NewzIntel.com

Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group (09 May 2022)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    1. We, the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group, reiterate the G7´s profound condemnation of Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government. We condemn in the strongest terms the numerous atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and our support to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression is a blatant violation of international law with severe consequences for international security, including global non-proliferation efforts. We condemn Russia’s disinformation campaign and we warn against any threat or use of chemical or biological weapons. We recall Russia’s obligations under international treaties of which it is a party, and which protect us all. Any use by Russia of such a weapon would be unacceptable and result in further consequences. We condemn Russia’s unjustified use of nuclear rhetoric and signalling. We urge Russia to behave responsibly and exercise restraint.

    2. Besides these deeply disturbing actions of unprecedented scale, our efforts to strengthen non-proliferation have been severely tested in past years. The increasing use of chemical weapons, rapidly evolving biological threats, destabilizing transfer and deployment of conventional weapons, and targeted appropriation of emerging technology all have a considerable impact as does the growing threat of nuclear proliferation and emerging threats to outer space security. Some states are now significantly increasing and diversifying their nuclear arsenals and investing in novel nuclear technologies and weapons systems. Against this highly challenging background, the G7 remains committed to working together, including with our partners, to defend and strengthen international law, norms and institutions and to build a more secure, more stable, and safer world.

    3. In view of the 10th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in August 2022, we are united in our resolve to comprehensively strengthen the NPT, promote its universalisation, reinforce the importance of commitments made at past Review Conferences and advance implementation of the Treaty across all three of its mutually reinforcing pillars. We underline the authority and primacy of the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. We resolutely support the Review Conference President-designate, Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen, and commit to working with all NPT States Parties in good faith in the lead up to and during the Review Conference towards achieving a positive outcome.

    4. The G7 reaffirms its commitment to the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all, achieved through concrete, practical, and purposeful steps. The overall decline in global nuclear arsenals must be sustained and not reversed. We welcome diplomatic pathways that offer real possibilities for advancing the universal disarmament goals of the NPT, as promoted through key initiatives such as the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV), the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, the Stockholm Initiative on Nuclear Disarmament, and Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament.

    5. We welcome efforts by the G7 Nuclear Weapon States to promote effective measures, such as strategic risk reduction, transparency and confidence building measures on their postures, doctrines, and capabilities, which are critical to making progress towards disarmament under the NPT. The G7 underlines that all Nuclear Weapon States have the responsibility to engage actively and in good faith in arms control dialogues. We welcome the Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races of 3 January 2022, including the important affirmation that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. However, we deplore Russia’s provocative statements about raising its nuclear alert levels, which undermines the credibility of Russia’s commitment to this Joint Statement.

    6. Recalling our statements of 15 March and 7 April 2022, we condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including forcefully seizing control of nuclear facilities and other actions that pose serious threats to the safety and security of these facilities and endanger the population of Ukraine, neighbouring states, and the international community. We support the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s efforts to ensure the nuclear safety and security of, and the application of safeguards to, nuclear material and facilities in Ukraine as a matter of urgency, while respecting full Ukrainian sovereignty over its territory and infrastructure. We urge Russia’s leadership to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine, cease all violent actions against nuclear and radiological facilities in Ukraine and restore full control to Ukrainian authorities over all facilities within its internationally recognized borders to ensure their safe and secure operations.

    7. The G7 is united in its resolve to promote the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We underline the urgent need to bring this treaty into force pursuant to Article XIV of the CTBT, and we support Italy as co-coordinator of these efforts. A universal and effectively verifiable CTBT constitutes a fundamental instrument in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Pending the entry into force of the Treaty, we call on all states to declare new or maintain existing moratoriums on nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosions. We also resolutely support the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Preparatory Commission and its important work to develop the Treaty’s verification regime.

    8. The G7 is equally committed to, and underlines the importance of, immediate commencement of negotiations – based on document CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein – with the key countries on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. We remain convinced that the Conference on Disarmament is an appropriate venue to negotiate such an instrument and we call upon countries to make innovative contributions in all appropriate forums, including the 10th Review Conference of the States Parties to the NPT, to facilitate negotiations of such a treaty. Pending those actions, we call on all states that have not yet done so to declare and maintain voluntary moratoria on the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons.

    9. The G7 is committed to working towards effective measures for strategic and nuclear risk reduction that enhance mutual comprehension, increase predictability, promote confidence building and establish effective crisis management and prevention tools. We are equally engaging in the development of multilateral nuclear disarmament verification capabilities and we welcome the start of work of the Group of Governmental Experts on nuclear disarmament verification, the Franco-German exercise NuDiVe 2022 conducted in April 2022 and the continuing work of the IPNDV and the Quad Nuclear Verification Partnership by Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. All of this is essential groundwork for achieving the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, underpinned by transparency, verification and irreversibility.

    10. The G7 welcomed the extension of the New START Treaty in early 2021 and has supported the U.S.-Russian Strategic Stability Dialogue, aimed at laying the foundation for future U.S.-Russia arms control arrangements. The G7 sees the need for arms control to address all nuclear weapons, including new destabilizing weapon systems and non-strategic nuclear weapons. The G7 also supports and encourages wider efforts towards an active arms control dialogue involving China. The G7 regrets that the U.S.-Russian Strategic Stability Dialogue has come to a halt due to Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war on Ukraine.

    11. The G7 also deplores Belarus’s recent referendum and amendment to its Constitution removing Article 18, which pledged to “make its territory a nuclear-free zone.” Belarus’ actions only further increase uncertainty amidst heightened tensions.

    12. Nuclear-weapons-free zones (NWFZ) make important contributions to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We see the relevant protocols to existing NWFZ treaties as the vehicle for extending to the treaty parties a legally binding negative security assurance. We remain fully committed to the creation of a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems in the Middle East. We firmly believe that this can only be achieved based on consensus arrangements freely arrived at by all states in the region. We acknowledge the efforts made during the first two sessions of the UN Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction held in 2019 and 2021. Going forward, we underscore the need for inclusive dialogue among the regional states.

    13. The G7 supports universalisation of key safeguards agreements including Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements, the Additional Protocol thereto, and, where applicable, the revised Small Quantities Protocol. A Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement together with an Additional Protocol represents the de facto safeguards standard under the NPT. We echo the IAEA Director General’s call on those states that have yet to bring into force a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement or an Additional Protocol to do so as soon as possible and applaud his efforts to further strengthen the safeguards system. Recalling our strong support for the professional and impartial work of the IAEA, the G7 underscores the importance of streng-thening the effectiveness and optimizing the efficiency of the international safeguards system and ensuring it remains fit for its purpose in the 21st century.

    14. We reaffirm the IAEA’s central role in strengthening cooperation in nuclear security and the commitments in the Ministerial Declaration of the IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear Security in 2020. We support the IAEA in facilitating the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner. We support aiding the development of new regulatory frameworks for the deployment of next-generation technologies, including small modular reactors. We encourage all Member States, who are able to do so, to make financial and/or technical contributions to enable the IAEA to continue its work.

    15. The G7 commits to promoting full implementation by all states of the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. This is essential to facilitate the safe and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology consistent with the NPT, and thereby promote prosperity and address the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    16. The G7 urges States engaged in nuclear activities to become parties to and fully implement the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    17. The G7 is resolved to increase political attention to the challenges of countering the threat of non-state actors acquiring nuclear and radioactive materials as weapons of terrorism and to accelerate national and international steps to manage the risks posed by such materials. We affirm our commitment to minimise Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) stocks globally and encourage states with civil stocks of HEU to further reduce or eliminate them where economically and technically feasible.

    18. The G7 calls on all States that have not yet done so to become parties to and fully implement the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) and the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM). We welcome the positive outcome of the A/CPPNM Review Conference in March-April 2022. We remain steadfast in our support of the IAEA, the Nuclear Security Contact Group, and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.

    19. The G7 supports effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) and the work of the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts. We encourage all states to fully implement the resolution and to offer assistance to interested states.

    20. The G7 actively supports global efforts to enhance education and professional development in the field of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament and is strongly committed to the integration of gender equality in this field. We are mindful that learning about the realities of any use of nuclear weapons will help strengthen global efforts towards nuclear disarmament. To raise and sustain awareness, we encourage political leaders, the young generation and others to visit the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

    21. We renew our support for a restoration and full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to restrict Iran’s nuclear programme. We commend the participants of the Vienna talks as well as the EU coordinator for their tireless efforts. We urge Iran to seize the offer currently on the table to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion and to refrain from further escalation of its nuclear activities.

    22. We urge Iran to uphold and fully implement all obligations under its NPT-required safeguards agreement with the IAEA. We further urge Iran to provide all required information to enable the IAEA to clarify and resolve outstanding safeguards issues without further delay. The G7 expresses strong support for the crucial verification and monitoring mandate of the IAEA, underscores the technical nature of the IAEA’s independent work, and commends the Director General’s continued professional and impartial efforts. Full and timely cooperation by Iran is essential for the IAEA to assure the international community that all nuclear material in Iran remains in peaceful uses and eventually reach the Broader Conclusion.

    23. We recall our serious concerns about Iran’s unabated activities related to ballistic missiles “designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology,” which Iran pursues in defiance of UNSCR 2231 (2015). Iran’s space programme is enabling it to test technology that is essential to the development of ballistic missiles, including future long-range delivery systems, as demonstrated again with Iran’s announcement on March 8 of a launch of a military satellite. We urge Iran to cease all these activities and fully abide by UNSCR 2231 (2015). We also remain extremely concerned about Iran’s destabilising activities in and around the Middle East, including transfers of missiles and missile technology, drones and conventional arms to state and non-state actors. Such proliferation is destabilising for the region and escalates already high tensions, as does the use of such weapons in the region, like the attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Erbil on 13 March 2022. We urge Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace.

    24. The G7 strongly condemns the continued testing of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including the recent Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch conducted on 24 March 2022, which are blatant violations of the DPRK’s obligations under numerous UNSCRs. Since 2021, the DPRK has conducted an unprecedented series of missile tests, including launches of alleged hypersonic weapons using ballistic missiles and a submarine-launched ballistic missile test. These tests demonstrate the DPRK’s continued efforts to expand and further develop its ballistic missile capabilities. We deeply regret that the DPRK has abandoned its self-declared moratorium on ICBM launches. In addition, nuclear activities (such as restarting nuclear reactors and behaviour consistent with fissile material production) have been observed at several nuclear sites since 2020, suggesting an ongoing nuclear program development. All these reckless actions threaten regional and international peace and security, pose a dangerous and unpredictable risk to international civil aviation and maritime navigation in the region and demand a united response by the international community, including further measures to be taken by the UN Security Council.

    25. The G7 remains fully committed to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of all its nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges, as well as related programs and facilities, consistent with UNSCRs. We strongly urge the DPRK to fully comply with all obligations arising from the relevant UNSCRs, to abandon its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and to return at an early date to, and fully comply with, the NPT and IAEA safeguards. We call on the DPRK to accept the repeated offers of dialogue put forward by all parties concerned, including the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

    26. The G7 is committed to working with all relevant partners towards the goal of peace on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the rules-based international order. We call on all states to fully and effectively implement all restrictive measures relating to the DPRK imposed by the UN Security Council and to address the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and related delivery systems, from the DPRK as an urgent priority, particularly through additional UN Security Council action. We note with concern the report by the Panel of Experts established pursuant to UNSCR 1874 (2009) that illicit ship-to-ship transfers continue to take place. We remain ready to assist in and strengthen capacities for effective sanctions implementation. We are clear that the dire humanitarian situation in the DPRK is primarily the result of the diversion of the DPRK’s resources into unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs rather than into the welfare of its people. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, we commend the work of the 1718 Committee, which has swiftly approved all Covid-19 related sanctions exemption requests for humanitarian assistance for the DPRK.

    27. The G7 intends to bolster efforts to counter the weaponization of biological agents and toxins. Never has it been so urgent for all states to work together to achieve universal adherence to and full compliance with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). Good faith and engagement are essential to overcoming the longstanding stalemate of the Convention in order to meet evolving biological threats stemming from state and non-state actors and to address new developments in science and technology. We intend to work towards a successful Review Conference which would promote effective implementation, increase transparency, enhance compliance and confidence-building measures. Near-term concrete action should include the establishment of a new expert working group to examine concrete measures to strengthen the Convention.

    28. We pledge our continued support to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism to investigate alleged uses of chemical, biological or toxin weapons. We will firmly resist and condemn any attempts by any state or individual seeking to undermine its integrity, independence, and impartial character and mandate. As the only established international mechanism mandated to investigate alleged uses of biological weapons, we pledge to cooperate with partners to ensure that the mechanism is properly resourced, equipped, and operationalized to conduct effective investigations when needed.

    29. We salute the 20th anniversary of the G7-led, 31-member Global Partnership (GP) against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. With its unparalleled networks, expertise, partnerships, and collective funding, the GP has been instrumental in countering threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and materials. The GP’s contribution to global threat reduction has made the world a safer and more secure place. We are committed to coordinated action with the GP to provide leadership to ensure that the GP remains a key contributor to countering persistent and emerging threats.

    30. The G7, as expressed in the 29 March statement of the GP on Ukraine, finds Russia’s unsubstantiated claims concerning alleged biological weapons development in Ukraine outrageous. Such allegations about legitimate biological research for civilian purposes are especially cynical, as the world has suffered a pandemic for two years during which biological laboratories have been of crucial importance to humankind. These allegations are part of Russia’s disinformation campaign against Ukraine and have undermined the subject and purpose of the BTWC and the international rules-based order. Ukraine is a respected member of the GP and the BTWC and has our full support.

    31. We will dedicate further efforts to addressing biological threats in the GP framework. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the far-reaching impact of large-scale disease outbreaks and the importance of strengthening global capacity to prevent, detect and respond to all forms of biological threats, whether deliberate, accidental, or natural. Covid-19 has also accelerated the global life sciences and biotechnology revolution, including the research and development of new diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments for potentially high-consequence pathogens. Substantial improvements are needed in global biosafety, biosecurity, and oversight for dual use research, in order to prevent laboratory accidents and deliberate misuse. We commit to reinforcing existing national efforts, as well as to improving the level of biosafety and biosecurity practices globally. With this imperative, we intend to deepen our health-security cooperation with African partners and other key stakeholders to develop and implement the GP’s signature initiative aimed at mitigating biological threats in Africa. We recognize the significant contribution already made by the G7 and the EU to the GP signature initiative and encourage all GP members to actively contribute to this important initiative.

    32. We are determined to uphold the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons and support the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). As participating States of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, we stand together to reaffirm that any use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances is unacceptable and contravenes international standards and norms against such use. There can be no impunity for chemical weapon use.

    33. We will work towards a successful 2023 Review Conference to strengthen the Convention. We are unwavering in our support of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its work to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons and we applaud the OPCW’s professionalism and integrity. The G7 seeks to ensure that the OPCW is equipped to continue to fulfil its mandate, including through funding via the GP for important initiatives such as the new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.

    34. We welcome the decision of the OPCW Conference of the States Parties “Understanding Regarding the Aerosolised Use of Central Nervous System-Acting Chemicals for Law Enforcement Purposes” that affirms that the aerosolized use of CNS-acting chemicals is understood to be inconsistent with law enforcement purposes as a “purpose not prohibited” under the Convention. This forward-thinking decision by CWC States Parties sends a strong signal to countries that they cannot hide work on such chemicals for offensive purposes under the guise of legitimate purposes under the Convention.

    35. We condemn attempts to impede the OPCW’s vital work, including investigations, through baseless attacks and outrageous disinformation, notably Russia’s unsubstantiated claims and false allegations that Ukraine was preparing to use chemical weapons. Ukraine is in full compliance with its obligations under the CWC, in stark contrast to Russia’s continued refusal to investigate the well-documented use of a chemical weapon on its own territory, contrary to its obligations under the Convention.

    36. In that context, the G7 reaffirms the statement made by Ministers on 26 January 2021 condemning in the strongest possible terms the poisoning of Alexey Navalny with a military grade chemical nerve agent of the “Novichok” group, a substance developed by the Soviet Union, and retained by Russia. There is no plausible account other than the involvement and responsibility of Russian state actors, as Russia continues to evade all appeals to launch an investigation of the case. We recall the OPCW’s conclusion that a similar nerve agent was used in Salisbury in 2018, resulting in the death of a British citizen, for which three Russian suspects have been charged.

    37. We again urge the Russian authorities to investigate and credibly explain the use of a chemical weapon on its soil considering Russia’s obligations under the CWC. We recall the questions asked on 5 October 2021 by 45 States Parties, including all G7 members, to Russia under Article IX of the CWC, which were not adequately answered by the Russian Federation. We support the statement made by 56 States Parties at the November 2021 OPCW Conference of the States Parties, calling on Russia to account for the use of a chemical weapon on its territory. We welcome actions, such as sanctions, taken by G7 members in response to those individuals and entities deemed to be involved in the development and use of chemical weapons. We also condemn Russia’s attempts to shield Syria from accountability for the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons.

    38. Syria’s chemical weapon use in violation of the CWC continues to be a matter of grave concern. We welcome the decision of the OPCW Conference of the States Parties to suspend Syria’s rights and privileges under the CWC, until it completes the steps set out in the OPCW Executive Council Decision of 9 July 2020. We urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully and comply with their obligations. We deplore disinformation about chemical weapon use in Syria and we are committed to supporting the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s work in investigating chemical weapon use in Syria, identifying those responsible, and ensuring Syria’s declaration is full and accurate. Syria will be held to account for any failures to meet its obligations. We commit to ensuring the full implementation of UNSCR 2118 (2013) and the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme once and for all.

    39. We remain gravely concerned by the accelerating proliferation of ballistic and other missile technologies, including at the hands of non-state actors, which is a threat to regional and global security. Recalling the G7 NPDG “Initiative on Countering Illicit and/or Destabilizing Missile Activities” launched by the French Presidency in 2019, we remain engaged in countering missile proliferation activities and strengthening missile governance.

    40. We reaffirm our commitment to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and we call on all states to unilaterally adhere to the MTCR guidelines and reiterate the importance of the fundamental principles underpinning ballistic missile non-proliferation including in accordance with UNSCR 1540 (2004). We are committed to further increasing the effectiveness of the MTCR.

    41. We strongly support the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) and call for its universalisation. In the 20 years since its establishment, the HCoC has proven to be an important transparency and confidence building measure that encourages responsible behaviour and restraint in the development, testing and deployment of ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, and aims to curb and prevent proliferation of such ballistic missiles. We will work towards the goals of universalization and full implementation of the HCoC, notably on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

    42. The G7 re-affirms the importance of coordinated action to counter illicit intangible technology transfer and protecting academia and business sectors from hostile state exploitation. While promoting an environment in which science, technology and research collaboration can flourish, we are resolved to address the challenges posed by the misuse and illicit diversion of technology critical for the development of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and for advanced military technology programmes by state and non-state actors, as well as by dual-use research of concern, notably in the field of life sciences.

    43. The G7 members commit to enhancing export controls on materials, technology and research that could be used to develop weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We plan to strengthen controls on materials (including dual-use components), technology and research that could support the development of advanced conventional weapons, ensuring that enhancements are proportionate and avoid negatively impacting on legitimate exports.

    44. The G7 is committed to acting to counter proliferation financing which, left unchecked, undermines the integrity of the global financial system and fuels threats to our common security. We therefore welcome the recent changes to the Financial Action Task Force standards regarding targeted financial sanctions on the DPRK and Iran, which, for the first time, expect all countries and regions to take concrete steps to understand the proliferation financing risks they face, and to oblige their financial sectors and designated non-financial business professions to do the same. Only by understanding the truly global reach of proliferation networks will we meet our responsibility to tackle this activity.

    45. We are determined to prevent illicit transfers and destabilizing accumulation of conventional weapons and ammunition, and to increase the safety and security of stockpiles, including by deploying our technical expertise, sharing best practices, e.g. in the framework of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), and the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, and by adhering to international law and norms on responsible transfer.

    46. The diversion of ammunition to unauthorized users, including criminals and terrorists, facilitates and fuels armed violence and armed conflict. Mindful of these implications for security and sustainable development, we strongly support the German-led initiative for a comprehensive framework to support safe, secure, and sustainable ammunition management at the national, sub-regional, regional, and global level and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) mandated to carry out work in this regard. We encourage all states to engage constructively in the OEWG aiming at elaborating a set of political commitments as a new global framework that will address existing gaps in through-life ammunition management, including international cooperation and assistance.

    47. We advocate for the reinforcement of regimes that regulate the transfer and prevent the diversion of conventional weapons and ammunition in line with international law and norms, including the Arms Trade Treaty. We commit to adapting, where necessary, relevant regimes as new technologies are developed. In dialogue with other technology leaders, we seek to shape the global debate on responsible civilian and military use of new technologies, considering security and defence considerations and securing adherence to international law, in particular International Humanitarian Law and, where applicable, International Human Rights Law. Where necessary, new international principles for responsible use should be considered.

    48. As space activities evolve, the norms, rules and principles governing space activities should also evolve. State threats to the secure, safe, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space are of serious concern. Given that our societies are increasingly reliant on space systems for their security and prosperity, we are determined to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation and reduce space threats. We commit to engaging the international community to uphold and strengthen a rules-based international order for outer space.

    49. Establishing norms, rules and principles for responsible space behaviours is a pragmatic way forward to enhance security, mitigate threats against space systems and reduce the risks of misperception, miscalculation, and escalation. We strongly support the UK-led initiative at the UN General Assembly and the resulting UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on “Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours”. We encourage all states to positively engage in the OEWG that aims to build a common understanding of responsible space behaviours and consider first proposals for norms, rules, and principles in that regard.

    50. We call upon all nations to refrain from conducting dangerous and irresponsible destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests like those carried out by the Russian Federation on 15 November, 2021. We welcome the US commitment not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests. We reiterate the need to cooperate with all States and space actors to strengthen safety, security, stability, and sustainability of outer space and help all countries benefit from the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor announces new plans to secure UK investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Chancellor closes the International Investment Summit promising the government is bringing investment and jobs back to Britain.

    In a speech to some of the world’s biggest businesses and investors, Rachel Reeves revealed that restoring fiscal stability will be at the centre of her first Budget on 30 October. She made the case that it is the only way to ensure government and business can invest with confidence. 

    The Chancellor went on to set out how two new bodies will drive long-term investment in Britain as the government works hand in hand with business to create new high skilled jobs right across the UK, helping make people better off. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, MP said: 

    When we said we would end instability, make growth our national mission and enter a true partnership with business we meant it.  

    The decisions which lie ahead of us will not always be easy. But by taking the right choices to grow our economy and drive investment we will create good jobs and new opportunities across every part of the country. That is the Britain we are building. 

    The first announcement from the Chancellor was that from today the UK Infrastructure Bank will operate as the National Wealth Fund (NWF), with its headquarters in Leeds. 

    The National Wealth Fund will catalyse tens of billions of pounds of private investment into in the UK’s clean energy and growth industries, including green hydrogen, carbon capture and gigafactories.

    Building on UKIB’s leadership and expertise, the NWF will go further, able to make investments that maximise the mobilisation of private investment. This will include the ability to trial new blended finance solutions with government departments that take on additional risk to facilitate higher impact in individual deals and performance guarantees. 

    The National Wealth Fund will have a total of £27.8 billion and will work with key industry partners, including mayors, to support delivery of their investment plans. 

    The Government will also bring forward legislation to give the NWF a broader mandate than just infrastructure, ensuring it is a permanent part of government’s investment offer. 

    John Flint, CEO, at the National Wealth Fund said: 

    It is a huge privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the National Wealth Fund. Building on the strong foundations we have laid as UKIB, we will hit the ground running, using sector insight and investment expertise that the market knows and trusts to unlock billions of pounds of private finance for projects across the UK.

    With additional capital to deploy against a bigger mandate, we stand ready to help the market invest with confidence, in support of the Government’s growth ambitions.

    Alongside this the Chancellor, together with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, announced a new British Growth Partnership as part of the British Business Bank (BBB). 

    The BBB already supports the UK’s fastest growing, most innovative companies deploying £3.5bn to support over 23,000 businesses last year. 

    The British Growth Partnership will allow it to do more by creating a new way for the British Business Bank and institutional investors to invest in innovative companies together.

    Leveraging the British Business Bank’s market expertise, these long-term investments will be made independently of government on a fully commercial basis. In the coming months, the British Business Bank will seek to raise hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for this fund, with the aim of making investments by the end of 2025.

    Additionally, the government will implement a set of reforms to the British Business Bank’s financial framework that will increase its impact and increase its ability to respond flexibly to the market, including by putting the British Business Bank’s £7.9bn set of commercial programmes on a permanent footing.

    Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank said:

    Today’s announcement is a strong endorsement of the British Business Bank’s 10-year track record, market access and capabilities. By establishing the British Growth Partnership, the Bank will encourage more UK pension fund investment into the UK’s fastest growing, most innovative companies. 

    In addition, reforms to the Bank’s financial framework, putting our £7.9bn commercial programmes on a permanent footing, means we can flexibly re-invest our investment returns over the long term to increase growth and prosperity across the UK.

    Today’s measures follow the Government announcing more than £24 billion of private investment for pioneering energy projects and thousands of jobs in the green industries secured ahead of International Investment Summit.

    This adds to the announcement last week that up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead confirms a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet. This includes creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus.    

    And it also builds on the Government confirming funding to launch the UK’s first carbon capture sites in Teesside and Merseyside. Two new carbon capture and CCUS enabled hydrogen projects will create 4,000 new jobs, in a boost for the economy and British industry, helping remove over 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of taking around 4 million cars off the road.    

    Further quotes:

    Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc said:

    It is critically important for the growth of the UK economy that home grown companies are able to access the investment they need to grow, scale and stay in the UK. 

    Access to meaningful UK capital at the scaling phase has been a long-recognised challenge and so we are delighted that British Growth Partnership is being established to help address this problem. This will also facilitate more investment by UK pension schemes into scaling UK companies, providing greater returns for their savers and giving UK investors a greater stake in the UK economy.

    Sir Nicholas Lyons, Group Chair, Phoenix said:

    The UK needs scale and skills to convert our brilliant science and technology start-ups and university spinouts into the successful and sustainable companies of tomorrow.  British Growth Partnership will complement the private sector DC pension industry’s undertakings under the Mansion House Compact to expedite this, directing investment to deliver the best returns for our pension savers.

    Professor Sir John Bell, President, Ellison Institute of Technology said:

    Making sure the best innovative British companies can access the capital they need to scale and stay in the UK is critical for the future of the economy. The Chancellor’s announcement today of the new British Growth Partnership, in addition to confirming £7.9bn of permanent capital for the British Business Bank, are both very welcome and significant steps forward in solving this problem

    Sir Jonathan Symonds CBE, Non-Executive Chair, GSK said:

    This is a welcome step; encouraging institutional investment into the UK’s high-growth-potential companies can provide a real boost to the economy and generate better returns for individuals’ pension investments

    Brent Hoberman, Chairman and Co-Founder, Founders Forum Group, Founders Factory, firstminute capital said:

    It’s great to see the new government taking concrete steps to amplify the Mansion House reforms.   This new British Growth Partnership should help UK startups access further scale up capital to create more world leaders.

    Saul Klein, Co-founder, Phoenix Court and Member of the Council for Science and Technology said:

    The UK has more than 750 venture backed companies generating more than $25m in revenue – this is more than France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands combined. These companies have created over 200,000 new jobs and continue to grow but the UK still has $35bn less scale up capital to support these companies than the United States’ Bay Area alone.

    The government’s continued support for the British Business Bank and its focus on addressing this scale up opportunity will be very much welcomed by these 750 companies as well as the cohorts coming behind them.

    Peter Harrison, Group Chief Executive, Schroders plc said:

    These are further helpful initiatives in creating an environment where risk capital can flow into strategically important industries. Every step is welcome in supporting future economic growth.

    Edward Braham, Chairman, M&G said:

    We welcome the creation of the British Growth Partnership which should unlock much needed investment into the UK’s high growth innovative businesses.

    The combination of private and public sector partnerships, underpinned by long term patient capital, is essential to create the conditions for sustainable growth. 

    As a leading international investor, M&G has a proud history of supporting the progress of businesses and communities across the UK, investing in new innovative companies and private assets such as housing, hospitals and transport.

    Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BioIndustry Association, said:

    Our world-leading, innovative life sciences and biotech sector is a unique competitive advantage for economic growth. The sector attracts expert global investors but a lack of investment from UK-based institutional investors means the economic and social returns are too often lost overseas.

    The British Growth Partnership will help turbo-charge innovative businesses with fresh UK-based capital, enabling them to scale in the UK and deliver more returns to the British economy, and to ordinary people saving for their retirement. This is a win-win-win for UK life science businesses, for UK pension savers and for the forward-thinking financial services sector.

    Kate Bingham, Managing Partner, SV Health and Former Chair UK Vaccine Taskforce welcomed the announcements saying:

    The UK has the potential to be a global leader and hub for healthcare breakthroughs with its strong entrepreneurial and academic base, together with our expertise and innovation in data science and artificial intelligence.

    Making the British Business Bank independent of government as well as launching the British Growth Partnership enables the Bank to catalyse institutional investment, including from pension funds, into brilliant UK companies that are supercharging the development of revolutionary medical treatments including smarter medicines for cancer, Alzheimer’s and blindness.

    Dom Hallas, Executive Director, Startup Coalition said:

    Tech startups and scaleups need a stable and improving funding environment to compete globally. The British Business Bank’s role in helping create that landscape is critical and today’s announcement will help the UK continue to build VC-backed tech companies across the country that are ready to compete with the very best.

    Michael Moore, Chief Executive, BVCA said:

    It is extremely welcome that the Government and the British Business Bank have brought this hugely significant programme forwards so quickly.

    The prize is to get significant new capital into the growth equity and venture capital funds that are creating new industries and backing innovative businesses that will be the backbone of the British economy of tomorrow. The British Business Bank has a vital role catalysing institutional investment into fast growing British businesses and this announcement will boost that work substantially.

    Just 3% of the pensions investment into UK led growth equity and venture capital funds is from UK pension funds. Alongside the Government’s pensions review this major new vehicle can be the start of a major shift that sees UK pensions savers get the improved retirement income that can come from backing funds which deliver active ownership and long-term investment in business.

    Kerry Baldwin, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, IQ Capital said:

    The launch of the British Growth Partnership and the confirmation of a permanent capital allocation for the British Business Bank are two crucial steps forward in solving the lack of access to domestic capital for the UK’s most promising growth companies.

    I very much welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today, she has been hugely engaged with the venture capital and technology sector, and champions the incredible societal impact that our sector enables through investments into innovative technologies across the UK.

    The British Business Bank has been at the heart of powering the next generation of UK venture and growth funds and the launch of the new fund is welcome as part of the pension reforms.  This fund will enable access to world-leading science and innovative investments which increase productivity by transforming legacy industries through the adoption of novel technologies and also by providing growth capital to the next generation of globally leading frontier technologies which are solving pressing critical global issues from climate change to energy transition.

    Dr Andrew Williamson, Managing Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital, and member of BVCA Council said:

    Since its formation in 2018, British Patient Capital has played a central role in the growth of the UK’s knowledge-intensive innovation ecosystem.  It has built a world leading team and investment platform with a strong track record of investing in UK deeptech and life sciences companies and the venture capital funds that support these companies. 

    The British Growth Partnership will make the Bank’s extensive expertise available to a broader range of institutional investors, providing attractive returns for those investors and increasing the capital available for leading UK start-up and scale-up businesses.

    Duncan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Gritstone said:

    We at Northern Gritstone believe that skilled partnerships that channel patient investment into long-term growth and innovation are more important than ever for the UK. 

    By establishing the British Growth Partnership, the British Business Bank is creating a pathway for pension funds and institutional investors to support the future today. Through investment we can create and scale the world class businesses of tomorrow in the UK which is the platform for growth for our economy over the decades to come.

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO, ScaleUp Institute said:

    The ScaleUp Institute has long evidenced the important role of development banks and Sovereign Wealth Funds to global scaleup economies.  The Government’s  placement of the British Business Bank commercial initiatives into permanency, with greater  flexibility, alongside the creation of the great British Growth Partnership are very much welcome and represent significant milestones for the UK economy. 

    Alongside a National Wealth Fund these entities and commitments should further address structural, regional and sectoral disparities and ensure our innovative scaling businesses across the country are better connected, at all stages of growth, to the vital patient capital and institutional funds to enable their global scale and continue to foster our international competitiveness.

    Lisa Quest, Managing Partner UK and Ireland, Oliver Wyman:

    Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for the UK economy. The National Wealth Fund will increase investment across key sectors and accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition. I look forward to the many contributions this initiative will unlock for years to come.

    Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas, Chair of the Taskforce and CEO of the Green Finance Institute said:

    The NWF creates an opportunity for simplification and scale. The challenge now is to ensure it delivers private capital at the pace we need, through innovative risk-sharing transactions in new technologies.

    On top of today’s announcements, the government expects both successful bidders of the Long-Term Investment for Technology and Science (LIFTS) competition, Schroders and ICG, to begin making investments via their new funds in late 2024. Supported by pensions capital from Phoenix Group, the aim is to generate over a billion pounds of investment into UK science and technology companies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Eddie Yue: China and the changing global trade landscape – challenges and opportunities

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Professor Wei [Shang-Jin, N.T. Wang Professor of Chinese Business and Economy, Columbia University], Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!  

    It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 14th Annual International Conference on the Chinese Economy, organised by the Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research. The theme of this year’s conference is “China and the Changing Global Trade Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities”.  This is a timely and important topic – not just for China, but also with far-reaching and enduring implications for the global economy.     

    There is ample evidence that globalisation has brought enormous benefits to the world, through increasing cross-border flow of trade, investments, technology, ideas, and people. For emerging market economies, integration into the global supply chain has been a crucial contributor to their economic development.  As global income rose in tandem with global trade from the 1980s onwards, billions of people have been lifted out of poverty. 

    Since the 2008 global financial crisis, however, the golden era of globalisation has given way to a gradual slowdown in global trade in goods. There is a combination of factors.  First, it reflects doubts or even scepticism about the distributional effects of globalisation.  Secondly, rising geopolitical considerations in recent years have led to a re-imposition of various trade and investment restrictions by some jurisdictions.  And thirdly, recent disruptions to supply chain, caused by the pandemic and regional military conflicts, have prompted discussions about ways to mitigate such risks.

    These developments have not yet translated into a wholesale reconfiguration of the global trade landscape. But it appears that the slow-down in global goods trade is likely to continue.  A recent joint study by the HKMA and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) suggests that some supply chain realignment has already been taking place during the pandemic.  

    Any escalation of geo-economic fragmentation would almost certainly result in a costly transition, especially for Asia given the region’s relatively open economies. For those who believe in the value of free trade and globalization, the key question then is how best to collectively minimise the risks of full blown economic fragmentation, and what actions can be taken to sustain globalisation, even in the face of a changing global trade landscape?

    Since this is a conference about the Chinese economy, perhaps we can start with a quick examination of how China is adapting to the change and turning the challenge into opportunity. Despite the headwinds in the trade sector, China’s world export share has remained at around 15 per cent since 2018.  This reflects two important trends. 

    First, China has continued its economic diversification and regional collaboration through expanding its import and export network, particularly to broader emerging markets. It has also stepped up outward direct investments to establish stronger footholds in the global supply chain amidst friend-shoring or near-shoring.

    Second, China’s manufacturing industries have doubled down on their efforts to move up the value chain, from low-end, labour-intensive component manufacturing to higher-tech, full-spectrum product manufacturing, supported by China’s own domestic market and growing capability in more sophisticated technology goods.

    Indeed, this is a process that pre-dates the recent rise in global trade protectionism, if just for the classic reason of comparative advantage. What we have witnessed is that even as some production may have been diverted away from China, these have been largely concentrated in a few sectors – namely, textiles, electronics and autos – and in the assembly segment rather than upstream.  While Chinese exports might take up a smaller share of some markets as a result, it is exporting more intermediate goods and capturing a larger share of imports from other regional economies. 

    China’s search for new trade opportunities through diversification and supply chain upscaling has brought structural transformation to the Chinese economy and helped maintain China’s key position in global manufacturing. The process, together with other changes in the global supply chain, will bring fundamental changes to global trade and investment.  It would be premature to predict what the new order will be.  But one thing is for sure, those who embrace the change and rise to the challenge will benefit greatly, and it should not be a zero-sum game. 

    Now let me shift gear and touch on some emerging opportunities we are going to discuss at this conference. I will focus on two panel themes: digital trade transformation and innovative trade finance – two topics that are increasingly relevant as we transition towards a digitalised global economy.

    Digitalisation of trade offers a range of benefits. For firms, digital transformation of trade and supply chain processes can produce efficiencies in terms of time and labour saved. It also enhances the traceability and security of cross-border trade in goods and services, by enabling real-time visibility into all stages of the supply chain from production to delivery.

    For economies, digital trade transformation offers substantial productivity gains through, for example, rapid growth of e-commerce. It also offers better prospects of helping to distribute the gains generated from trade more widely and equitably among the various stakeholders. 

    Indeed, digitally delivered services already account for a little over half of total services trade1. They are increasingly facilitating trade flow across borders, in support of raising the market share of developing economies, which has increased from about 20 percent to 30 percent of global service trade between 2005 and 2023. 

    Meanwhile, digital technologies can be leveraged to enhance cross-border trade settlement and financing, where there is plenty of scope for coordinated solutions to existing pain points. For example, Project mBridge has been exploring the use of wholesale central bank digital currencies of Hong Kong and a number of other participating central banks as a way to speed up cross-border payments at reduced cost, faster settlement, and with better transparency. 

    Equally exciting is the use of innovative technologies in trade finance – from blockchain, AI to digital signatures – and greater cooperation around cross-border interoperability that will help close the widening global trade finance gap, estimated by the Asian Development Bank last year to have reached a record US$2.5 trillion.

    Another area of opportunity and cooperation is around green technologies. The consequences of climate change, in the form of higher frequency of extreme weather events, have only become more visible these last few years, and Asia is particularly exposed. 

    We need open and predictable trade to enable scale economies and direct low-carbon technologies and services to where they are most needed. In this respect, major regional trade networks can serve as key platforms that facilitate sustainable trade and investment, support climate-resilient economic developments, and enhance the ecosystem of green finance.

    Let me close by noting that the global trading system as we know has brought mutual benefits and shared prosperity to the world economy. Granted, there’s always scope to make the system work better and fairer.  Let’s focus not just on the challenges, but more on the solutions and the opportunities.  

    There are excellent research papers to be presented at the conference, covering many of the topics I outlined just now. So I wish you all a most engaging and productive conference. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Registration of share capital increase in IDEX Biometrics 14 Oct 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the notice on 9 October 2024 regarding issue of Tranche 2 shares and the warrants of the private placement completed on 16 September 2024. The private placement consisted of two tranches, with total gross proceeds amounting to NOK 70 million.

    The share capital increase related to the Tranche 2 shares has been registered and the shares will be delivered soonest. The Tranche 2 shares will be delivered on a separate and non-tradable ISIN, pending publication by the Company of a prospectus approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority.

    Following the issue, the Company’s share capital will be NOK 120,812,483.10 divided into 805,416,554 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.15.

    For further information contact:
    Marianne Bøe, Investor Relations
    E-mail: marianne.boe@idexbiometrics.com
    Tel: +47 918 00186

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

    For more information, visit http://www.idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice
    This notice was issued by Erling Svela, Vice president of finance, on 14 October 2024 at 18:10 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. The information shall be disclosed according to section 5‑8 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (STA) and released in accordance with section 5‑12 of the STA.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record-breaking International Investment Summit secures £63 billion and nearly 38,000 jobs for the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Nearly 38,000 UK jobs are set to be created across the UK after a total of £63 billion of investment was announced around today’s International Investment Summit.

    • Total of £63 billion of private investment committed around International Investment Summit, more than doubling amount secured at 2023 Global Investment Summit
    • New investments today include £6.3 billion in UK data centres as well as world class UK university Imperial College London
    • Innovative investment projects announced over the last month across infrastructure, renewables and life sciences will create close to 38,000 new jobs across the UK

    Nearly 38,000 UK jobs are set to be created across the UK after a total of £63 billion of investment was announced around today’s International Investment Summit, turbocharging growth and innovation across the country. 

    The record-breaking total figure more than doubles the £29.5 billion committed at last year’s Global Investment Summit and spans partnerships across the infrastructure and tech sectors, including over a billion pounds in new investments announced today by DP World, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Imperial College London. 

    Through serious, stable governance, the UK is attracting tens of billions of pounds of new investment which is crucial to the government’s driving mission of delivering economic growth. Today’s historic figure demonstrates that businesses have confidence in Britain as a place to invest. 

    The investments follow immediate action taken by the new government to reform planning, focus on AI and data centre expansion, and set a clear commitment to net zero by almost doubling the funding for renewable energy projects. 

    Four major tech firms based in the US have today announced £6.3 billion in UK data centres which is critical to enhancing the UK’s AI capacity – in turn fuelling Britain’s economic growth and spurring on AI development. Data centres store the vast amount of information and data needed to power AI, and store the information generated by AI to keep the systems running. 

    ABP, the UK’s largest port operator, has committed over £200 million to a joint investment with ferry company Stena Line in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, significantly boosting the capacity and resilience of UK trade with Europe. It is expected to create around 700 jobs during construction and around 200 permanent jobs once operational. 

    Leading UK university Imperial College London is also today announcing a £150 million investment to secure a new R&D campus to add to its rapidly expanding deep tech ecosystem in West London. The new campus will expand scale-up capacity in the WestTech Corridor, supporting the UK’s innovation sector and driving investment, economic growth and job creation. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Global investors should be in no doubt that under this new government Britain is truly the best place to do business. The record-breaking investment total secured at today’s Summit marks a major vote of confidence in the UK and our stability dividend across industry and innovation.

    We’re determined to deliver economic growth in every part of the UK and these investments, together with our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, will give global businesses the certainty they need as we lead the charge for the innovation and jobs of the future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    After the investments secured as part of this summit, my optimism for Britain burns brighter than ever. It’s a sign of the confidence in the British economy. And it matters because it will support the growth of businesses big and small across the U.K. Helping them create new jobs and making people better off.

    CEO of ABP Henrik L. Pedersen said:

    We are delighted that the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal (IERRT) has been granted in a timely way by the Secretary of State to allow us to move forward with investment. The IERRT project is a key component of our strategy to strengthen the UK’s supply chains and improve trade connectivity, whilst also bringing substantial economic benefits including the creation of hundreds of jobs during construction and ongoing operations. IERRT forms part of the intended £5.5bn pipeline of UK investment we have in front of us over the next 10 years and we look forward to working closely with the Government to deliver the right conditions to realise this investment.

    President of Imperial College London Hugh Brady said:

    Imperial College London is investing in its ambitious vision for a new globally competitive deep tech innovation ecosystem in West London. The Imperial WestTech Corridor will act as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation at a local, regional, and national level supported by the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy.

    Please see below for a list of all the investments announced in the run-up to and during today’s International Investment Summit:

    • Iberdrola doubling their investment in the UK, through Scottish Power, from £12 billion to £24 billion over the next 4 years. This includes £4 billion for the East Anglia 2 wind farm off the Suffolk coast which was unlocked by this Government’s expanded allocation at the most recent wind auction round. Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galan CBE confirmed on Friday that the UK has become their largest Investment destination. 

    • Blackstone confirmed a £10 billion investment in Blyth, Northumberland to create one of the largest artificial data centres in Europe, creating 4,000 jobs, including 1,200 roles dedicated to the construction of the site. 

    • Amazon Web Services announced an £8 billion investment last month which is estimated to support around 14,000 jobs per year at local businesses, including those across the company’s data centre supply chain such as construction, facility, maintenance, engineering and telecommunications. 

    • CCUS investors (including Eni, BP and Equinor) reached a commercial agreement with the government that will unlock £8 billion of private investment to launch carbon capture clusters in the heartlands of the North West and North East of England, directly creating 4,000 jobs and supporting 50,000 jobs in the long-term. 

    • Orsted and Greenvolt confirming that the Government’s recent expanded offshore wind auction means their projects will unlock £8 billion (Orsted) and £2.5 billion (Greenvolt) of investment respectively in their planned offshore wind farms. Orsted says its commitment will see thousands of jobs for local people, while Greenvolt says it will create up to 2800 construction jobs.  

    • CyrusOne, a leading global data centre developer headquartered in the United States, announced plans to expand their investment into the UK to £2.5 billion over the coming years. Subject to planning permission, the two data centres should be operational by Q4 2028, projected to create over 1,000 jobs both directly and within its immediate design and construction value chain.   

    • Octopus Energy have committed to a £2 billion investment in renewable energy generation, including four new solar farms in Bristol, Essex, East Riding of Yorkshire and Wiltshire that will power up to 80,000 homes as well as breaking ground on a new 12 MW battery in Cheshire which Octopus say will store enough power for nearly 10,000 homes every day. 

    • SeAH Wind has made an additional £225 million investment into wind technology manufacturing in Teesside, thanks to new backing from UK Export Finance, and expects to create 750 direct jobs by 2027. This brings their total investment into the site at Teesworks up to £900 million and will help them make their ongoing factory build – one of the biggest facilities of its kind worldwide – even bigger. 

    • CloudHQ is developing its new state-of-the-art £1.9 billion data centre campus in Didcot. The hyper-scale data centre is currently in development and will help meet the UK’s growing demand for AI and machine learning. It will create 1,500 jobs during construction, and 100 permanent jobs once fully operational.  

    • Macquarie supporting investment of £1.3 billion into new green infrastructure including its Island Green Power solar farm in Stow, as a result of planning consents having been granted by the Government, and its Roadchef portfolio company installing electric car ultra-fast charging points across its sites along the UK motorway network. 

    • ServiceNow also confirmed its commitment to the UK market, with plans to invest £1.15 billion into its UK business over the next five years. The investment will not only support the future development of AI in the UK, expanding its data centres with Nvidia GPUs for local processing data, but also support new office space as the company significantly grows into employee base beyond its current headcount of 1,000 employees.  

    • Manchester Airports Group is investing more than £1.1 billion in London Stansted Airport to expand its existing terminal by around a third, help secure new air routes to key business and leisure destinations, boost local supply chains and create 5,000 jobs. This includes around £600 million to extend the terminal and £500 million to deliver a suite of improvements to the existing terminal building and wider airport estate. 

    • Eren Holdings confirmed a £1 billion investment in the redevelopment of Shotton Mill in Deeside, North Wales which is set to become the UK’s largest recycled paper manufacturing campus. This is expected to safeguard 147 jobs and create a further 220 when the site is fully commissioned. 

    • Network Rail and London & Continental Railways are creating a new property company which will attract additional private and public sector investment with the potential to deliver brownfield regeneration schemes across the rail estate with a value exceeding £1 billion. 

    • CoreWeave is building on its £1 billion investment announced in May and the opening of its European headquarters in London by investing a further £750 million-plus in the UK to support the demand for critical AI infrastructure. The investment in the UK is CoreWeave’s second largest investment in a country following the USA.  

    • DP World are investing up to £1 billion in their London Gateway container port operation. This new investment will fund two additional berths and a second rail terminal. Once built, the berths will add vital transport capacity and increase the resilience of UK supply chains, enabling businesses to access domestic and international markets and supporting the Government’s growth and decarbonisation missions. 

    • Holtec, a major US advanced nuclear engineering company, has confirmed a significant investment of £325 million in a new factory in South Yorkshire which will supply materials for civil and defence nuclear industries. They say this will create up to 490 direct and 280 indirect jobs annually during the construction phase and 1,200 direct engineering jobs created over 20 years. 

    • BW Group proceeding with a £500 million investment, which includes new battery energy storage projects in Hampshire and Birmingham. 

    • Eli Lilly and Company is collaborating with government through a memorandum of understanding which will see the pharmaceutical giant intending to commit £279 million to tackle significant health challenges – including obesity. Lilly also plans to launch the first ‘Lilly Gateway Labs’ innovation accelerator in Europe to support early-stage life sciences businesses to develop transformative medicines and technologies. 

    • Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has announced a £200+ million investment in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, boosting the capacity and resilience of UK trade with Europe. This is expected to create around 700 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs once operational. 

    • Imperial College London investing £150 million to build The WestTech Corridor – a new innovation ecosystem in West London which will act as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation at a local, regional, and national level. 

    • Haleon has received planning permission to develop a new £130 million Global Oral Health Innovation Centre in Weybridge, Surrey. This state-of-the-art facility will primarily support Haleon’s global oral health business by developing new products that advance consumers’ better everyday health. 

    Background 

    • The International Investment Summit is being sponsored by Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, M&G plc, Octopus Energy, and TSL.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed the development of the state program “Development of Physical Culture and Sports” with the sports community and business

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of physical culture and sports”

    October 14, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of physical culture and sports”

    October 14, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of physical culture and sports”

    October 14, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev at a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of Physical Culture and Sports”

    October 14, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of physical culture and sports”

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the development of a comprehensive state program “Development of physical culture and sports.”

    It was attended by the Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev, the Governor of the Tula Region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Physical Culture and Sports Dmitry Milyaev, the Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of the Moscow Region Dmitry Abarenov, the General Director and Chairman of the Board of JSC Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov, the President of the All-Russian Federation of Dance Sport, Breaking and Acrobatic Rock ‘n’ Roll Nadezhda Erastova, as well as other representatives of federal and regional executive authorities, sports federations and the business community.

    The participants discussed the formation of the program and its management system. During the meeting, Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to the development of the sports industry.

    “On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, the Government, together with the State Council commissions, is developing a comprehensive state program, “Development of Physical Culture and Sports,” taking into account federal, national and other state programs. In the changed conditions, Russian sports have become an area that requires the integration of a huge number of infrastructure development activities in the field of high-performance sports, mass and youth sports. When forming a state program, a comprehensive approach to the development of the sports industry is needed, taking into account the interests of all interested parties: government bodies, the sports community, and business,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    He thanked the Ministry of Sports for its prompt work in preparing the necessary documents, as well as for fulfilling the instructions of President Vladimir Putin.

    Mikhail Degtyarev noted that the comprehensive state program will include measures aimed at developing physical culture and sports, implemented, among other things, through extra-budgetary sources.

    “Seven state corporations and large companies with state participation have already agreed to provide such information – these are Rostec, VTB, Otkritie Bank, Russian Post, Rosatom, Rostelecom, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. 32 sports federations are ready to provide such information; in the future, their concealment of attracted extra-budgetary funds may become grounds for revoking accreditation. We have included this norm in Government Resolution No. 1661 on the approval of the state program. In order to promptly resolve issues at the interdepartmental level and improve coordination, we propose creating a Government Commission for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports. Its composition will be approved by a resolution of the Government of Russia, and the presidium may subsequently be transferred the functions of the governing council of the state program,” the minister said.

    During the meeting, proposals from state commissions, the experience of the Tula region in assessing the level of citizen satisfaction with the conditions for physical education and sports were discussed, and proposals were made to include new events in the comprehensive program, such as “Sports in the countryside”, “Development of adaptive physical education and sports”, including rehabilitation of participants in a special military operation, and “Development of corporate sports”.

    CEO and Chairman of the Board of JSC Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov spoke about the support of sports schools located on the Eastern Polygon of the railways, the renovation of sports halls and the acquisition of sports equipment for comprehensive schools in the Far East. He emphasized that all funds allocated by the company to support corporate physical education and sports, as well as to support other sports organizations, are extra-budgetary and Russian Railways is ready to provide the necessary information for the analytical accounting of these funds in the comprehensive state programs of the Russian Federation for the development of physical education and sports.

    The President of the All-Russian Federation of Dance Sport, Breaking and Acrobatic Rock ‘n’ Roll Nadezhda Erastova noted that the main sources of funding for the federation are sponsorships and donations. These funds are used for athletes to participate in international competitions, conduct training events for national teams, support promising young athletes, as well as finance treatment, internships, monthly bonuses for coaches, assistance and support for regional sports organizations and the popularization of this sport.

    Summing up, Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the comprehensive program must take into account the activities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade to improve the level of the sports industry and Rosmolodezh to develop sports among young people.

    Decisions were made to include in the program events for the development of the sports industry and sports among young people, as well as to form a Government Commission for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports. The Ministry of Sports was instructed to analyze the methodology for calculating the level of satisfaction of citizens with the conditions for sports activities proposed by the Governor of the Tula Region, and to take into account off-budget financing of events within the program.

    In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister invited everyone involved in the topic of sports to attend the forum “Russia – a Sports Power”, which will be held in Ufa on October 17–19.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52992/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 14 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strong links between the two countries, adding that the Cypriot community was a vibrant and important part of British culture.

    They then turned to the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister thanked President Christodoulides for Cyprus’ strong cooperation on defence and security.

    President Christodoulides thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s early support for its efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza.

    It was vital to see de-escalation in the region, and find a credible, political solution as a way forward, the Prime Minister added.

    Turning to the wider relationship between the UK and Cyprus, the leaders agreed to deepen ties at all levels to drive prosperity and tackle shared challenges.

    Trade, migration, and renewable energy were all areas the two countries could do more together, the leaders agreed.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 14 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strong links between the two countries, adding that the Cypriot community was a vibrant and important part of British culture.

    They then turned to the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister thanked President Christodoulides for Cyprus’ strong cooperation on defence and security.

    President Christodoulides thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s early support for its efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza.

    It was vital to see de-escalation in the region, and find a credible, political solution as a way forward, the Prime Minister added.

    Turning to the wider relationship between the UK and Cyprus, the leaders agreed to deepen ties at all levels to drive prosperity and tackle shared challenges.

    Trade, migration, and renewable energy were all areas the two countries could do more together, the leaders agreed.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Elevates WSOT Rewards Experience with Fiat x WSOT Challenge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce a new World Series of Trading (WSOT) side challenge with two new prize pools for fiat users. In addition to the 10,000,000 USDT total prize pool of WOST 2024, new joiners and traders of Bybit Fiat can now sign up to divide up rewards up to 28,800 USDT.

    From now to Nov. 4, 10AM UTC, Bybit users may register for one or both of the following challenges:

    Event 1: Beginner Fiat Deposit

    Bybit is giving away 20,000 USDT to new users of its fiat offerings. The first 2,000 users who make a first-time deposit of at least $100 via Bybit’s One-Click Pay, P2P, or Fiat Deposit will be rewarded with a bonus 10 USDT. 

    Event 2: Fiat Trading Competition

    Users may also step up their game in the Fiat Trading Competition to turn their trading skills into bonuses. Based on performance, the top 50 traders will share a 8,800 USDT prize pool.

    “Whether you are a sole trader or a squad member, WSOT 2024 promises to create a rewarding experience for crypto enthusiasts and for the Bybit community. Bybit is devoted to its mission to craft a rewarding, exciting, and community-first platform and WSOT 2024 marks the perfect occasion to level up our rewards. We encourage users to diversify their investments and balance their assets across products, and this is a great opportunity to try out fiat and test your trading skills,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. 

    This year’s WSOT offers multiple bonus tracks for participants to maximize their chance at rewards, including traders and depositors of Bybit who are not competing in the WSOT main event. From trading tasks, lucky draws, to livestreaming with airdrops, there is not a dull moment throughout the WSOT 2024 season. The longest-running and largest trading competition of its kind, Bybit’s WSOT has evolved from a community event to a benchmark for trading excellence since 2020.

    Check out the Fiat x WSOT Challenge event page for details and terms and conditions. 

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #WSOT2024

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press 

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

    For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

    Contact

    Head of PR

    Tony Au

    Bybit

    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Targeted sanctions in response to Iran’s destabilising actions

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    The Australian Government is imposing targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on five Iranian individuals contributing to Iran’s missile program.

    Iran’s missile program poses a material threat to regional and international security.

    Iran’s 1 October launch of over 180 ballistic missiles against Israel was a dangerous escalation that increased the risk of a wider regional war.

    Iran’s proxies continue to launch daily attacks across the region, using missiles and other military equipment provided by Iran. Iran’s delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia last month to aid its war against Ukraine further demonstrates Iran’s destabilising role.

    Today’s sanctions target two Directors and a senior official in Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization, the Director of the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group, and the Commercial Director of the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group.

    With these listings, the Albanese Government has now sanctioned 200 Iran-linked individuals and entities across multiple sanctions frameworks, including almost 100 individuals and entities with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

    These sanctions are being imposed alongside those of international partners, including the United States and United Kingdom.

    Australia will continue to hold Iran to account for its reckless and destabilising actions.

    For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 38 companies apply for PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) in the 3rd Round of Application Window

    Source: Government of India

    38 companies apply for PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) in the 3rd Round of Application Window 

    Major global and domestic companies commit investments worth Rs 4,121 Crore.

    43% of the new applicants are in the MSME sector

    Posted On: 14 OCT 2024 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The 3rd Round of on-line application window for PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED lights) has attracted 38 responses with a  net committed investment of Rs 4121 crore ended on 12th October 2024 after being open for 90 days from 15th July, 2024. 43% of the new applicants are in the MSME sector which shows the confidence among MSMEs to become part of the value chain of manufacturing of components of ACs and LED Lights. The PLI scheme was launched by the Department for  Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT).

    The applicants include 8 existing beneficiaries of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for White Goods (PLIWG) committing net incremental investment of Rs 1,285 crore. 30 new applicants have committed investment of Rs 2,836 crore proposing to manufacture varieties of critical components of ACs and LED Lights across India. Investments have been proposed across India spanning in 13 States including Jammu & Kashmir and Odisha and 49 new locations. Altogether, investments will be spread across 54 Districts in 18 States, at 174 locations. Manufacturing clusters are coming up at Noida-Greater Noida in UP, Neemrana and Bhiwari in Rajasthan, Aurangabad-Pune in Maharashtra, Sanad, Gujarat and Sri City in Andhra Pradesh. 6 AC manufacturers and 12 component manufacturers are in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, also  nicknamed as  the Cooling City. The Scheme has a healthy mix of multinational and domestic Companies. Five additional Foreign Companies are investing Rs 245 Crore apart form 15 existing companies investing Rs 2,287 Crore

    Altogether, the scheme is expected to bring in investment in the component manufacturing ecosystem of ACs and LED Lights industry to the tune of Rs 11,083 crore. and generate approx. 80,486 direct employment. The Scheme is expected to lead to total production of components of ACs and LEDs in India of about Rs 1,81,975 crore. 

    As regards to bifurcation between two segments of PLIWG Scheme i.e. ACs and LED Lights, 21 applicants have applied for manufacturing components of ACs with a committed investment of Rs 3,679 crore and 18 applicants for components of LED Lights with a committed investment of Rs 442 crore. In ACs segment, several investments have been proposed to manufacture High value intermediates of ACs i.e. Copper Tubes (Plain / Grooved), Aluminium Stock for Foils or Fins for heat exchangers and Compressors which account for almost 50% of Bill of material (BoM) for room Air conditioners. In addition to that applicants have proposed to manufacture control assemblies for IDU or ODU, Heat Exchangers, motors, and Sheet metal components and plastic moulded goods etc. Similarly, LED Lights, LED Chip packaging, LED Drivers, Heat Sinks, LED Engines, and LED Light Management Systems etc. will be manufactured in India.  Applications have been filed for production of components which are not manufactured in India presently with sufficient capacity.

    Several applicants are vendors for large manufacturers such as Daikin, Voltas, Blue Star and LG Electronics in the ACs sector. Similarly, several applicants are suppliers of LED components for large LED Lights manufacturers like Surya, Orient, Crompton Greaves, Signify and Halonix etc.

    The overwhelming response from the Industry to participate under the PLIWG Scheme is also attributed to several factors namely:

    • continuous interactions with the Industry through one-to-one meetings,

    • physical meetings with vendors at Sri City,

    • connect with the selected Ambassadors of India in foreign countries and

    • weekly meeting with PLI beneficiary jointly organised by DPIIT and Project management Agency of the Scheme M/s IFCI Ltd.

    The application window for the PLI Scheme for White Goods was reopened based on the appetite of the Industry to invest more under the Scheme, which is an outcome of the growing market and confidence generated due to manufacturing of key components of ACs and LED Lights in India under the PLIWG Scheme. The application window was opened on the same terms & conditions stipulated in PLIWG Scheme notified on 16.04.2021 and PLIWG Scheme Guidelines issued on 04.06.2021, as amended from time to time. In order to avoid any discrimination, both new applicants as well as existing beneficiaries of PLIWG who propose to invest more by way of switching over to higher target segment or their group companies applying under different target segment were eligible to apply subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions as mentioned in the Para 5.6 of the Scheme Guidelines and adhering to investment schedule as mentioned in the Scheme Guidelines.

    In terms of Para 6.4 of the PLIWG Scheme and Para 9.2 of the Scheme Guidelines, applicants shall only be eligible for incentives for the remainder of the Scheme’s tenure. The applicant approved in the proposed third round would be eligible for PLI for maximum three years only in the case of new applicants and existing beneficiaries opting for investment period upto March 2023 seeking to move to higher investment category. For existing beneficiaries opting for investment period upto March 2022 seeking to move to higher investment category in the proposed third round would be eligible for PLI for maximum two years only. Existing beneficiaries opting for the above, in case they are not able to achieve the threshold investment or sales in a given year will be eligible for submitting the claims as per their original investment plan. However, this flexibility will be provided only once during the Scheme period.

    The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had given approval to the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED lights) to be implemented over FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29 with an outlay of Rs 6238 Crore on 7th April 2021. The Scheme was notified by DPIIT on 16.04.2021. The Scheme Guidelines were published on 4th June 2021.  The PLI Scheme on White Goods is designed to create a complete component ecosystem for Air Conditioners and LED Lights Industry in India and make India an integral part of the global supply chains. Domestic Value Addition is expected to grow from the initial level of 15-20% to 75-80%.

    So far, 66 applicants with committed investment of Rs 6,962 crore have been selected as beneficiaries under the PLI scheme. For manufacturing components of Air conditioners (ACs) companies like Daikin, Voltas, Hindalco, Amber, Pg Technoplast, Epack, Mettube, Lg, Blue Star, Johnson Hitachi, Panasonic, Haier, Midea, Havells, Ifb, Nidec, Lucas, Swaminathan, And Triton Valves etc. have invested. Similarly, in manufacturing components of LED lights, companies like Dixon, R K Lighting, Radhika Opto, Surya, Orient, Signify, Crompton Greaves, Stove Kraft, Cosmo Films, Halonix, Chenfeng, Fulham, Adsun, Inventronix And Luker etc. have invested. These investments will lead to manufacturing of components of Air Conditioners and LED Lights across the complete value chain including components which are not manufactured in India presently with sufficient quantity.

    ***

    AD/VN/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2064740) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala at World Food Forum: Trade is vital for ensuring food security

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The Director-General recalled the strengthened partnership between the WTO and the FAO in the areas of food and agriculture. She highlighted the WTO’s ongoing efforts to update trade rules, stressing that the multilateral trading system must be complemented by domestic policies that reduce distortions and enhance competition. She pointed to the importance of “policies that provide essential public goods to farmers such as research, pest and disease control, efficient water management, and extension services that are needed to improve productivity and sustainability.”

    Her full remarks are below:

    Director-General QU Dongyu,
    Your royal highnesses,
    Excellencies,
    Distinguished delegates,
    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I’m delighted to join you in opening this year’s World Food Forum.

    My main message to you is that trade — and the World Trade Organization — are vital parts of an agrifood system that can deliver good food for people now and in the years ahead.

    My remarks today will look at three areas: the challenges ahead for farming and food security; how trade can help; and the role of the WTO.

    First, the challenges.

    The FAO’s latest figures show around 733 million people are facing hunger — most of them in Africa and South Asia [1]. At our current pace, we won’t meet Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030.

    Climate change is a growing threat to food security, affecting every aspect of our food systems, and exacerbating the sector’s problems with water and land management, biodiversity loss, and deforestation. 55% of the world’s food production occurs in areas experiencing drying or unstable trends in total water storage.

    Agricultural production and consumption continues to be distorted by trade restrictions and subsidies

    In 54 countries analysed by the OECD, support provided to individual producers averaged USD 630 billion per year [2] from 2020 to 2022.* This support often has environmentally harmful effects, encouraging the overuse of fossil fuels, energy and water.

    The distance between business as usual and truly sustainable food systems is considerable. The FAO has estimated that our current agri-food systems impose “hidden” health, environmental, and social costs equivalent to at least USD 10 trillion per year. [3]

    Turning now to trade, the case for how it can help is straightforward: about one in four calories consumed is traded.

    Between 2000 and 2022, agricultural trade grew five-fold, rising across all world regions. [4] The average applied tariff on agricultural goods has fallen [5] from 13 percent in 2005 to just 5.8 percent in 2022, helping make food more affordable and available, while incentivizing exporters to ramp up production in response to international demand.

    Trade has contributed to food security and resilience: For example, when the war in Ukraine cut off Ethiopia from its traditional source of wheat imports, the existence of deep and diversified global markets meant it could source from Argentina and the United States instead.

    The Global Commission on the Economics of Water, which I co-chair, will issue a report later this week that highlights the role of ‘virtual water trade’ in agriculture, through the water used to grow or make a traded product. It notes that trade can help mitigate water-related pressures, provided water’s price reflects its value and scarcity with targeted subsidies to those who cannot afford to pay, by allowing countries with abundant hydrological resources to specialize in producing water-intensive goods for export to water-scarce nations.

    For example, there are export opportunities here for several African countries who have been found to have abundant and shallow under-utilized ground water resources as well as land resources,  provided  of course these resources are well and innovatively managed.   In fact, based on these land and water resources, Africa not only can and should feed itself, using intra Africa food trade to manage supply and demand gaps but can also respond to external world demand. 

    Beyond trade’s contribution to ensuring that food is available, trade-led growth and income gains have contributed mightily to bringing down hunger in countries including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, to name a few. [6]

    Now we need to help others replicate this success, sustainably — including elsewhere in Asia and Africa.

    This brings me to the role of the WTO.

    The WTO provides a negotiating forum where members could lower trade barriers and reduce trade-distorting support, helping agricultural markets function better and freeing up billions of dollars’ worth of resources that could be put to better use. But the fact is that at a time when a comprehensive update to the global agricultural trade rulebook is long overdue, we have not been so successful in moving forward agricultural trade negotiations at the WTO. But we will never give up trying. Agriculture and a well- functioning agricultural trading system is too important to the world. 

    This past Thursday, I chaired a meeting of all WTO members, where we looked at how to revitalize the negotiations and set the stage for delivering at least some concrete results by our next Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in early 2026. We have hard work ahead of us and we also need political will. I implore all the Food Security and Agriculture Ministers here to back your Trade ministers and their Geneva based WTO ambassadors to exhibit appropriate flexibility in their negotiating positions so we can move past 2.5 decades of stagnation to a new era of modern agricultural trade rules fit to help feed the 21st century world. 

    In this regard, cotton, both a food and non food commodity, is of paramount importance to several countries worldwide. 

    Last week, I was in the Republic of Benin to mark World Cotton Day. And while we are supporting exciting efforts  there and in the Cotton Four plus countries in West and  Central Africa to add value to their products and tap into global markets for textiles and clothing, particularly in the sports apparel sector, I want to note for all concerned that this does not mean we are paying attention to the issue of trade  distorting domestic support that lowers cotton prices and weighs on the livelihoods of millions of farmers in cotton producing countries  around the world. 

    On the bright side, in pursuing agriculture reforms at the WTO, we have some recent accomplishments to build on.

    At our 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022, members committed to refrain from imposing export controls on humanitarian purchases by the World Food Programme — a step that the agency has said is helping to source food more quickly, and from more countries.

    Our landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies will help ease pressure on the marine fish stocks that millions of people rely on for food and livelihood security. I urge you to help fast-track ratification of this agreement in your countries, and support the rapid conclusion of negotiations on Phase 2 of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement on some outstanding issues so that the USD 22  billion being spent annually on harmful fisheries subsidies that can be repurposed to more beneficial uses. 

    I want to take a moment here to highlight the WTO’s appreciation for the work we do with the FAO.  In this regard, let me thank DG Qu Dongyu and Chief Economist Maximo Torero Cullen and their team for the excellent collaboration with the WTO. Our joint MoU signed last December ranges from work on fisheries and the associated trust fund, to supporting cotton, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and — last but not least — the Agriculture Market Information System. We look forward to continuing this collaboration whose aim is to assist FAO and WTO members. Collaboration between multilateral organizations brings coherence and congruence to helping members and the people they represent. 

    In conclusion, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. A free, fair, open and predictable MTS and modernized agricultural trade rules are critical to an agrifood system that can deliver good food to the world’s people today and tomorrow. But such a trading system must be complemented by domestic policies that reduce distortions and improve competition. It must be complemented by policies that provide essential public goods to farmers such as research, pest and disease control, efficient water management, and extension services that are needed to improve productivity and sustainability. 

    I am convinced that we can all work together, Multilateral organizations,  Governments, Farmers, Civil Society, Private sector, to enable people around the world to access the food and nutrition they need in a changing climate  and a changing and uncertain world.

    Thank you.

    *(NOTE: “support” is not the same here as “subsidies”, as it includes transfers from consumers to producers that result from border measures such as tariffs, in addition to budgetary outlays.).

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, an inspiration for the WTO as a whole — DG

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, an inspiration for the WTO as a whole — DG

    The panels brought together key negotiators of the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), representatives from current GPA parties and external stakeholders, who highlighted the key role the Agreement plays in broadening international market access for public procurement, promoting sustainability and strengthening good governance. “This is the first WTO agreement to impose a specific obligation on its signatories to prevent corrupt practices,” DG Okonjo-Iweala stressed.
    Outlining the benefits of the GPA 2012 for governments and citizens, DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “At the WTO, delivering results that improve people’s lives and livelihoods is the top priority. … Opening up public tenders to potential suppliers from other GPA parties means that governments can get better-quality goods and services at more competitive prices. And delivering better and more affordable public services improves people’s lives.”
    Panelists also discussed how to harness the benefits of the GPA 2012 for the future. This includes optimizing the use of provisions of the Agreement to support innovative practices and sustainability efforts by the parties. Also under discussion was the use of data on current and upcoming government procurement opportunities to enhance competition, achieve greater value for money and comply with the GPA requirement to provide statistics on contracts covered by the GPA 2012.
    The initial version of the Agreement — known as the “GPA 1994” — was amended in March 2012 to enhance transparency in procurement practices, improve transitional measures for developing economies and introduce provisions related to the use of e-procurement tools. With the addition of more government entities (ministries and agencies), new services and other areas of government procurement activities, the value of parties’ market access commitments increased by an estimated USD 80-100 billion annually. Altogether, the value of the procurement activities covered by the Agreement is currently estimated to be worth over USD 1.7 trillion per year.
    Reflecting on the evolution and renegotiation of the GPA over time, DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “The GPA 2012 is an inspiration for the WTO as a whole. It is an example we should bear in mind as we work to make the entirety of the WTO rulebook fit for purpose to meet the needs of the 21st century.”
    The GPA 2012 currently has 22 parties covering 49 WTO members — the European Union and its 27 member states count as one party. The full list can be found here.
    The recording of the event is available here.
    An infographic explaining the Agreement can be accessed here.  
    More information about the GPA is available here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 14.10.2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    14 October 2024 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 14.10.2024

    Espoo, Finland – On 14 October 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,318,062 4.01
    CEUX 791,646 4.01
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 2,109,708 4.01

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 14 October 2024 was EUR 8,460,351. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 167,654,631 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Addresses 12th CII Bioenergy Summit in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Addresses 12th CII Bioenergy Summit in Delhi

    Sh. Gadkari Highlights Ethanol Advancements: Ethanol Blending Reaches 15% in 2024

    Union Minister Sh. Gadkari Urges Swift Action to Reduce ₹22 Lakh Crore Fossil Fuel Import Cost

    Biofuel is key to India’s energy self-reliance, boosting the agricultural economy, and ensuring prosperity for our farmers: Sh. Nitin Gadkari

    Posted On: 14 OCT 2024 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing ethanol blending and biofuel initiatives at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024, themed “Fuelling the Future – Securing India’s Green Growth Goals”. The event took place in New Delhi.

    Highlighting the success of ethanol blending in India, Shri Gadkari noted that ethanol blending in petrol has surged from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with a target to reach 20% by 2025. Research is underway to explore blending 15% ethanol in diesel as well, as part of the government’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependency.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister emphasized the creation of an ethanol ecosystem, which includes the establishment of 400 ethanol pumps by Indian Oil Corporation in four states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Discussions with leading automakers ongoing, with plans to launch flex-engine cars that run on ethanol. Similarly prominent manufacturers of two-wheelers are preparing to launch ethanol-powered bikes once the infrastructure is ready, he added.

    “We are fast-tracking efforts to increase ethanol production and distribution in these four key states,” said Shri Gadkari. He further added that these initiatives align with India’s broader biofuel goals, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

    Shri Gadkari also discussed the importance of leveraging waste-to-energy technologies, especially in the production of bio-CNG from rice straw, which has proven viable across 475 projects, with over 40 already operational in states like Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The conversion ratio of rice straw to CNG stands at approximately 5:1 in tonnes. Union Minister called for further research into efficient biomass sources and cost-effective transportation of biomass.

    Addressing the environmental challenge of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, Shri Gadkari praised Indian Oil’s Panipat plant, which is converting agricultural waste (parali) into biomass. “At present, we are able to process one-fifth of the parali, but with proper planning, we can significantly reduce the seasonal air pollution caused by stubble burning,” he said.

    Research by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) on bio-bitumen production also promises to reduce India’s dependence on imported bitumen, further contributing to the country’s green growth agenda.

    Shri Nitin Gadkari stressed the urgency of reducing India’s annual fossil fuel import worth ₹22 lakh crore, particularly amidst global geopolitical uncertainties. “Biofuel is key to India’s energy self-reliance, boosting the agricultural economy, and ensuring prosperity for our farmers,” he said.

    He concluded by emphasizing the transformative potential of the biofuel sector in expanding the role of farmers from “Annadata” (food-giver) to “Urjadata” (energy-giver), “Indhandata” (fuel-giver), and ultimately, “Hydrogen-Data” (Hydrogen-giver). The Minister congratulated CII on organising the summit.

    *****

    NKK/GS

    (Release ID: 2064761) Visitor Counter : 18

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Guidance on how to proceed when banned and highly carcinogenic pesticides are detected – E-001938/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001938/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR)

    There is a growing global crisis in apiculture which is reflected in very high bee mortality. Against this backdrop, the situation in the European Union is becoming increasingly alarming. On Thursday, 12 September, ENVI Committee members rejected the Commission’s proposal to cut the maximum residue levels of certain pesticides and fungicides in imported food. The Committee rejected the proposal because these agricultural chemicals are not permitted in the EU. Imported products containing residues of substances not permitted in the EU should also therefore be covered by the ban on these products entering the EU market. This decision is of great importance as it bans the entry into the EU of agricultural products containing chemicals that are not permitted on our market.

    Beekeepers warn that beeswax that has been contaminated with banned pesticides, such as the carcinogen Prepargite, are still entering the EU market, which is directly threatening the health of bees and of people consuming honey.

    In connection with the above, I would like to address the following question to the Commission (Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante)):

    What should the control authorities do when they identify the presence of banned, illegal and highly carcinogenic pesticides such as Prepargite in beeswax intended for direct contact with bees in hives or direct contact with honey intended for human consumption, bearing in mind that there are currently no prescribed limits on pesticides in beeswax?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Ukraine: Trade Committee endorses financial support backed by Russian assets

    Source: European Parliament

    MEPs in the Trade Committee voted on Monday to support a loan of up to €35 billion to Ukraine as the EU’s contribution to the G7’s support initiative.

    The Trade Committee voted by 31 in favour, 4 against and no abstentions on the Commission proposal to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion. This is the EU’s contribution under the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) to address Ukraine’s urgent financing needs in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression.

    The repayment of this exceptional MFA loan and of the loans from other G7 countries will come from the extraordinary revenues made from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, and enabled by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, newly established under the Commission’s proposal.

    The future revenues from frozen Russian assets, as well as possible contributions from EU member states and other countries, are set to be made available to Ukraine through the mechanism in order to assist the country in repaying the exceptional MFA loan, as well as loans from other G7 partners considered as eligible by the Commission. These funds will only be used for servicing and repaying eligible loans and the MFA loan.

    The new MFA loan is undesignated, allowing Ukraine to allocate the funds as it deems appropriate. The management and control systems outlined in the Ukraine Plan, along with specific measures to prevent fraud and other irregularities, will also apply to the MFA loan. The new MFA funds will be made available by the end of 2024, and disbursed until the end of 2025. The MFA loan is conditional upon Ukraine’s continued commitment to uphold effective democratic mechanisms, respect human rights, and further policy conditions to be set out in a memorandum of understanding.

    Quote

    ”Using profits from immobilised Russian assets sends a clear signal that the burden of rebuilding Ukraine must be shouldered by those responsible for its destruction, namely Russia. The new macro-financial assistance and loan cooperation mechanism supports Ukraine to maintain important basic functions in society. Making Russia pay is an important step. Ukraine is not only fighting for its own existence and freedom, but also ours. This proposal underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic resilience,” rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) said.

    Next steps

    Parliament is expected to vote on the proposal during its 21-24 October session. The Council endorsed the proposal last week, and it plans to adopt the regulation by written procedure after Parliament’s vote. The regulation is expected to enter into force on the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

    Background

    In September, the Commission announced a €35 billion EU loan for Ukraine as part of a plan by G7 partners to issue loans of up to $50 billion (€45 billion). Future revenues coming from the frozen Russian state assets would finance the loans. Approximately 210 billion euros assets from the Central Bank of Russia are held in the EU and have been frozen under sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. EU governments decided to set aside the extraordinary revenues from these assets, and use them to support both military efforts and reconstruction in Ukraine. Setting up the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism underlines the EU’s continued support to Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Arthramid Vet – Adverse events

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Increased discussion of suspected adverse events in social media following use of Arthramid Vet in horses.

    We have identified an increase in social media discussion around suspected adverse event reports following use of Arthramid Vet in horses.

    Arthramid Vet is an intra-articular polyacrylamide gel used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, synovitis and capsulitis. It is used via the veterinary medicines cascade. A Special Import Certificate is required for use – Apply to import a medicine. 

    These reports often include worsening of lameness and injection site reactions.

    We are closely monitoring adverse event reports received by the VMD.

    Reporting of adverse events

    We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of an adverse event to report to the Marketing Authorisation Holder or directly to us via our online reporting form. Provide all relevant information, including the batch number.

    The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment. Find out more about pharmacovigilance at VMD Connect – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 14.10.2024 deposit auction of JSC “KAVKAZ.RF” will be held (2)

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73939

    Category24-7, MIL-AXIS, Moscow, Moskov Stotsk Exchange, Russians Savings, Russian Federation, Russians Language, Russian economy

    Post navigation


    Archives

    Archives Privations of the Police Proudly would trust WordPress

    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 10/14/2024
    Placement currency RUB
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 381,464,000.00
    Placement period, days 34
    Date of deposit 10/15/2024
    Refund date 11/18/2024
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 20.50
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 381,464,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Agreement General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 10:30 to 10:40
    Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:45
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 10:55
       
    Additional terms  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Innovations in the precious metals market from October 21

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Launch of PLT and PLD trading

    Trading in platinum (PLT/RUB) and palladium (PLD/RUB) will begin on the Foreign Exchange Market and the Precious Metals Market.

    Trading platinum and palladium provides a wide range of investors with the opportunity to diversify their portfolio and hedge risks.

    Trading parameters: Trading will be carried out with TOD and TOM settlements, and SWAP transactions will also be available.

    Trading time schedule in System mode: 10:00 – 19:00.

    To access trading, you must open Trading and Banking Accounts in platinum and palladium using the application form located on the website of NPO NCC (JSC) (Application for opening a trading bank account in precious metal): https://www.nationalslaringcenter.ru/catalog/02100101

    For all questions, you can contact your personal manager.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73942

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    October 14, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    October 14, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting within the framework of the incident on the current situation in the economy. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Labor, the Bank of Russia, as well as the scientific and expert community.

    “Overall, our economy is developing better than expected: GDP growth for the first eight months of this year was 4.2%, industrial production – 4.5%, including manufacturing – 8.1%. The unemployment rate remains at historical lows and was 2.4% in January – August,” noted Alexander Novak.

    The meeting examined the main development trends and possible risks for the Russian economy, taking into account the task of forming a supply-side economy and the need to achieve national goals.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52989/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education competition

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Intellectual Property Office partners with Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education to launch nationwide competition for young innovators.

    • the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is supporting Taskmaster Education and Kids Invent Stuff to launch a new invention competition for UK children aged 4 to 11 nationwide
    • the competition aims to encourage innovation and creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and promote understanding of idea ownership among young people
    • the challenge is to create an invention to help Little Alex Horne be the best Taskmaster’s Assistant. The winning entry will be built by Kids Invent Stuff and tested by Little Alex Horne at the Taskmaster House
    • the winning invention will be revealed during British Science Week in March 2025

    The Intellectual Property Office has joined forces with Taskmaster Education and Kids Invent Stuff to launch an exciting invention competition for children aged 4 to 11 nationwide.

    The competition challenges young minds to create an invention to help Little Alex Horne become the best Taskmaster’s Assistant ever. Children will create inventions to improve Alex’s performance as Greg Davies’ assistant on the BAFTA-winning TV show Taskmaster. The winning invention will be brought to life by Kids Invent Stuff and tested by Little Alex Horne at the Taskmaster House.

    The IPO is helping bring the competition to all corners of the UK. The competition aims to encourage creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and nurture an understanding of the ownership of ideas among the UK’s budding young inventors and creators.

    The IPO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Williams said:

    The IPO is delighted to be working with supporters of young innovation to inspire the next generation of UK inventors. It’s great to see a competition for young people that looks to celebrate and develop innovation skills, and I can’t wait to see the ingenious and no doubt pretty wacky and wonderful ideas it will bring.

    Young people are fantastic creators and innovators, and this nationwide competition combines entertainment, education, and innovation brilliantly. This exciting venture will encourage them to develop their skills and understanding from an early age, impressing on them the importance of IP in protecting their ideas in a challenging and fun way.

    Ruth Amos, Inventor & Director at Kids Invent Stuff said:

    We are thrilled to be working with Taskmaster Education and the IPO on this very exciting challenge. At Kids Invent Stuff, we believe that every child is an inventor, so to be able to bring to life an idea in the Taskmaster House is a dream come true. We can’t wait to see the entries and build the winning invention.

    Dr Ali Struthers, Co-Founder of Taskmaster Education said:

    We’re so excited to be partnering with the brilliant YouTube channel, Kids Invent Stuff, and the IPO in this exciting venture. Our noble quest is to make Little Alex Horne the best Taskmaster’s Assistant he can possibly be. We can’t wait to see what the kids come up with (the wackier, the better, we think) and then watch as Ruth and Shawn bring it to life. We’re sure Alex is going to have lots of fun giving the invention a whirl at the Taskmaster House.

    Little Alex Horne said:

    It’s brilliant that Taskmaster Education have teamed up with Kids Invent Stuff and the IPO to give children the chance to bring their invention ideas to life. Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education have similar goals, to make learning really fun and exciting, so we’d encourage entrants to think big and be creative. I can’t wait to road test the winning entry at the Taskmaster House (as long as I don’t get injured in the process…).

    Entries can be drawings, pictures, or videos showcasing the children’s most imaginative ideas. The competition welcomes entries from both individuals and from groups.

    The winner will see their invention brought to life by Ruth Amos and Shawn Brown, the engineering experts behind the Kids Invent Stuff YouTube channel. With an audience reaching around 70,000 subscribers, the channel is known for turning children’s creative ideas into real inventions.

    The deadline for entries is Friday, 13 December 2024. The winning invention will be revealed during British Science Week in March 2025.

    For more information and competition resources, visit Cracking Ideas.

    Notes to editors:

    • Taskmaster Education adapts the format of Channel 4’s Taskmaster to create fun and educational experiences for children and young people. In the show, the Taskmaster and his assistant Little Alex Horne challenge comedians with creative tasks. Taskmaster Education uses similar activities to develop important skills in children. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Taskmaster Education provides a flexible and engaging way to inspire learning in classrooms and beyond
    • schools can set up their own Taskmaster Club for pupils. This allows children to try more tasks while developing important life skills. These skills include teamwork, creativity, and reasoning. The Club series that includes the Kids Invent Stuff task is called ‘Bathtub’. To find out more, visit the Taskmaster Education website
    • Kids Invent Stuff is an innovative YouTube channel that brings young people’s inventions to life. Founded by engineers Ruth and Shawn, Kids Invent Stuff offers children aged 4 to 11 the opportunity to see their creative ideas transformed into reality. To find out more visit the Kids Invent Stuff website
    • the IPO has curated a YouTube playlist showcasing the incredible inventions from past IPO and Kids Invent Stuff competitions

    The competition is open to UK residents aged 4 to 11. Competition terms and conditions apply

    How to Enter:

    1. Visit Cracking Ideas to access the competition resources.
    2. Download the competition worksheet from the competition webpage.
    3. Design your invention and give it a catchy, creative name.
    4. Describe how it works and its amazing features.
    5. Write your name and age on the worksheet
    6. Provide an adult’s full name, email address, and town/city location.
    7. Submit your entry by either:

    • emailing to hello@kidsinventstuff.co.uk

    • uploading at kidsinventstuff.com/submit-your-invention

    • posting to: FAO Ruth Amos, Kids Invent Stuff, Alison Business Centre, 39-40 Alison Crescent, Sheffield, England, S2 1AS

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Astra Group IPO on Moscow Exchange turns one year old

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Trading in shares of PJSC Astra Group (ASTR) was launched exactly one year ago, on October 13, 2023. The company became the first public developer of infrastructure software (SW) on the Moscow Exchange.

    Astra Group is one of the leaders in the Russian information technology market in the field of infrastructure software development.

    At the start of trading, the free float was 5%. In April 2024, the company held a secondary public offering (SPO), which increased the free float to 15% and doubled the shareholder base, now numbering over 200,000 investors.

    In August 2024, Astra Group shares were included in the first quotation list and are now included in the calculation bases of 11 indices of the Moscow Exchange, including Moscow Exchange Index, Moscow Exchange Broad Market Index, Moscow Exchange Information Technology Index And Moscow Exchange IPO Index.

    Since December 2023, trading in deliverables has been conducted on the Moscow Exchange futures market. futures contracts on the company’s shares. In 2024, the Astra Group debuted in Moscow Exchange Annual Reports Competition, demonstrating best practices in information disclosure and corporate governance.

    Congratulations to the company on the first anniversary of listing on the Moscow Exchange!

    Astra Group is one of the leaders of the Russian IT market, a leading manufacturer of infrastructure software. The company creates solutions and services that meet the needs of customers in the creation and design of IT infrastructures. The Astra Group ecosystem includes more than 20 IT solutions: virtualization tools, domain management, backup, creation of virtual workstation infrastructures, infrastructure platforms, corporate mail, mobile workstation, etc. All the company’s solutions are included in the “Register of Russian Software” of the Ministry of Digital Development.

    Moscow Exchange is the largest Russian exchange, the only multifunctional platform in Russia for trading shares, bonds, derivatives, currencies, money market instruments and commodities. The Moscow Exchange Group includes the central depository (Non-bank credit institution joint-stock company National Settlement Depository) and the clearing center (Non-bank credit institution – central counterparty National Clearing Center (Joint-stock company)), which performs the functions of the central counterparty in the markets, which allows Moscow Exchange to provide clients with a full cycle of trading and post-trading services.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73936

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is Australia’s trade war with China now over? The answer might be out of our hands

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Jean Monnet Chair of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

    YULIYAPHOTO/Shutterstock

    Finally, Australia’s rock lobster industry will be able to export to China again, following a deal struck on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos last week.

    It will take some weeks to finalise the paperwork, but Chinese diners can expect to eat our high-quality crustaceans as we devour our Christmas roast turkeys.

    The breakthrough brings a particularly nasty chapter in Australia-China trade relations to a close. Tariffs on rock lobsters were the only remaining major restriction of a raft of trade barriers imposed by China in 2020.

    It might be tempting to celebrate, but we should tread carefully. Our situation remains hostage to Beijing’s relationship with Washington. Whether Australia’s trade woes with China are actually over may ultimately be out of our hands.



    Read more:
    China removes block on Australian lobster, in last big bilateral trade breakthrough

    Australia’s reversal of fortunes

    The past couple of years have been a whirlwind.

    The Albanese government has seen China systematically undo the export restrictions it had imposed on Australia in 2020 – including on barley, wine, beef, and now lobster – without giving away much of substance in return.

    Yes, Australia suspended two cases it had brought against China at the World Trade Organization, concerning barley and wine duties China had imposed. But those cases can be resumed if the Chinese government backslides.

    China will resume imports of Australian lobster by the end of this year.
    Abdul Razak Latif/Shutterstock

    And true, the Albanese government did not oppose China’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – an important regional free trade agreement of which Australia is a founding member. But neither did it endorse China’s bid.

    It seems we’ve come a long way since 2020, when China tabled its infamous “14 grievances” against Australia. This deliberately leaked document publicly criticised Australia on a whole range of fronts, including foreign investment decisions, alleged interference in China’s affairs, research funding and media coverage.

    A more sobering picture elsewhere

    This reopening of trade might make it seem like things are looking up for Australia. In some cases, our business community has bounced back with gusto, notably wine exports to China.

    Zooming out, however, paints a more sobering picture of global trade relations. In the near term, the decisions of our key allies – namely the United States – may come to matter more than our own.

    The Biden administration has long hoped to place a “floor” under America’s geopolitical competition with China. Neither side wants things to get ugly.

    But in Washington, strong bipartisan consensus remains that China must be confronted. The US has continued to take coercive actions against Chinese exports and investment.

    For example, the US recently imposed a 100% import duty on electric vehicles produced by Chinese-owned companies. Similarly, it imposed a 25% import duty on imports of Chinese container cranes. Strategic distrust will escalate no matter who wins the White House on November 5.

    This animosity is mirrored in Beijing. China’s security state is expanding ever more into business, while its private sector retreats. China’s own coercive activities are also escalating in regional disputes over the South and East China seas, as well as in its trade retaliations against Western markets.

    Widening tensions

    These tensions are also playing out in Europe and the Middle East. International relations scholars worry that the West must now confront an authoritarian axis comprising Russia, Iran, North Korea and China.

    China’s “no limits” partnership with Russia has spooked most European elites. Western sanctions on Russia, meant to erode the Kremlin’s war machine, are likely being circumvented by China’s unmatched industrial capacities.

    Iran’s military support for Russia supplements the Kremlin’s war-fighting capacities at Ukraine’s expense.

    Unsurprisingly, economic security concerns are rapidly eclipsing free trade considerations for the US.

    Advanced manufacturing capabilities – such as semiconductor production – are increasingly important strategic assets.
    genkur/Shutterstock

    When US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan introduced the 2022 National Security Strategy, he adopted a selectively restrictive approach he called “small yard, high fence”.

    He was talking about export controls and inward restrictions on investment, applied to high-technology products.

    Since then, the “yard” has grown wider, and the “fence” has expanded. More sectors and products are being thrown into the mix, from energy security, through critical minerals, to food production.

    The challenge with digital technologies, able to be used for both military and civilian purposes, is that the yard can be very large indeed.

    Middle power problems

    The US has the economic and military weight to confront China. As the European Union is learning, having the economic weight is necessary. But being politically united is essential, and they remain far from that.

    Australia is a middle power, without the necessary economic weight or military heft to confront China. That means we must support the rules-based multilateral trading system – preserving the authority of institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) – to constrain the actions of the great powers and preserve as much of our open trade posture as possible.

    Washington, however, increasingly expects its allies to fall into line. How else can one explain Canada’s decision to follow the US and impose 100% import duties on electric vehicles produced by Chinese owned companies?

    Like Australia, Canada is also a middle power. It is also a strong supporter of the rules-based multilateral trading system. But Canada’s action violates WTO rules.

    The fact that Washington’s actions also violate these rules is taken for granted these days.

    Australia must pay attention

    Global trade cooperation is deteriorating, and the world is fracturing into two “values-based” trading blocs. While there could be positive upswings in our bilateral trade relations with China, the medium term trend is down.

    As Napoleon Bonaparte is reputed to have said:

    China is a sleeping giant; let him sleep, for if he wakes he will shake the world.

    China has changed, and the world with it.

    Australian business needs to pay attention. Our East Asian partners, notably Japan and South Korea, have long spoken of the need for a “China plus one” (or more) business strategy – making sure trade and investment is diversified into other countries, as well.

    Such diversification will be increasingly important in the years to come.

    Peter Draper 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. Is Australia’s trade war with China now over? The answer might be out of our hands – https://theconversation.com/is-australias-trade-war-with-china-now-over-the-answer-might-be-out-of-our-hands-241117

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Appointment of Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, and Country Manager for Kenya Dr…

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, and Country Manager for Kenya, effective from 16th October 2024.

    Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani, a citizen of Malawi brings over 25 years of senior level experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services, and knowledge generation across country and regional levels. Prior to this appointment, he served as Deputy Director General for the Bank’s Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office.

    He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Economics and Statistics) degree from the University of Malawi, an MPhil in Monetary Economics from the University of Glasgow, and both an MA and PhD in International Economics from the University of California. He has authored numerous publications focusing on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development in Africa.

    In his previous role as Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, Dr. Mbekeani led the Bank’s business development and delivery for sovereign, non-sovereign investments and provided advisory services to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia and Mauritius. His efforts contributed to the Bank’s reputation as a trusted partner for high impact development projects in the region. He also managed relationships with key government and private sector, positioning the Bank for success.

    Dr. Mbekeani joined the Bank in 2009 as Chief Trade and Regional Integration Officer. He has held various senior roles including Lead Regional Economist at the South African Resource Centre, Officer in Charge and Acting Regional Director of the Bank’s South African Resource Centre in South Africa, and Officer in Charge of the Bank’s Ghana Country Office. When he served Country Manager for Uganda, he successfully expanded the Bank’s portfolio to over $2 billion.

    Before joining the Bank, Dr. Mbekeani worked for the United Nations Development Programme as a Trade, Debt and Globalisation Advisor for East and Southern Africa. He also served as Senior Research Fellow at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, and Senior Economist at the National Institute for Economic Policy in South Africa.

    Commenting his appointment, Dr. Mbekeani said: “I am grateful and feel honoured by the confidence President Adesina placed in me through this appointment, as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office and Country Manager for Kenya. I look forward to working with the President, the Board of Directors, Senior Management, our teams and stakeholders to enhance the Bank’s operational efficiency, effectiveness and drive impactful developmental outcomes across the region”.

    Commenting the appointment, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am delighted to appoint Dr. Kennedy Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, and Country Manager for Kenya. Kennedy brings extensive experience in managing operations, policy dialogue, coupled with astute diplomacy and well-tested ability to work effectively with countries and development partners. He had previously worked in East Africa as the Country Manager for Uganda, before being promoted to the position of Deputy Director General of the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. His knowledge of the Eastern Africa region and well-proven experience in delivering robust operations for the public and private sectors will strongly benefit the work and operations of the African Development Bank Group in East Africa and all countries in the region”.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Appointment of Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office Mrs. Moono Mupotola

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Moono Mupotola as Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, effective from 16th October 2024.

    Mrs. Moono Mupotola, a Zambian national, brings over 25 years of development experience across Africa to her new role, with a proven track record in infrastructure development, trade and regional integration.

    Prior to this appointment, Mrs. Mupotola served as the Bank’s Country Manager for Zimbabwe since December 2020. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role in the Bank’s support to Zimbabwe in its re-engagement agenda with the international community and in its efforts to address outstanding debt and arrears obligations.

    Mrs. Mupotola’s experience with the Bank began in 2009, when she was appointed Division Manager, Regional Integration and Trade. She was appointed as Director of NEPAD, Regional Integration & Trade in 2015, and Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office in 2018.

    Her oversight of the Lusophone Compact, a program that supports private sector in six Portugues-speaking Africa countries, demonstrated Mrs. Mupotola’s commitment to advancing regional integration. She also initiated the Bank’s Africa Trade Fund, the Visa Openness Index, and the Regional Integration Index with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union Commission. She managed the African Development Fund’s Regional Operations Envelope and oversaw the Bank’s regional project preparation facility.

    Mrs. Mupotola led the Bank’s trade and regional integration agenda by supporting research, infrastructure projects, capacity-building programmes and the reform of regulations and policies in regional member countries.

    Before joining the African Development Bank Group, Mrs. Mupotola held several senior positions, including Regional Policy Specialist for the Food and Agriculture Organization in Zimbabwe, Trade Specialist at the Southern African Development Community Trade Hub in Botswana and Zimbabwe. She served as the Division Head of Trade and Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture in Namibia. She also served as a Researcher at the Namibian Economic Policy Research Unit and a Banker at Zambia National Commercial Bank.

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bennington College, Vermont, United States of America and a MPhil of Philosophy from Cambridge University, United Kingdom and post-graduate qualifications in leadership and strategic management from the Wharton Business School, USA, and the Cranfield Business School, United Kingdom.

    Commenting on her appointment, Mrs. Mupotola said: “I am deeply honoured by this opportunity and grateful to President Adesina for his trust and confidence in me. The role of Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, is challenging and exciting. I look forward to working efficiently with our teams and stakeholders to deliver on the African Development Bank’s vision and High 5 priorities for sustainable development”.

    Commenting on the appointment, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said: “I am delighted to appoint Mrs. Moono Mupotola as Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. Moono has extensive experience in regional operations, having served previously as Director of Regional Operations. She was subsequently assigned to Zimbabwe as Country Manager. Moono has demonstrated exceptional leadership, diplomatic acumen and strong execution capacity in working with the Government of Zimbabwe and all the development partners in advancing the structured dialogues for the arrears clearance for Zimbabwe, as well as major reforms. Her astute leadership and experience and in-depth knowledge of the countries in the Southern Africa region will significantly advance the work and partnerships of the African Development Bank Group in the region”.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Vietnam freight train service drastically boosts regional trade

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

    HANOI, Oct. 14 — The Dong Anh railway station in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi remains busy in the wee hours as container handling vehicles are moving back and forth, loading containers onto a timber express bound for Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    The timber was purchased by a Chinese paper-making company as raw material from southern Vietnam. Speaking of the China-Vietnam freight train service, Zhang Cunwei, head of VTO International Port Development Joint Stock Company, said that like the timber express, a single train might have 10 or 20 containers all carrying the same type of product.

    “We often launch trains reserved for transporting agricultural products, fruits, or other goods,” Zhang said.

    In the past, a consignment might be made up of miscellaneous goods.

    The China-Vietnam freight train service began in 2017, and has expanded from transporting basic goods to over 300 types of goods, said Nguyen Hoang Anh, deputy general manager of Railway Transport and Trade Joint Stock Company of Vietnam Railways.

    Vietnam exports mainly agricultural products, fruits, electronics, textiles, and footwear, while China sends raw materials, steel, and construction materials for manufacturing to Vietnam, according to him.

    He said that Vietnamese goods are delivered through the freight train service to over 20 provinces and cities in China, and to Central Asia and Europe by connecting with the China-Europe freight train service.

    “Meanwhile, Chinese goods are not only transported to Vietnam but also pass through Vietnam to reach Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and other ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.”

    With the promotion and support by both countries’ railway authorities, more and more companies on both sides have ordered the freight train service for shortened transport time, simplified procedures, and reduced costs, he said.

    At the Pingxiang Railway Port on the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi, freight trucks shuttle back and forth on the bridge, while China-Vietnam freight trains sound horns as they depart beneath it, reflecting a vibrant two-way trade between China and Vietnam.

    “With stable capacity, pricing, and timing, the market appeal of this service has increased. Now the service is covering China’s southwestern market and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” said Peng Weijun, deputy director of the freight logistics service center of the Nanning Railway Administration.

    According to data from the Nanning Railway Administration, as of Sept. 30, the China-Vietnam freight trains departing from Guangxi had shipped a record 10,380 containers this year.

    The rapid growth of the freight train service is attributed to the efforts by both countries to facilitate the process.

    In 2023, the Nanning Railway Administration completed railway upgrades from Nanning to Pingxiang, raising the freight train’s speed to 90 km per hour.

    In January 2024, the entire China-Vietnam freight train service schedule was finalized, significantly reducing transport time. The total transit time from Nanning south station to Hanoi’s Yen Vien station has been cut from over 40 hours to 14 hours.

    In the future, the Vietnamese government and relevant departments plan to further invest in improving the railway infrastructure, including stations and freight yard systems to achieve seamless connectivity with China’s railways and enhance transport capacity between the two countries, said Nguyen Hoang Anh.

    In recent months, Zhang has traveled frequently to the coconut farms in southern Vietnam, preparing to launch a special train of fresh coconut shipment as China and Vietnam in August signed a protocol for exporting fresh Vietnamese coconuts to China.

    “As the operator of the freight train service, we’re working hard in preparation for shipping fresh Vietnamese coconut exports to China by creating a fast channel,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: G’day Australia 2024 kicks off in Perth

    Source: Minister for Trade

    Western Australia’s reputation as a key hub for international tourism continues to grow, with hundreds of international travel agents arriving in Perth for Tourism Australia’s mega-event G’Day Australia.

    Hosted in partnership with the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia, G’Day Australia will bring around 300 expert travel agents from across the world to WA.

    G’Day Australia provides frontline travel sellers who have been trained by Tourism Australia – known as ‘Aussie Specialists’ – the chance to experience the country for themselves, giving them greater confidence to sell Australian holidays to international travellers.

    Agents will visit destinations across WA including Perth, Broome and Margaret River, gaining firsthand experience, greater confidence and stronger ability to sell Australia to prospective travellers.

    They will also undertake visits across the country, supported by other State and Territory Tourism Organisations.

    It is estimated that as a result of attending G’day Australia the agents will sell an additional $30 million in holidays to Australia over the next 12 months.

    Travel agents who took part in G’day Australia in Cairns last year said they intended to sell more of Australia as a result of the event, which is vital as we see our international visitor numbers return and set on a path of sustainable growth.

    The event follows the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held in Perth last week, with more industry events in the pipeline for WA next year, including 2025 Virtuoso Australia & New Zealand Forum and Routes Asia 2025.

    G’Day Australia concludes on Friday, 18 October 2024.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Tourism Don Farrell:

    “G’day Australia plays a critical role in ensuring that Australia remains a top choice with international travellers – and what better destination for this year’s event than our country’s spectacular West.

    “Travel agents who see for themselves what we have to offer are able to use those lived experiences to better sell Australia as the best destination for their customers next holiday.

    “Having hundreds of Aussie Specialists selling trips to Australia in our key markets helps give us an important edge over other destinations around the world, which supports our world-class tourism industry, Australian jobs and our economy.”

    Quotes attributable to WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti:

    “Off the back of a huge week with the World Tourism and Travel Council Global Summit being hosted here in Perth, we’re backing it up with G’Day Australia, which presents another great opportunity to showcase Western Australia.

    “Events like G’Day Australia are really important in giving hundreds of global travel agents and industry leaders firsthand experience of some of our best tourism assets here in WA, and ultimately, helping them to better promote and sell WA holiday packages to travellers.

    “We’re confident that everyone who visits WA as part of G’Day Australia will be taken back by our incredible tourism offerings and natural landscapes, and feel inspired to share these experiences with their clients.

    “Perth continues to go from strength to strength as a tourism, aviation and investment hub, and we’ll continue that momentum in particular as we get set to welcome non-stop services from China in November.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The federal government has left Indigenous Treaties to the states. How are they progressing?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bartholomew Stanford, Lecturer in Political Science/Indigenous Politics (First Peoples), Griffith University

    Since the Voice to Parliament referendum last year, there has been a lack of leadership on Indigenous policy from the Australian government.

    With this absence, the states and territories now present greater opportunity for Indigenous groups in seeking rights recognition. This is the level where agreements are being made and Treaty proposed.

    It is important to take stock of the progress that is being made in agreement-making and Treaty in Australian states and territories. While this is an area of Indigenous policy that has been set aside of late, it has great potential to deliver self-determination for First Nations people.

    First Nations agreement-making in Australia

    Agreement-making is relatively new in the context of First Nations relations with the Australian state.

    The recognition of Indigenous land rights in law has enabled First Nations people and Australian governments to enter legally binding agreements across matters such as:

    • land use and access

    • Indigenous cultural heritage protection

    • co-management of land and sea

    • economic development

    • employment

    • resolving land claims.

    First Nations groups in Australia have made hundreds of these agreements with Australian governments at all levels.

    However, there is a type of agreement that these parties are entering that is advancing the cause more generally. They are called settlement agreements.

    What is a settlement agreement?

    Victoria and Western Australia have been signing settlement agreements with First Nations groups since 2010.

    These agreements are more comprehensive than other agreements, including terms that cover numerous matters like those listed above, and often include financial packages aimed at supporting First Nations governance institutions.

    In Victoria, settlement agreements are made under state legislation. So far, four First Nations groups have entered these agreements with the Victorian government.

    In Western Australia, three settlement agreements have been made between the WA government and First Nations under Commonwealth native title legislation. The largest of these, known as the Noongar Settlement, is worth $1.3 billion and has been characterised by legal scholars as “Australia’s first Treaty”.

    Victoria and WA are the only jurisdictions that have these agreements and there are two main reasons why they were successfully signed. The first is the success of First Nations groups in mobilising political power to lobby the state. The second is the willingness of governments to enter negotiations because of economic and political motivations.

    A crucial question is whether existing settlement agreements will form an important basis for developing Treaty in the states and territories.

    How is Treaty different?

    According to legal academics Harry Hobbs and George Williams, Treaty involves three elements:

    • recognition of First Nations as distinct polities

    • negotiation in good faith

    • a settlement that deals with claims and that enables Indigenous self-government.

    Treaties are different from other agreements, as they provide scope to recognise Indigenous sovereignty, enable some limited forms of autonomy, and create a framework for Indigenous/government relations.

    Australia has not signed treaties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Canada, New Zealand and the United States began signing treaties centuries ago, so why is Australia so far behind?

    There are several reasons why Indigenous treaties were never signed in Australia.

    First, Australia was colonised in different circumstances, established as a penal colony and not initially a part of European expansionism.

    In North America, numerous European powers were competing for control over the continent. The British, French, Spanish and others fought against each other and procured First Nations warriors for their military ranks through treaties.

    Trade was also a motivating factor for Treaty-making in North America. Europeans coveted the animal pelts produced by First Nations people for sale in the European fashion markets.

    Today, it is arguable that Australia stands out as uniquely opposed to Indigenous rights recognition relative to other British settler states. This idea is supported by our most recent referendum result.

    So why are Australian governments engaging in Treaty discussions now?

    What’s happening across the country?

    There is currently a combination of Indigenous political action and leverage enabled through Indigenous land rights recognition. Some governments are also beginning to see value in Indigenous Knowledge, especially with regard to environmental management.

    Treaty, however, is deeply political in Australia, and since the referendum last year it has come under increased political scrutiny and attack.

    Days after the referendum result, the Queensland Liberal National party walked back support for a state-based Treaty.

    If the LNP wins government at this month’s election (as polls are predicting), Treaty will likely be shelved.

    This move would undo the years of work the state government has undertaken as part of its Tracks to Treaty initiative.

    Victoria has made the most progress on Treaty of any Australian state or territory. This is due to the leadership of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which has spearheaded Treaty in the state.

    A Treaty negotiation framework has been developed by the assembly and Victorian government. This will guide negotiations towards a state-wide Treaty in the near future.

    Other Australian jurisdictions have made far less progress. The referendum result seems to have stalled any momentum that existed prior.

    In the Northern Territory, there’s been no progress since the NT Treaty Commission lodged a report with government in 2022. As the newly elected Country Liberal government doesn’t support a Treaty, it won’t happen anytime soon.

    In South Australia, the First Nations Voice to Parliament is expected to lead the development of Treaty. The first election was held in March of this year, and First Nations elected members had their first meeting in June 2024.

    New South Wales recruited Treaty commissioners earlier this year. They’re now embarking on a 12-month consultation process before reporting back to government.

    Governments in Tasmania and the ACT have committed to Treaty, but haven’t made any meaningful progress yet, while WA has made no formal commitment.

    Where to from here?

    Although there are notable setbacks emerging from the referendum result, it has not discouraged First Nations from working towards agreements and Treaty with Australian governments.

    With the proliferation of native title determinations, there is grounds for agreement-making, whether that be through settlement agreements or Treaty.

    There is also growing interest in how Indigenous Knowledge can inform our responses to climate change, food security and foreign relations. Accessing this knowledge will require governments to formalise relations with First Nations through agreements.

    Bartholomew Stanford 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. The federal government has left Indigenous Treaties to the states. How are they progressing? – https://theconversation.com/the-federal-government-has-left-indigenous-treaties-to-the-states-how-are-they-progressing-240552

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Remember Why You’re Here”: Mother of 9/11 Victim Visits Morrison Center Memorial

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    FORT MEADE, Md. – “It shows you how fragile life is,” mother of Flight 93’s youngest victim said with tear-filled eyes at the sight of her 20-year old daughter’s photo and purse on display at the 9/11 memorial in the lobby of the Morrison Center on NSA/CSS Washington’s East Campus.
     
    Earlier this year, Deborah “Debby” Borza donated to NSA the purse that her daughter carried on 11 September 2001. She was recently invited to the Agency to view this memorial on what would have been her daughter, Deora Bodley’s, 43rd birthday.

    Debby Borza weeps at the sight of NSA’s Flight 93 memorial in memory of her daughter.

    Borza and her partner, Gregory Linden, began their visit at the National Cryptologic Museum with a guided tour from the Center for Cryptologic History Chief John Tokar and a retired NSA employee and museum docent.

    After a first-hand look into the Agency’s history, Borza and Linden boarded a van to East Campus to see the 9/11 memorial.
     
    “What a great honor to have you here,” Deputy Director Wendy Noble said as she greeted them both upon their arrival.
     
    Noble shared with Borza how much this memorial means to NSA.
     
    “The reason we have it in the front of the building is especially for new employees, to remember why you’re here,” she said.
     
    The project manager of the 9/11 memorial, and other members of the Morrison Center construction team were also present for the visit.
     
    “A lot of folks that come and work here were born after 9/11,” the project manager said, sharing how the memorial helps the workforce relate to this tragic event in history.
     
     The co-facility manager and former Morrison Center construction manager, along with members of the Facility Management Team from East Campus, also got emotional and thanked Borza for her contribution.

    Picture of Flight 93 victim Deora Bodley, and the purse she carried on 9/11 on display at the 9/11 memorial at NSA/CSS Washington’s Morrison Center.

    The co-facility manager explained how Borza was instrumental in the Flight 93 memorial at NSA becoming a reality, and her visit brought it all together.
     
    Borza was equally grateful for the time and hard work they put into the entire display, especially the piece honoring her daughter.
     
    “To the gentlemen who built it, thank you,” she said. “Thank you for taking on that responsibility. This is amazing.”
     
    The 9/11 memorial displays: an American flag from Shanksville, Pennsylvania; elevator tracks from the World Trade Center; limestone rubble and a partially melted laptop from the Pentagon; and Bodley’s purse, cleaned and preserved from the Flight 93 crash site.
     

    A Day Etched Into Memory

     
    On 11 September 2001, Borza’s daughter was entering her junior year as a French and child psychology major at Santa Clara University in California, and was returning to school after a visit with girlfriends on the East Coast. She had gone to the airport early that morning to accommodate her friend who had an early class. While Bodley was not scheduled to be on Flight 93 traveling from Newark International Airport to San Francisco, she was able to get a seat on standby.
     
    Borza was at work when she got a tearful phone call from her daughter’s friend, saying that she had gotten on an earlier flight.
     
    It was in that moment that Borza had an unsettling feeling, and went to a church across the street to pray. Borza recalled that she asked God, “Where is Deora?” and she heard a quiet voice respond, “She’s with me.”

    Moments later, Borza got a call from the airline, and heard, “I’m sorry to inform you—” from the other line. Borza dropped the phone.
     

    Debby Borza reads a quote at the 9/11 memorial.

    Remembering and Honoring Her Daughter’s Legacy

     
    Bodley dreamed of becoming a child psychologist, and was committed to community service, volunteering in high school, working with the America Reads program, and tutoring kids after school.
     
    Since that phone call, Borza has dedicated her life to honoring her daughter and the other lives lost in Shanksville, and even relocated to Maryland to be closer to the crash site and to Washington D.C.
     
    She has been a fixture in Congress and Shanksville since 2001 — working on memorial plans, committees, and legislation where she served on the board for Families of Flight 93 and the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
     
    “She’s the unofficial mayor of that place! Everybody knows her,” Tokar said as he accompanied Borza to the Flight 93 crash site.
     
    Borza spent the day prior to the NSA visit at the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania, watching the recent solar eclipse and commemorating her daughter’s birthday.
     
    She was asked to speak to a school group that was scheduled to be at the Tower of Voices memorial that day to highlight history and take in the experience. There, Borza and the students made memories as they ate Oreos (her daughter’s favorite snack), and got to see a scientific wonder happen before their eyes.
     
    “Being with those kids, I felt Deora closer than ever before,” Borza said.
     
    The Tower of Voices, a 93-foot tall musical instrument holding 40 wind chimes, stands as a landmark feature near the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial, located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

    NSA Deputy Director Wendy Noble with Debby Borza, mother of 9/11 victim, standing in front of the 9/11 memorial at NSA/CSS Washington’s East Campus.

    The living memorial creates a set of forty tones (“voices”) to remember Bodley and the 39 others who died through their ongoing voices.

    “Thank you for everything you’ve done,” said Ms. Noble, further recognizing Borza’s tireless work to help memorialize those who lost their lives 23 years ago.
     
    Borza replied tearfully, “I did it for her.”
     
    Before the afternoon concluded, Ms. Noble gave Borza her personal coin.
     
    Borza recalls how the trip to the Agency to see the final piece of her daughter’s memorial was a fulfilling culmination to an emotional week, and before leaving Borza told the crowd, “Some people say ‘Never Forget,’ I like to say, ‘Remember.’ I know for sure, Deora’s very happy.”

    MIL Security OSI –