseen expenses or liabilities or other market factors; and the other factors discussed in iBio’s filings with the SEC including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024 and its subsequent filings with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and iBio undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Corporate Contact:
    iBio, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@ibioinc.com

    Media Contacts:
    Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., or David Schull
    Russo Partners, LLC
    Ignacio.guerrero-ros@russopartnersllc.com
    David.schull@russopartnersllc.com
    (858) 717-2310 or (646) 942-5604

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Trevor Swerdfager, Practitioner-In-Residence, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo

    Canada’s biodiversity is in decline. Globally, climate change, urbanization, overexploitation of resources and habitat loss are combining to drive biodiversity loss across all ecosystems.

    The recent biodiversity assessment of the Americas, from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, documents these trends. Domestically, the 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report points to falling bird populations over time, while a 2020 World Wildlife Fund report emphasized similar declines across the full range of plants, animals and other living organisms in Canada.

    Put simply, Canada’s efforts to reverse this decline are not succeeding.

    The State of Canada’s Birds Report 2024 shows that some bird populations have declined dramatically.
    (Government of Canada/Birds Canada)

    Laws protecting biodiversity

    There is a foundational reason for our subpar progress in conserving biodiversity: the poor state of biodiversity law in Canada.

    Laws matter. They codify societal values and priorities, define acceptable behaviours and establish the government programs and institutions needed to tackle complex problems. Canadian biodiversity law is neither meeting today’s challenges nor positioning us for the future.

    Federally, biodiversity laws include: the Fisheries Act (1868); Migratory Birds Convention Act (1917); Canada National Parks Act (CNPA, 1930); Canada Wildlife Act (1973); Forestry Act (1985); Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Inter-provincial Trade Act (1992); Oceans Act (1997); Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act (2002); and the Species At Risk Act (2002).

    Over the years, important additions to these acts include habitat and sustainability provisions to the Fisheries Act in 1977 and 2019 respectively, and a 2011 amendment to the CNPA, requiring that National Parks be managed to ensure their “ecological integrity.”

    Nevertheless, several of the laws are pre-date the Second World War and all pre-date the internet, climate change and current biodiversity science.

    Whooping cranes are considered endangered, and are protected under the Species at Risk Act.
    (Shutterstock)

    Disconnected approach

    Canadian biodiversity laws evolved through multiple unconnected legislative events over 150 years. They legislatively fragment the environment into separate components and fracture accountability into multiple agencies. They entrench program silos fostering conflicting departmental priorities and operational inefficiencies.

    They establish no biodiversity goals, reporting mechanisms or mandates for biodiversity science. Their structures impedes public data sharing and transparency, dissuades Indigenous engagement and consistently sparks federal-provincial tensions.

    They contain no mechanisms for translating Canada’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into legal or programmatic action.

    Nothing on the horizon suggests that these shortcomings will be addressed through new leadership, new policy or plain old good luck. On the contrary, these laws seem destined to yield the same sub-optimal outcomes.

    The Jefferson salamander is listed as endangered by both federal and provincial legislation.
    (iNaturalist/evangrimes), CC BY

    Meeting the challenge

    If we are to meet current and future biodiversity conservation challenges, we must develop a new legislative approach. This approach should support the creation of modern biodiversity programs and institutions and drive integrated, transparent and inclusive decision-making.

    Our work suggests that we need a single unified law for biodiversity: a Canadian Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Act (CBCPA). A new act of this kind would replace the existing nine laws and could usefully include:

    1. Principles requiring — not just encouraging — nature-positive programs emphasizing biodiversity, science, ecosystems, transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

    2. Mandated biodiversity target and objective setting, including those of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This should also include reporting measures that offer actionable insights into program effectiveness and delivery improvement opportunities.

    3. Requirements for the use and public documentation of science in decision-making, including the requirement that all government biodiversity data should be made available to the public.

    4. Establishment of governance arrangements embracing Indigenous rights and interests, as well as mechanisms to bring conservation communities together around collective actions, facilitated by a new Biodiversity Conservation Fund.

    5. Creation of a Biodiversity Conservation Agency to fuse the existing four agencies into one, and establish clear ministerial accountability and a stronger voice for biodiversity in Cabinet.

    6. Operational elements governing the establishment and operation of protected areas, the management of fish and migratory birds, and the protection and recovery of species at risk in a cohesive and mutually reinforcing manner.

    A CBCPA would dramatically improve policy and regulatory certainty for industry. It would drive program cohesion and efficiency, build trust in government decision-making and facilitate intra- and inter-governmental collaboration. It would remove key obstacles to biodiversity conservation success and create the societal conditions so urgently needed to reverse biodiversity decline in Canada.

    This would obviously be an ambitious legislative project replete with substantive policy and political challenges. But the importance of biodiversity to Canada’s ecological, economic and social well-being is difficult to overstate. Maintaining the legislative status quo or adopting minimalist incrementalism is unwise.

    As we transform our economic and trade systems in Canada to grapple with climate change, a fundamental shift in how we conserve and protect biodiversity is equally vital. This is a time for ambition, not apathy.

    Derek Armitage has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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

    – ref. Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/ambitious-changes-to-canadian-conservation-law-are-needed-to-reverse-the-decline-in-biodiversity-252781

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Thai Trade Representative

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Thai Trade Representative Umesh Pandey at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During their meeting, they discussed emerging issues on regional and global trade, including the new U.S. Tariff Policy and its effects on the trade and investment schemes in ASEAN.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Thai Trade Representative appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Atana Wins 2025 HR Tech Award for Best Talent Development Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BELLEVUE, Wash., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Seeking to redefine workplace culture and training, Atana has been named Best Innovative or Emerging Tech Solution for Learning and Talent Development in the 2025 HR Tech Awards. The award marks Atana’s second notable win this month.

    The HR Tech Awards, powered by Lighthouse Research & Advisory and presented by UNLEASH, spotlight excellence and innovation across the HR technology landscape. The program is designed to help HR leaders and technology buyers identify solutions that drive real results.

    “Atana distinguishes itself with a comprehensive, award-winning training platform that is designed to create a more respectful and inclusive workplace, using engaging content to tackle even the most challenging topics like diversity and sexual harassment prevention,” said Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory. “By leveraging behavioral theory and robust analytics, Atana empowers organizations to drive meaningful change and quantify the positive impact on both employees and the business as a whole.”

    Atana CEO John Hansen shared, “Winning an HR Tech Award is a proud moment for the Atana team. It’s a testament to how our solution innovates and elevates workplace training, driving employee engagement and delivering measurable impact across the workforce. This recognition fuels our mission to help create healthy, positive and respectful workplaces.”

    Now in its sixth year, the HR Tech Awards are judged by an independent panel of industry practitioners, educators and consultants. Each winner is vetted based on overall innovation, product demonstrations and customer case studies. Lighthouse Research & Advisory notes that with more than 5,000 providers competing in today’s HR technology landscape, the HR Tech Awards recognize 1-2 percent of those companies in the space, reinforcing Atana’s value in the market.

    For more information about Atana’s award-winning solutions, visit atana.com.

    About Atana

    Bringing together decades of experience, award-winning courses, and a powerful analytics platform, Atana takes learners from best intentions to actionable and measurable behavioral change at scale. With Atana, employers can build more inclusive workplaces through engaging content and science-backed learning and development. For more information, please visit atana.com.

    Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2e8d93b-07b9-488b-8af4-d77f5b7fcecb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Ukraine TechBridge Industry Third Steering Board Communiqué

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-Ukraine TechBridge Industry Third Steering Board Communiqué

    The Industry Steering Board for UK-Ukraine TechBridge met on 20 March 2025.

    The Industry Steering Board for the UK-Ukraine TechBridge met on 20th March 2025. The meeting was hybrid with UK board members attending from techUK’s office, 10 St Bride Street, London, EC4A 4AD and Ukrainian board members from British Embassy Kyiv. 

    The meeting was co-chaired by Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov and UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas MP. 

    The Board meeting was attended by: 

    Vladimir Mnogoletniy CEO Genesis
    Valery Krasovsky CEO Sigma Software
    Marta Romaniak VP Avenga
    Andrew Pavliv CEO N-iX
    Liam Maxwell Director, Government Transformation Amazon Web Services
    Matt Evans Director of Markets techUK
    Eric van der Kleij Co-founder EdenBase
    Simon Godfrey Senior Director of External Engagement & Business Growth BT

     The Board reviewed progress under the UK-Ukraine TechBridge initiative over the last six months, noting key achievements such as the significant investment generated by Ukrainian SMEs who developed their knowledge of UK markets during participation in the UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator.  

    The discussions focused on fostering deeper UK-Ukraine collaboration in technology while exploring opportunities for strengthening public-private partnerships. Core themes addressed included: 

    • Enhancing connections between UK and Ukrainian businesses. 

    • Driving investment and trade through platforms like Code.UA. 

    • Promoting technology innovations through future TechBridge events. 

    Deputy Minister Bornyakov shared plans for Ukrainian representation at London Tech Week, including a Ukraine Pavilion.  

    Follow-up actions were identified, including preparations for London Tech Week and Lviv IT Arena, promotion of Code.UA as a platform for connecting UK businesses with Ukrainian IT companies, and facilitating sponsorships for upcoming events. The Board remains committed to leveraging the UK-Ukraine TechBridge to drive innovation, trade, and investment. 

    The Board will reconvene within the next six months. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Devon Energy Unveils Value Enhancing Business Optimization Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Targeting $1 billion in annual pre-tax free cash flow improvements
    • Business optimization plan underway to improve margins and capital efficiency
    • Plan includes improvements to base production performance, midstream commercial terms and corporate costs
    • Expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with 30 percent achieved by year-end 2025

    OKLAHOMA CITY, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) today announced its business optimization plan to improve margins and capital efficiency, growing free cash flow generation and driving significant shareholder value.

    “I’m excited to announce the details of our business optimization plan, set to enhance margins and deliver $1 billion in annual pre-tax free cash flow improvements by year end 2026,” said Clay Gaspar, president and CEO. “This milestone reflects the commitment, ingenuity, and talent of our employees, whose hard work and ongoing efforts continue to drive Devon’s success. This is an opportune time for us to take on this initiative, as we leverage recent leadership changes across the organization, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas. Given the challenging market and shifting competitive landscape, this is the right moment to focus internally and improve our profitability. Importantly, this effort will create significant shareholder value by expanding our free cash flow generation and enhancing the durability of our business.”

    “Our organization has been diligently advancing this initiative and has already secured marketing agreements to drive a material margin improvement through year-end 2026. Concurrently, we have implemented technological advancements, including advanced analytics and process automation, that are further enhancing our operating performance. These combined efforts are anticipated to achieve approximately $300 million of cash flow uplift by the end of 2025, reinforcing our financial resilience. We have clear visibility into the remaining objectives and are highly confident in our ability to execute this plan effectively,” Gaspar added.

    PLAN PATHWAY AND TIMING TO DELIVER

    Devon is committed to improving its pre-tax free cash flow generation by taking steps to deliver $1.0 billion in annual improvements. The plan includes actions to achieve more efficient field-level operations and improvements in drilling and completion costs while improving operating margins and corporate costs. Approximately 30 percent of the estimated improvements are expected to be accomplished by year-end 2025, with the remaining savings realized by year-end 2026.

    The business optimization plan includes improvements in the following categories:

    Capital Efficiency – $300 million
    Capture efficiencies through design optimization, cycle time reductions, facility standardization and vendor management.

    Production Optimization –$250 million
    Use advanced analytics to minimize maintenance events, reduce downtime, flatten production declines and optimize operating cost structure.

    Commercial Opportunities – $300 million
    Leverage scale to enhance commercial contracts to increase realizations, improve recoveries and lower GP&T cost structure.

    Corporate Cost Reductions – $150 million
    Reduce interest expense and streamline corporate cost structure.

    “We are committed to transparency and accountability and will provide stakeholders with periodic updates on our progress,” Gaspar concluded.

    The company will provide additional details around the optimization plan during its scheduled first-quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. CDT (11 a.m. EDT). Also provided with today’s release is a supplemental presentation, which is available on the company’s website at www.devonenergy.com.

    ABOUT DEVON ENERGY

    Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a diversified multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements include those concerning strategic plans, our expectations and objectives for future operations, as well as other future events or conditions, and are often identified by use of the words and phrases “expects,” “believes,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “continue,” “may,” “aims,” “likely to be,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “projections,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expectations,” “targets,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “outlook” and other similar terminology. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Devon expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Consequently, actual future results could differ materially and adversely from our expectations due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the risk that we are unable to successfully implement the improvements discussed in this release on the anticipated timeline or at all, which could delay or prevent us from realizing any benefits from the business optimization plan; commodity prices, cost structures and the other assumptions underlying our forecasted value uplift from the business optimization plan could differ materially from actual results; market and geopolitical uncertainty as a result of changes in trade relations and policies, such as the imposition of tariffs by the U.S., China or other countries; and any of the other risks and uncertainties discussed in Devon’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2024 Form 10-K”) or other filings with the SEC.

    The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, represent management’s current reasonable expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to the risks and uncertainties identified above as well as those described elsewhere in the 2024 Form 10-K and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of our forward-looking statements, and readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in the 2024 Form 10-K and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Devon, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen receives $5M working capital debt financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (“Next Hydrogen” or “Company”) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF) is pleased to announce it has received a $5M working capital debt facility from Export Development Canada (“EDC”).

    “We are grateful for this very meaningful support from EDC to help support our growth opportunities. We have a world class electrolyser design with a revolutionary cell architecture which enables highly efficient, large scale and low-cost green hydrogen production,” said Raveel Afzaal, President & CEO of Next Hydrogen. “With 75% of the world GDP having policies to grow the hydrogen economy, EDC is providing us with the opportunity to make a global impact to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.”

    “EDC is thrilled to support Next Hydrogen’s ambitions for large scale adoption of green hydrogen solutions,” said Tushar Handiekar, group head and VP, Structured and Project Finance at EDC. “The deployment of its innovative electrolyser, combined with Next Hydrogen’s technical expertise and global partnerships can position the company as leader of Canadian innovation on the global stage, and EDC views this as the beginning of an important strategic relationship.”

    About Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of innovative water electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as a green energy source or a green industrial feedstock. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors. For further information: www.nexthydrogen.com

    Contact Information

    Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com
    Phone: 647-961-6620
    www.nexthydrogen.com

    Cautionary Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Athene Survey Finds Sandwich Generation’s Retirement Plans Affected by Intergenerational Caregiving

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new survey conducted by Athene of the Sandwich Generation, defined as people aged 40-59 who provide financial or caregiving support to both adult children and elderly relatives, found that nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents have adjusted their retirement goals to support their adult children or aging relatives, including:1

    • Delaying retirement (34%)
    • Using retirement assets to support their family (22%)
    • Not planning to retire at all (9%)

    “As the retirement age population in the U.S. grows, the Sandwich Generation represents the next wave in America’s retirement crisis, with potential long-term implications for individuals, families and the economy,” said Mike Downing, Athene Chief Operating Officer.

    Although the Sandwich Generation’s average age of expected retirement is 65, only 24% of respondents have a written retirement plan and 30% indicate they are concerned about having to rely on their children for financial support in retirement.

    “Many retirees don’t have the luxury of assuming that the traditional ‘three legs’ of the retirement stool – social security, savings and investments, and workplace pensions – will fully secure their retirement,” said Downing. “Early preparation has never been more important.”

    Among respondents who support older family members who have an income source, 83% say those family members depend on Social Security, which often doesn’t provide sufficient retirement income to cover a retiree’s full expenses. Only 14% have an annuity, which provides guaranteed income in retirement.

    Guaranteed Income Can Support Financial Confidence

    Among respondents who say they are not completely confident in their ability to provide support to family, approximately two-thirds (66%) say that increased income would improve their confidence, outweighing other factors including:

    • Increased savings and investments (43%)
    • Support from other family members (42%)
    • Lower debt (38%)

    Guaranteed income is one tool available through a financial professional that can help the Sandwich Generation manage the financial aspects of caregiving and plan for retirement. Importantly, respondents who had already incorporated guaranteed income into their financial strategies tended to have higher incomes, and reported more confidence, less stress and greater preparedness for retirement.

    “As Americans face the financial responsibility of supporting their families, strategies to diversify their sources of income in retirement are more critical than ever,” said Downing. “Understanding your options and creating a plan are the most effective steps to balance the dual responsibilities of supporting family and securing your retirement.”

    Significant Caregiving Impact on Women

    Athene’s survey found that caregiving for adult children and elderly relatives affected women in the Sandwich Generation disproportionately, with women surveyed reporting higher levels of financial strain than men (53% vs. 40%). Women were also less likely than men to proactively plan their finances across a number of measures, putting them at an additional disadvantage when preparing for retirement:

    • Seek advice from a financial professional (36% vs. 57%)
    • Have a written retirement plan (19% vs. 30%)
    • Discuss financial planning with elderly relatives (57% vs. 68%)

    Financial Professional Support Critical

    A trusted financial professional can help devise solutions. An overwhelming majority (90%) of respondents already working with a financial professional say that their relationship had a positive impact on their financial future.

    Although the majority of respondents (53%) say they are concerned about maintaining their standard of living in retirement, those respondents not currently working with a financial professional were more likely to be worried about not having enough assets to retire (47% vs. 30%).

    About Athene
    Athene is the leading retirement services company, with over $360 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

    Contact:
    Alyssa Castelli
    Director, External Relations
    +1 (646) 768-7304
    Alyssa.castelli@athene.com

    1 Athene contracted Harris Poll to survey 1,024 adults aged 40-59 who provide financial support to at least one adult child (aged 18 and out of high school) living in their home without significantly contributing to household expenses, and who provide financial or caregiving support to at least one elderly relative. The survey was conducted between January 2, 2025 and January 19, 2025.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Ukraine TechBridge Industry Second Steering Board Communiqué

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-Ukraine TechBridge Industry Second Steering Board Communiqué

    The Industry Steering Board for UK-Ukraine TechBridge met on 20 March 2025.

    The Industry Steering Board for the UK-Ukraine TechBridge met on 20th March 2025. The meeting was hybrid with UK board members attending from techUK’s office, 10 St Bride Street, London, EC4A 4AD and Ukrainian board members from British Embassy Kyiv. 

    The meeting was co-chaired by Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov and UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas MP. 

    The Board meeting was attended by: 

    Vladimir Mnogoletniy CEO Genesis
    Valery Krasovsky CEO Sigma Software
    Marta Romaniak VP Avenga
    Andrew Pavliv CEO N-iX
    Liam Maxwell Director, Government Transformation Amazon Web Services
    Matt Evans Director of Markets techUK
    Eric van der Kleij Co-founder EdenBase
    Simon Godfrey Senior Director of External Engagement & Business Growth BT

     The Board reviewed progress under the UK-Ukraine TechBridge initiative over the last six months, noting key achievements such as the significant investment generated by Ukrainian SMEs who developed their knowledge of UK markets during participation in the UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator.  

    The discussions focused on fostering deeper UK-Ukraine collaboration in technology while exploring opportunities for strengthening public-private partnerships. Core themes addressed included: 

    • Enhancing connections between UK and Ukrainian businesses. 

    • Driving investment and trade through platforms like Code.UA. 

    • Promoting technology innovations through future TechBridge events. 

    Deputy Minister Bornyakov shared plans for Ukrainian representation at London Tech Week, including a Ukraine Pavilion.  

    Follow-up actions were identified, including preparations for London Tech Week and Lviv IT Arena, promotion of Code.UA as a platform for connecting UK businesses with Ukrainian IT companies, and facilitating sponsorships for upcoming events. The Board remains committed to leveraging the UK-Ukraine TechBridge to drive innovation, trade, and investment. 

    The Board will reconvene within the next six months. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Equinor ASA: Notice of annual general meeting 14 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The annual general meeting of Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) will be held Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 15:00 CEST. The annual general meeting will be held in Equinor Business Center, Forusbeen 50, 4035 Stavanger for those attending in person and via Lumi AGM for those attending digitally.

    Voting will be carried out electronically via Lumi AGM for all shareholders. It is also possible to vote in advance or give proxy.

    Please see detailed information in the attached notice of the annual general meeting.

    Further information is also to be found on www.equinor.com/agm
    (http://www.equinor.com/agm)

    • Investor contact: Erik Gonder
      +47 995 62 611
      ergon@equinor.com

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brazilian teak plantation investments boss banned after customers lost more than £8.5 million

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Brazilian teak plantation investments boss banned after customers lost more than £8.5 million

    Director banned following Insolvency Service investigation into sale of investment bonds

    • Guy Conroy was a director of Green IS Group Limited and GIS Forestry Limited, which offered customers the opportunity to invest in teak trees on plantations in Brazil 

    • Conroy allowed Green IS Group and GIS Forestry to mislead their customers, breaching contractual obligations in the process 

    • At least £8.525 million was owed to investors when the companies went into liquidation in March 2022 

    The director of two companies which claimed to run teak plantations in Brazil has been banned after investors lost more than £8.5 million. 

    Guy Conroy, 57, was the director of Green IS Group Limited and GIS Forestry Limited which offered customers the opportunity to invest in teak trees on its plantations. 

    Conroy allowed the companies to provide misleading information to customers telling them their investments were secured and there were safeguards to protect their money. 

    However, at least 250 investors were owed millions of pounds when the companies went into liquidation in 2022. 

    Conroy, of Upper Richmond Road, London, has been disqualified as a company director for 11 years. 

    Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Green IS Group and GIS Forestry traded in a manner which was completely unacceptable and not in the public interest. 

    Guy Conroy was a director of both these companies. He allowed them to mislead investors who lost out on millions of pounds as a result of his actions. 

    Conroy’s conduct is not what we would expect of company directors which is why we have taken steps to remove him from the corporate arena until March 2036.

    Both Green IS Group and GIS Forestry generally sold bonds for £5,000 each with a fixed term between two and 10 years and interest rates of between 8% and 11%.  

    At the end of each bond’s term, they were to be redeemed by the companies, repaying the initial investment amount to the customer. 

    Customers thought they were buying rights to teak trees or saplings on plantations in Brazil, but the companies selling the bonds did not have the correct ownership rights. 

    No debenture over Green IS Group’s assets was ever registered at Companies House and security over GIS Forestry’s assets was only registered in October 2020 despite the company issuing bonds from December 2014. 

    Investors lost out on at least £8.525 million as a result of these investments.  

    The majority of investors were based in the UK and the largest claim from a creditor in the liquidation process was £636,000. 

    Both Green IS Group and GIS Forestry were placed into compulsory liquidation on the same day in March 2022 following winding-up petitions from creditors. 

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Conroy, and his ban started on Thursday 27 March 2025. 

    It prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. 

    The liquidator has also obtained records and met with Conroy and the other directors in an attempt to identify and recover company assets. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 6th edition of India Steel, a premier biennial International Exhibition-cum Conference on the steel sector, to be held from April 24 to 26, in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:19PM by PIB Bengaluru

    The 6th edition of India Steel, a premier biennial International Exhibition-cumConference on the steel sector, will be held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

    Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the event on April 24 via video conferencing, in the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of three States. Organized by the Ministry of Steel, India Steel 2025 will bring together global stakeholders to discuss key issues such as growth strategies, sustainability in steel production, resilience in a changing global economy, and the role of innovation and digital technologies in enhancing competitiveness.

    The event will witness high-level participation from the Centre, underscoring the strategic role of steel in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Among the dignitaries expected to attend are Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal, and Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries. The event will also witness participation of dignitaries from States Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha.

    These leaders will preside over key sessions, reflecting steel’s significance to India’s economic and industrial strategy and emphasizing steel’s cross-sectoral importance. Senior officials from the Government of India, including Secretaries from the Ministries of Steel, Coal, and Electronics & IT (MeitY), will lead important discussions, further driving the sector’s growth and strategic direction. Global industry leaders and foreign dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia and Ambassadors of Australia, Mozambique, and Mongolia, will participate, enhancing international collaboration in the steel sector.

    Since its inception in 2013, India Steel Expo has grown into a leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and equipment, fostering strategic industry dialogues, and enabling global networking. This year’s edition is expected to draw professionals from across the world, including those from construction, oil and gas, and engineering sectors, who are keen to promote their services, forge business partnerships, and align with evolving market trends. Hon’ble Union Steel Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy has warmly invited stakeholders from across the steel and allied sectors to participate in India Steel 2025 and urged the entire fraternity to join the event in large numbers and contribute to making it a resounding success.

     

    *****

    (Release ID: 2123288) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three new technological solutions for metalworking have been developed in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The company, a resident of the special economic zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow, presented three new high-tech products for the metalworking industry. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “On the instructions of the Mayor of Moscow, the capital supports industrial enterprises focused on the development of high technologies. Thanks to the residents of the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”, modern equipment capable of replacing imported analogues is regularly brought to the market. New solutions – a fiber laser with a capacity of nine kilowatts, a laminar station and a vibration-insulating optical table – will increase the accuracy and productivity of Russian enterprises in the field of metalworking,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    The equipment was created by Lassard, whose production facilities are located at the Pechatniki site of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ. The company has been operating in the special economic zone since 2023 and has produced more than 100 units of innovative products during this time. The production area is four thousand square meters.

    “The company demonstrates stable growth rates. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the production of laser equipment increased by 30 percent compared to the same period last year. The register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia includes over 370 models of equipment manufactured in the country, including laser cutting machines, optical tabletops, plates and supports, which indicates the results of comprehensive localization of production in Moscow,” emphasized the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The new equipment developed by the company is aimed at import substitution and solves practical problems of enterprises in high-precision industries. A fiber laser with a power of nine kilowatts is used for cutting metals up to 35 millimeters thick. The laminar station provides a clean working environment for precise optical operations by filtering air and directing it into the working area. The optical table with active vertical and horizontal vibration isolation is designed for work in laboratory conditions and ensures stability even under external vibrations.

    Gennady Degtyarev, Director of the Technopolis Moscow Special Economic Zone, emphasized that SEZ residents demonstrate a high level of technological maturity. Thanks to the city’s support and access to engineering infrastructure, companies are able to quickly scale up production and bring products to market that are in demand in key industries.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152930073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: New Trading Bot Pivozon Targets Gold Traders Using Hourly Chart Strategies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, UAE, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Avenix Fzco has introduced Pivozon, an advanced EA designed for XAU/USD traders who prefer the structure and discipline of H1-based swing trading. There’s a noticeable shift in the forex trading world. A growing number of traders are moving to higher timeframes, embracing swing trading strategies that focus on patience and precision over rapid trades. This change reflects a growing desire for sustainable trading practices that align with longer-term market movements and help reduce the emotional strain of fast-paced decision-making.

    Why Traders Prefer Higher Timeframes

    Trading on higher timeframes, like the H1 (hourly) or D1 (daily) charts, offers clear benefits:

    Less Market Noise: Shorter timeframes often exaggerate market volatility. Higher timeframes filter out this noise, making real trends easier to spot.

    Better Decision-Making: With more time to evaluate conditions, traders can avoid impulsive entries and plan with a clear head.

    Reduced Stress & Increased Profitability: Slower-paced trading helps maintain emotional discipline while capturing bigger price moves with stronger setups. It also encourages a more methodical, strategic mindset over constant screen-watching.

    Pivozon: Built for Higher Timeframe Trading

    Supporting this shift is Pivozon, a trading bot developed by Avenix Fzco. Tailored specifically for the XAU/USD (Gold/US Dollar) pair on the H1 timeframe, it brings a swing trading mindset to automation, focusing on sustained market moves instead of short-lived spikes.

    Key Features of Pivozon:

    • H1 Timeframe Focus: Trades in alignment with the natural flow of the gold market, focusing on trend reversals and sustained price movements rather than short-term fluctuations.
    • Structured Precision: Built with robust trading algorithms, Pivozon’s system executes calculated trades based on structured, rule-driven strategies, allowing traders to benefit from well-timed entries and exits.
    • Gold-Centric Optimization: Unlike multi-asset bots, Pivozon is fine-tuned for the behavior of gold, offering deeper insight and stronger performance in this specific market.
    • Automated Execution & 24/5 Market Monitoring: The system runs continuously, executing trades based on pre-set parameters while eliminating emotional trading decisions. Traders don’t need to monitor charts around the clock, Pivozon does it for them with reliable consistency.

    The Future of Swing Trading

    As trading grows more accessible and fast-paced, many are stepping back and finding value in slower, smarter strategies. Higher timeframes offer a clearer view and more time to act, not react. Pivozon fits right into this trend, an automated solution that supports a more thoughtful, measured trading experience.

    About Pivozon

    Pivozon is an advanced Expert Advisor (EA) designed for long-term forex trading, integrating structured technical analysis with automation for precise execution. For more details, visit https://pivozon.com/.

    Media contact

    Brand: Pivozon

    Contact: Media tem

    Email: support@pivozon.com

    Website: https://pivozon.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens propose long overdue Council Tax revaluation to make wealthy pay more

    Source: Scottish Greens

    22 Apr 2025 Housing

    The wealthy should pay more to fund local services.

    More in Housing

    Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has lodged proposals for Scotland’s first Council Tax revaluation in over 30 years.

    The current Council Tax system is based on property values from 1991. As a result, most people are now in the wrong band.

    Many of those living in smaller and less valuable homes currently pay more than they should. Conversely, the richest people living in the largest properties often pay far less than they would if accurate property values were used.

    The Scottish Greens are confident that the proposal, which is being made as an amendment to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, would not only make the system fairer, it could also raise vital funds for local services like schools and social care.

    If the amendment is passed, a revaluation exercise would be completed by 1st April 2029. Measures have been included to support those on low and fixed incomes.

    Mr Greer said:

    “The Council Tax is based on property values from before I was even born and as a result, it is now completely broken. We wouldn’t tolerate most people paying the wrong rate of income tax, but that is exactly what has been allowed to happen here after 34 years.

    “The wealthiest people in the most valuable houses are getting off with an absolute steal. They pay far less than they should, whilst far too many ordinary households pay much more.

    “It may sound dry, but the Council Tax is crucial to funding schools, social care, bin collections and other local services. It should never have been allowed to become this completely broken.”

    Mr Greer added:

    “This system was a quick and dirty replacement for Thatcher’s hated Poll Tax. Everyone has agreed for years that it must be replaced completely. Despite this, the Scottish Government has lacked the courage to actually make that change.

    “The Scottish Greens have made some important changes recently, including doubling Council Tax for second homes to help tackle the housing crisis. However, we know that total reform is urgently needed. That can’t happen without ditching the 1991 property valuations and bringing the system into this century.

    “Those with the broadest shoulders and in the biggest houses should be paying more than those less privileged to fund the local services we all rely on.”

    Council Tax reform is championed by the Tax Justice Scotland network, whose members include Oxfam, the Scottish Trade Unions Congress, the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Women’s Convention.

    The Institute for Fiscal Studies described Scotland’s Council Tax as ‘ripe for reform’ in a report published earlier this year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Appraisal well confirms potential for future Bourdon development cluster

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BW Energy is pleased to announce that second sidetrack DBM-1 ST2 well has confirmed the substantial oil discovery with good reservoir and fluid quality of the Bourdon prospect in the Dussafu Licence offshore Gabon, announced on 7 March 2025. Management estimates indicate 56 million barrels oil in place of which approximately 25 million barrels are considered recoverable.  

    “The appraisal well confirms the potential for establishing a new development cluster with a production facility following the MaBoMo blueprint. We expect at least four producing wells,” said Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy. “We continue to successfully expand the Dussafu reserve base which, together with multiple additional prospects yet to be to be drilled, will support long-term production and value-creation in Gabon.”   

    Initial data shows that oil from Bourdon field has the lowest viscosity of the Dussafu discoveries measuring an average of 3.5 centipoise (cp), compared to 5 cp and 7 cp for the Hibiscus / Tortue and Ruche fields, respectively.  

    Evaluation of logging data and formation pressure measurements confirm approximately 11.2 metres of pay in an overall hydrocarbon column of 35.2 metres in the Gamba formation. The well was drilled by the Norve jack-up rig to a total depth of 4,731 metres. 

    Bourdon is located approximately 15 kilometres west of FPSO BW Adolo and 7.5 kilometres southeast of the MaBoMo facility. The discovery will enable the Company to book additional reserves not included in its 2024 Statement of Reserves. 

    For further information, please contact:  

    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy

    +33.7.81.11.41.16
    ir@bwenergy.no 

    About BW Energy:  

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.  

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN and United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    Source: ASEAN

    Siem Reap, 22 April 2025 – Senior Officials of ASEAN and the United States (U.S.) reaffirmed their commitment to further advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue held today in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
     
    Both sides took stock of the progress made in ASEAN-U.S. cooperation across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community and noted with satisfaction the robust implementation of all measures under the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-United States Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) and its Annex ahead of their expiration at the end of 2025.
     
    The U.S. reiterated its support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture. ASEAN looked forward to enhancing practical cooperation in the priority areas under the AOIP and encouraged the U.S.’ continued constructive role in promoting dialogue for regional peace, security and stability through its participation in various ASEAN-led mechanisms. Both sides looked forward to enhanced cooperation in the areas of transnational crime, including combatting drug trafficking and online scam; defence; counterterrorism; and cybersecurity.
     
    Valuing the U.S. as one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and its largest source of foreign direct investment, ASEAN expressed its intention to engage the U.S. in a constructive dialogue to address trade-related concerns and maintain strong and mutually beneficial trade relations with the U.S. ASEAN is also committed to exploring avenues to work with the U.S., including through existing economic platforms such as the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement, the Expanded Economic Engagement Work Plan, as well as dialogue and engagement between the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the U.S. Trade Representative to explore mutually acceptable solutions of common interest. ASEAN welcomed deeper collaboration with the U.S. across strategic, high-value sectors, including digital services and knowledge industries, food and agriculture, green technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and transport. ASEAN also looked forward to the U.S.’ sustained support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
     
    Acknowledging the strong people-to-people linkages between ASEAN and the U.S., both sides looked forward to further harnessing the linkages, including through the continuation of the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, International Visitors Leadership Program and other emerging leadership programmes. The Senior Officials also commended the important role of the ASEAN-U.S. Center in Washington, D.C. in promoting awareness of ASEAN in the U.S.
     
    Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including the situations in Myanmar, South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Middle East and Ukraine. They agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
     
    Secretary of State and the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader of Cambodia, Kung Phoak, and Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and Acting U.S. SOM Leader, Sean O’Neill, co-chaired the Dialogue. Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, and their respective delegations were in attendance. Timor-Leste participated as Observer.
     
    *****
    photo credit: ASEAN Secretariat
    The post ASEAN and United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China injects more certainty into world

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on the Work Plan for Accelerating the Comprehensive Pilot Program for Expanding Opening-up of the Service Sector in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is accelerating the opening-up of its services sector through measures such as fast-tracking the implementation of pilot projects, expanding related coverage, and enhancing stress testing and the replication of successful practices, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Monday.

    Against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism globally, China’s push to expand voluntary opening-up in an orderly manner represents its concrete efforts to inject more certainty and stability into the world, Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said at a press conference.

    China’s State Council has recently approved a plan that aims to expand comprehensive pilot programs to accelerate the services industry’s opening-up, which includes 155 pilot tasks across key areas such as the opening of key services sectors and the promotion of industrial innovation and development, Ling said.

    Specifically, pilot tasks include removing foreign ownership caps in services areas such as app stores and internet access within the telecommunication sector.

    In the health care sector, pilot tasks include supporting foreign doctors in opening clinics in China, allowing overseas medical professionals to practice in the country on a short-term basis, encouraging the establishment of foreign-funded nursing schools, and permitting the creation of non-profit medical and elderly care institutions through donations.

    In the financial sector, pilot tasks include supporting the development of international factoring services and attracting overseas insurance companies, sovereign funds, pension funds, certification and verification agencies, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds to provide financing, investment and technical services for green projects.

    In the commerce, trade and cultural tourism sectors, foreign-invested travel agencies will be allowed to offer outbound tourism services, while the transportation sector will explore new multimodal transport models to support the export of new energy vehicles and power batteries, Ling said.

    Since 2015, China has approved 11 provinces and cities, including Beijing and Hainan, to carry out pilot programs, continuously expanding institutional opening-up with regard to rules, regulations, management and standards. This is fostering a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and is providing foreign-invested enterprises in China with diverse application scenarios and a stable, open policy environment for investment and operations.

    The newly released plan says that nine additional cities, including Ningbo and Xiamen, will be permitted to carry out comprehensive pilot programs.

    Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that the nine cities boast relatively high levels of openness in the services sector, as well as unique industrial characteristics, with some specializing in lifestyle services and others focusing on productive services, which will facilitate differentiated exploration.

    The services sector is a key area for foreign investment in China. In the first quarter of the year, the actual use of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the services sector totaled 193.33 billion yuan (about 26.83 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for more than 70 percent of the country’s total FDI, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce.

    In 2024, the 11 provinces and cities participating in the pilot programs attracted 293.2 billion yuan in FDI in the services sector, accounting for roughly half of the national total in that category. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China accelerates services opening-up, injects more certainty into world

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on the Work Plan for Accelerating the Comprehensive Pilot Program for Expanding Opening-up of the Service Sector in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is accelerating the opening-up of its services sector through measures such as fast-tracking the implementation of pilot projects, expanding related coverage, and enhancing stress testing and the replication of successful practices, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Monday.

    Against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism globally, China’s push to expand voluntary opening-up in an orderly manner represents its concrete efforts to inject more certainty and stability into the world, Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said at a press conference.

    China’s State Council has recently approved a plan that aims to expand comprehensive pilot programs to accelerate the services industry’s opening-up, which includes 155 pilot tasks across key areas such as the opening of key services sectors and the promotion of industrial innovation and development, Ling said.

    Specifically, pilot tasks include removing foreign ownership caps in services areas such as app stores and internet access within the telecommunication sector.

    In the health care sector, pilot tasks include supporting foreign doctors in opening clinics in China, allowing overseas medical professionals to practice in the country on a short-term basis, encouraging the establishment of foreign-funded nursing schools, and permitting the creation of non-profit medical and elderly care institutions through donations.

    In the financial sector, pilot tasks include supporting the development of international factoring services and attracting overseas insurance companies, sovereign funds, pension funds, certification and verification agencies, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds to provide financing, investment and technical services for green projects.

    In the commerce, trade and cultural tourism sectors, foreign-invested travel agencies will be allowed to offer outbound tourism services, while the transportation sector will explore new multimodal transport models to support the export of new energy vehicles and power batteries, Ling said.

    Since 2015, China has approved 11 provinces and cities, including Beijing and Hainan, to carry out pilot programs, continuously expanding institutional opening-up with regard to rules, regulations, management and standards. This is fostering a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and is providing foreign-invested enterprises in China with diverse application scenarios and a stable, open policy environment for investment and operations.

    The newly released plan says that nine additional cities, including Ningbo and Xiamen, will be permitted to carry out comprehensive pilot programs.

    Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that the nine cities boast relatively high levels of openness in the services sector, as well as unique industrial characteristics, with some specializing in lifestyle services and others focusing on productive services, which will facilitate differentiated exploration.

    The services sector is a key area for foreign investment in China. In the first quarter of the year, the actual use of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the services sector totaled 193.33 billion yuan (about 26.83 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for more than 70 percent of the country’s total FDI, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce.

    In 2024, the 11 provinces and cities participating in the pilot programs attracted 293.2 billion yuan in FDI in the services sector, accounting for roughly half of the national total in that category. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM holds talks with Indonesian counterpart

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

    Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, April 21 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Beijing on Monday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China and Indonesia have reached an important consensus on building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, and on upgrading the cooperation pattern from “four pillar” cooperation covering political, economic, people-to-people exchange and maritime aspects, to “five-pillar” cooperation with the addition of security as the fifth pillar, opening up broad prospects for China-Indonesia cooperation.

    He said the two sides should strengthen cooperation on anchoring high-quality collaboration, upholding free trade, developing emerging industries, and expanding livelihood-focused partnerships.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, Wang said that amid the U.S.-instigated global trade war and headwinds battering economic globalization, China and Indonesia, as upholders of economic globalization and trade liberalization, should take historic initiative to enhance mutual trust and cooperation.

    Wang said that the two countries should work together to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, defend international fairness and justice, and send a signal of unity and openness to the world, further demonstrating the regional and global influence of China-Indonesia relations.

    Noting that China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, Sugiono said Indonesia has always regarded the country as one of its most crucial partners, and that bilateral relations have maintained strong momentum over the years.

    Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, Sugiono said Indonesia attaches great importance and is committed to deepening comprehensive relations with China across all fields.

    He added that Indonesia looks forward to enhancing exchange with China at all levels, and to expanding practical cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, health care, clean energy, scientific innovation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. Indonesia is also looking forward to continuously strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and to promoting more dynamic, resilient regional development and prosperity.

    On the same day, a reception was held in Beijing to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference.

    The event was attended by Wang Yi, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Sugiono and Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

    Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin attend a reception marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Indo-Pacific Minister visits Cambodia to strengthen ties

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UK Indo-Pacific Minister visits Cambodia to strengthen ties

    UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West MP visits Cambodia to advance shared interests and boost cooperation.

    The UK and Cambodia are collaborating to advance climate initiatives and promote sustainable development.

    This includes at Techo International Airport in Kandal Province, Cambodia, where British architecture has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to green airport design.

    The airport, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, will be visited today (22 April 2025) by UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, who is in Cambodia this week to strengthen ties between the two nations and promote economic growth, climate resilience, and security cooperation.

    The Minister will meet with H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and senior officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Their discussions will cover expanding trade opportunities, advancing climate initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing regional security.

    UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, said: 

    My visit to Techo International Airport today is testament to the modern UK-Cambodia partnership. Innovative and green infrastructure fit for Cambodia’s future, designed by British business – an achievement that would have been unimaginable thirty years ago. 

    Our relationship goes far beyond just this one building – but we bring the same partnership approach to everything we do, whether increasing trade to create jobs, protect our climate and nature, or increase access to education.

    Foster and Partners Associate Partner, Krzysztof Szymanski, said:

    We are incredibly proud and deeply honoured to lead the design of Techo International Airport, a project that aspires to be one of the greenest airports in the world. This airport offers a transformative vision for Phnom Penh, drawing deeply from Cambodia’s rich heritage and responding thoughtfully to its tropical climate. By integrating the latest technology with local craftsmanship, we are committed to creating sustainable and efficient infrastructure.

    This project not only creates a new gateway to the city and the country, enhancing Cambodia’s reputation on the global stage, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport design. It is a privilege to contribute to such a significant endeavour that will shape the future of Cambodia’s capital.

    Minister West is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Strategic Infrastructure Development, demonstrating our commitment to partner to boost mutual economic growth, including support for the development of a Green Special Economic Zone.  Initiatives such as the Trade Partnerships programme and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme are also key to deepening ties and growth opportunities.

    The Minister will meet the British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia to discuss how UK businesses are taking advantage of these policies to expand cooperation with Cambodian partners in key sectors including education, infrastructure, and financial services.

    Minister West will visit De Montfort University in Cambodia, the first UK university campus in the country, to discuss the UK’s role in addressing global environmental challenges, and highlighting how UK programmes, such as the Biodiverse Landscape Fund, are empowering local communities, including marginalised groups, to regenerate and conserve local environments and improve livelihoods.

    The visit also addresses shared security concerns, including combating serious organised crime and human trafficking, addressing online fraud and scam centres, and future defence cooperation initiatives.

    For more information, please contact: UKInCambodia@fcdo.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –