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Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke announces Government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    15th April 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke today announced Government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, alongside a suite of immediate measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness

    We are living in a time of significant global change, marked by growing geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and persistent cost pressures affecting businesses both large and small. While Ireland continues to perform strongly in international competitiveness rankings, we cannot be complacent. To safeguard our economic future and support our enterprises, we must act decisively on the domestic factors we can influence.

    Therefore, the Government has today agreed to fast-track the creation of a vital Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, aiming to produce a draft within 12 weeks for discussion at a Ministerial Summit in July. This plan will identify concrete, actionable reforms across government to enhance our competitive edge.

    As part of this plan, we are implementing a range of immediate, targeted measures by May 2025. These actions focus on key areas including enhancing international trade promotion supports for firms facing disruption, addressing business costs through regulatory adjustments and targeted initiatives, and improving energy security and infrastructure delivery.

    I remain committed to the introduction of the Living Wage, and to fair wages for all workers. Government has approved substantial increases in the minimum wage, particularly over the last couple of years. The National Minimum Wage increased by €1.40 per hour in 2024, and by 80 cents per hour in January of this year. These uplifts have seen real increases in lower paid workers’ wages, exceeding inflation and wage growth across the economy.

    I want to make sure that any further increases in the National Minimum Wage are managed in a sustainable way, and in a way that does not threaten employment or competitiveness. I will make sure we find a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.

    Government recognises the important work of the independent Low Pay Commission, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage later this year

    These combined efforts – the accelerated long-term plan and the immediate support measures – demonstrate our commitment to proactively managing challenges and maintaining Ireland as an attractive and competitive location for business.”

    Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon said:

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a vital source of jobs and innovation in every town and community across Ireland. In today’s complex global environment, it’s more important than ever that we provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive. The measures announced today — from enhanced trade supports to tackling the cost of doing business reflect a strong, targeted response to the real challenges entrepreneurs and retailers are facing on the ground.

    The establishment of a dedicated Small Business Unit and the creation of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, will ensure the voice of small business is heard clearly in shaping future policy. As we fast-track the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, I am committed to making sure small firms are not only protected but empowered to grow, create jobs, and continue contributing to a vibrant, resilient economy.”

    Also welcoming the announcement, Minister Smyth – Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation commented:

    The rapidly evolving international economic landscape underscores the critical role of competitiveness in fostering sustainable growth within an open economy like ours. The upcoming Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity reflects the Government’s recognition of the need to address these challenges and its commitment to creating tangible growth opportunities for enterprises in Ireland.

    Ahead of the Action Plan, the introduction of short-term measures demonstrates the Government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging developments. I particularly welcome the initiatives aimed at bolstering Ireland’s international trade promotion. Diversifying our trade relationships will be essential to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    Background:

    The Government’s focus on competitiveness comes amid a changing international context and heightened EU attention on bolstering Europe’s economic dynamism, as highlighted in recent reports and the European Commission’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’. While Ireland benefits from a skilled workforce and success in attracting high-value FDI, challenges remain, notably in infrastructure capacity and the high cost of doing business compared to competitor nations.

    The Programme for Government mandated the development of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, intended to cover areas critical to Ireland’s economic performance including industrial policy, regulatory burden reduction, infrastructure, energy, trade, and innovation. By expediting this Plan, the Government aims to align key decisions with the upcoming Budgetary process, enabling swift implementation. The approach will be evidence-based, involving consultation across Government Departments and with stakeholders.

    In addition to accelerating the Action Plan, the Government has approved the following high-level short-term measures for implementation by May 2025:

    Enhancing International Trade Promotion: Actions will focus on implementing enhanced advisory supports for exporters facing disruption, accelerating progress on key international trade agreements like CETA, developing a strategic approach to market diversification, streamlining security clearance processes for exporters, and bringing forward a National Semiconductor Strategy.

    Addressing Business Costs: Measures include adjusting the implementation timeline for the Living Wage to 2029 but the Government remains committed to the introduction of a Living Wage during its term. Decisions on youth sub-minimum wage rates will be deferred, and further changes to statutory sick pay paused. A new Cost of Business Advisory Forum will be established, we will proceed with omnibus changes to simplify the CSRD regulations, a Small Business Unit will be created, and competition and consumer protection enforcement strengthened.

    Improving Energy Infrastructure: Steps will be taken to provide policy certainty regarding data centres, publish plans for connecting large energy users to the grid, foster collaboration between Government and industry on offshore renewable energy development, accelerate the deployment of critical electricity grid infrastructure, and explore options for development routes to market for zones B, C and D in South Coast DMAP to provide pathway for future offshore wind energy to meet growing electricity demand

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greengate Regeneration Strategy to deliver public realm and connectivity improvements moves forward

    Source: City of Salford

    • Salford City Council agrees spend of £2,021,877.38 of Section 106 contributions towards delivery of public realm and open space improvements.
    • As the original historic core of Salford, Greengate has already seen the creation of Greengate Square and a large number of residential and commercial developments.
    • Detailed proposals for the northern edge of the Greengate neighbourhood will now be developed.

    As the medieval heart of the city, plans to deliver Salford City Council’s vision for the Greengate area, focused on significant levels of development activity, have moved forward following the council’s Property & Regeneration Briefing on Monday 14 April.

    At the meeting, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor approved the proposed expenditure of £2,021,877.38 of Section 106 contributions towards delivery of public realm and open space improvements within the Greengate Regeneration Strategy area.

    The source of funding is Section 106 Contributions received from developments at:

    • £1,259,780.16 from Greengate 1 (Section 106 Ref: 281 – 13/63524/FUL); and
    • £762,097.22 from City Suites 1 and 2 (Section 106 Ref: 284 – 14/65048/FUL).

    The project will deliver public realm and open space projects at the northern edge of the Greengate neighbourhood. If feasible, and following engagement with local community stakeholders, the plan would also consider the sensitive relocation of the existing War Memorial located at the junction of Trinity Way and Blackfriars Road. Adjacent to the existing War Memorial is a plaque to commemorate the location where the Manchester and Salford Trades Council was formed at a meeting at the Three Crowns pub on King Street in Greengate, Salford, on 9 November 1866. The plaque will be retained within the site.

    This area has been the focus of significant development over recent years, with a number of schemes delivered. Investment in high quality new public realm in this area will improve visibility of and connections into the neighbourhood from communities to the north and ensure that the area is linked to the surrounding green and blue infrastructure and walking/cycling connections along the River Irwell and Trinity Way.

    The council’s overarching vision for Greengate is to deliver a dynamic residential and commercial place with an exceptional public realm for both residents and visitors alike, building on the current strong brands within the area and developing exciting new opportunities.

    From major developments to city parks, revitalised waterways and green spaces, the regeneration of Salford is continuing to drive the sustainable growth of the city. Recently, the council also approved the Irwell River Park Connectivity and Movement Strategy that will transform the 8km stretch of the River Irwell into a vibrant and accessible urban park and improve connections between Greengate and Irwell River Park as the projects progress at the same time.

    Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said: “Salford is continuing its remarkable story of transformation as we create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all. As the original historic core of Salford with many historical assets, Greengate takes pride of place in our regeneration plans, which has already seen the creation of Greengate Square and a large number of residential and commercial developments that have been completed.

    “Following the funding approval, we can now start to shape our plans further for Greengate, which will see us deliver more high-quality public realm and connectivity improvements across the area. I look forward to progressing our detailed proposals that will contribute to a diverse dynamic economy within Salford alongside a strong residential and cultural offer.”

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    Date published
    Tuesday 15 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lamola arrives in Russia for working visit

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, April 15, 2025

    Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Moscow, Russia, on Monday for a two-day working visit. 

    During his trip, Lamola will preside over the 18th Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a structured mechanism for coordinating economic and trade relations between South Africa and Russia.

    In addition, he is scheduled to hold political consultations with his counterpart, Minister Sergey Lavrov.

    According to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Minister is also expected to visit the memorial centres dedicated to South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Tax Day, Warren, Wyden, Pocan Demand Intuit Explain Continued Efforts to Kill IRS’ Free Filing Alternative, Overcharge Taxpayers on TurboTax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    Senator Warren’s office tested TurboTax, finding that a sample taxpayer would pay $128 to file her taxes using TurboTax’s “free” software, while being upsold multiple times in the process.

    Intuit spent nearly $4 million in 2023 and again in 2024 to sabotage “Direct File,” the IRS’ free tax filing program

    Washington, D.C. – Ahead of Tax Day, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), pressed Intuit on the company’s lobbying to end Direct File, a free tool for taxpayers to file directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and its misleading sales tactics to upsell customers using TurboTax.  

    In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File, an online program that allows people with simple filing situations to file their taxes online for free and directly with the IRS. Direct File has helped hundreds of thousands of taxpayers file their taxes accurately and securely. The program received excellent reviews and has expanded to 25 states and over 30 million eligible Americans. 

    Despite Treasury Secretary Bessent’s promise to keep Direct File going through the 2025 tax filing season, the long-term future of the program continues to be threatened, in no small part due to Intuit’s lobbying. Intuit has spent nearly $4 million in 2023 and again in 2024 attempting to kill the program. During the 2024 election cycle, Intuit joined other commercial tax preparation companies to make large donations to Republican congressmembers who later worked to eliminate Direct File. Recent reports also indicate that some members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hope to end Direct File entirely, and Republican lawmakers, bankrolled by Intuit, have continued to call on the Trump Administration to end the program.

    Intuit also has a history of misleading customers about costs, relentlessly upselling taxpayers, and misusing customer data. A simulated filing by Senator Warren’s office found that these efforts continue. Despite TurboTax’s promises that its services are free, Senator Warren’s office found that a sample taxpayer would pay $128 to file her taxes, while being upsold multiple times in the process. In comparison, the cost for that same taxpayer would be $0 on DirectFile with no upselling. 

    “It is unconscionable that Intuit is engaged in an ‘aggressive’ and ‘covert’ war on Direct File, which makes it easy and free for millions of taxpayers across the country to file their taxes, while misleading, upselling, and overcharging them for your own services. You should end these abusive tactics and relinquish your efforts to eliminate Direct File once and for all,” concluded the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers pressed Intuit for more information on its efforts to eliminate Direct File, its relentless upselling tactics through TurboTax, and its lobbying and donations over the last year. 

    Senator Warren is leading voice in advocating for low-income taxpayers and for improved IRS resources: 

  • In February 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) reintroduced the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help (IRS MATH) Act, to improve math error notices — an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authority used to quickly adjust taxpayers’ returns.

  • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren led over 135 members of Congress in writing to Treasury Secretary-Designate Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) Commissioner-Designate Billy Long, urging them to maintain and expand the IRS’ Direct File program. 

  • In October 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) wrote to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service urging the agencies to make the Direct File tax filing program more secure and accessible by ending reliance on ID.me, which uses a flawed facial recognition software.

  • In April 2024, following the 2024 tax filing deadline, at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned IRS Commissioner Daniel I. Werfel, on the IRS’s use of Inflation Reduction Act funds to successfully pilot a Direct File program, a first-of-its-kind option for Americans in twelve states to be able to file their taxes online directly with the IRS, easily and for free.

  • In April 2024, Senator Warren and colleagues applauded the success of Direct File’s Pilot during the 2024 tax filing season, highlighting rave reviews, millions of dollars in refunds claimed and filing fees saved.

  • In April 2024, Senator Warren sent a letter to Chair Lina M. Khan of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), blasting Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, for continuing to relentlessly upsell TurboTax users despite numerous FTC and state lawsuits and settlements. Senator Warren applauded the FTC’s oversight of Intuit, and urged the Commission to continue to take action to protect taxpayers from tax preparation companies that pile junk fees onto users.

  • In March 2024, Senator Warren celebrated the successful launch of the IRS’s Direct File pilot.

  • In March 2024, Senator Warren highlighted the positive feedback that the IRS’s Direct File pilot in 12 states has received from taxpayers and asked Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to commit to expanding and extending the program in 2025 if positive feedback continues, which Yellen agreed to. 

  • In February 2024, Senators Warren, Blumenthal, Sanders, and Representative Porter sent a response to Intuit, blasting the company for its failure to answer basic questions the lawmakers asked in their January 2, 2024 letter seeking an accounting of the expenses underlying the company’s massive federal research tax breaks.

  • In January 2024, Senators Warren, Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Intuit requesting a full accounting of the expenses underlying the company’s massive federal research tax breaks by January 16, 2024. Intuit disclosed that it received $94 million in federal research tax credits in 2022, while simultaneously spending millions lobbying against the establishment of a free program for Americans to file their taxes online. 

  • In October 2023, Senators Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Representative Porter sent letters to five tax preparation companies—H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Ramsey Solutions, and Intuit—that recently received notices of penalty offenses from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the misuse of taxpayer’s sensitive and confidential information. 

  • In October 2023, Senators Warren and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Representatives Porter, Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), and Don Beyer (D-Va.) released a statement supporting the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) joint announcement of their 2024 pilot of Direct File, a program that allows Americans to file tax returns digitally and free of charge. The lawmakers acknowledged the Inflation Reduction Act’s role in the program’s development, and stated their intention to support the IRS’s efforts to develop and expand the Direct File pilot. 

  • In August 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Porter sent a letter to the Free File Alliance, the American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights, Intuit, and H&R Block admonishing the companies’ relentless lobbying against the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) direct free filing tool. 

  • In July 2023, Senators Warren, Wyden, Blumenthal, Duckworth, Sanders, and Whitehouse and Representative Porter released a report revealing the outrageous, extensive, and potentially illegal sharing of taxpayers’ sensitive personal and financial information with Meta by online tax preparation companies. The lawmakers also sent a letter to the IRS, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice highlighting their key findings and calling on these departments to fully investigate this matter and prosecute any company or individuals who violated the law.

  • In June 2023, Senators Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Representatives Sherman, Porter, and Beyer, led a coalition of 99 Democratic lawmakers in a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo, applauding the IRS’s announcement of a pilot of a free tax filing tool next year.

  • In May 2023, Senator Warren’s call for a Free E-File Program was finally answered by the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act .

  • In April 2023, Senators Warren and Carper led 29 other senators in a letter to the IRS Commissioner, urging the agency to simplify the tax process and broaden access to free e-filing options.

  • In April 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren questioned the IRS Commissioner about the agency’s failed Free-File partnership with private tax preparation software companies and called on the agency to implement a direct E-File program. 

  • In December 2022, Senators Warren and Wyden and Representatives Porter and Sherman sent letters to tax preparation companies H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer, plus big tech firms Meta and Google, amid reports that the tax preparation companies have been secretly transmitting individual taxpayers’ sensitive financial information to Meta and Google

  • In August 2022, Senator Warren highlighted key priorities she secured in the Senate’s Inflation Reduction Act, including establishing an IRS task force to look into developing and running an IRS-run free direct E-File tax return system, based on Senator Warren’s Tax Filing Simplification Act. 

  • In July 2022, Senator Warren led 22 lawmakers to introduce the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022, legislation that would direct the IRS to develop its own free online tax preparation and filing service that would simplify the tax filing process for millions of Americans. 

  • In June 2022, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen agreed with Senator Warren on the need to create a free tax filing system that actually works for Americans. 

  • In June 2022, Senator Warren and Representatives Porter and Sherman sent a letter to Richard K. Delmar, Acting Treasury Department Inspector, General, J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Andrew Katsaros, Acting Inspector General at the Federal Trade Commission, regarding troubling reports of Intuit’s abuse of the revolving door and the company’s hiring of former federal regulators and influence-peddlers to defend its shady business practices. In the letter, which is a follow up to the prior April 2022 letter, the lawmakers call out Intuit for forcing American taxpayers into paying for services that should be free, and request an in-depth investigation into the company and its use of the revolving door to influence policy decisions at those agencies. 

  • In April 2022, Senator Warren and Representatives Sherman and Porter sent a letter to Intuit regarding the company’s unethical use of the revolving door to hire former regulators to defend their shady business practices that scam taxpayers out of billions of dollars. In June 2022, the lawmakers sent a follow-up.

  • In February 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Treasury and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, calling on them to open an investigation into the unethical revolving door between the world’s largest accounting firms and the Treasury Department and IRS. 

  • In February 2022, Senator Warren made the case for increased funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the Build Back Better Act and called on the administration to create the simplified filing tools proposed in her Tax Filing Simplification Act. 

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, No KYC, $50 Welcome Bonus and Double Deposit Rewards – Start Trading Today!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $90,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

    100x Leverage: Make Doubling or Even 10x Gains in a Single Day Possible

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sanctions Update – 15 April 2025

    Source: Isle of Man

    Belarus

    ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida

    Counter-Terrorism (Domestic)

    Global Anti-Corruption

    Global Human Rights

    Iran

    Russia

    Syria

     

    The Authority has been notified that the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division has recently published new and updated information regarding the above Sanction regimes.

    News Releases advising details of the updates to the above Sanctions regimes can be read on the IOM Government website (www.gov.im/news) at:

    Belarus

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-republic-of-belarus/

     

    Financial Sanctions: ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/13/financial-sanctions-isil-daesh-and-al-qaida/

    Financial Sanctions: Counter-Terrorism (Domestic)

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/09/financial-sanctions-counter-terrorism-domestic/

     

    Global Anti-Corruption

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-global-anti-corruption/

    Global Human Rights

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/24/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/27/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/02/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/10/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/

     

    Iran

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-iran/

    Russia

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/07/financial-sanctions-russia/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-russia/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/20/financial-sanctions-russia/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/24/financial-sanctions-russia/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/27/financial-sanctions-russia/

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-russia/

     

    Syria

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/06/financial-sanctions-syria/

    Copies of extant Sanctions Notices, are available free of charge over the Internet from the Sanctions and Export Control page on the website of the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division located at: https://www.gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control

    Any queries regarding the above, or any Sanctions related matter should be addressed to the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division, Sanctions Officer  on telephone number +44 (0) 1624 648109 or by email to sanctions@gov.im

     

    To receive regular updates about sanctions, including updates to the UK Sanctions List, you can subscribe to the RSS feed for sanctions & Excise news releases by copying and pasting this URL:

    https://gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control/news/RssCategorisedNews 

     

    into your RSS feed reader or Microsoft Outlook RSS feeds folder. You can also view our guidance on how to use RSS Feeds.

     

    The UK Treasury operate an ‘alert’ system to provide email updates as and when changes to sanctions are introduced.  Licenceholders may consider it very prudent to avail themselves of this service if they do not already have relevant notification processes in place. 

     

    This service can be found at   Subscribe to Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation updates

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Beyond Crypto: BTCC Exchange to Power TOKEN2049 Dubai with Slam Dunk Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCC, one of the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, is set to create a standout presence at TOKEN2049 Dubai with an interactive basketball-themed booth combining entertainment with community engagement as a gold sponsor. The sleek design, featuring the exchange’s professional navy blue and white color scheme, is expected to be a popular destination at the event when TOKEN2049 takes place from April 30 to May 1, 2025 in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

    Slam Dunk Experience

    Located at booth P51, the BTCC’s distinctive basketball arena design will offer attendees an immersive and entertaining experience through the BTCC Basketball Challenge. Complete with a dedicated selfie wall, the booth will create numerous opportunities for engagement and memorable moments.

    “We’ve designed our TOKEN2049 booth to reflect the energy and excitement of the crypto community,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC Exchange. “The basketball theme represents the precision, strategy, and team spirit that drives both sports and cryptocurrency trading.”

    The BTCC Basketball Challenge will invite visitors to test their shooting skills for a chance to win exclusive merchandise, including custom stickers, Nakamon plush toys, and premium BTCC branded items. To participate, attendees will simply need to engage with BTCC’s social media and take a photo at the booth using the hashtag #BTCCatTOKEN2049.

    Trade to Win Campaign Results

    Ahead of TOKEN2049, BTCC has concluded its Trade to Win campaign featuring TOKEN2049 prizes, including event tickets, skydiving experiences, and helicopter rides in Dubai. The campaign generated a total futures trading volume of over 68 billion USDT, with BTCC distributing a prize pool of 1 million USDT to 1,000 qualifying participants.

    Expanding Network Through Exclusive Side Events

    Surrounding TOKEN2049, BTCC will host two exclusive side events designed to strengthen relationships with influencers and expand its network within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    The Dubai Safari Day Tour on April 29 will offer not only desert adventures but also create an informal setting for meaningful discussions with influential crypto personalities. The exclusive KOL Yacht Party on May 2 is expected to attract prominent industry figures, providing BTCC with valuable opportunities to build strategic partnerships and showcase its vision for the future of cryptocurrency trading.

    These curated experiences will complement BTCC’s TOKEN2049 presence, reinforcing the exchange’s commitment to community building and industry collaboration.

    About BTCC Exchange

    Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the leading crypto exchanges that has operated for over a decade. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of trading products, including spot and futures trading with up to 500x leverage. With a commitment to security and user experience, BTCC continues to innovate in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

    Official Website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US

    X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

    Media contact: press@btcc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7a7d97d-6f4f-4e0f-84f9-f0a0afd27c1f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Blackwell GeForce RTX Arrives for Every Gamer, Starting at $299

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVIDIA today announced the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5060 family of GPUs, including two graphics cards that deliver neural rendering and NVIDIA Blackwell architecture innovations for every gamer — starting at just $299.

    The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 graphics cards feature NVIDIA DLSS 4, full ray tracing, neural rendering and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for exceptional performance and image quality.

    “The RTX 5060 family offers gamers next-generation performance and AI-enhanced visuals starting at $299,” said Matt Wuebbling, vice president of GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. “Powered by the advanced NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and featuring DLSS 4 technology in over 100 games, this new class of GPUs elevates gaming with stunning visuals, high frame rates and quick responsiveness.”

    DLSS 4 Now in 100+ Games
    The GeForce RTX 5060 family includes DLSS 4 capabilities such as Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, as well as NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency. More than 100 games now feature these AI-powered enhancements. Blockbuster titles like Alan Wake 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy boast stunning ray-traced visuals at over 100 frames per second (fps) on maximum settings.

    Boosting Creative Workflows
    The RTX 5060 family can also serve as a powerful companion for creators. Equipped with Blackwell FP4 Tensor Cores and ninth-generation NVIDIA NVENC encoders, the GPUs can enhance creative workflows for livestreamers, video editors, 3D artists and others.

    Introducing GeForce RTX 5060 Laptops
    In addition, the GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU has arrived, bringing enhanced gaming and creative capabilities to laptops. Built with the Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4, the GPU ensures every gamer and creator can enjoy 144 fps and 8K 4:2:2 color format video editing. GeForce RTX 5060 laptops can deliver double the frame rates and lower latency compared with previous-generation models — and are coming in a broad range of designs and sizes as thin as 14.9 millimeters.

    Availability
    GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards, equipped with 16GB or 8GB graphics memory, will be available starting April 16 at $429 and $379, respectively.

    GeForce RTX 5060 graphics cards will be available starting in May at $299.

    Stock-clocked and factory-overclocked models will be available from top add-in card providers such as ASUS, Colorful, Gainward, GALAX, GIGABYTE, INNO3D, KFA2, MSI, Palit, PNY and ZOTAC, and in desktops from system builders including Falcon Northwest, Infiniarc, MAINGEAR, Mifcom, ORIGIN PC, PC Specialist and Scan Computers.

    Laptops equipped with GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPUs will be available from every major manufacturer beginning in May, starting at $1,099.

    Find full specifications and additional details on the NVIDIA GeForce webpage.

    About NVIDIA
     NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Ben Berraondo
    NVIDIA Corporation
    +1 669 271 5730
    bberraondo@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, performance and availability of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; and GeForce RTX 5060 family of GPUs providing an immersive experience for cinematic-quality gaming are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo and GeForce RTX are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb8489ce-2035-4e01-881d-2dff56782704

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlimited Expands ETF Lineup with New Global Macro Hedge Fund Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bob Elliott, CEO and CIO of Unlimited, today announced the launch of the Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF (NYSE: HFGM), a new actively managed exchange-traded fund offering exposure to global macro hedge fund style strategies. The Fund capitalizes on Mr. Elliott’s extensive experience as a systematic global macro portfolio manager by dynamically allocating capital long and short across a wide range of global markets opportunities in search of mispricing. The fund utilizes liquid exchange-listed futures contracts, and a basket of ETFs based upon systematic signals. The positions are adjusted based on evolving market conditions with the goal of adding diversification benefits to investors’ portfolios.

    HFGM seeks to capitalize on global market mispricing opportunities spanning currency, fixed income, equity, credit and exchange rate markets. Global macro managers have a long track record of generating consistent alpha with low correlation to the broader equity and fixed income markets. HFGM deploys Unlimited’s proprietary, data-driven technology to interpret the current positioning of global macro managers and replicate those positions in its own portfolio.

    The launch of HFGM expands on Unlimited’s mission to provide investors with access to hedge fund-style returns without the high fees and tax inefficiencies that can erode performance over time. Unlimited’s ETF offering includes the Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF (NYSE: HFND), which has a two-year track record of offering investors exposure to a broad set of hedge fund style strategies.

    “Financial advisors and institutional investors facing turbulent markets are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios, but many find the high fees, lack of liquidity and adverse tax treatment associated with traditional alts offerings untenable,” said Mr. Elliott. “Our Global Macro ETF was designed to offer a volatility target aligned with equity markets as an investor-friendly way to add the diversification features of alts to a balanced portfolio.”

    Hedge fund strategies overall have historically generated strong uncorrelated returns for investors, but high fees combined with inefficient tax structures have significantly eroded that performance.

    HFGM offers a transparent, liquid, and cost-effective alternative to traditional hedge fund allocations, carrying a lower expense ratio than the standard “2 and 20” hedge fund fee model.

    HFGM is the first of several new actively managed ETFs the firm plans to launch over the coming months. The suite includes two additional strategies that have been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission with launch plans in the works for later this year, Unlimited HFMF Managed Futures ETF and Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF.

    Unlimited’s ETFs are managed by Mr. Elliott, former investment committee member at Bridgewater Associates and Bruce McNevin, co-founder and Chief Data Scientist at Unlimited. Mr. McNevin brings extensive experience in quantitative modeling and data science, having held positions at hedge funds Clinton Group and Midway Group, as well as Bank of America and BlackRock.

    For more information on HFGM or HFND, please visit https://www.unlimitedetfs.com

    Media Contacts:

    Sarah Lazarus Zach Kouwe
    Dukas Linden Public Relations Dukas Linden Public Relations
    +1 617-335-7823 +1 551-655-4032
    sarah@dlpr.com zkouwe@dlpr.com
       

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus. A prospectus may be obtained by visiting www.unlimitedetfs.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

    Important Risks

    Underlying ETFs Risks. The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses because it invests in Underlying ETFs. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the Underlying ETFs. The Fund will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities held by the Underlying .ETFs.

    Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund.

    Machine Learning, Model and Data Risk. The Fund relies heavily on proprietary “machine learning” selection processes. In addition, the composition of the Fund’s portfolio is heavily dependent on proprietary quantitative models as well as information and data supplied by third parties (“Models and Data”).

    Volatility Risk. The Fund seeks to achieve a higher level of volatility than its target hedge fund industry sector, which may result in substantial price fluctuations over short periods. As a result, the value of the Fund’s investments may rise or fall significantly, and investors should be prepared for increased levels of volatility compared to traditional equity funds.

    Commodity Risk. Underlying ETFs that invest in the commodities markets may be subject to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.

    Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s or an Underlying ETF’s derivative investments have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets or index; the loss of principal, including the potential loss of amounts greater than the initial amount invested in the derivative instrument; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; and illiquidity of the derivative investments.

    Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in Underlying ETFs that invest in securities issued by companies domiciled or headquartered in emerging market nations. Investments in securities traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, currency, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and investments in more developed international markets.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in Underlying ETFs that invest in fixed income securities. The prices of fixed income securities may be affected by changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness and financial strength of the issuer and other factors. An increase in prevailing interest rates typically causes the value of existing fixed income securities to fall and often has a greater impact on longer-duration and/or higher quality fixed income securities.

    Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign securities held by Underlying ETFs in which the Fund invests involve certain risks not involved in domestic investments and may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than investments in securities of U.S. companies.

    Futures Contracts Risk. The Fund or Underlying ETFs may invest in futures contracts. Risks of futures contracts include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the value of the futures contract and the underlying asset; (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market; (iii) the inability to close a futures contract when desired; (iv) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which may be unlimited; (v) an obligation for the Fund or an Underlying ETF, as applicable, to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin, particularly at times when the Fund or Underlying ETF may have insufficient cash; and (vi) unfavorable execution prices from rapid selling.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Short Selling Risk. The Fund may make short sales of securities of Underlying ETFs, which involves selling a security it does not own in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. Short sales may involve substantial risk and leverage. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to buy (“cover”) the security sold short when the security has appreciated in value or is unavailable, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. Short sales also involve the risk that losses may exceed the amount invested and may be unlimited.

    Swap Agreement Risk. The Fund or an Underlying ETF may invest in swap agreements. Swap agreements could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Swaps can have the potential for unlimited losses. They are also subject to counterparty risk. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations, the Fund (or the Underlying Fund) may lose money.

    Definitions:

    20 and 2 strategy: Describes the standard fee structure charged by advisers of private funds, which generally includes a 2% asset-based management fee, in addition to a 20% performance fee charged on the profits on investments.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Beer Announces Launch Event in Bowling Green Kentucky with Distribution Partner – Clark Distributing Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nashville, TN, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com), and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security, self-defense products and apparel, is proud to announce a Tax Day Launch Event for southern Kentucky at the Spillway Bar & Grill, 2195 River Street in Bowling Green, Kentucky with its distribution partner, Clark Distributing Company (ccclark.com). This morning American Rebel CEO Andy Ross appeared live on air at D93 WDNS Classic Rock Radio in Bowling Green to celebrate the launch party.

    Kentucky is a key strategic state as American Rebel Light Beer continues to rapidly grow its distribution partnerships throughout the Southeastern United States. Clark Distributing Company, a premier distributor serving more than 5,000 retail and restaurant customers throughout Kentucky, covers 97 counties out of 120 total, representing 81% of Kentucky’s counties and serving 67% of the state’s population. Kentucky residents can now enjoy American Rebel Premium Light Lager Beer that not only is great tasting but unapologetically celebrates true fundamental American values.

    “Kentucky is an important state for us as we expand American Rebel Light Beer across this great, God-fearing nation,” said Andy Ross, CEO of American Rebel. “We are thrilled to see American Rebel Light Beer reach patriotic customers throughout the Commonwealth, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Clark Distributing Company to help us serve customers looking for American Rebel Light – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.”

    American Rebel Light Beer is growing rapidly due to its great taste and drinkability, with a smooth and crisp finish that appeals to light beer enthusiasts. It continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, leading to increasing and repeat customer demand due to its balance of flavor and drinkability. It is the light beer of choice for consumers looking for a great tasting light beer that is aligned with traditional American patriotic values, liberty, and freedom.

    “Between the on-air appearance at D93 and the launch event this evening, I want to head over to the Corvette Museum here in Bowling Green,” said Andy Ross. “Danny built me the Second Amendment Muscle Car, a ’69 Corvette, on the “Rocked and Loaded” episode of Counting Cars on the History Channel. I get people coming up to me all the time asking me about the car and saying they just saw the episode air again. Millions of people have seen that episode over the years and that car has become known as the Batmobile of the Second Amendment.”

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer, visit americanrebelbeer.com.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer. All Natural, Crisp, Clean, Bold Taste, Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass production

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    About Clark Distributing Company

    Clark Distributing Company (ccclark.com) is a premier beverage distributor serving over 5,000 customers across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With a focus on quality, service, and customer satisfaction, Clark Distributing is proud to bring premium brands to Kentucky’s diverse market.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC

    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts,” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of the launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:

    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    info@americanrebel.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beggar thy neighbor, harm thyself: Tariffs like Trump’s come with pitfalls, history shows

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bedassa Tadesse, Professor of Economics, University of Minnesota Duluth

    Feeling tariff whiplash? You’re not alone. On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs – a 10% levy on nearly all U.S. imports, along with targeted duties aimed at punishing countries he accuses of exploiting American markets. Just a week later, on April 9, his administration abruptly paused much of the plan for 90 days, leaving markets and allies scrambling for clarity.

    The proposed tariffs were pitched as a way to revive U.S. manufacturing, reclaim jobs and counter what Trump considers unfair trade practices. But they immediately rattled the financial markets and raised alarms among economists and America’s global partners. Critics across the political spectrum revived a familiar warning: “beggar-thy-neighbor.”

    History shows that such policies rarely succeed. In today’s interconnected world, they’re more likely to provoke swift, precise and painful retaliation.

    What is the ‘beggar-thy-neighbor’ strategy?

    The phrase comes from economic history and refers to protectionist measures – tariffs, import restrictions or currency manipulation – designed to boost one country’s economy at the expense of its trading partners. Think of it like cleaning your yard by dumping the trash into your neighbor’s property: It looks tidy on your side until they respond.

    This approach starkly contrasts with the principles laid out by Adam Smith. In “The Wealth of Nations,” he argued that trade is not a zero-sum game. Specialization and open markets, he observed, create mutual benefit – a rising tide that lifts all boats. Trump’s tariffs disregard this logic.

    And history backs Smith. In the 1930s, the U.S. adopted a similar strategy to the one Trump is experimenting with through the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, raising duties to protect domestic jobs. The result was a wave of global retaliation that choked international trade and worsened the Great Depression.

    A case in point: Lesotho

    As an example, consider the 50% tariff the United States imposed on imports from Lesotho, a small landlocked African nation. The measure took effect at midnight on April 3 but was reportedly subject to the 90-day pause starting midday April 4.

    The tariff rate was calculated by taking the U.S. trade deficit with Lesotho – US$234.5 million in 2024 – dividing that by the total value of Lesotho’s exports to the U.S., or $237.3 million, and dividing that by two.

    The 50% tariff would have a negligible effect on the U.S. economy – after all, out of the $3.3 trillion the U.S. imported in 2024, only a tiny fraction came from Lesotho. But for Lesotho, a nation that relies heavily on garment exports and preferential U.S. market access, the consequences would be severe. Using the same tariff logic across all partners, big or small, overlooks basic economic realities: differences in scale, trade capacity and vulnerability. It epitomizes beggar-thy-neighbor thinking: offloading domestic frustrations onto weaker economies for short-term political optics.

    Lesotho is just one example. Even countries that import more from the U.S. than they export, such as Australia and the U.K., haven’t been spared. This “scoreboard” mentality – treating trade deficits as losses and surpluses as wins – risks reducing the complexity of global commerce to a tit-for-tat game.

    The return of a familiar — and risky — playbook

    Such thinking has consequences. During Trump’s first term, China retaliated against U.S. tariffs by slashing imports of American soybeans and pork. As a result, those exports plummeted from $14 billion in 2017 to just $3 billion in 2018, hitting politically sensitive states like Iowa hard. The European Union responded to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs by threatening to target bourbon from Kentucky and motorcycles from Wisconsin – iconic products from the home states of former GOP leaders Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. Canada and the European Union have shown a willingness to use similar tactics this time around.

    This isn’t new. In 2002, President George W. Bush imposed tariffs of up to 30% on imported steel, prompting the European Union to threaten retaliatory tariffs targeting products such as Florida citrus and Carolina textiles made in key swing states. Facing domestic political pressure and a World Trade Organization ruling against the measure, Bush reversed course within 21 months.

    A decade earlier, the Clinton administration endured a long-running trade dispute with the EU known as the “banana wars,” in which European regulators structured import rules that disadvantaged U.S.-backed Latin American banana exporters in favor of former European colonies.

    During the Obama years, the U.S. increased visa fees that disproportionately impacted India’s technology services sector. India responded by delaying approvals for American drugmakers and large retail investments.

    Not all forms of trade retaliation grab headlines. Many are subtle, slow and bureaucratic – but no less damaging. Customs officials can delay paperwork or may impose arbitrary inspection or labeling requirements. Approval for U.S. pharmaceuticals, tech products or chemicals can be stalled for vague procedural reasons. Public procurement rules can be quietly rewritten to exclude U.S. companies.

    While these tactics rarely draw public attention, their cumulative cost is real: missed delivery deadlines, lost contracts and rising operational costs. Over time, American businesses may shift operations abroad – not because of labor costs or regulation at home, but to escape the slow drip of bureaucratic punishment they experience elsewhere.

    Tariffs in a connected economy

    Supporters of tariffs often argue that they protect domestic industries and create jobs. In theory, they might. But in practice, recent history shows they are more likely to invite retaliation, raise prices and disrupt supply chains.

    Modern manufacturing is deeply interconnected. A product may involve assembling components from a dozen countries, moving back and forth across borders. Tariffs hurt foreign suppliers and American manufacturers, workers and consumers.

    More strategically damaging, they erode U.S. influence. Allies grow weary of unpredictable trade moves, and rivals, including China and Russia, step in to forge deeper partnerships. Countries may reduce their exposure to the U.S. dollar, sell off Treasury bonds, or align with regional blocs like the BRICS group – led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – not out of ideology, but necessity.

    In short, the U.S. weakens its own strategic hand. The long-term cost isn’t just economic – it’s geopolitical.

    Rather than resorting to beggar-thy-neighbor tactics, the U.S. could secure its future by investing in what truly drives long-term strength: smart workforce development, breakthrough innovation and savvy partnerships with allies. This approach would tackle trade imbalances through skillful diplomacy instead of brute force, while building resilience at home by equipping American workers and companies to thrive – not by scapegoating others.

    History makes a clear case: Ditching the obsession with bilateral trade deficits and focusing instead on value creation pays off. The U.S. can source components from around the world and elevate them through unmatched design, innovation and manufacturing excellence. That’s the heartbeat of real economic might.

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

    – ref. Beggar thy neighbor, harm thyself: Tariffs like Trump’s come with pitfalls, history shows – https://theconversation.com/beggar-thy-neighbor-harm-thyself-tariffs-like-trumps-come-with-pitfalls-history-shows-254141

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Preventive care may no longer be free in 2026 because of HIV stigma − unless the Trump administration successfully defends the ACA

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kristefer Stojanovski, Assistant Professor of Social, Behavioral and Population Sciences, Tulane University

    Americans may lose free coverage for cancer and blood pressure screenings, HIV prevention medication and other essential services. Halfpoint Images/Moment via Getty Images

    Many Americans were relieved when the Supreme Court left the Affordable Care Act in place following the law’s third major legal challenge in June 2021. This decision permitted widely supported policies to continue, such as ensuring health coverage regardless of preexisting conditions, allowing coverage for dependents up to age 26 on their parents’ plan, and removing annual and lifetime benefit limits.

    But millions are still at risk of losing access to lifesaving medicine and preventive services, following the Supreme Court’s decision to hear another case – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. v. Braidwood – that has been working its way through lower courts for several years.

    Interestingly, the Trump administration has chosen to build upon the same argument the Biden administration used to defend the law.

    HIV stigma and preventive care

    The case the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear in April 2025 was filed by Braidwood Management, a Christian for-profit corporation owned by Steven Hotze, a Texas physician and Republican activist who has previously filed multiple lawsuits against the Affordable Care Act.

    Braidwood and its co-plaintiffs, a group of conservative Christian employers, objected to providing their 70 employees free access to preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a medicine that prevents HIV infection. Hotze claimed that PrEP “facilitates and encourages homosexual behavior, intravenous drug use and sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman,” without citing scientific evidence to support this. He and his plaintiffs argue that religious beliefs prevent them from providing PrEP under their insurance plans.

    The AIDS epidemic has been claiming lives for decades.

    Since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in the 1980s, the disease has been politicized and stigmatized. Because it had predominantly affected men who had sex with men, AIDS was initially called gay-related immune deficiency, making people reluctant to be associated with the disease. It was only after a teenage boy from Indiana named Ryan White contracted HIV from a blood transfusion to treat his hemophilia, along with public statements from high-profile celebrities such as Arthur Ashe and Magic Johnson about their HIV status, that social attitudes began to shift with more education about AIDS.

    Yet, the same stigma is still at play in the Braidwood case and other recent policy decisions. In 2023, for example, Tennessee officials declined US$9 million in federal funding for HIV prevention. Those federal funds focused on groups most affected by HIV, including men who have sex with men, heterosexual Black women and people who inject drugs.

    Tennessee has since transitioned to using state dollars for HIV prevention, with a focus on first responders, pregnant women and sex trafficking survivors, groups that aren’t major at-risk populations. Researchers have found that this pivot will be a less efficient use of funds, costing $1 million per life-year saved versus $68,600 when focusing on the most at-risk populations.

    Preventive care and the Affordable Care Act

    The ongoing stigma and politicization of HIV/AIDS may not only hamper the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic but also lead to less or no preventive care for many people.

    Section 2713 of the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to offer full coverage of preventive services endorsed by one of three federal groups: the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or the Health Resources and Services Administration. For example, the CARES Act, which allocated emergency funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, used this provision to ensure COVID-19 vaccines would be free for many Americans.

    For a preventive service to be covered by this provision, it requires an A or B rating from the Preventive Services Task Force, an independent body of experts trained in research methods, statistics and medicine that evaluates the rigor and quality of available scientific evidence, with support from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Vaccinations require a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while women’s health services require approval from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

    PrEP received an A rating in June 2019, given its near 100% effectiveness. This paved the way for it to be covered at no cost for millions of people.

    PrEP is a key tool to helping the U.S. reach its goal of substantially reducing new HIV infections by 2030.
    AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

    Over 150 million Americans with private health insurance are able to benefit from free preventive care through the Affordable Care Act, with around 60% using at least one free preventive service each year.

    The consequences of losing these benefits would likely be an increase in the number of people getting and dying from preventable diseases. Raising the cost barrier for PrEP, for example, would disproportionately harm younger patients, people of color and those with lower incomes. It will also increase the cost of HIV prevention.

    As public health researchers who study sexual health and health insurance, we believe that prevention and health equity in the U.S. stand to take a big step backward, depending on the outcome of the Braidwood case.

    Future of preventive care lies with Supreme Court

    The most recent ruling in Braidwood – made by a lower court in 2023 – focuses on the appointments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that certain governmental positions require presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, while other positions have a lower bar.

    District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that because the Preventive Services Task Force is an independent volunteer panel and not made up of officers of the U.S. government, it does not have appropriate authority to make decisions about what preventive care should be free, unlike the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or Health Resources and Services Administration. O’Connor also ruled that being forced to cover PrEP violated the religious freedom of the plaintiffs.

    O’Connor invalidated all of the task force’s recommendations since the Affordable Care Act was passed in March 2010, returning the power to insurers and employers to decide which, if any, preventive care would remain free to their patients. A few of the recommendations affected by his ruling besides PrEP include blood pressure, diabetes, lung and skin cancer screenings, along with medications to lower cholesterol and reduce breast cancer risk.

    The Trump administration filed a brief continuing the argument from the Biden administration that because the Preventive Services Task Force is overseen by the secretary of Health and Human Services, there is appropriate oversight of the task force and its decision-making by a Senate-confirmed officer. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for April 21, 2025.

    The Affordable Care Act has faced many legal challenges over the years.
    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    Insurance contracts are typically defined by calendar year, so if the Supreme Court rules against the government, people would likely see changes starting in 2026. Importantly, these services will likely still need to be covered by health insurance plans as essential health benefits through a separate provision of the ACA − they just won’t be free anymore.

    There were concerns that the Supreme Court could take the ruling even further, endangering the free coverage of contraception and other preventive care that wasn’t covered by the lower court ruling. The Trump administration’s support for the case may make this less likely by leaning into the authority of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary to support or override recommendations made by the Preventive Services Task Force and the other bodies.

    However, this could also mean the secretary of HHS can more directly control the task force’s recommendations, potentially determining whether PrEP, contraception and other services are available at no cost to patients. Building more political authority into the process − as well as partisan differences in support for LGBTQ+ health − belies the original intent of having nonpartisan medical experts make decisions about preventive care coverage. Legal experts we have spoken to caution that this approach may be more about preserving powers for the executive branch rather than actually protecting preventive care.

    All of this is happening in the context of massive layoffs at HHS. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which supports the Preventive Services Task Force, was not spared from the recent cuts. It is unclear how all of this will affect the task force’s ability to continue its work, separate from the outcome of Braidwood.

    One way or another, the end to this yearslong case is nearing, with important implications for America’s ability to reach its goals in fighting cancer, diabetes and the HIV epidemic.

    Portions of this article originally appeared in previous articles published on Sept. 7, 2021, Dec. 1, 2021, Sept. 13, 2022, and April 7, 2023.

    Paul Shafer receives research funding from the National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of these agencies or the United States government.

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

    – ref. Preventive care may no longer be free in 2026 because of HIV stigma − unless the Trump administration successfully defends the ACA – https://theconversation.com/preventive-care-may-no-longer-be-free-in-2026-because-of-hiv-stigma-unless-the-trump-administration-successfully-defends-the-aca-250011

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Hanna D. Paton, PhD Candidate in Immunology, University of Iowa

    There is currently no bird flu vaccine for people. Digicomphoto/ Science Photo Library via Getty Images

    The flu sickens millions of people in the U.S. every year, and the past year has been particularly tough. Although infections are trending downward, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called the winter of 2024-2025 a “high severity” season with the highest hospitalization rate in 15 years.

    Since early 2024, a different kind of flu called bird flu, formally known as avian influenza, has been spreading in birds as well as in cattle. The current bird flu outbreak has infected 70 Americans and caused two deaths as of April 8, 2025. Public health and infectious disease experts say the risk to people is currently low, but they have expressed concern that this strain of the bird flu virus may mutate to spread between people.

    As a doctoral candidate in immunology, I study how pathogens that make us sick interact with our immune system. The viruses that cause seasonal flu and bird flu are distinct but still closely related. Understanding their similarities and differences can help people protect themselves and their loved ones.

    What is influenza?

    The flu has long been a threat to public health. The first recorded influenza pandemic occurred in 1518, but references to illnesses possibly caused by influenza stretch back as as early as 412 B.C., to a treatise called Of the Epidemics by the Greek physician Hippocrates.

    Today, the World Health Organization estimates that the flu infects 1 billion people every year. Of these, 3 million to 5 million infections cause severe illness, and hundreds of thousands are fatal.

    Influenza is part of a large family of viruses called orthomyxoviruses. This family contains several subtypes of influenza, referred to as A, B, C and D, which differ in their genetic makeup and in the types of infections they cause. Influenza A and B pose the largest threat to humans and can cause severe disease. Influenza C causes mild disease, and influenza D is not known to infect people. Since the turn of the 20th century, influenza A has caused four pandemics. Influenza B has never caused a pandemic.

    A notice from Oct. 18, 1918, during the Spanish flu pandemic, about protecting yourself from infection.
    Illustrated Current News/National Library of Medicine, CC BY

    An influenza A strain called H1N1 caused the famous 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed about 50 million people worldwide. A related H1N1 virus was responsible for the most recent influenza A pandemic in 2009, commonly referred to as the swine flu pandemic. In that case, scientists believe multiple different types of influenza A virus mixed their genetic information to produce a new and especially virulent strain of the virus that infected more than 60 million people in the U.S. from April 12, 2009, to April 10, 2010, and caused huge losses to the agriculture and travel industries.

    Both swine and avian influenza are strains of influenza A. Just as swine flu strains tend to infect pigs, avian flu strains tend to infect birds. But the potential for influenza A viruses that typically infect animals to cause pandemics in humans like the swine flu pandemic is why experts are concerned about the current avian influenza outbreak.

    Seasonal flu versus bird flu

    Different strains of influenza A and influenza B emerge each year from about October to May as seasonal flu. The CDC collects and analyzes data from public health and clinical labs to determine which strains are circulating through the population and in what proportions. For example, recent data shows that H1N1 and H3N2, both influenza A viruses, were responsible for the vast majority of cases this season. Standard tests for influenza generally determine whether illness is caused by an A or B strain, but not which strain specifically.

    Officials at the Food and Drug Administration use this information to make strain recommendations for the following season’s influenza vaccine. Although the meeting at which FDA advisers were to decide the makeup of the 2026 flu vaccine was unexpectedly canceled in late February, the FDA still released its strain recommendations to manufacturers.

    The recommendations do not include H5N1, the influenza A strain that causes avian flu. The number of strains that can be added into seasonal influenza vaccines is limited. Because cases of people infected with H5N1 are minimal, population-level vaccination is not currently necessary. As such, seasonal flu vaccines are not designed to protect against avian influenza. No commercially available human vaccines currently exist for avian influenza viruses.

    How do people get bird flu?

    Although H5N1 mainly infects birds, it occasionally infects people, too. Human cases, first reported in 1997 in Hong Kong, have primarily occurred in poultry farm workers or others who have interacted closely with infected birds.

    Initially identified in China in 1996, the first major outbreak of H5 family avian flu occurred in North America in 2014-2015. This 2014 outbreak was caused by the H5N8 strain, a close relative of H5N1. The first H5N1 outbreak in North America began in 2021 when infected birds carried the virus across the ocean. It then ripped through poultry farms across the continent.

    The H5N1 strain of influenza A generally infects birds but has infected people, too.
    NIAID and CDC/flickr, CC BY

    In March 2024, epidemiologists identified H5N1 infections in cows on dairy farms. This is the first time that bird flu was reported to infect cows. Then, on April 1, 2024, health officials in Texas reported the first case of a person catching bird flu from infected cattle. This was the first time transmission of bird flu between mammals was documented.

    As of March 21, 2025, there have been 988 human cases of H5N1 worldwide since 1997, about half of which resulted in death. The current outbreak in the U.S. accounts for 70 of those infections and one death. Importantly, there have been no reports of H5N1 spreading directly from one person to another.

    Since avian flu is an influenza A strain, it would show up as positive on a standard rapid flu test. However, there is no evidence so far that avian flu is significantly contributing to current influenza cases. Specific testing is required to confirm that a person has avian flu. This testing is not done unless there is reason to believe the person was exposed to sick birds or other sources of infection.

    How might avian flu become more dangerous?

    As viruses replicate within the cells of their host, their genetic information can get copied incorrectly. Some of these genetic mutations cause no immediate differences, while others alter some key viral characteristics.

    Influenza viruses mutate in a special way called reassortment, which occurs when multiple strains infect the same cell and trade pieces of their genome with one another, potentially creating new, unique strains. This process prolongs the time the virus can inhabit a host before an infection is cleared. Even a slight change in a strain of influenza can result in the immune system’s inability to recognize the virus. As a result, this process forces our immune systems to build new defenses instead of using immunity from previous infections.

    Reassortment can also change how harmful strains are to their host and can even enable a strain to infect a different species of host. For example, strains that typically infect pigs or birds may acquire the ability to infect people. Influenza A can infect many different types of animals, including cattle, birds, pigs and horses. This means there are many strains that can intermingle to create novel strains that people’s immune systems have not encountered before – and are therefore not primed to fight.

    It is possible for this type of transformation to also occur in H5N1. The CDC monitors which strains of flu are circulating in order prepare for that possibility. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a surveillance system for monitoring potential threats for spillover from birds and other animals, although this capacity may be at risk due to staff cuts in the department.

    These systems are critical to ensure that public health officials have the most up-to-date information on the threat that H5N1 poses to public health and can take action as early as possible when a threat is evident.

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

    – ref. How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains – https://theconversation.com/how-bird-flu-differs-from-seasonal-flu-an-infectious-disease-researcher-explains-248407

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Cyabra Announces Record 2024 Financial Performance, Doubling Revenue and Strengthening Gross Margins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyabra Strategy Ltd. (“Cyabra”), a leading AI platform for real-time disinformation detection, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, showcasing exceptional growth and strengthened gross margins. The company’s revenue surged from $1.9 million in 2023 to $4.2 million in 2024, marking a 116% year-over-year increase. Additionally, Cyabra significantly improved its gross margins, rising from 69% in 2023 to 81% in 2024, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and strong demand for its cutting-edge technology solutions.

    “This past year has been transformative for Cyabra, as our capabilities continue to set the standard in the fight against disinformation,” said Dan Brahmy, CEO and Co-Founder of Cyabra. “Our strong revenue growth and gross margin expansion demonstrate the increasing reliance of enterprises and governments on our technology to navigate the evolving digital landscape.”

    The company’s robust performance in 2024 was driven by increased demand from both public and private sector clients, as organizations increasingly recognize the need to identify the sources of harmful narratives and inauthentic online activity.

    Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corporation I (NASDAQ: TBMC), a blank-check special-purpose acquisition company.

    FINANCIAL RESULTS

    • Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, were approximately $4,155 thousand, reflecting an increase of 116% compared to $1,922 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023. The growth in revenues was primarily due to an expansion in the customer base, with approximately 50% of 2024 revenues coming from new customers acquired during the year.
    • Cost of revenues for 2024 was approximately $782 thousand, marking an increase of 30% from $603 thousand in 2023. This increase was primarily driven by a higher level of commercial activity.
    • Research and development expenses for 2024 were approximately $4,653 thousand, an increase of 30% compared to $3,593 thousand in 2023, largely due to expanded payroll and personnel investments in Cyabra’s R&D team.
    • Sales and marketing expenses for 2024 reached approximately $3,316 thousand, reflecting an increase of 21% from $2,738 thousand in 2023. This was primarily due to an increase in headcount and related expenses in sales and marketing teams.
    • General and administrative expenses for 2024 were approximately $4,602 thousand, an increase of 395% compared to $929 thousand in 2023. The increase was mainly attributed to higher professional services costs associated with the business combination with Trailblazer, along with increased payroll and related expenses.
    • Finance expenses for 2024 were approximately $6,398 thousand, an increase of 959% compared to $604 thousand in 2023. The increase was mainly due to increased expenses related to the revaluation of financial liabilities measured at fair value.
    • Total loss for 2024 amounted to approximately $15,610 thousand, reflecting an increase of 138% from $6,550 thousand in 2023, primarily driven by the factors described above.

    About Cyabra
    Cyabra is a real-time AI-powered platform that uncovers and analyzes online disinformation and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and GenAI content across social media and digital news channels. Cyabra’s AI solutions protect corporations and governments against brand reputation risks, election manipulation, foreign interference, and other online threats. Cyabra’s platform leverages proprietary algorithms and NLP solutions, gathering and analyzing publicly available data to provide clear, actionable insights and real-time alerts that inform critical decision-making. Cyabra uncovers the good, bad, and fake online.

    For more information, visit www.cyabra.com

    Media Contact:
    Jill Burkes
    Jill@cyabra.com
    Signal Contact: Jillabra.24

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Miri Segal
    MS-IR
    msegal@ms-ir.com

    About Trailblazer
    Trailblazer is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. For more information, visit: www.trailblazermergercorp.com

     
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, U.S. dollars in thousands (except share data)
           
        2024
    		   2023
    Assets          
    Current assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   927     520  
    Restricted cash   19     6  
    Accounts receivable   113     70  
    Other current assets   194     108  
    Total current assets   1,253     704  
               
    Non-Current Assets          
    Operating right-of-use asset   551     41  
    Property and equipment, net   143     98  
    Total non-current assets   694     139  
    Total Assets   1,947     843  
               
    Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Capital Deficiency          
    Current liabilities          
    Trade accounts payable   1,084     141  
    Current maturities of long-term loans   1,175     1,179  
    Operating lease liability   190     40  
    Deferred revenues   2,423     1,473  
    Employees and related   983     675  
    Other current liabilities   684     321  
    Convertible notes   11,649     –  
    Total current liabilities   18,188     3,829  
               
    Non-Current Liabilities          
    Long-term loans   198     1,376  
    Operating lease liability   389     –  
    Long-term deferred revenues   362     154  
    Liability for future equity (SAFE)   1,206     –  
    Liability with respect to warrants   244     93  
    Total non-current liabilities   2,399     1,623  
    Total liabilities   20,587     5,452  
               
    Commitments and contingent liabilities          
               
    Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares:          
    Redeemable Preferred A and A-1 shares, NIS 0.01 par value: 607,373 shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 515,186 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 Aggregate liquidation preference of $6,838 and $6,511 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively; Redeemable Preferred A-2 and A-3 shares, NIS 0.01 par value: 596,056 shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and 388,739 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively Aggregate liquidation preference of $6,242 and $5,944 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.   11,780     11,780  
               
    Capital Deficiency:          
    Ordinary shares, NIS 0.01 par value: 8,796,571 shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and 651,571 and 628,801 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.   2     2  
    Additional paid in capital   4,132     2,553  
    Accumulated deficit   (34,554 )   (18,944 )
    Total capital deficiency   (30,420 )   (16,389 )
    Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and capital deficiency   1,947     843  
                 
     
    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31,U.S. dollars in thousands (except per share data)
                 
        2024     2023  
    Revenues   4,155     1,922  
    Cost of revenues   782     603  
    Gross profit   3,373     1,319  
               
    Operating costs and expenses          
    Research and development expenses   4,653     3,593  
    Sales and marketing expenses   3,316     2,738  
    General and administrative expenses   4,602     929  
    Total operating loss   9,198     5,941  
               
    Finance expenses, net   6,398     604  
    Loss before taxes on income   15,596     6,545  
    Taxes on income   14     5  
    Net loss for the year   15,610     6,550  
               
    Loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders          
    Basic and diluted loss per share   (21.62 )   (10.29 )
               
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share   748,188     680,182  
               

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to certain products and services that are the subject of a proposed transaction (the “Business Combination”) between Trailblazer and Cyabra. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Cyabra’s business strategy, products and services, research and development costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated product offerings, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following risks relating to the proposed transaction: the ability to complete the Business Combination or, if Trailblazer does not consummate such Business Combination, any other initial business combination; expectations regarding Cyabra’s strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and Cyabra’s ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Trailblazer or Cyabra following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination due to, among other things, the failure to obtain Trailblazer stockholder approval; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts Cyabra’s current operations and future plans; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of Trailblazer’s common stock being greater than expected; limited liquidity and trading of Trailblazer’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size of the addressable markets for Cyabra’s products and services; the possibility that Trailblazer and/or Cyabra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the ability to obtain and/or maintain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq following the Business Combination; operational risk; and the risks that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur.

    Important Information for Investors and Stockholders
    In connection with the Business Combination, Trailblazer Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Trailblazer (“Holdings”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Trailblazer’s common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by its stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus of Holdings relating to the offer and sale of its securities to be issued in the Business Combination. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Trailblazer stockholders so that they may vote on the Business Combination.

    INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TRAILBLAZER ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

    Trailblazer stockholders are currently able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein, and will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, once available, in all cases without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Trailblazer at 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: 646-747-9618.

    Participants in the Solicitation
    Cyabra, Trailblazer, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trailblazer stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination. Information about Trailblazer’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Trailblazer’s securities is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the proposed Business Combination.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No sale of securities shall occur in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable laws.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ingersoll Rand Further Enhances Air Treatment Capabilities with Two Acquisitions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Execution of bolt-on acquisition strategy continues to enhance company’s durable financial profile by adding highly complementary products and capabilities focused on high-growth, sustainable end markets
    • Acquisitions will expand Ingersoll Rand’s product and technology portfolio with additional chiller and onsite gas generation offerings and support the company’s in-region for the region strategy
    • Acquisitions have a combined pre-synergy Adjusted EBITDA purchase multiple of high-single digits

    DAVIDSON, N.C., April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ingersoll Rand Inc., (NYSE: IR) a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions, has acquired G & D Chillers, Inc. (“G & D”) and Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. (“AGT”) for a combined purchase price of approximately $27 million to further grow the company’s air treatment portfolio.

    G & D, headquartered in the United States, builds premium glycol chillers to cool liquids, especially in applications requiring temperatures below freezing, like in breweries, wineries, and food processing. G & D expands Ingersoll Rand’s manufacturing, engineering, and Engineer to Order (ETO) capabilities for chillers in the North American market.

    AGT, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, is a custom designer and supplier of onsite gas generation systems serving industrial customers primarily in Canada. This acquisition adds new packaging capabilities and an established channel presence.

    G & D and AGT will both join the Industrial Technologies and Services segment (IT&S).

    “I would like to extend a warm welcome to the employees of G & D and AGT,” said Vicente Reynal, chairman and chief executive officer of Ingersoll Rand. “Both are solid businesses with strong performance and growth potential backed by great teams. Their offerings in the air treatment space will be beneficial as we continually look for ways to better serve our customers.”

    About Ingersoll Rand Inc.

    Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE: IR), driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset, is dedicated to Making Life Better for our employees, customers, shareholders, and planet. Customers lean on us for exceptional performance and durability in mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions. Supported by over 80+ respected brands, our products and services excel in the most complex and harsh conditions. Our employees develop customers for life through their daily commitment to expertise, productivity, and efficiency. For more information, visit www.IRCO.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to Ingersoll Rand Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Ingersoll Rand”) expectations regarding the performance of its business, its financial results, its liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “target,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “predict,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “on track to” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “guidance” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based on Ingersoll Rand’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from these current expectations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) adverse impact on our operations and financial performance due to natural disaster, catastrophe, global pandemics (including COVID-19), geopolitical tensions, cyber events or other events outside of our control; (2) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from completed and proposed business combinations; (3) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the Company; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of completed and proposed business combinations; (5) the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; (6) difficulties and delays in achieving revenue and cost synergies; (7) inability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel; (8) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (9) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (10) actions by third parties, including government agencies; and (11) other risk factors detailed in Ingersoll Rand’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as such factors may be updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.

    Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Ingersoll Rand undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations:
    Matthew.Fort@irco.com

    Media:
    Sara.Hassell@irco.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Sees 170% Surge in Trading Volume Amid Zero-Fee Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has reported a notable increase in trading activity following the launch of its Zero-Fee Trading Campaign in the first quarter of 2025. The program aimed to remove fees from particular futures trading pairs while simultaneously boosting user interaction and substantial growth throughout essential platform metrics.

    During the first three months of the year, the platform witnessed an increase of 17.8% in monthly active traders and a 170.2% surge in trading volume, driven by the introduction of popular trading pairs such as SOL/USDT, HYPE/USDT, and S/USDT. These listings matched user preferences and overall market trends, reinforcing MEXC’s position as a leader in both exchange performance and liquidity depth.

    Top Performing Pairs: SOL/USDT and ADA/USDT
    The campaign’s most active trading pairs included SOL/USDT together with DOGE/USDT, ADA/USDT, TRUMPOFFICIAL/USDT and SUI/USDT.

    SOL/USDT achieved the highest trading volume increase of 185.62%, comprising 19% of total futures trading volume and becoming the leading pair of the quarter. ADA/USDT showed outstanding growth through a 369.44% increase in trading volume accompanied by a 393.05% increase in daily average share, highlighting the effectiveness of zero fees in boosting interest for promising assets.

     

    Market Share Growth: Dominance in Key Trading Pairs
    In terms of market share growth, AIXBT/USDT led the rankings with a 331% increase, followed by DOGE/USDT (+283%) and SOL/USDT (+209%). Notably, DOGE/USDT and SOL/USDT achieved the highest market share in their categories on CoinMarketCap, at 30.5% and 30.3%, respectively. ADA/USDT followed with a 20.6% share, securing second place in its category, while HYPE/USDT posted a 165% increase in market share.

    • AIXBT/USDT (+331%)
    • DOGE/USDT (+283%)
    • SOL/USDT (+209%)
    • ADA/USDT (+186%)
    • HYPE/USDT (+165%)

    A Breakthrough in Campaign Performance and Exchange Leadership
    During Q1 2025, the Zero Trading Fee Campaign established MEXC as a leading force behind market volume and activity for both well-known and up-and-coming tokens. MEXC achieved wider trader participation and increased liquidity by eliminating fees on popular trading pairs.

    The campaign’s success is attributed to precise timing, well-chosen trading pairs, and a clear, simplified fee structure — rather than external incentives or large-scale marketing. These results suggest that subtle adjustments to cost structures can have an outsized impact on user engagement and trading dynamics.

    MEXC continues to evaluate the results of the initiative and explore further opportunities to enhance user experience in the upcoming quarters.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cd397ca-cf58-4026-8e47-82d170d6ae97
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19053981-1bc0-4171-9a41-3444f28164e0
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/793e6557-ca50-45ee-98ff-122847da1aa9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump has shown he will backtrack on tariffs. What does that say about how to wage a trade war?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Antonio Navas, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield

    Countries can target products that they can produce themselves or source from other partners. darksoul72/Shutterstock

    Amid Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war with China, the world has been left in no doubt. Consistent with his campaign messaging, and going against the overwhelming majority of economists’ advice, it’s clear that the US president still loves tariffs. He is ready to use them as a bargaining tool – and also to change them on a whim.

    Countries responded to the tariffs announced on “liberation day” in different ways – before Trump backtracked and announced a 90-day pause. But China – which was not granted the pause – refused to back down. It hit back with extra tariffs of its own on US imports, affecting mainly agricultural goods.

    Before Trump announced the delay, the EU had also shown it was prepared to hit back (before climbing down itself in response to the pause). Meanwhile Canada had initially retaliated angrily with tariffs and consumer boycotts.

    This contrasts with the muted response of the UK government, despite the tariff on steel clearly affecting its economy. “Cool heads” are one thing. But knowing what we do now about how easily Trump changes his mind on this matter, is the UK following the right course of action?

    Economists have long studied the impact of trade wars and find no good news for the countries involved. Studies suggest that trade wars end up in high tariffs that are damaging to consumers in both of the nations involved.

    Recent studies of the 2018 US-China trade war, initiated by Trump, document that US citizens have suffered significantly since that time. The tariff was mostly passed on to US consumers, resulting in higher prices and less choice for shoppers. These offset any gains in government revenue and competitive advantage for domestic producers.

    Other evidence suggests that there was a significant decline in Chinese economic activity in sectors for which the US tariffs were introduced, such as solar panels and washing machines.

    So there’s clearly a lot to lose for both sides. Imposing tariffs on foreign goods may damage a nation’s own consumers. If that country is thinking of counterattacking with retaliatory tariffs, then it must consider what its ultimate goals are. It must also think of the price it is prepared to pay.

    Consider the next move

    Among the potential goals, two stand out. First, to convince the country initiating the trade war to drop its tariffs. And second, to avoid tariffs from other countries in future.

    An effective tariff retaliation should target selected goods. This minimises the negative impacts in the domestic economy and maximises the harm to the foreign economy. It can be achieved by targeting goods that have easy substitutes in the domestic economy – an example might be scotch whisky as a substitute for bourbon in the UK.

    And they should target products that are supported by powerful lobbies in the rival country. That could be, for example, sugar or soybeans in the US. When their sectors are hit, these lobby groups can flex their muscles to press governments for change or demand subsidies to cover their losses.

    But there can also be complicating factors – governments should be aware of global value chains and interlinked production between countries when targeting goods.

    Studies published after the first Trump administration found that in response to Trump’s 2018 tariffs, countries retaliated by targeting goods that could easily be substituted in their economies and which would hurt Trump’s voter base.

    This appears to mirror what the EU outlined in its now-paused retaliation plans, by slapping tariffs on key exports from states that voted for Trump in 2024. These products included soybeans, tobacco and steel. The bloc has also been considering new taxes against big US tech firms.

    This retaliatory strategy should increase pressure on the country that initiated the trade war to drop their initial tariffs. In theory, at least.

    The first US-China trade war, which resulted in five waves of tariffs and subsequent retaliations, concluded with a trade deal in January 2020. Under the deal, the US cut some of the tariffs and China committed to increase US imports by US$200 billion (£151 billion) over the next two years.

    It is difficult to say whether retaliatory tariffs played a role in the de-escalation of US-China tensions. But US businesses and consumers could indeed have felt the pain from tariffs on Chinese goods. This may have influenced the US’s willingness to negotiate.

    In a parallel trade war over US steel and aluminium in 2018, the EU imposed retaliatory tariffs on iconic US goods such as jeans and Harley-Davidson motorbikes. This led to the renegotiation of some of the tariffs in 2021. The tariffs were eventually paused under president Joe Biden’s administration.

    Trade wars harm both sides and negotiations should be the first tool to use when disputes arise. Given how unpredictable Trump is on this matter, the UK’s response of not rushing into retaliation seems like a sensible approach. But at the same time, it should keep the threat of tariffs on the table for any future negotiations. With Trump, all countries should remember to expect the unexpected.

    Antonio Navas 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. Trump has shown he will backtrack on tariffs. What does that say about how to wage a trade war? – https://theconversation.com/trump-has-shown-he-will-backtrack-on-tariffs-what-does-that-say-about-how-to-wage-a-trade-war-254265

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Experts Explain: What are the long-term economic trends to watch?

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    What’s really driving the world economy? In our latest episode of Experts Explain, we explore the long-term economic trends shaping our future — from shifting trade dynamics and the rise of AI to the global impact of ageing populations.

    While news moves fast, long-term economic trends take months, even years to emerge. To find out what major issues will shape the world’s economic future, we sat down with 5 Chief Economists:

    – Rima Bhatia, Group Economic Advisor, Gulf International Bank
    – Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist, World Trade Organization
    – Nela Richardson, Chief Economist and ESG Officer, ADP Research Institute
    – Tomas Castagnino – Managing Director of Economic Research, Accenture Research
    – Paul Gruenwald – Global Chief Economist at S&P Global Ratings

    The World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists community discusses global economic trends and developments and publishes their Outlook three times per year. Read more here: http://wef.ch/chiefeconomists

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► / worldeconomicforum
    YouTube ► / wef
    Instagram ► / worldeconomicforum
    X ► / wef
    LinkedIn ► / world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► / worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxTa-_47Gjg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Key takeaways from the first ICC WCF African Summit 2025 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Key takeaways from the first ICC WCF African Summit 2025 

    With support from 20 National Committees and more than 130 chamber members, the event underscored the expanding influence of ICC in the region. It provided a valuable space for African businesses to engage in international trade and foster connections that will drive future growth.  

    In an inspiring opening keynote, the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. DR. William Ruto, said:

    “Africa is becoming more connected, integrated and entrepreneurial. Our success will depend on how ready we are to embrace change. Hosting this first ever WCF Africa Summit, it is such an honour. Chambers of commerce are indispensable because they bring smart solutions to business and help them navigate the world complexity.”

    ICC Chair Philipe Varin added :

    “The International Chamber of Commerce is firmly committed to working with individual African countries and pan-African organisations to ensure that the full potential of the continent can be fully realised – in line with the objectives set forth in the Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for sustainable development.” 

    Making business work for Africa 

    This landmark event was organised under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to foster economic growth, innovation, and collaboration. The two-day event highlighted Africa’s growing investment potential and innovative ecosystems while showcasing the region’s leadership in sustainable development. 

    Two key workshops were held focusing on the digitalisation of trade and the impact of global policy changes on Africa.  

    A masterclass led by Managing Director of ICC Digital Standards Initiative Pamela Mar, addressed major challenges in digital trade, including standards interoperability, digital trust, and legal frameworks. It highlighted the importance of policy and legal reforms in supporting Africa’s digital trade transformation. 

    Another masterclass on the recent U.S. tariff changes, was led by ICC Head of Trade, Valerie Picard, and explored recent tariffs’ impact on African exporters and trade policy. The session emphasised the role of chambers in helping members adapt and shape a responsive trade agenda for Africa. 

    The sessions aimed to provide African businesses and chambers with the tools to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.   

    The African Summit was full of valuable insights into digitalisation of trade and shifting global policies. As the first major WCF event in 20 years held in Africa, the summit marked a crucial step in strengthening the continent’s trade position.  

    The next WCF event will be held in Melbourne, the host city for the 14th World Chambers Congress.  

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank delivered exceptional 2024 financial performance, cementing its position as a systemic pan-African trade finance institution

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

    CAIRO, Egypt, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Group”) (www.Afreximbank.com) has released the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

    Financial Highlights

    Afreximbank reported strong financial performance despite a complex global economic landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and elevated interest rate, posting a net income of US$973.5 million for FY 2024, a 29% increase from the previous year – with subsidiaries beginning to make meaningful contributions to the Group’s financial results.

    These impressive results highlight Afreximbank’s resilience, systemic relevance and its commitment to delivering on its mandate and the objectives set under its Sixth Strategic Plan. The Group’s total income increased by 23% to reach US$3.3 billion, driven by growth in business volumes and supported by higher market interest rates. As a result, net interest income for FY2024 amounted to US$1.8 billion, a 25% increase compared to FY2023, reflecting the effective and efficient management of borrowing costs.

    Despite rising operating expenses, Cost-to-Income ratio improved to 18% in FY 2024, down from 19% in the previous year – demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency. This was achieved even as total operating expenses rose by 21% to US$367.7 million (FY2023: US$304.5 million), primarily due to global inflationary pressures and increased investment in human capital to support expanded business activities.

    Group’s total assets, including contingencies, grew by 7.55%, reaching US$40.1 billion as of 31 December 2024, compared to US$37.3 billion at the close of FY’2023. The growth was largely driven by increases in net loans and advances to customers, guarantees and letters of credit, as well as investments at fair value, property and equipment.

    The carrying value of property and equipment increased by 33%, rising from US$328.1 million to US$436.4 million, primarily driven by the accelerated construction of the state-of-the-art Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, and Harare, Zimbabwe.

    The Group’s Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% in 2024, reaching US$7.2 billion (FY’2023: US$6.1 billion). This growth was largely driven by the Net income of US$973.5 million generated in 2024 which contributed to the increase in equity, while FY’2023 dividends of US$314.5 million were appropriated following the Shareholders’ approval in June 2024. Additionally, the successful capital-raising efforts under the second general capital increase (GCI II) programme, which secured fresh equity contributions totalling US$412.8 million during the year also contributed to the increase in Group shareholders’s funds.

    The Bank’s callable capital, a significant proportion of which was credit enhanced as part of the Bank’s Capital Management Strategy, amounted to US$4.3 billion as at 31 December 2024 (FY’2023: US$3.7 billion).

    Operating Highlights

    In 2024, Afreximbank was ranked number one in all three categories in the Bloomberg Capital Markets League Tables Report for African Capital Markets. The Bank was the top Sub-Saharan Africa bookrunner, administrative agent and mandated lead arranger. These rankings affirm the Bank’s role as a market leader in facilitating capital from within and outside of the continent from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders for financing needs for African member states and organizations.

    Afreximbank continued to expand its membership, further deepening its continental and diaspora reach. Libya’s accession to the Establishment Agreement brought the number of African member states to 53 by year-end, and just weeks later, Somalia became the 54th participating state. On the Caribbean front, membership momentum remained strong, with 12 of the 15 CARICOM countries having signed the Bank’s Participating Agreement, paving way for Afreximbank to expand its operations into the region.

    The Bank’s subsidiaries also delivered a robust growth and made a significant impact throughout the year. The Fund for Export Development (FEDA), the equity investment subsidiary of the Bank, expanded its impact portfolio to over US$0.5 billion, targeting key sectors such as industrial platforms, financial services, agribusiness, and healthcare. AfrexInsure, the Bank’s specialty insurance subsidiary, successfully deployed its solutions to an expanding customer base across multiple sectors and geographies. By year-end, AfrexInsure had completed transactions in seventeen countries, up from seven the previous year, covering US$3.54 billion in assets. Notably, AfrexInsure was able to place 97% of its premiums with pan-African players, in line with its mandate to keep premiums on the continent.

    The Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with 3 additional Central Banks and 50 commercial banks joining the platform, bringing the total number of Central Banks to 16 and commercial banks to 144. In addition, PAPSS launched the African Currency Marketplace (PACM) in 2024, which successfully handled 12 currencies during its pilot phase and becoming a useful platform for large corporates encountering difficulties in repatriating funds across the continent. Work is also progressing towar the launch of the PAPSS card, further enhancing the platform’s capacity to facilitate seamless financial transactions across the continent.

    In the last quarter of 2024, the Bank priced its debut Samurai bond, securing a regular 5 tranche JPY 67.2 billion. Concurrently, the Bank launched its inaugural Retail Samurai bond with a 3-year fixed-rated tranche valued at JPY 14.1 billion. The bonds are rated ‘A-’ by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd and helped with diversifying the Bank’s funding sources.

    The fundraising opportunities were further validated by the AAA/Stable rating awarded to the Bank by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), the highest rating ever granted to an African multilateral financial institution. This prestigious rating not only affirms the Bank’s developmental impact and operational strength but also enhances our ability to diversify funding sources and strengthen our partnership with China, Africa’s largest trading partner.

    Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria will hold the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from 4-10 September 2025. The event, the largest of its kind in Africa, champions the cause of changing the socio-economic landscape of Africa by devising progressive initiatives aimed at promoting intra-African trade, continental integration and a platform for bringing the AfCFTA vision to life.

    Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

    “In a challenging and rapidly evolving global geopolitical and economic environment, the Group delivered robust financial performance, exceeding expectations and outperforming prior years. This achievement highlights management’s commitment to executing the 6th Strategic Plan, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing value. The Bank’s strong financial position is underpinned by solid liquidity, a well-capitalized balance sheet, and a high-quality asset portfolio. Management remains confident in the Group’s ability to navigate ongoing economic headwinds and sustain growth trajectory. Strategic initiatives to mitigate risks and optimize operations have reinforced the foundation for long-term success. Looking ahead, global economic conditions are expected to remain volatile, with inflationary pressures, tighter financial conditions, and geopolitical uncertainties posing potential risks. The Bank will continue to play its role as a systemically relevant institution, balancing growth, liquidity, profitability, and risk management while pursuing sustainable expansion.”

    Highlights of the results for the Group and Bank are shown below:

    Financial Metrics

    FY-2024

    FY-2023

    Gross Income (US$ billion)

    3.3

    2.6

    Operating Income (US$ billion)

    2.0

    1.6

    Net Income (US$ million)

    973.5

    756.1

    Total Assets (US$ billion)

    35.3

    33.5

    Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

    28.1

    27.3

    Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

    7.2

    6.1

    Net asset value per share

    US$69,270

    US$63,683

     Financial Metrics

    FY-2024

    FY-2023

    Profitability

    Return on average assets (ROAA)

    Return on average equity (ROAE)

    2.96%

    15.31%

    2.56%

    13.31%

    Operating Efficiency

    Net interest spread

    Cost-to-income ratio

    4.07%

    18.35%

    4.09%

    19.09%

    Asset Quality

    Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

    2.33%

    2.47%

    Liquidity and capital adequacy

    Cash/Total assets

    Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

    13.18%

    24%

    16.80%

    25%

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: One Month to Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025: Africa’s Energy Licensing Surge to Take Center Stage

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

    PARIS, France, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    With just one month to go to the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 forum, the event is shaping up to be a milestone moment for upstream investment on the continent. IAE 2025 will spotlight Africa’s resurgence in exploration activity – with over 150 oil and gas blocks on offer across more than 10 countries on the continent. Backed by national oil companies (NOCs), regulators and government ministries, the forum stands to connect international capital and energy opportunities to investors and developers.

    Africa’s 2025 licensing calendar is one of the most active in recent years, with countries across North, West, Central and East Africa opening acreage and reforming terms to attract global explorers. Dozens of offshore and onshore blocks are being offered through both direct negotiations and competitive bidding, with new rounds in Libya, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Algeria and Angola, among others. A central focus of the upcoming forum, these offerings are supported by revised fiscal frameworks, comprehensive seismic data and digitalized platforms aimed at streamlining investor engagement and lowering entry barriers.

    IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4jrAKig) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    The IAE 2025 program will feature dedicated sessions that highlight new opportunities, policy reforms and strategic deals. An Energy Reform Briefing on Sierra Leone will explore the structural changes aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness in upstream oil and gas. A high-profile session from the newly established South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will offer insight into the entity’s vision, followed by a live investor pitch. An “In Conversation” dialogue with TotalEnergies will explore the major’s evolving investment priorities in Africa and its role in the continent’s energy transition. Meanwhile, the Premier Invest Deal Room will showcase six major upstream transactions, providing a curated environment for qualified investors, lenders and project sponsors to engage in due diligence and financing discussions.

    IAE 2025 will welcome government officials, companies and financiers. Confirmed ministers include the Republic of Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua; Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Eperikpe Ekpo; Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum, Marcel Abéké; Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled; Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop; Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Energy, Malam Sambu; and Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye.

    Industry participation ranges from leading majors such as TotalEnergies, Eni and Perenco, to NOCs including SNPC, SANPC, Gabon Oil Company and Uganda National Petroleum Company. Junior explorers and independents like Afentra, Trident Energy, Oando, UTM Offshore and EcoAtlantic will also join the conversation, alongside key players in technology and finance such as Technip Energies, NOV, SLB, Wärtsilä, Africa Finance Corporation, Rand Merchant Bank and the Trade and Development Bank. Together, leaders from both public and private sectors will engage in high-level discussions on topics ranging from financing the next generation of energy projects, to optimizing value from mature and mid-life assets, as well as transforming power generation across the continent.

    As global investors seek scalable growth opportunities and secure supply options, Africa is presenting a compelling case for upstream development and gas-led industrialization. With one month to go, IAE 2025 offers a timely and focused opportunity to engage with the people, projects and policies shaping the next chapter of African energy.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX AFRICA Morocco’s third edition opens to the continent’s largest gathering of globally influential tech leaders, government officials and innovators

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

    RABAT, Morocco, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup show today opened its doors to the biggest players across the local, regional and international digital landscapes, turning the city of Marrakech into an epicentre of advanced technology, talent, and transformation.

    Running until 16 April, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organised by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of GITEX events globally.

    Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco opened the show’s inauguration ceremony to welcome participants from over 130 countries, 1,450 exhibitors, 350 global investors, and 650 conference speakers.

    The opening address was delivered as part of the inauguration panel session made up from key dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, Government of the United Arab Emirates, and Mr. Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).

    Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: “GITEX AFRICA affirms the growing importance of the digital economy, which represents today 15% of global GDP, or some $6.5 trillion. Aware of the challenges of this digital revolution, the Kingdom of Morocco is actively committed to building a future where digitalization, and through it AI, constitutes a lever for progress, for the benefit of all. It is in this sense that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, affirmed in his speech to the Extraordinary Summit of heads of state and government of the African Union in Kigali, in March 2018: “Africa is on its way to becoming a global digital laboratory.” A wise and enlightened vision that continues to guide the initiatives of our country and our continent.”

    Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: “This international event, organised under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI may God Assist Him, has become one of the most prominent digital and technological gatherings on the African and international levels. It is no longer just an occasion to showcase the latest innovations, but has become a strategic place to strengthen digital inclusion between African countries, to build bridges of cooperation with our international partners, and to accelerate the pace of sustainable digital transformation. This reflects our firm ambition and strong commitment to achieve an inclusive digital transition and to establishing a new digital culture that prioritises the advancement of administration, entrepreneurial fabric, and society, as well as to build of a developed and competitive digital economy.”

    Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN International, said: “As we enter the third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, there is a strong sense of momentum and purpose. This event has evolved into a powerful platform driving Africa’s digital future and, with AI at the forefront of global innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as a hub for an incredible transformation across the continent. This is backed by ambitious national strategies, a vibrant ecosystem of startups, and growing international partnerships. GITEX AFRICA Morocco serves not just as a showcase agenda-defining tech, but also as a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and scaling, connecting African innovators and talent with global markets and empowering the next generation to build, revolutionise, and lead the AI economy.”

    This year GITEX AFRICA Morocco is primed to forge new partnerships and explore new industries, thereby elevating its influence and impact on Africa’s digital landscape even further. The 2025 edition presents an expanded agenda and representation from new countries from the African, European and Asian continents including, Belgium, Gabon, Niger, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Zambia. In addition to the show’s traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, and telecoms the event will also cover energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech.

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco returns for its third year with support from institutional partners: ANRT, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF, OCP, ONDA, AMDIE, ONMT and CGEM.

    For news and updates on GITEX AFRICA Morocco, please visit: www.GITEXAfrica.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes The Monarch Cement Co. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced The Monarch Cement Company (OTCQX: MCEM), a leading cement manufacturer, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. The Monarch Cement Co. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    The Monarch Cement Co. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “MCEM.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About The Monarch Cement Co.
    The Monarch Cement Company is a leading cement manufacturer committed to excellence in producing high-quality cement products. With a strong focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility, Monarch is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and contributing positively to the communities it serves.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.
    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Blue Moon Metals Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Blue Moon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: MOON; OTCQX: BMOOF), a company advancing three brownfield polymetallic projects, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Blue Moon Metals Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Blue Moon Metals Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “BMOOF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market from the OTCQB Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

    “We are pleased to be upgraded to the OTCQX Best Market from the OTCQB Venture Market,” said Christian Kargl-Simard, CEO of Blue Moon Metals Inc. “With our zinc-gold-silver-copper Blue Moon Mine in the United States ready for underground exploration and development, we have many US Investors ready to invest in the Company. Our Blue Moon Mine should be producing metals critical to the global economy and national security by the end of this decade, and the OTCQX Market will facilitate that path.”

    About Blue Moon Metals Inc.
    Blue Moon is advancing three brownfield polymetallic projects, including the Nussir copper-gold-silver project in Norway, the NSG copper-zinc-gold-silver project in Norway and the Blue Moon zinc-gold-silver-copper project in the United States. All three projects are well located with existing local infrastructure including roads, power and historical infrastructure. Zinc and copper are currently on the USGS and EU list of metals critical to the global economy and national security.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool film studio scores BAFTA albert win

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    A Liverpool studio’s aim to be one of the UK’s greenest has been rewarded with a prestigious rating from the UK film industry.

    The Depot, which has hosted numerous award-nominated TV productions, has been named as a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio.

    The new accolade makes The Depot one of the leading net zero studios of its kind in the country in delivering its carbon-cutting commitments.

    Owned by Liverpool City Council and managed by the Film Office, The Depot first opened its doors in 2021 and since then has welcomed productions such as This City Is Ours, The Gathering and Sexy Beast.

    A total of 31 studios participated in this round of the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard where The Depot was awarded a rating of ‘Very Good’ with a score of 80% – compared to an average score of 77%.

    Areas in which the studio excelled were 100% LED studio lighting, providing the service of renewable generators, the sustainability policy, as well as access to green biodiverse space.

    Suggestions for improvements include installing EV charging ports, looking at the feasibility of renewable energy generation and increasing the recycling rate.

    Launched in 2022, the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard is the world’s first sustainability assessment designed to help measure and reduce the environmental impact of film and TV studios by focusing on six key areas: Climate, Circularity, Nature, People, Management and Data.

    Each studio submits data annually under the areas highlighted to then receive a performance report as well as a grade so that benchmarking work can be done to continue to make improvements and compare other studios across the world.

    This award comes after Liverpool was announced as the world’s first UN Accelerator City for climate action, which recognises the city’s commitment to trial new ways to decarbonise the music and film production sectors.

    For more information about the Film Office, and to watch the 35th anniversary celebratory showreel, head to the official website.

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:
    “This is fantastic news for the city and for film and TV productions who choose Liverpool as their place to shoot their stories for screen.

    “Not only have we achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating but The Depot is leading the way for film and TV studios in the North, proving that if you want to shoot sustainable productions, Liverpool is the very best place to do this.

    “This news follows our announcement last year about our ‘plug and play’ zones across key filming and TV sites in the city centre and is yet another important step towards the city’s net-zero future.”

    Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders, said:
    “We’re thrilled to receive the rating of ‘Very Good’ and so proud that we’ve achieved this award in the first time in entering.

    “We’re dedicated to building on the success of filming in the Liverpool City Region by creating a sustainable screen eco system, bettering not only our skills programme but the way we work with productions when they come to our region to film.

    “By having this award, we will be able to track our progress and continue to make meaningful improvements to The Depot to better the environment for generations to come.”

    Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:
    “We’re proud to be leading the charge in building a cleaner, greener economy right here in the Liverpool City Region – and with The Depot becoming a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio it shows we’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk.

    “It’s brilliant to get this kind of recognition. Every step we take to build sustainability into our everyday lives leads to bigger shift – and it’s those changes that’ll help us hit our ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2035. That’s a decade ahead of the government – and proof that when we set ourselves targets, we deliver.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Unveils New Ad Featuring FC Barcelona Star Raphinha to Champion Smarter Crypto Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, and Web3 company, is kicking off a dynamic new campaign with LALIGA, featuring Barcelona’s electrifying winger Raphinha. The new collaboration highlights Bitget’s innovative trading products—Copy Trading, Launchpool, and Pre-market—drawing a clever parallel between the precision of elite football and the strategy behind smart crypto trading via a series of videos that will be launched throughout the month of April.

    Just as Raphinha dances past defenders with samba flair or executes tiki-taka precision on the pitch, Bitget’s tools empower traders to navigate the crypto markets with agility and foresight. The campaign’s three commercials showcase this harmony, blending LALIGA’s cutting-edge approach to sports with Bitget’s tech-driven trading solutions.

    “In football, split-second decisions make the difference between a goal and a miss,” said Jorge de la Vega, LALIGA executive director. “Partnering with Bitget reflects our shared focus on innovation, performance, and strategy—whether on the field or in the markets.”

    Raphinha, who recently hit 50 goal contributions for FC Barcelona this season, echoed the sentiment: “Football and trading both demand quick thinking and the right tools. Bitget’s platform helps traders stay ahead, just like we do on the pitch.”

    The campaign isn’t just about star power; it’s about engagement. Bitget will roll out user education initiatives and trading challenges, allowing participants to win exclusive LALIGA prizes, including match tickets to see Raphinha in action for league leaders FC Barcelona. Think of it as a hat-trick of opportunities: learn, trade, and win.

    “What excites me most about this partnership isn’t just the shared spotlight between crypto and football; it’s how fundamentally alike these worlds are. When Raphinha receives the ball, he’s processing positioning, momentum, and opportunity in real-time, much like a skilled trader reading market movements,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. She added, “We’ve built tools that give users that same edge: Copy Trading lets you learn from the pros, Launchpool brings effortless passive income, and Pre-market offers early winning opportunities. This campaign celebrates that strategic mindset whether you’re trading on our platform or watching Raphinha light up the Camp Nou.”

    LALIGA’s reputation for embracing technology aligns perfectly with Bitget’s mission to make crypto trading accessible and intuitive. Both industries thrive on strategy, timing, and execution—whether it’s a perfectly placed through ball or a well-timed trade. This campaign marks the latest chapter in Bitget’s growing sports legacy, having partnered with football legend Lionel Messi and the Italian football club Juventus. As the campaign unfolds, Bitget and LALIGA aim to inspire fans and traders alike to embrace a smarter, more strategic approach, both in crypto and beyond.

    Visit Bitget’s YouTube channel for part one of the Raphinha series.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d035087-a248-41fb-a491-eb9990eff6ab

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil

    Shir Chouhan to hold bilateral meetings with Brazil Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Mr Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming Mr Luiz Paulo Teixeira,

    Theme of 15th BRICS Agricultural Ministerial Meeting is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 10:54AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the Indian delegation to the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), scheduled to be held on 17th April, 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil. The theme of 15th BRICS AMM is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”. Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran are expected to attend the Meeting.

    During the visit, Shri Chouhan will hold bilateral meetings with key Brazilian counterparts, including Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Mr. Luiz Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA). These meetings will focus on enhancing collaboration between India and Brazil in various areas of agriculture, agri-technology, rural development, and food security.

    The Minister will interact with leaders of major Brazilian agribusiness companies and representatives of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries in São Paulo, exploring avenues for partnership and investment in the agriculture value chain. As part of his visit, the Minister will also participate in a tree plantation drive at the Embassy of India in Brasilia, under the noble initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, aimed at raising environmental consciousness and honouring motherhood. In addition, the Minister will interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in São Paulo, acknowledging their role as cultural ambassadors and contributors to bilateral ties. This visit reaffirms India’s commitment to deepen cooperation with BRICS nations and to advance South-South cooperation in agricultural innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

    ***

    PSF/KSR/AR

    (Release ID: 2121725) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Volume and Price Statistics of External Merchandise Trade in February 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Volume and Price Statistics of External Merchandise Trade in February 2025 
         Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
     
         Comparing the first two months of 2025 with the same period in 2024, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 4.6% and 3.6% respectively.
     
         In February 2025, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 13.8% and 9.9% respectively over February 2024.
     
         Comparing the three-month period ending February 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 6.5% and 1.8% respectively.
     
         Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.
     
         As regards price changes in the first two months of 2025 over the same period in 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods both increased by 1.8%.
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 1.5% and 1.6% respectively.
     
         Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.
     
         The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods.  Compared with the same periods in 2024, the index decreased by 0.2% in February 2025 and 0.1% in the first two months of 2025.
     
         Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were recorded for the total export volume to Vietnam (112.0%), Taiwan (63.4%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (28.7%). On the other hand, the total export volume to the USA (-19.6%) and India (-27.2%) decreased.
     
         Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to Taiwan (5.7%), the USA (1.5%), Vietnam (1.0%) and the Mainland (0.8%) increased. On the other hand, the total export prices to India decreased by 2.5%.
     
         Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were recorded for the import volume from Taiwan (38.1%), the Mainland (19.3%) and Singapore (1.3%). On the other hand, the import volume from Japan (-3.5%) and Korea (-37.3%) decreased.
     
         Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from Korea (9.6%), Singapore (2.6%), Taiwan (2.2%) and Japan (0.2%) increased. On the other hand, the import prices from the Mainland decreased by 0.3%.
     
    Further information
     
         Details of the above statistics are published in the February 2025 issue of “Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers”. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230 
         Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 3:13PM by PIB Delhi

     

    Key Takeaways

     

    • India contributes 7.1% to global GDP through its automotive sector and ranks 4th in global vehicle production.
    • Despite a strong manufacturing base, India holds only 3% share in global traded auto components, highlighting a vast scope for expansion.
    • The Vision 2030 roadmap aims to scale production to $145bn, exports to $60bn, and generate 2–2.5 million jobs.
    • Government schemes like FAME, PM E-Drive, and PLI have mobilized ₹66,000+ crore to support EVs and localization.
    • With targeted reforms and GVC integration, India can raise its global component trade share from 3% to 8% by 2030.

     

     

    On 11th April 2024, NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, launched by Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, senior members, and the CEO of NITI Aayog. The report outlines India’s Global Value Chain (GVC) potential in the automotive sector and highlights strategic pathways for global leadership.

    India’s automotive industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing and economic growth, contributing 7.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% to manufacturing GDP. As the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, India possesses the scale and strategic depth to emerge as a global leader in the automotive value chain. The sector spans a vast ecosystem, from vehicle assembly and auto component manufacturing to deep interlinkages with critical industries such as steel, electronics, rubber, IT, and logistics. In recent years, India has seen exponential growth in vehicle production, with over 28 million units manufactured in 2023–24 alone. The industry’s contribution goes beyond industrial output, and it supports millions of direct and indirect jobs, spurs innovation, and is central to India’s green mobility transition, industrial ambitions, and trade strategy.

    The global automotive component market was valued at $2 trillion in 2022, with $700 billion traded across borders. Despite India’s strong manufacturing base, its share in the globally traded auto component market remains at just 3% (~$20 billion), highlighting a vast scope for expansion. India’s trade ratio in auto components is near-neutral (~0.99), with exports and imports nearly balancing each other. This also underlines the domestic sector’s limited penetration in high-value, high-precision segments such as engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems, where India holds just 2–4% of the global trade share. Bridging this gap requires structural reforms, strategic investments, and a coordinated industrial policy approach. With the right enabling conditions, India can triple exports to $60 billion, generate a $25 billion trade surplus, and create over 2-2.5 million direct jobs by 2030, propelling it toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub.

    Strategic Importance of the Automotive Sector

     

    • Contributes 7.1% to India’s GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP.
    • Employs millions and supports critical linkages across steel, electronics, and IT sectors.
    • India’s current share in globally traded auto components is approximately 3% or 20 billion.

                                            India’s Vision for Automotive Industry

     

    This vision aligns with India’s aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

    Global Trends Shaping the Sector

     

    1. Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs):

    • EVs are reshaping manufacturing priorities, with China producing over 8 million EVs in 2023.
    • The EU and the US are accelerating EV adoption through regulatory mandates and subsidies.
    • EVs are increasing the demand for batteries, semiconductors, and advanced materials.

     

    2. Digital and Advanced Manufacturing:

    • Integration of AI, robotics, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing is driving efficiency.
    • Many global automakers are investing heavily in creating smart factories, where AI, IoT, and robotics are integrated into every aspect of the production process. Countries like Germany and South Korea are leading in smart factory adoption.

     

    3. Sustainability and Circular Economy:

    • Automakers are moving toward carbon neutrality, material recycling, and energy efficiency.
    • Examples: BMW’s EV battery recycling and Volkswagen’s renewable energy sourcing.

     

    4. Sectoral Interdependence:

    • Auto industry is a major consumer of steel, electronics, rubber, glass, textiles, and IT services.
    • Increasing reliance on semiconductors and AI-driven software for innovative mobility solutions.

    Major Government Interventions

     

    1. Make in India: Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative has provided a significant boost to the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly in automobiles. This policy promotes domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on imports, and encourages foreign direct investment.

    2.Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency in manufacturing and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign components. In the automotive sector, this has resulted in increased domestic production of critical components such as engines, transmissions, and EV batteries. The government has also extended support to start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive space, helping them integrate into global supply chains.

    3.FAME India Scheme (Phases I & II): The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has been pivotal in promoting clean mobility in India. Phase II, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, focuses on demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and the development of public charging infrastructure. It also aims to promote technology platforms for EVs and create a robust domestic EV ecosystem.

    4. PM E-Drive Scheme (2024–26): Launched to accelerate EV adoption and reduce urban pollution, this scheme has a budget of ₹10,900 crore and targets large-scale procurement of electric vehicles:

    • 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
    • 3.2 lakh electric three-wheelers
    • Procurement of 14,028 electric buses by State Transport Undertakings (STUs)/public transport agencies
    • ₹2,000 crore earmarked for national-level charging infrastructure expansion.

     

    5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto and ACC Batteries: With a total allocation of ₹44,038 crore (PLI scheme- INR 25,938 crore, PLI scheme for ACC Battery Storage- INR 18,100 crores), this flagship initiative aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technologies, including EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and advanced battery storage solutions. It provides financial incentives to OEMs and component manufacturers for investing in cutting-edge technologies, achieving economies of scale, and integrating into global supply chains. The scheme also prioritises domestic value addition, export readiness, and job creation through technology-driven innovation.

     

     

    Key Challenges Hindering the Global Value Chain’s Integration

     

    • 10% cost disadvantage for India versus China due to:
      • Higher raw material and machinery costs
      • 100% depreciation rate vs 50% in China (~3.4% cost burden)
      • High logistics, financing, and energy costs

     

    • Underperformance in high-precision segments:
      • India’s global share: Only 2–4% in engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems
    • Inadequate R&D ecosystem and limited IP ownership

    Proposed Interventions for GVC Integration

     

    Fiscal Measures:

    1. Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
    2. Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
    3. R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
    4. Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.

     

    Non-Fiscal Reforms:

    1. Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
    2. International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
    3. Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.

     

    Conclusion

     

    India’s automotive sector stands at a decisive inflection point, where focused reforms, policy clarity, and industry alignment can elevate it into the league of global leaders in automotive manufacturing. With the world shifting rapidly towards clean, smart, and connected mobility, India must accelerate its integration into global value chains by building competitiveness in high-precision components, fostering innovation, and deepening its export footprint. Over the next five years, the effective execution of planned interventions—ranging from skilling and infrastructure to R&D and global partnerships- will determine whether India becomes a hub for high-value auto components or remains a low-cost player in traditional segments. With the right mix of ambition and action, India can become a globally recognised supplier of next-generation mobility solutions.

     

    References

    · REPORT – Automotive Industry: Powering India’s participation in Global Value Chains –https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/Automotive-Industry-Powering-India-participation-in-GVC_Non-Confidential.pdf

    · https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120977

    Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs)

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2121826) Visitor Counter : 122

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Laws on safeguarding national security”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
     
         Today (April 15) is the National Security Education Day. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has been in effect for one year since its passage by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in a historic unanimous vote on the Third Reading in March last year, while the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) will celebrate its fifth anniversary at the end of June this year. The LegCo Secretariat today released a Policy Pulse on “Laws on safeguarding national security”. This issue provides a brief overview of the key points of the dual legislation on national security, namely the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, how the dual legislation properly protects human rights and ensures that the public will not be inadvertently caught by the law, its role in contributing to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.
     
         National security is a matter of top priority for any state. The enactment of laws on safeguarding national security is an inherent right of every sovereign state, and also an international practice. The Policy Pulse outlines the latest situation of national security laws enacted by some foreign countries, including the Countering Foreign Interference Act introduced by Canada in 2024, and the New Zealand Parliament is also scrutinising the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill aimed at addressing foreign interference. Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom each has at least 21 pieces and 14 pieces of national security-related legislation respectively.
     
         The dual legislation on national security, together with the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR, have jointly established a comprehensive and effective legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, reflecting the implementation of national security within the purview of the Central Authorities and as the constitutional duty of HKSAR.
     
         The Policy Pulse also highlights that since the implementation of the dual legislation on national security, Hong Kong ranks highly in a number of international ratings, including global financial centre status, economic freedom, inward foreign direct investment recipient, and world competitiveness. Hong Kong ranked as the world’s freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, with the number of overseas companies based in Hong Kong stood at 9 960 in 2024, a nearrly 10 percent rise from the previous year. These achievements reflect the international community’s continued strong confidence in Hong Kong. They also attest to how improved laws and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security help maintain Hong Kong’s political and social stability and cultivate a more secure, liberal, open and expectable business environment, which plays a solid and fundamental role in safeguarding the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and further enabling the city’s advancement from stability to prosperity.
     
         The Safeguarding National Security Bill was passed by LegCo in a historic unanimous vote on the Third Reading on March 19, 2024. The Policy Pulse outlines LegCo’s scrutiny of the Bill and highlights Member’s views on the follow-up work after the Bill’s passage. Members suggested that various bureaux, departments, statutory bodies, etc., establish codes, procedures or guidelines to ensure that national security is regarded as an important consideration when discharging their day-to-day functions and implementing any programmes or projects. Members also considered that the Administration should ensure that public officers fully understand the contents of national security laws and abide by the requirements of these laws in discharging their duties.
     
         Members suggested the Administration step up public education on all fronts to enable the public, the business sector and investors to understand the implementation of the dual legislation on national security in a clear and easily comprehensible manner. The Administration should also effectively carry out its explanatory work to the international community, including making good use of the networks of overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and Invest Hong Kong to explain to various overseas sectors how the dual legislation on national security effectively safeguards national security in Hong Kong in accordance with the rule of law principle, while at the same time fully respects and protects human rights. Members expected that the Administration proactively enhance its efforts in attracting enterprises and investment so that Hong Kong could serve as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” for the world, as well as continuing to take the initiative to clarify and rebut inaccurate remarks and unwarranted smears against the HKSAR’s work on safeguarding national security.
     
         The detailed content of “Laws on safeguarding national security” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics, offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarises key discussions in LegCo.

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