NewzIntel.com

Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s position on opposing Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water remains unchanged

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, and this position remains unchanged, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

    Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that as one of the most important stakeholders, China is opposed to Japan’s irresponsible move. In line with the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries that the issue should be addressed through consultation and negotiation, China has held over 10 rounds of intensive negotiations and consultations with Japan and the relevant international organization. The relentless efforts have led to an agreement released on Friday.

    “China is firmly opposed to Japan’s unilateral move of starting the discharge, and this position remains unchanged,” Mao said. The purpose of releasing the agreement with Japan is to urge Japan to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international law and its responsibility for safety oversight, to do its utmost to avoid leaving negative impact on the environment and human health, and to effectively prevent the potential risk that may arise from the discharge.

    She said it is hoped that the international community, especially the stakeholders, will work with China to closely monitor Japan’s fulfillment of its commitments.

    Due to the limitations of the existing international mechanism, the current evaluation and monitoring of the discharge is incomplete and lacks transparency and credibility, and needs to be further improved and strengthened, Mao said, adding that it is especially important to establish a long-term international monitoring arrangement covering key stages of the discharge and ensure that China and all other stakeholders can participate substantively in the arrangement and carry out independent sampling and monitoring.

    She said this is the only way to obtain comprehensive, genuine and valid data and place the risks of the discharge under control. Through negotiations, China and Japan have reached agreement in this regard.

    As the next step, there will be discussions on technical details such as the types of radionuclides to be monitored and testing methods, to realize comprehensive, effective and credible long-term international monitoring, she added.

    How to handle the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water properly is a political and, more importantly, scientific issue, and the China-Japan bilateral agreement has laid the foundation for the international community to handle nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, effective and safe manner, Mao said.

    She said that this is an initial achievement made by the international community, especially the stakeholders. Going forward, China will work with the international community, other stakeholders in particular, to continue to act with a great sense of responsibility for global marine ecosystems and environment and for human health, engage in science-based dialogue with Japan, and urge Japan to address concerns over the discharge properly.

    The import suspension on all aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) of Japanese origin is a temporary emergency precaution taken in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and WTO rules, Mao said. It is aimed at preventing risks and protecting people’s health.

    She added that the measure is based on rules and regulations. It is an example of the Chinese government’s sense of responsibility for its people. Reaching the agreement does not mean that China will immediately resume imports of all Japanese aquatic products. China will continue to act in accordance with WTO rules and Chinese laws and regulations, take scientific facts as the guidance, and view safety as a precondition.

    “We will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence after participating substantively in the relevant monitoring activities, carrying out independent sampling, and verifying the result,” Mao said.

    China will hold technical consultations with Japan and, after China’s demands are fully addressed, gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards, and the consultation results and policy adjustments will be made public in a timely way, she added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Book fair delights visitors with discounts, activities

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Bringing a festive atmosphere to Beijing, nearly 230,000 people visited the ongoing “The Temple of Earth and Me” book fair at the Ditan Park during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Named after an essay by renowned novelist Shi Tiesheng, the 11-day book fair being held as part of the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, will conclude on Monday.

    The admission is free to the event that comprises 10 exhibition zones, including a bookstore street, creative cultural products zone, children’s books area and an original foreign-language books section, in its 18 square-kilometer exhibition area.

    More than 330 publishing houses, physical bookstores and other exhibitors from across the country have brought 400,000 types of books to the book festival. To attract readers, each buyer is offered discount coupons worth 50 yuan for book purchases at the fair.

    A joint exhibition and sale of old books is also being held, showcasing ancient texts and over 100,000 types of old books.

    Xu Mei, a staff member at The Forbidden City Bookstore booth, said that most of the books exhibited this time are included in promotional activities with discounts ranging from 40 percent to 70 percent, providing the public with more, better and richer cultural experience.

    Sun Ying, a sales representative at the Beijing Taihu Publications Exhibition and Trade Center, says that this year’s book fair has been more bustling than last year, with a larger number of young student customers. “Many young readers like to purchase creatively designed book bags and bookmarks.”

    Sun added that books such as Cold Enough for Snow by the Australian-Chinese writer Jessica Au published by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse and A Room of One’s Own, as well as Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus and The Stranger are popular among book buyers.

    Kang Chunhua, a visitor to the book fair, said that the tranquil and lush park in Beijing was bustling with people giving her an opportunity to witness the vibrant side of an ancient garden. As a young mother, she focused on the children’s book zone.

    “We took many photos to capture the beauty of early autumn in Ditan Park. We also let the children choose what they wanted at the zones for children’s books and cultural and creative products. They had the opportunity to practice calligraphy with a brush, watch vendors making traditional sugar-blowing sculptures, try their hand at lacquer fan painting at a workshop and experience various types of interactive toy books. The children were thrilled.”

    “In this era of convenient online book shopping, this will help children have such beautiful memories and experiences,” she says, adding she purchased picture books for over 700 yuan at the book fair.

    Over 160 activities, such as cultural lectures, poetry recitals, singing and dancing performances, are planned for the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and the UK

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS to visit Spain and the UK
    FS to visit Spain and the UK
    ****************************

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Europe in the early hours tomorrow (September 22).  He will first visit Madrid, Spain, and then London, the United Kingdom (UK). For this visit, Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, comprising senior executives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as heads of a group of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, etc.     While in Madrid from September 22 to 25, Mr Chan will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises, as well as meet with members from the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a themed business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the local political, business, financial and I&T sectors, particularly Hong Kong’s burgeoning I&T ecosystem.     Mr Chan will visit London from September 25 to 28. There, he will participate in a series of events, including the Plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council (Note 1); the Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the HKTDC; a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Association (Note 2), and a roundtable meeting hosted by Asia House, a think tank based in the UK. On these occasions, he will share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong. He will also meet with members of the local political, business and financial communities.     While in Spain and the UK, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport as well as startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with relevant institutions and members of local venture capital funds and I&T circles to seek cooperation opportunities.     Mr Chan will return from London in the evening of September 28 (local time) and arrive in Hong Kong in the afternoon of September 29. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.Note 1: The Hong Kong-European Business Council is a bilateral committee established by the HKTDC with Europe to foster high-level dialogue between Hong Kong business leaders and their local counterparts, promoting bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.Note 2: The Hong Kong Association is an organisation based in the UK aimed at promoting business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. The association has over 80 corporate members including global banks, international enterprises, the China-Britain Business Council, etc.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Regional Business Roundtable

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Regional Business Roundtable, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Roundtable brought together key stakeholders with an aim to foster deeper policy dialogue between governments and the business community. This can help strengthen public-private partnerships and fully leverage the AANZFTA provisions to drive trade and investment growth across the region.

    Download the full opening remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Regional Business Roundtable appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement: Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting in Rotorua

    Source: Minister for Trade

    1. New Zealand Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay hosted Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell in Rotorua on 21 September, for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting.
    2. Ministers acknowledged the New Zealand-Australia relationship is built upon shared history, democratic values, a common outlook as Pacific countries, and most of all on generations of deep friendship and close cooperation – we are family. Our economies are two of the most closely integrated in the world, underpinned by our extensive people-to-people ties, strong collaboration between our private and public sectors, and deep levels of trust embedded across our two governments.
    3. Ministers recognised we face an evolving geo-economic global environment with increasing strategic competition and rapid technological change. They affirmed New Zealand and Australia are fundamentally strategically aligned in our assessment of the challenges faced and committed to working in lockstep to advance our shared trade and economic interests.
    4. Ministers discussed the impact of the current geostrategic environment on the global trading system and economic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting open, diversified, rules-based trade, including through support for efforts to reform and strengthen the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. They reaffirmed the importance of our existing commitments and shared architecture as foundations to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
    5. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Pillar One of the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2025: building productive, prosperous and sustainable economies that are fit for the future, and improve the lives of Australians and New Zealanders.
    6. Ministers celebrated the benefits that the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) has brought to both sides of the Tasman over 41 years, reflected in the sixfold growth in trade flows since 1983 and tripling of two-way direct investment since 2001. Our bilateral trade is more diverse and multi-sectoral than with any other partners. CER remains a world-class agreement. The secret of CER’s success is our willingness to consistently add to it, ensuring it remains fit for purpose. This is reflected in the more than 80 supplementary bilateral treaties, protocols and other arrangements that together provide the framework for our trade relationship.
    7. Our economic integration is underpinned by an active Single Economic Market (SEM) agenda. Now in its twentieth year, the SEM has delivered significant wins for our people and businesses, ranging from superannuation portability to a common approach to electronic invoicing. Ministers welcomed both Prime Ministers’ enthusiasm for achieving more integration through the SEM, discussed during the 2024 Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in August. Ministers reiterated that rapid technological changes, as well as geo-economic competition, were fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape. They noted the need for further work to modernise the SEM, in line with the Prime Ministers’ direction, including to ensure we are:
    8. expanding the SEM agenda to emerging sectors of the economy;
    9. taking active and concerted steps to ensure our economic resilience; and
    10. considering how to position the SEM within the economic evolution underway across the wider region.
    11. To support an ambitious work programme for future economic integration and resilience, Ministers welcomed continued regular strategic trade and economic dialogue between senior officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    12. Ministers welcomed the opportunity they had to engage with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) during their time in Rotorua, as a useful opportunity to hear directly from the business community about its priorities for the trans-Tasman trade relationship. Ministers welcomed the strategic refresh of the ANZLF. They noted the SEM agenda was at its most productive when it was informed by practical feedback from the business community.
    13. In addition, Ministers supported the Prime Ministers’ commitment to reinvigorate the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). The TTMRA underpins the seamless market for goods and the mutual recognition of occupational registration across the Tasman. Ministers welcomed the reestablishment of regular official-level exchanges to progress TTMRA coordination and acknowledged the important work underway by relevant agencies to action the joint work plan to enhance standards harmonisation and regulatory coherence. Ministers noted the importance of ensuring that businesses, as well as New Zealand, Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies, were aware of the TTMRA, and – in particular – its application to the regulation of the sale of goods.
    14. Ministers agreed on the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers, noting that these barriers of shared concern can impose significant costs on our respective exporting communities.
    15. Ministers discussed forestry matters, including opportunities to further cooperate in support of sustainable timber trade.
    16. Ministers were in alignment that digital trade should be a continued focus of the New Zealand and Australia economic relationship and emphasised the importance of working together, including in international fora, to secure high ambition outcomes to streamline trade, especially for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises.
    17. Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Australia-New Zealand 2+2 Climate and Finance Ministers’ Dialogue held on 30 July. They reinforced the importance of collaborating to achieve our climate goals, address shared challenges, and grasp the economic opportunities that come with the transition to a net zero future. Streamlining the regulatory environment to support the net zero transformation, together with practical clean energy and sustainable finance policies will encourage trans-Tasman investment in the net zero transition and seamless trade into the future.
    18. Ministers directed officials to coordinate on Australia’s Future Made in Australia agenda and New Zealand’s plan to rebuild its economy, to ensure that this work collectively supported jobs, productivity, prosperity, and economic resilience in the international move to net zero and a changing global economic and strategic landscape. They highlighted the important contribution trans-Tasman trade and investment makes to achieving our economic goals.
    19. Ministers acknowledged the work of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group and its vision for easier travel between Australia and New Zealand while ensuring the highest levels of security at our borders. They noted the initiatives underway to enhance the traveller experience, including Australia’s trialling of digital incoming passenger cards and New Zealand upgrading eGates. Making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless will support the exchange of our tourists, students and business people.
    20. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of members accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to accelerate its entry into force and the need for members to conclude negotiations on additional provisions to secure a comprehensive fisheries subsidies agreement as soon as possible. Ministers recognised the need for all WTO Members to work towards a meaningful outcome on agriculture reform at MC14, in line with Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
    21. Ministers agreed on the importance of APEC as an incubator of ideas and as a norm setting body. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to work with APEC economies to pursue a free, open, sustainable, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment in the region, including through initiatives such as paperless trade, minimising unnecessary obstacles to trade arising from non-tariff measures and ensuring the benefits of trade and investment extend to all including women and Indigenous Peoples. Ministers also agreed to work together to advance implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).
    22. Minister McClay welcomed Australia as the incoming Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2025, and both Ministers reiterated that CPTPP welcomes the interest of and remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles, namely: preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards; a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments; and recognition that decisions are dependent on the consensus of the CPTPP Membership.
    23. This commitment to regional economic integration and the rules-based global trading system is reflected in Australia and New Zealand’s continued collaboration via the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ministers looked forward to the forthcoming entry into force of the upgraded AANZFTA with enhanced rules and opportunities in services, investment and digital trdae. Ministers celebrated the continuing success of Australia and New Zealand’s co-funded Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative to support AANZFTA and RCEP implementation in partnership with ASEAN Member States.
    24. Ministers acknowledged Australia and New Zealand continue to work closely together to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). They reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations of the IPEF Trade Agreement as expeditiously as possible and welcomed recent meetings to operationalise key bodies under the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. They welcomed New Zealand’s ratification of the IPEF Agreements on Supply Chains, the Clean Economy and the Fair Economy, and Australia’s substantial progress towards completing ratification. Ministers emphasised the importance of tangible outcomes on IPEF to support a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
    25. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific. This year, alongside the bilateral meeting, Ministers invited Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon Manoa Kamikamica for trilateral talks to discuss priority trade issues, including PACER Plus. Australia and New Zealand see PACER Plus, the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in the Pacific region, as an important mechanism for working with our partners to deepen economic integration and resilience across the Pacific.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand hostage released

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is pleased to announce that New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, taken hostage in Papua, Indonesia, is now safe.

     

    Mr Mehrtens was taken while working as a pilot at a remote airstrip in Paro, Papua on 7 February 2023.

     

    “We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to talk with his family. This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones,” Mr Peters says.

     

    Mr Peters says for the last 19 and a half months a wide range of Government agencies has been working with Indonesian authorities and others towards securing Mr Mehrtens’ release. 

     

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with staff in both Indonesia and Wellington, has led a sustained whole-of-Government effort to secure Phillip Mehrtens’ release, and has also been supporting his family, Mr Peters says.

     

    Mr Peters also wanted to acknowledge the cooperation and restraint showed by many media outlets in relation to this case. 

     

    “The case has taken a toll on the Mehrtens family, who have asked for privacy. We ask media outlets to respect their wishes and therefore we have no further comment at this stage.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 29th AEM- CER Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today attended the 29th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) Consultation, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the entry into force of the 2nd Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which aims to promote economic cooperation between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand, with a particular focus on MSMEs to engage with and take full advantage of AANZFTA’s provisions.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 29th AEM- CER Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 30th AEM- METI Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended the 30th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry  (AEM-METI) Consultation,  held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The Meeting discussed ways to advance ASEAN-Japan economic relations, including through the continued implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement. The Meeting also discussed collaborative initiatives to foster ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation, with an emphasis on digital economy, sustainability, and private sector collaboration.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends 30th AEM- METI Consultation in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov visited one of the largest elevator manufacturing companies in Russia

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited the Moscow enterprise “MEL”.

    MEL has been manufacturing lifting and transport equipment for over 70 years and today specializes in the production of elevators, including high-speed elevators, transformer substations and electrical equipment. Today, the company manufactures elevators with a lifting speed of up to 4 meters per second and is one of the five largest elevator manufacturers, and by the end of this year it is planned to receive a certificate for elevators with a speed of up to 7 meters per second. Russian elevator manufacturers were able to increase production volumes and master new competencies after Western manufacturers left the country: over the past two years, the volume of elevators introduced by MEL has more than doubled.

    “Guaranteed demand for Russian elevator products, including those manufactured by this site, is provided by the elevator replacement program supervised by the Ministry of Construction. Our manufacturers have room to grow, and they are trying not to miss this opportunity, occupying the vacant niches in the market. The state provides them with all the necessary support in this,” Denis Manturov noted.

    In particular, the support measures offered by the Moscow government help industrialists implement innovative projects, develop new products, expand enterprises and meet market needs. Thus, as part of a large-scale investment project, the MEL plant opened the production of high-speed elevators with a speed of up to 4 meters per second and received a certificate for serial production of this equipment in early 2024. The new workshop will allow the enterprise to increase the annual volume of manufactured products by almost 1.5 times – from 2.7 thousand to 4 thousand units. In addition, 85 people will be able to find employment here.

    During the visit, issues of industry development were discussed, including those related to the protection of the domestic market. According to the company’s management, it is necessary so that the Russian elevator-building industry can fully reveal its potential and implement all planned investment projects.

    Today, the plant is among the top 5 domestic elevator manufacturers. About 65% of the company’s products are supplied to the Moscow region, the remaining 35% – to other regions of the country. In April 2023, the city assigned the plant the status of an industrial complex, which gives the right to tax benefits. Thanks to this support measure, the company’s annual savings can reach 33.1 million rubles. The company can invest the proceeds in its own development, expansion of the product range and the acquisition of modern equipment.

    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/52764/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The Twenty-Ninth AEM-Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER Consultation was held on 21 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Consultation was cochaired by H.E. Malaithong KOMMASITH, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR; Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade, Australia; and the Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade, New Zealand. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.The Meeting noted that the economies of ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total two-way trade between ASEAN and Australia reached a total value of USD 121.9 billion in 2023, based on Australia’s data. The Meeting also noted that the total two-way trade between New Zealand and ASEAN reached a total value of USD 16.54 billion in 2023, based on New Zealand’s data. According to Australia’s and New Zealand’s data, Australia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to ASEAN in 2023 amounted at USD 243 million, while New Zealand’s FDI flow to ASEAN for the same year was valued at USD 61.54 million.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and UK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

    Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as the heads of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, and other advanced sectors.

    In Madrid, from September 22 to 25, he will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises and meet members of the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a business lunch organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong’s advantages, particularly its burgeoning I&T ecosystem.

    In London, from September 25 to 28, Mr Chan will participate in the plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council, a Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Trade Development Council, a lunch organised by the Hong Kong Association, and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House.

    He will speak on these occasions about Hong Kong’s latest developments and its advantages and meet members of the local political, business and financial communities.

    In the two European capitals, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport and startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with institutions, and members of venture capital funds and I&T circles, seeking opportunities for co-operation.

    During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement of the Thirtieth AEM – METI Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The Thirtieth ASEAN Economic Ministers – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM-METI) Consultation was held on 21 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Malaithong KOMMASITH, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. Yoshida Nobuhiro, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce, and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.The Meeting noted that, according to ASEAN’s preliminary Statistics, total two way trade between ASEAN and Japan reached USD 239.4 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, total foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from Japan into ASEAN were valued at USD 14.5 billion in 2023. The Meeting also noted that Japan was ASEAN’s fourth largest trading partner and fifth largest source of FDI among ASEAN Dialogue Partners in 2023.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement of the Thirtieth AEM – METI Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former FAA Contractor Indicted for Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Note: View the indictment here. 

    Former Federal Aviation Administration contractor, Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, was indicted for acting and conspiring to act as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notice to the Attorney General. He made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today this afternoon.

    According to the indictment, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati conspired with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating with coconspirators using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence.  

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired with Iranian officials and intelligence operatives, even lying to obtain employment as a U.S. government contractor only to then share sensitive government materials with Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “When undisclosed agents of Iran or any other foreign government seek to infiltrate American companies or government agencies, the Justice Department will use every available tool to identify them and bring them to justice.”  

    “This defendant is charged with infiltrating a U.S. agency with the intent of providing Iran with sensitive information vital to our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Thanks to the great work of the FBI and the FAA’s investigators, this defendant was stopped in his tracks and a known adversary’s plot was exposed.”

    “This indictment describes the reprehensible actions of an individual who allegedly betrayed his country by transferring sensitive U.S. information to a foreign power. This alleged betrayal not only undermines our national security but also puts U.S. jobs and livelihoods at risk,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “We will not tolerate any actions that compromise U.S.-based sensitive information and are committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly and decisively.”

    According to the indictment, from June 2009 to May 2010, Rahmati served as a First Lieutenant in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — an Iranian military and counterintelligence organization under the authority of the Supreme Leader of Iran. After being discharged from the IRGC, Rahmati lied to the United States government regarding his military service with the IRGC in order to, among other things, gain employment as a U.S. government contractor.

    In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics.

    After Rahmati returned to the United States in December 2017, he obtained various non-public and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an Iranian government official. Rahmati also applied for multiple positions with private companies and U.S. government entities that would provide him with access to sensitive information, eventually obtaining a position with U.S. Company 1 supporting the FAA on a contract related to the power and electrical architecture of the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). After Rahmati obtained the position, he informed an Iranian intelligence officer that he was “in the process of moving to and joining a new company” and that they could “work more effectively if it is finalized.”

    In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his agency relationship with the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment with U.S. Company 1 by downloading sensitive non-public U.S. Company 1 documents related to the FAA, storing them on removable media, and taking them to Iran, where he provided the documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022. These included documents related to the NAS that would give a person unfamiliar with NAS facility engineering a reasonable understanding of how the NAS power and electrical architecture is configured.

    After he returned to the United States in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, a co-conspirator, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on behalf of Rahmati.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case. FAA’s Office of Counterintelligence and Technical Operations provided significant assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia provided significant assistance. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Ricketts Introduce Bill to Protect Ag Supply Chains from China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) introduced the Securing American Agriculture Act, which would protect domestic agriculture supply chains and reduce America’s reliance on foreign adversaries.
    “Close and continued oversight evaluating America’s relationship with the CCP is vital to our national security and protecting our nation’s food supply chain,” said Crapo.  “It is in our best interest to take every step toward mitigating potential threats from the CCP.” 
    “Congress can’t allow Communist China to seize control of America’s food supply chain,” said Risch.  “Idaho’s farmers and ranchers fuel our economy and feed the world. The Securing American Agriculture Act will help defend against threats to Idaho agriculture from China’s influence.”
    “The CCP is the single greatest threat to America’s national security and financial independence,” said Ricketts.  “A CCP-led world would mean coercion instead of choice, tyranny instead of liberty, and dictatorship instead of democracy. The only way to combat this threat is with a strong, strategic, all-of-government approach.  This bill moves us closer to that.”
    In recent years, China gained significant market share in the production of essential agricultural inputs like vitamins, veterinary pharmaceuticals and crop protection tools.  Losing access to these key inputs could drastically reduce agricultural productivity, increase food prices, and undermine domestic food security.
    The Securing American Agriculture Act would:

    Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to conduct an annual threat assessment of critical food and agricultural supply chains.

    Require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide recommendations to mitigate potential threats from China and for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce barriers to domestic critical input production.

    Crapo, Risch and Ricketts are joined in introducing the legislation by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), John Borrasso (R-Wyoming), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Two more service stations open in Shanghai airports

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

    Maria Costa Sanchez from Spain is served by staff members of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn

    Two more one-stop service stations opened on Friday to serve international travelers at Shanghai’s two airports, marking the availability of arrival service at both the city’s two aviation hubs.

    The two service stations coming into operation are situated at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, respectively. They will work together with the existing one at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport, which was in trial operation since June 29, to provide inbound travelers with comprehensive, considerate, and efficient services upon their arrival in the city.

    Tailored for the specific requirements of inbound travelers, the three one-stop service stations are tasked to effectively improve the convenience and satisfaction of expatriates traveling working and living in Shanghai.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

    Under a screen displaying “International Services Shanghai”, staff members work at four counters set up at each of the three stations, ready to offer services including communication, payment, tourism and transportation.

    Crucial services including purchasing local SIM cards, cash exchange and withdrawal, portable Wi-Fi equipment, mobile payment consultation and transportation pass sale are available at the stations sitting directly outside the terminals’ international arrival exit points.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

    Jorge Cinco from Mexico, who just arrived at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, said the services he needed most were payment consultation as well as telecommunications.

    “They are very friendly and helpful,” he said of the staff members who helped him purchase a local SIM card at the counter.

    Maria Costa Sanchez, who travelled from Spain to Shanghai to visit her daughter and three granddaughters, showed the same appreciation toward the service stations. Aided by a translation machine, she managed to exchange cash and acquire a local SIM card at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

    So far, the one-stop service station at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport has offered inquiries and services to more than 44,000 passenger trips, and received more than 3,600 pieces of positive feedback from international travelers from countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Philippines.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. International travellers are served by staff members of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The three one-stop service stations at Shanghai’s two airports would also respond to the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo by providing thoughtful services for exhibitors and participants of the event from all over the world.

    Shanghai’s airports received 8.07 million passenger trips in the first half, soaring 173 percent from the same period of last year.

    The stations are the result of collaboration between the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal Government, Shanghai Head Office of the People’s Bank of China, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Shanghai Communications Administration, Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd and Shanghai Foreign Service (Group) Co Ltd affiliated to Donghao Lansheng (Group) Co Ltd.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New tech at digital trade expo signals China’s foreign trade momentum

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

    HANGZHOU, Sept. 28 — The third Global Digital Trade Expo, currently unfolding in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, is offering a glimpse into avant-garde technologies that are unlocking the country’s burgeoning potential in foreign trade.

    Over the span of five days, the exhibition is featuring 446 new products and technologies, ranging from robots performing remarkable tasks like opening bottles and sorting waste to AI-driven digital humans engaging in debate competitions.

    “I was impressed most by medical AI displayed at the exhibition, such as robotic surgical arms and screening clinics,” said Kgaladi Melia Thema, a consultant for innovation and technology of Small Enterprise Development Agency, South Africa.

    “Nurses can use chronic disease management screening products for patients, which can be applied both at home and in clinics. This reduces costs and enables remote patient monitoring, offering great potential,” she added.

    Digital technologies such as big data, cloud computing and blockchain are taking center stage at the expo, underscoring how China is harnessing these innovations to propel its foreign trade.

    At the booth of iFLYTEK Co., Ltd., a front-runner in China’s AI and speech technology industry, several African visitors were immersed in real-time conversations with staff through a state-of-the-art multilingual AI-powered translation screen. Despite the bustling environment, the screen, equipped with advanced voice recognition technologies, accurately captured and responded to human voices.

    “Overseas business is poised to become a significant growth engine for us in the coming years. Our aspiration is for it to constitute one-third of our business segments in the future,” said Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFLYTEK.

    Chinese cultural exports are also stealing the show at the exhibition. In the digital entertainment zone, innovative exhibits such as an AI-powered representation of Su Dongpo, a celebrated poet from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), a virtual museum of traditional Chinese music, as well as a 3D display of the four bronze animal heads from the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), are offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the richness of Chinese culture.

    “The fusion of digital technology with the splendor of traditional Chinese culture has not only expanded our export opportunities, but also invigorated the growth of China’s culture industry,” said Wu Shuang, a staff member of Zhejiang Kayou Animation Co., Ltd., a domestic card game creator.

    Visitors are also being treated to futuristic transportation solutions, including autonomous boat taxis and the electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, all being showcased for the first time at this year’s expo.

    “China is rightly regarded as a global leader in digital technologies and innovations,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adding that China’s advancement in digital trade is not only creating new avenues for cooperation, but also enhancing global trade infrastructure, fostering sustainable development worldwide.

    “Chinese technologies and innovations are enhancing supply chains, making them faster and more efficient, while also improving access to goods and services,” Madiyev noted.

    According to the Global Digital Trade Development Report 2024 released during the event, global digital trade soared to around 7.13 trillion U.S. dollars (about 1.02 trillion yuan) in 2023, up from 6.02 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, marking an average annual growth rate of 8.8 percent.

    The report also highlighted that the import and export scale of China’s cross-border e-commerce reached 2.37 trillion yuan last year, up 15.3 percent year on year.

    Mercado Libre, a leading Latin American e-commerce platform, witnessed a 70-percent increase in online Chinese sellers and a 75-percent surge in their sales on its platform in 2023.

    The company has opened its cross-border e-commerce services to Chinese sellers in Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Colombia, according to its representative at the expo, who also emphasized the escalating significance of the Chinese market.

    As China’s sole national-level event focusing on the theme of digital trade, the expo has drawn over 1,500 enterprises, including more than 300 international companies, and over 30,000 purchasers this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former FAA Contractor Indicted for Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the indictment here. 

    Former Federal Aviation Administration contractor, Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, was indicted for acting and conspiring to act as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notice to the Attorney General. He made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today this afternoon.

    According to the indictment, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati conspired with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating with coconspirators using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence.  

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired with Iranian officials and intelligence operatives, even lying to obtain employment as a U.S. government contractor only to then share sensitive government materials with Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “When undisclosed agents of Iran or any other foreign government seek to infiltrate American companies or government agencies, the Justice Department will use every available tool to identify them and bring them to justice.”  

    “This defendant is charged with infiltrating a U.S. agency with the intent of providing Iran with sensitive information vital to our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Thanks to the great work of the FBI and the FAA’s investigators, this defendant was stopped in his tracks and a known adversary’s plot was exposed.”

    “This indictment describes the reprehensible actions of an individual who allegedly betrayed his country by transferring sensitive U.S. information to a foreign power. This alleged betrayal not only undermines our national security but also puts U.S. jobs and livelihoods at risk,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “We will not tolerate any actions that compromise U.S.-based sensitive information and are committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly and decisively.”

    According to the indictment, from June 2009 to May 2010, Rahmati served as a First Lieutenant in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — an Iranian military and counterintelligence organization under the authority of the Supreme Leader of Iran. After being discharged from the IRGC, Rahmati lied to the United States government regarding his military service with the IRGC in order to, among other things, gain employment as a U.S. government contractor.

    In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics.

    After Rahmati returned to the United States in December 2017, he obtained various non-public and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an Iranian government official. Rahmati also applied for multiple positions with private companies and U.S. government entities that would provide him with access to sensitive information, eventually obtaining a position with U.S. Company 1 supporting the FAA on a contract related to the power and electrical architecture of the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). After Rahmati obtained the position, he informed an Iranian intelligence officer that he was “in the process of moving to and joining a new company” and that they could “work more effectively if it is finalized.”

    In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his agency relationship with the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment with U.S. Company 1 by downloading sensitive non-public U.S. Company 1 documents related to the FAA, storing them on removable media, and taking them to Iran, where he provided the documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022. These included documents related to the NAS that would give a person unfamiliar with NAS facility engineering a reasonable understanding of how the NAS power and electrical architecture is configured.

    After he returned to the United States in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, a co-conspirator, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on behalf of Rahmati.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case. FAA’s Office of Counterintelligence and Technical Operations provided significant assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia provided significant assistance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case involving cigarettes and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $45 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case involving cigarettes and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $45 million (with photos)
    Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case involving cigarettes and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $45 million (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 27) detected a large-scale illicit cigarette smuggling case in the waters off Po Toi Island and seized about 10 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $45 million and a duty potential of about $33 million, on board a fishing vessel.     Customs in the early morning of yesterday intercepted a suspicious fishing vessel in the waters off Po Toi Island. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes inside the compartments of the vessel. Five non-local men, aged between 29 and 43, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.     Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.     The five arrested men will be charged with one count of importing unmanifested cargoes. They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on September 30.     Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 28, 2024Issued at HKT 16:24

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM’s guidance in developing Uttar Pradesh to help it reach US$ 1 trillion economy: Shri Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    PM’s guidance in developing Uttar Pradesh to help it reach US$ 1 trillion economy: Shri Goyal

    Double engine government of Centre, Uttar Pradesh to propel India to a US$ 35 trillion economy by 2047: Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

    Uttar Pradesh led by Shri Adityanath’s industrial policies has become a holistic model of development: Shri Goyal

    Implementation of 4Ds: Decisive leadership, Demand, Demographic Dividend, Democracy made Uttar Pradesh investment friendly: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his valedictory speech at the 2nd edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts in developing Uttar Pradesh will help the state reach US$ 1 trillion economy in the first phase. 

    Shri Goyal noted that the double engine Government of Uttar Pradesh led by Shri Yogi Adityanath under the guidance of the Prime Minister will help India become a US$ 5 trillion economy in the first phase, and will serve as a cornerstone for India to become a US$35 trillion economy and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Shri Goyal noted that the industrial and other proactive policies implemented by Shri Yogi Adityanath with the visionary goals of the Prime Minister has led the state to become a holistic model of development in the country.

    Highlighting the journey of Make in India program, Shri Goyal said that PM Modi’s vision to initiate this journey on September 25, 2014 to make India a domination nation at the global stage in manufacturing will produce employment and entrepreneur opportunities for the youth.

    Shri Goyal announced that a decision has been taken to celebrate the Anniversary of Make in India with the opening of the UP International Trade Show every year. The Government of India and the UP Government together have constantly prioritised making laws simpler and promote ease of doing business, he said.  He added that the Centre and the UP government in a joint effort are building an industrial smart city in Greater Noida and a total of 20 industrial smart cities are being developed across the country.

    Applauding the success of the trade show in its 2nd edition, Shri Goyal highlighted that over 2,500 exhibitors participated and over a lakh people have already attended in the four-day event from September 25-29, 2024. Shri Goyal further praised Shri Adityanath and the UP government for their efforts in skill development of the youth enabling provision of skilled and talented labour for the companies investing in the state. He said that because of this proactive initiative, migration from the state has significantly reduced with industries receiving a ready talent pool for efficient operations enabling them to expand their business and also making the state investor-friendly. UP government has been successful in not only a holistic development of the state but has also made progress in social infrastructure and human development, he said. 

    Shri Goyal explaining 4Ds – Decisive leadership, Demand, Demographic Dividend and a vibrant Democracy, said that huge investments have poured into Uttar Pradesh because of its implementation by the Centre and the state government.

    Highlighting the successes of first 100 days of PM Modi’s third term, Shri Goyal said that the decisions taken to benefit farmers, to increase minimum wages, build 3 crore homes under the PMAY scheme, provision for health expenditure up to Rs 5 lakh for citizens above 70 years, to built 12 more industrial smart cities and to provide employment to 4 crore youth by spending Rs 2 lakh crore over a period of five years will strengthen the society and benefit every part of the country.

    Speaking about the improvement from 142nd to 63rd in Ease of Doing Business rankings, Shri Goyal said that the continuous efforts led by the Government has led to rise of India’s rankings in Global Innovation Index to 39th spot out of 133 countries.  He continued that the ranking is reflective of the rise in patent filing in the country as well. The Intellectual Property Rights regime has vastly improved over the last decade. From 6,000 patents being filed in 2014 to 1 lakh patents filed last year, shows country’s growth in technology, he said.

    Emphasising the importance of maintaining quality in products, the Union Minister said that India is being recognised as a quality provider of goods and services. We have to ensure that the products we manufacture, the services we provide should be of high quality and buyers should receive this quality with Made in India products, he said.

    The Union Minister said that PM gave the vision of Zero Defect, Zero Effect and to make products of high sustainable quality is the need of this country and the world. He expressed hope that the youth, innovators, and startups with high quality, zero-defect production and sustainable manufacturing practices will propel India to world recognition. Manufacturing and selling of Made in India products within the country and abroad will reduce imports, boost MSMEs, help One District One Product scheme to grow and lead India to be technologically developed nation.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT working on Jan Vishwas 2.0 to further give a boost to “Make in India”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is working on about 100 rules and laws of various departments of government to bring Jan Vishwas 2.0 bill to achieve a greater ease of doing business environment in the country. The work is being done as the priority area under the first 100-day thrust of the present government. To support the “Make in India” initiative, the Government of India has enacted the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023. With the primary objective of decriminalising minor offences across 42 Central Acts, the Act eliminates 183 criminal provisions across 19 Ministries/Departments.

    The Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the Jan Vishwas Bill, has recommended extending the exercise to further Acts, ensuring the continuous modernization of India’s regulatory framework.The Jan Vishwas Act introduces civil penalties and administrative actions for minor technical and procedural lapses, reducing the fear of criminal penalties and enhancing the ease of doing business and living in the country.

    A key objective of the Jan Vishwas Act is to remove outdated provisions that no longer serve the evolving technological and business environment. This comprehensive reform not only saves time and costs for both the government and the judiciary but also fosters a more conducive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing unnecessary legal hurdles.

    The Act, passed by the Lok Sabha on July 27, 2023, and the Rajya Sabha on August 2, 2023, with presidential assent on August 11, 2023,  aims to promote trust in businesses and citizens, streamline legal processes, and ease the burden on the judiciary. The decriminalisation effort ensures that penalties are proportionate to the severity of offences while maintaining stringent punishments for serious violations. This is a major step towards aligning India’s regulatory framework with global business standards, promoting investor confidence, and facilitating smoother business operations.

     ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands – Foreign Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
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    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1l/k1lg8rxiyo

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR2tRxfiSao

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia – External Affairs Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwNK_OUQllA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇯🇲 Jamaica – Foreign Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1k1prfgtl

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeJSr0eNyz4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS begins UK visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to London yesterday where he attended the annual “Hong Kong Dinner” engagement to share the latest developments in Hong Kong with participants.
     
    The dinner event, with about 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals invited to attend, was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
     
    In his keynote speech delivered at the event, Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and its competitive status in the global economy.
     
    “This is exemplified by the ranking, last year, of Hong Kong’s rule of law under the World Justice (Project) Rule of Law Index. Coming in 23rd out of 142 countries and jurisdictions, we may trail the UK, but we are still ahead of the US. And we were in the top 10 in the absence of corruption.
     
    “And, just two days ago, the Global Financial Centres Index announced that Hong Kong had climbed back to third overall – and gunning for London. We need to be ambitious.”
     
    Apart from pointing out that Hong Kong has a bright development outlook, Mr Chan welcomed British businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city.
     
    In the morning, the Financial Secretary attended the plenary of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House. During the session, he introduced Hong Kong’s development strategies to European financial and business leaders, focusing on consolidating and enhancing the city’s development as international financial, trade, and shipping centre.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Chan met UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq and Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey to discuss matters of mutual concern.
     
    He also called on Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang, and introduced the latest situation and development directions of Hong Kong.
     
    Mr Chan will continue his visit in London today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 50 million notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    27 September 2024 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 50 million notes under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 50 million notes on 30 September 2024. The maturity date of the notes is 30 September 2054. MuniFin has a right, but no obligation, to redeem the notes early on 30 September 2027. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.548% per annum.

    The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 30 September 2024.

    UBS Europe SE acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs – Economic and Social Council Chamber (25.09.24)

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

    Colleagues,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I would like to thank the Brazilian G20 Presidency, and particularly Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, for taking the initiative of organizing this meeting in a spirit of cohesion and cooperation.

    This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Institutions, and the Secretary-General’s Summit of the Future is being held. This is a unique opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the multilateral system, built around the United Nations, and to speed up its reform.

    Despite imperfections, the existing system remains crucial in responding to the crises we face. It does however need to become fairer and more effective. There is no shortage of challenges: we have to fight poverty, inequalities and climate change. We need to prepare ourselves to respond to pandemics when they emerge.

    These are ambitions championed by Brazil under its G20 Presidency, and which it will champion under its Presidency of COP30 in Belém. We share these ambitions.

    The same spirit drives France’s clear, long-standing and constant support for Security Council, with its belief that both its membership categories need expanding.

    For 20 years we have been advocating better representation for Africa on the Security Council, including among the permanent members. That is key for the G4 model, and therefore for Brazil, whose aspirations to gain a permanent seat we support. France has moreover advocated for the G20 to invite the African Union to its meetings.

    In this same spirit of responsibility, France and Mexico promote an initiative that requires no amendment of the Charter and that would allow responsible veto use, with a commitment not to use a veto in the event of mass atrocities. I welcome the fact that many States around this table already support our initiative, and I call on all those that want to bring about change to join us.

    The General Assembly needs to be revitalized to make it more effective. It needs to guide us towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and respect for international law, humanitarian law and human rights.

    We also need to listen to what it has already told us. In October 2022, 143 Member States at the General Assembly affirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In February 2023, 141 States called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. That message is clear.

    Reform should not be limited to the organs in New York. The international financial institutions also need an overhaul. We have managed to find additional financing from all available public and private sources. We will continue this effort, building on the momentum generated by the Paris Pact for Peoples and the Planet that has to date been endorsed by 62 States.

    The Pact has produced tangible results. I have in mind the deployment of innovative mechanisms, such as climate-resilient debt clauses. A Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by France, Kenya and Barbados, is operational and meets regularly to draw up innovative proposals aimed at making the financial system fairer and more equitable. I also have in mind our debt-relief action for developing countries.

    More specifically, the aspirations of developing countries need to be better addressed. That means they need to be better represented in these institutions. We have opened dialogue regarding a review of the shareholding of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the 17th General Review of Quotas of the IMF.

    The World Trade Organization needs to be more effective in fighting protectionism and addressing new realities. We have all reached the same conclusion: our system needs to reconcile global trade and protection of the climate and biodiversity. So together, we need to develop rules and mechanisms that will make global trade and accelerator for the energy and ecological tradition worldwide.

    I would like to finish by saying that through its Call for Action, the G20 is showing that it aspires to make reform of global governance a tangible reality, enabling effective collective action. France undertakes to contribute to this reform in a constructive spirit, against fragmentation, in accordance with rules, and for the good of all our people.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy World Tourism Day!

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The history of World Tourism Day begins in 1925, when the International Congress of Official Tourism Organizations was created in The Hague, which is now called the World Tourism Organization (United Nations World Tourism Organization – UNWTO). It was this organization that established World Tourism Day in 1979, which has been celebrated in our country since 1983.

    The holiday is intended to draw attention to the possibilities of developing international cooperation in the field of travel. Currently, about 6% of the world’s gross national product comes from tourism, and the approximate number of tourist trips around the world reaches 1.3 billion.

    The State University of Management congratulates the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry on the holiday. We wish the teachers talented students, the students – good studies, and the graduates – an interesting and eventful working life in the context of the active development of domestic tourism and the search for new destinations for foreign tours. To all other travel lovers – many unforgettable impressions and bright photos against the backdrop of the beauty of nature and architectural monuments.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/27/2024

    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.

    Happy World Tourism Day!

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak met with the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Alexander Novak met with the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo

    September 27, 2024

    Alexander Novak met with the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo

    September 27, 2024

    Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo at a meeting with Alexander Novak

    September 27, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak met with the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo

    Alexander Novak held a meeting with the Minister of Mining and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea Antonio Oburu Ondo on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Energy of Russia Sergey Tsivilev.

    “Russia and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have long-standing friendly relations, which we invariably build on the principles of respect and consideration of mutual interests. The spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding continues to be the basis of our cooperation, which is not subject to momentary opportunistic considerations,” noted Alexander Novak.

    The parties discussed the possibilities of expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation and its promising areas, including the supply of Russian industrial and oil and gas equipment to the country, the conditions for the entry of Russian oil and gas companies into hydrocarbon exploration and production projects in Equatorial Guinea, the participation of Russian contractors in the construction of solar power generation facilities, peaceful nuclear energy, LNG production, etc.

    Currently, Russia mainly exports pharmaceutical products, mineral and chemical fertilizers to Equatorial Guinea. This year, a significant increase in trade turnover has begun. The parties agreed to create a mechanism for consultations on economic, trade and investment cooperation in the near future.

    Russia and Equatorial Guinea will continue to work together within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum to develop measures in the interests of promoting the role of gas in global energy markets, which ensures the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as an affordable, universal and environmentally friendly type of fuel.

    Alexander Novak and Antonio Oburu Ondo also highly praised the role of OPEC in coordinating the balance of supply and demand in the global oil market.

    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/52814/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara Institute of Canterbury front and centre of Master Joiners conference

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Master Joiners Conference attendees have been welcomed onto Ara Institute of Canterbury’s trades campus in Woolston to see first-hand where the experts of the future get their start.
    More than 300 delegates have signed up for the three-day conference in Christchurch which started on Thursday and will end with the presentation of industry awards at a Saturday gala.
    The Ara campus tour, led by coordinator and tutor for Ara’s joinery managed apprenticeships, Darren Evans, provided a chance for conference-goers to see Ara’s facilities, speak to tutors and hear updates on Ara programmes.
    “Our offerings are unique. We like to individualise our training, and the apprentice-managed programme concentrates on giving the apprentice a wider range of skills to use in their career,” Evans said.
    Ara currently offers a Level 3 Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry and Joinery) and the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Apprenticeship) at Level 4. The apprenticeship programme is offered in four specialisations including cabinetry, timber doors and windows, timber stairs, and laminate fabrication.
    Joinery will also be part of a newcomer to Ara’s trades offerings for 2025. The Trades Primer is a free course providing students with a taste of a variety of specialties over a half-year of study.
    Designed to help prospective trades students to make informed decisions about their next step, it will cover machining, fabrication, welding, automotive, autobody, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying.
    As well as the tour, Ara will have a strong presence throughout the Master Joiners Conference with Darren Evans speaking about training options with a focus on training for female apprentices. Alongside him, current Ara apprentice Arna Ward will be speaking at a Women in Trades sponsored event.
    Evans describes Ward as “one of the best to have come through the programme”, with three awards under her belt including winning apprentice of year twice.
    Ara managed apprentices have also seen success at the recent Canterbury Master Joiners Regional awards. John Williams of Sydenham Joinery won first place and Michael Chambers of Alsop Joinery took second place. Both are in their fourth year of apprentice training.
    More awards are up for grabs as part of this weekend’s conference. Ara has sponsored three national categories with five awards to be handed out at the Saturday night gala event including Highest Judged for Workmanship and Skill, Best Timber Project and Best Fitment.
    Darren Evans said it was great for Ara to be so keenly involved in the conference.
    “Today was a chance to show off our workshops at Ara to the rest of the joinery community. This is the first national conference held in Canterbury since before the earthquakes. It was a great opportunity for us to also hear from employers who were giving plenty of encouraging feedback,” he said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kindness is simple! The seventh inter-university “School of Volunteers” has opened

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Every autumn the team

    The welcoming speech was given by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations Oleg Polischuk, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Director of the Humanitarian Institute Natalia Chicherina and Director of the Harmony Center Tatyana Nam.

    “School of Volunteers-2024” united active students into a single community of like-minded people. From September 18 to 20, there was an intensive course with thematic days “Kindness. Opportunities”, “Kindness. Skills” and “Kindness. Directions”.

    The first day was devoted to the skills that a volunteer develops. Leadership, team building, communication, self-control and time management — these skills help in life, creativity and work. Maria Kukushkina, head of the educational and project art laboratory “ArtPoliLab”, showed how a team is formed through joint games, dances and creative tasks.

    The meeting continued with a mini-lecture on social design from Maxim Smirnov, Deputy Director of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” of the Polytechnic University. Maxim told how to turn your dream into a goal and create your own social project, assemble a team for it and effectively organize work using agile methods.

    The evening ended with a presentation on time management from copywriter and fundraiser of the Dobro.Center “Harmony”, student of the Humanitarian Institute Vasilisa Sallinen. The speaker introduced the participants to the functionality of the WEEEK task manager and talked about how to effectively manage your time.

    The second day was called “Dobro.Napravleniya” and was dedicated to those areas of volunteering that are actively developing at the Polytechnic University. On this day, participants learned about creative, event and zoo volunteering, as well as volunteering in the emergency sector.

    First, there was a presentation on cultural and creative volunteering from the curator of the PoliNova author’s club, first-year student Maria Guner. She introduced future volunteers to creative master classes, charity exhibitions, auctions and concerts of the Dobro.Center. After that, the guys painted two canvases with oil paints together, which they will then finish together with a member of the Union of Artists of Russia Alexander Dudorov and send to an exhibition in hospitals as part of the mutual aid campaign

    From year to year, we try to make the “Volunteer School” more useful and interesting. This year, the idea was for the participants not only to learn something new about volunteering and practice different functions, but also to help in the “here and now” format. The guys painted pictures for exhibitions in hospitals, sewed soft toys, prepared publications, took photographs. So already at this stage they can feel how their deeds bring good, – noted Maxim Smirnov.

    The second speaker was Maxim Degterev, team leader of the volunteer event direction. He spoke about the most striking and large-scale events. And then he explained how to build relationships in a team and determine the most suitable place for yourself in the team.

    At the end of the second day, the participants were treated to two lectures and presentations on animal volunteering and volunteering in emergency situations. From the curator of the animal volunteer direction, Angelina Zinchenko, the participants learned how to help animals and how this is implemented in the Dobro.Center of the Polytechnic University. First aid instructors Tatyana Plekhanova and Violetta Lee spoke about volunteering in emergency situations. After the presentation, the girls held a master class.

    On the third day, the children had a lecture on social volunteering from the curator of the direction, Anna Pushchina. They learned how and what they can help, and also got acquainted with the basic rules of working in social homes. Anna and the activists held a master class on creating felt hearts for a basket of goodness. All of them will go to social institutions.

    Anastasia Savina, specialist of the Laboratory of Applied Psychology of the Humanitarian Institute, curator of the school of self-development

    Maxim Smirnov and the curator of the media volunteer direction Anastasia Kalinina told about the direction of volunteering hidden from the eyes of most – media volunteering. Then Maxim and Anastasia held a master class on creating texts and posters for social networks.

    A student of the Humanitarian Institute, Elizaveta Kruppa, shared her experience. She went from being a media volunteer at Dobro.Center to an experienced communications specialist. She is the organizer of the international communications award Proba Awards 2023.

    When I started doing media volunteering, I didn’t even suspect that it would become such an important step in my career. Media volunteering helped me develop professional skills and build communications with people more easily. Now I am a successful communications professional, and it all started with that small step I took as a volunteer. Thank you to everyone who supported me on this path and helped me grow! — shared her experience media volunteer and student of the Humanitarian Institute Elizaveta Kruppa.

    Then the kids had a fascinating lecture from the team leaders of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” Anastasia Shkolyanok and Maxim Degterev about the possibilities of volunteering. Forums, scholarships, training, travel – these are only some of the opportunities that the kids talked about.

    At the final of the Volunteer School, Tatyana Nam, Director of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” of SPbPU, gave a presentation and presented to the students her original project “Ecosystem of Volunteering at the University” with 15 areas of volunteering. She shared her experience of various social projects and told how important it is to do good, and not to cause it.

    Participants of the inter-university volunteer school were awarded certificates and gifts from our partners – the museum “In Silence” and the quest room “Vzaperti”.

    It was an unforgettable experience! We met the team of the Polytechnic University Dobro.Center, learned about their activities and the skills that we can develop through volunteering. The realization that by helping others we improve ourselves is very inspiring and motivating! We managed to learn that volunteering not only brings benefits, but also opens doors to new opportunities – it’s amazing! Travel, training, scholarships – all this makes volunteer work even more attractive. I realized that this is not just an activity, but a whole life perspective! – said a student of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade Diana Zaydullina.

    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://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/student_life/good-it-just-opened-the-seventh-interuniversity-school-of-volunteers/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –