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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Resolution Designating Malnutrition Awareness Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) on Friday introduced a resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 20, 2024, as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year.
    The resolution recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, social workers, and advocates for their efforts to advance awareness and prevent malnutrition. It also highlights the cyclical relationship between poverty and malnutrition and recognizes the disproportionate effect felt by communities of color. By raising awareness and promoting better access to nutritious foods and healthcare, this resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes.
    “Malnutrition is a public health crisis, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color and the most vulnerable amongst us—seniors, kids, and people with chronic illness. We must continue expanding access to affordable, healthy food through federal nutrition programs like the Older Americans Act, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to bring awareness to this serious problem and recognize those working on frontlines to ensure every family can put nutritious food on the table,” said Murphy.
    “No one should go hungry because of financial distress,” said Bonamici. “Each year we recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week to draw attention to the many nutrition programs that are addressing food insecurity at all stages of life and to highlight what more can be done to finally end hunger. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen proven programs like Meals on Wheels, SNAP, and school nutrition programs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize “Blue Star Welcome Week”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate September 21-29, 2024, as “Blue Star Welcome Week.” Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for military families, many of whom face frequent moves and transfers. 
    “Many servicemembers and their families are stationed in Virginia, and I’m proud that the Commonwealth has welcomed them into our communities,” said Kaine. “Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to thank military families for their sacrifices, connect with our neighbors, and help military families feel at home in their new communities.”
    “Alaska’s military members and their families sacrifice so much on behalf of our state and our country,” said Sullivan. “Frequent moves can put strain on families trying to establish ties in the communities in which they serve. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to reach out and connect with our brave men and women in uniform and their loved ones who serve our country to make them feel welcomed and supported by their fellow Americans.”
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the father of a Marine Reservist, Kaine has long championed policies to support military families. Kaine has introduced the bipartisan Military Spouse Hiring Act to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses, who consistently experience unemployment rates higher than the national rate.  The provisions of Kaine’s Military Spouse Employment Act that passed in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expanded hiring and career opportunities for military spouses, improved access to continuing education programs, expanded transition and counseling resources, increased small business opportunities for military spouses, provided more opportunities for family wellness programs on military bases, and addressed the constant transfers and moves military families experience. Following reports of dangerous and unsafe conditions at privatized military housing in Virginia and across the country, Kaine successfully pushed to pass reforms in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to improve housing conditions for military families.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Listen, confer, act: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, Hutt Road, Petone

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Hutt Road between Jackson Street and Nevis Street is closed following a serious crash.

    Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 2pm.

    One person has received serious injuries and another has minor injuries.

    The road is expected to be closed for some time.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • 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: China’s vehicle software market exceeds 65 bln yuan: report

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s vehicle software market is worth more than 65 billion yuan (about 9.2 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 30 percent of the country’s total software market, according to a report released on Friday.

    The report on the development of new quality productive force in China’s automobile industry was jointly published by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd and China Economic Information Service. It was released during the Automobile New Quality Productive Force Development Forum held in Chongqing Municipality on Friday.

    “The first half of the car industry development is electrification. It is now time for it to enter the second half, featuring intelligent technologies, with the software, operating systems and car chips as the core,” said Xu Haidong, deputy chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    He added that vehicle software can precisely manage the entire car, including its facilities, driving and communication capabilities.

    The report also pointed out that the localization rate of automobile chips is on the rise as enterprises such as Huawei are making headway in chip development. The localization rate of power semiconductors has risen to 15 percent to 20 percent.

    The automobile industry is one of major pillars of China’s economy, with the gross output of the whole industrial chain of automobiles contributing 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare Started in Novosibirsk

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    120 medical volunteers from different regions of the country gathered at the All-Russian seminar-conference on the development of medical volunteering in the field of preventive healthcare, which is being held from September 19 to 22, 2024 in Novosibirsk. The following cities are represented at the event: Samara, Moscow, Tomsk, Krasnodar, Lugansk, Belgorod, Ryazan, Crimea, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Khanty-Mansiysk, Volgograd, Kirov, Khabarovsk and others.

    Volunteers are holding the event together with the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University” with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh.Granty”

    The seminar-meeting is being implemented within the framework of the National Projects “Demography” and “Healthcare” with the aim of replicating the experience of young representatives of medical volunteering in the field of preventive medicine and updating knowledge about the prevention of diseases of the reproductive system.

    The opening of the event featured speeches by the following guests of honor:

    — I am very glad that the topic of the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare was preventive medicine with an emphasis on maintaining reproductive health. The Ministry of Healthcare has been actively involved in prevention issues in our country for about ten years, I think you all know that new federal projects will start on January 1, 2025, including the national project “Active Long Life”, thanks to which new health centers will be opened, they will be aimed at developing preventive technologies. I wish successful work to medical volunteers! I hope that you will spend the days of the seminar-conference positively, acquire not only new friends, but also new knowledge, which you will inspire everyone around you, so that each person takes care of their health, — shared the acting Minister of Healthcare in the Novosibirsk Region Tatyana Anokhina.

    — It is gratifying that today the topic of health is receiving a lot of attention! Educational work is very important. It is great that the youth audience in the person of medical volunteers is taking on this challenge and is actively working with the population of the country. At our university, medical volunteers are a very noticeable figure, despite the fact that the medical faculty takes up a small percentage of students. I hope that during the seminar-meeting you will all be able to work well and walk around Novosibirsk, — said Olga Yakovleva, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Educational Work at Novosibirsk State University.

    — I am glad to welcome you to the All-Russian Seminar-Conference. It is such an amazing coincidence that today is the Day of Socially Useful Persons, and volunteering is precisely the desire to be useful, to do things that improve various processes of life! Medical volunteers, we can’t do without you! The path from an idea that is born in the head to its implementation is the magic that you create. Dear friends, continue to be proactive and active. Bon voyage and don’t be afraid of anything! — noted Konstantin Bakulin, Vice-Rector for Educational and Social Work at the Novosibirsk State Medical University.

    — I thank Novosibirsk State University for the trust and the opportunity to organize such an event! Thank you for your support and assistance in all aspects of holding the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare. Thank you to the team of the Novosibirsk Regional Branch, you are great! I hope that, having seen the experience of such events, each of you in your region will also be able to organize an All-Russian event. Thank you for coming to Novosibirsk, I wish each of you productive and fruitful work, — Maria Miroshnikova, Head of the Department of Medical Volunteering Projects and Educational Programs of the All-Russian Volunteer Medical Association, greeted the participants.

    The event is attended by leading experts in reproductive health of men and women, specialists in medical prevention, as well as specialists in the field of health protection.

    Paying special attention to strengthening the reproductive health of the country’s population and popularizing family values, the participants attend educational and outreach platforms, including in the format of strategic sessions. The participants are also working on creating an innovative information product in the field of medical examination and reproductive health, the result of which will determine the further development of volunteer activities in preventive work.

    Organizers and partners: All-Russian public organization “Volunteers-doctors”, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University”, Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh”, Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, ANO “National Priorities”.

    The All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the healthcare sector in Europe. With the support of the Russian Ministry of Health, 89 regional branches of the All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” have been opened in the country, uniting more than 164 thousand people. From 2013 to 2023, volunteers provided more than 24 million hours of assistance in more than 1 thousand medical organizations in the Russian Federation. Every year, about 4 million Russians receive assistance and support from medical volunteers.

    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://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/atmosphere/all-Russian-seminar-meeting-on-the-development-of-medical-volunteering started in-Novosibirsk/

    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 China: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Iowa DOT Awarded Over $68 Million for Southwest Mixmaster Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) secured $68,662,000 to reconstruct the I-80, I-35 and I-235 interchange in Des Moines. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Mega Grant Program, which is funded by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
    “This interchange has held up for many decades under significant traffic volume. But it’s past time for a revamp to enhance efficiency and ensure drivers’ safety. These federal dollars will help get the millions of people who pass through our capital city each year where they want to go,” Grassley said. “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa’s future in mind, and I’m glad our state is seeing a return on that investment.” 
    These federal resources will enable IDOT to reduce congestion and increase navigability at the interchange, where reports indicate nearly 1,000 crashes occurred between 2018 and 2022.  
    Specific construction projects include: 
    New flyover bridges from southbound I-25/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80; 
    A new bridge on westbound I-235; and 
    An additional lane on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
    ******************************************************************************

         The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), Mr Poon Kwok-ying, attended the International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Conference in Vienna, Austria from September 18 to 20 (Austrian time). The Conference was an annual forum for railway safety regulators, operators and relevant stakeholders worldwide to exchange knowledge, experience and lesson learnt on railway safety.            The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) gave presentations on four separate railway safety topics to share its experience in the applications of innovation and technology (I&T) for enhancing railway safety as well as the regulatory experience and preventive measures on handling catastrophic flooding.           At the closing ceremony of the Conference on September 20 (Austrian time), Mr Poon, together with the Administrator of the National Railway Administration, Mr Fei Dongbin, and the Operations and Innovation Director of the MTR Corporation, Dr Tony Lee, were handed over the “IRSC Triangle” by the Organising Committee Chairman of this year’s Conference, symbolising that Hong Kong, China will be the host city of the next Conference.           Under the theme “Advancing Railway Safety through Innovations and Collaborations”, the IRSC 2025 Conference will be jointly hosted by the EMSD, the National Railway Administration and the MTR Corporation. The delegates around the world will be invited to participate the Conference in Hong Kong, China to carry out in-depth exchanges on the issue of railway safety development and also personally experience the China’s railway development in recent years. Over 300 internationally renowned railway experts from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and more are expected to attend the Conference.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bridges inject vitality into tourism sector in SW China’s Guizhou

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

    GUIYANG, Sept. 20 — In recent years, Guizhou Province has strived to upgrade its transportation system with an eye toward modernity and connectivity. Currently, more than 30,000 bridges have been built or are under construction in the province. Today, Guizhou boasts about half of the world’s 100 highest bridges. Some not only help shorten travel time from major cities to scenic spots but also become tourist attractions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s sub-center pursues high-quality development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Beijing’s sub-center in Tongzhou district is making sound progress in high-quality development, featuring solid investment, booming industries, prosperous culture and tourism, and coordinated regional development, according to officials at a recent press conference.

    The sub-center has received investments of over 100 billion yuan (US$14.2 billion) for four consecutive years, said Zheng Hao, head of Tongzhou district, at the press briefing. 

    The district is actively developing six industrial clusters, namely the digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, commercial services, cultural tourism, and modern seed industry, while exploring three future-oriented sectors: information, energy, and healthcare. 

    In the first eight months of the year, Tongzhou district added 25,000 new market entities, leading the capital city in this regard. The financial industry has become a pillar industry of the sub-center, with over 460 registered financial institutions. 

    Furthermore, 102 subsidiaries of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises have established operations in the district. In addition, the sub-center has been improving its business environment, rolling out 26 measures to facilitate high-quality industrial development. 

    The new municipal administrative center has also been improving its urban layout. A highlight in urban construction is East 6th Ring Road, which connects five areas with diverse functions. Additionally, the High Line Park, currently under construction, will stretch 14 kilometers and feature running, cycling, and tourism lanes, along with over 200 public leisure zones. Upon completion, the park is expected to increase the regional greenery coverage from 50% to 80%. 

    The sub-center is also focusing on developing the culture and tourism sectors. The three major cultural venues – the Beijing Performing Arts Center, the Beijing Library, and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing – have received more than 7 million visitors so far this year. Moreover, another three major projects are under construction, including Beijing’s biggest outlet shopping complex, an amusement park, and the Haichang Ocean Park, which are expected to attract tens of millions of visitors upon completion. 

    The district is also advancing regional integration by building the Chaobaihe Bridge, which will connect with neighboring counties in Hebei province. The district has organized project matchmaking events with counties in Hebei for five years straight, which witnessed the signing of over 210 projects. Moreover, the district has collaborated with neighboring Hebei counties to facilitate cross-regional services for over 3,600 administrative items.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 27th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum opens

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 27th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum kicked off at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area on Thursday. Nearly 500 attendees, including entrepreneurs and tech professionals, will dive deep into the economy, trade, and sci-tech exchange and cooperation between Beijing and Taiwan during the three-day event. 

    The event will feature a summit, four parallel sessions, and several sub-forums. The four parallel sessions will look into energy and digitalization, fin-tech, healthcare, and intelligent electric vehicles, while the sub-forums will discuss topics including youths, women, human resources, and intellectual property protection. 

    At the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Cross-Strait Sci-Tech Innovation Center, which was established last year, signed strategic cooperation agreements with several research institutions. The center also unveiled a second batch of policies, which include over 10 measures to support businesses from Taiwan to develop in Beijing. The measures cover a range of issues including research and development, financial support, industry upgrade, and talent recruitment.  

    The Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum was established in 1998, and has since become an important economic and trade exchange platform for companies across the Taiwan Strait.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: High-altitude weather observation platform put into operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A weather observation platform at a 5,287.71-meter altitude has been recently put into operation in the middle section of Kunlun Mountains in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said that the comprehensive weather observation platform, the highest of its kind in China, is located in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang. It is designed to observe artificial weather modification and scientific research for cloud-water resources in the Kunlun Mountains, ScienceNet.cn reported on Thursday.

    The platform integrates various systems of ground-based meteorological observation, unmanned aerial vehicle high-altitude detection, cloud ice microphysics research and monitoring, and aerosol lidar detection.

    According to the CMA, together with high-performance lidar, high-definition video imaging technology, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and a stable solar power supply system, it has thus formed a comprehensive ground-air-space monitoring network.

    The integration and application of these technologies have significant scientific research value and application potential in accurately capturing cloud dynamics, optimizing artificial rain (snow) operations, evaluating the impact of climate change, and exploring adaptive strategies for ecosystems in extreme environments, the CMA said.

    This is the only comprehensive scientific research platform for cloud water resources in the Kunlun Mountains. Xinjiang has reached new heights in artificial weather modification and cloud water resource development and utilization.

    It is also of great significance for water resource security, agricultural irrigation, disaster prevention and mitigation in Xinjiang and the entire northwest region. According to the CMA, it will also provide valuable first-hand data for global climate change research and ecological environmental protection.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan to fully restore tourism in time for National Day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South China’s island province of Hainan will fully restore its tourism industry by the week-long National Day holiday starting Oct. 1, after being struck by Super Typhoon Yagi, the provincial government said on Friday.

    According to the provincial tourism authority, as of Thursday, the resumption rate of tourism and culture related work across the island reached 93.75 percent. This includes 92 scenic spots, 581 hotels, and 82 cultural and sports venues.

    Hainan will be ready to accommodate domestic and overseas tourists during the upcoming holiday, during which 71 activities will be held, including 27 cultural and performing arts activities and 20 sports events, the authority said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS Baltimore (SSN 812)

    Source: United States Navy

    BALTIMORE (Sept 20, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 812 will be named USS Baltimore. Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony held in Baltimore aboard the historic USS Constellation, Sept. 20.

    The future USS Baltimore honors the city of Baltimore, the crews of one Continental Navy ship, and the five previous Navy vessels named Baltimore.

    The naming selection of the future USS Baltimore (SSN 812) continues the recent trend of naming Virginia-class submarines after cities. Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), and USS Miami (SSN 811).

    “The city of Baltimore maintains a strong connection with our maritime services and is a critical enabler of our National Maritime Statecraft,” said Del Toro. “It is my honor and privilege to announce the name of the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, SSN-812, USS Baltimore.” 

    Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin joined Del Toro for the ceremony honoring Baltimore.

    “Maryland is proud of our connection to the Navy and our strong history as a coastal state,” said Cardin. “I am excited that the next USS Baltimore will be sailing the seas again as the Navy’s newest submarine. Our Navy maintains and protects free and open international waters. From defending our young nation from pirates in the late 1700s to ensuring freedom of navigation today in the Red Sea and Taiwan Strait, our Navy is always on watch.”

    Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also served as a guest in the official party and spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest submarine.

    “We are honored that Baltimore is being represented across the globe once again with the naming of this future ship,” said Scott. “As a city with such a rich naval and maritime history, the naming of the USS Baltimore ensures that legacy will continue to live on for decades to come. I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the U.S. Navy for this honor and for continuing to uplift our city, including all Baltimoreans who choose to serve.”

    Along with the ship’s name, Del Toro also announced Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In her role as sponsor, she will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

    “When Baltimore joins the fleet, with a world-class crew, it will be among the most agile, lethal, resilient, and capable conventional nuclear-powered submarines we’ve ever made,” said Hicks. “Make no mistake about Baltimore’s purpose, like all of our submarines, conventional and otherwise, we build them not to provoke war, but rather to prevent wars, through deterrence.”

    The city of Baltimore has significant ties to American and Naval history. The Port of Baltimore was established in 1706 and the Town of Baltimore in 1729. One of the Navy’s six founding frigates, USS Constellation, was built in Baltimore, and the city’s skilled ship workers later would construct the famous Baltimore clipper ships. In 1814, the Battle of Baltimore inspired the American national anthem.

    The first Baltimore served in the Quasi-War against France, while the second Baltimore served during the Civil War. The third Baltimore fought in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and later conducted mine-laying operations in World War I. The fourth Baltimore earned nine battle stars during World War II, fighting in campaigns for the Caroline Islands, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and Okinawa. The fifth Baltimore participated in undersea operations against the Soviet Union, completing a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The Navy simultaneously decommissioned and struck the most recent vessel from the list on 10 July 1998.

    After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, the Navy provided equities to the established “Key Bridge Response Unified Command.” NAVSEA’s Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) led critical efforts to support the clearance of the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel, responsible for managing all on-scene assets tasked with debris removal and channel clearing. Del Toro personally assessed the site and met with Navy personnel on April 19, 2024.

    Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lufthansa hoping to increase China capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The German carrier Lufthansa has said the airline is looking to further expand capacity to China, after restoring capacity to Shanghai to pre-COVID levels.

    “For Lufthansa, China is one of the most important markets in the world outside Europe. We are pretty happy that we already received pre-pandemic capacity here in Shanghai,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines. “Hopefully in the next couple of years we can extend our network also here in China.”

    Having a strong connection and close relationship between Germany and China, Lufthansa will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, as well as the carrier’s first connection between the two countries.

    “I think it is a great relationship we have here for almost 100 years. There’s a strong connection between the fourth-biggest economy in the world Germany and the second-biggest economy China,” Ritter said. “We are pretty proud of our strong connection. We truly believe in the recovery of air travel between Germany and China for the next years.”

    Currently operating the most flights to China among all European carriers, Lufthansa offers 40 weekly direct connections between the German cities of Frankfurt and Munich to the Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing in the summer time.

    “In comparison to last year, we increased our capacity by over 70 percent,” added Ritter. “Hopefully next year with the introduction of new aircraft we can increase this capacity further.”

    The expanding capacity is accompanied with a rapid recovery in the passenger load factor, “especially during the summer time with a seat factor of more than 90 percent,” Ritter said.

    “We are looking forward to further development and we are pretty sure that we will come back to pre-pandemic capacity here between Europe, Germany and China,” said Ritter.

    Plus, in a bid to boost the China travel market during the holiday season and further enhance the customer experience onboard, Shanghai was the airline’s first Asian destination, as well as the fourth worldwide following Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago, to introduce the carrier’s brand-new cabin products on a daily basis since Aug 14.

    Under the name, Lufthansa Allegris, the completely new travel experience is available on select long-haul routes for passengers of economy, premium economy, business and first class.

    “We truly believe that people do not want a standard product anymore, they would like to have more choices, more exclusivity and they would like to have more individuality,” explained Ritter. “I think also the Chinese people would like to have a choice. One standard product does not fulfill the needs of the requirements for the premium sector of Chinese people. They would like to have more individuality, more possibility for exclusivity and they would like to choose. We are pretty happy to introduce our new Allegris product because we definitely believe that this will fulfill the needs of our Chinese customers.”

    Confidence in the Chinese market is based on the optimistic outlook of China’s economy, the strong economic ties between China and Germany, and China’s visa-free policies.

    “Germany has a strong connection with China, because so many companies are based from Germany here in China,” Ritter said. “It is a long-lasting relationship and we truly believe in those two economies and we need to tie them.”

    Figures provided to the Financial Times by Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, show that Germany’s direct investment in China totaled 2.48 billion euros ($2.76 billion) in the first three months of 2024, and the figure rose substantially to 4.8 billion euros in the second quarter.

    “I think this represents a strong relationship between our two economies,” said Ritter.

    In the meantime, China’s visa-free policy presents new opportunities for carriers such as Lufthansa, as eligible ordinary passport holders from countries including Germany can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15 days.

    Thanks to the collaborated efforts of Civil Aviation Administration of China and related government divisions, international passenger flights have been restored to nearly 80 percent of the 2019 level during the first week of July, and passenger flights to 30 countries, including the UK and UAE, surpassing the 2019 level, according to Xu Qing, an official with the CAAC.

    “The expansion of China’s visafree policy to more countries has created an incentive effect on the aviation market,” Xu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • 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 China: Innovation to power China growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.

    Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.

    Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.

    Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.

    “The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.

    A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.

    China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.

    Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.

    “China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.

    Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.

    “China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.

    Confidence emphasized

    Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.

    “As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.

    However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.

    Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.

    Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.

    The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.

    According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa: experts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Insurance Sector – Lower hikes in fire service levies welcomed

    Source: Insurance Council of NZ

    The Government’s decision to set levy increases at a lower rate to fund fire and emergency services will provide some relief to New Zealanders struggling with the cost of living crisis, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) says.
    Earlier this year, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) had publicly consulted on a 5.2% hike from July 2026, on top of a hike of 12.8% in July this year. The rate increase was revised downwards to 2.2% after the Minister of Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Welden expressed doubt that the initial increase was justified.
    The Government also lowered a proposed flat charge on vehicle insurance from $40.12 to $25. Currently, the levy sits at $9.53. The Minister has also asked FENZ to deliver savings of $60 million by the end of the three-year period.
    “We welcome the Minister’s decision to set levy increases at a lower rate after asking FENZ to have another look at the proposed levy increases,” ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said.
    “We know that New Zealanders are finding it tough dealing with the cost-of-living crisis and we support the Government’s move to ensure Kiwi’s don’t pay anything more than they have to.
    “We acknowledge the important work that FENZ does in responding to fire and other emergencies and promoting safety. FENZ’s funding comes almost entirely from levies added to insurance policies covering property and motor vehicles.
    “The Government has struck the right balance between FENZ having the appropriate resources to do their job while ensuring that the funding via insurance premiums is affordable and sustainable.
    “Insurance premiums are driven by a number of factors, some of which are out of our control such as reinsurance rates and taxes and levies. Insurers are looking at ways to help their customers manage their cover as cost-effectively as possible.
    “We have previously expressed our concern about the ongoing sustainability of FENZ funding as it is only funded from those who purchase insurance. If fewer New Zealanders take out insurance, then FENZ funding will reduce, requiring levies on insurance to increase further and making insurance even less affordable.
    “The insurance Industry will be working with both the Department of Internal Affairs and FENZ over the coming months to work through some of the details of the levy applications to insured property.
    “We want to ensure the changes can be implemented easily in the time frames set down by the Government and in a cost effective way that doesn’t add to the regulatory burden which will ultimately be borne by New Zealanders,” Kris Faafoi said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, SH6, Whangamoa

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 6, Whangamoa, near Kokorua Road, is closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

    Police were called to the single-vehicle crash at around 5pm.

    Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit will be attending.

    Motorists are advised to take care and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • 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 Asia-Pac: Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Labour Department (LD) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) today (September 21) held the National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event in D·PARK, Tsuen Wan, with 750 participants taking part, setting a new record for the “Largest resistance band demonstration/class” in the Guinness World Records.     Officiating and speaking at the event, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that this event aims to raise employees’ awareness of doing stretching exercises and promote occupational health. He explained that timely stretching exercises can reduce employees’ muscle ache and risk of injury, improve work performance and create a healthier and more efficient work environment.           Guided by fitness instructors, 750 participants performed a 30-minute resistance band stretching exercise together during the event, setting a world record as a tribute to the motherland, and to demonstrate the unity and collective effort of the Government and various sectors in raising public awareness of occupational health.           The stretching exercise event is one of the key events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Another highlight is a two-day occupational health carnival being held today and tomorrow (September 21 and 22) by the LD and the OSHC at the same venue. It offers a diverse range of activities, apart from a variety of performances, booth games, occupational health talks as well as photo corners. Health risk assessment stations will also be available, where registered nurses will offer complimentary health checks to enhance public awareness of occupational health.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 14:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Asylum: sharp decline in the number of applicants from the Maghreb in federal centres

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    State Secretariat for Migration

    Bern-Wabern, 21.09.2024 – Since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of asylum seekers from the Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the federal asylum centres. Thanks to the new procedures, the average time to obtain an asylum decision at first instance has been reduced from 52 days to 17 days. This significantly reduces the pressure on the Confederation’s asylum structures. The number of security incidents in the federal asylum centres has also fallen by 42%.

    Since the end of April 2024, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has been processing asylum applications filed by applicants from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya under the 24-hour procedure. The main stages of the procedure are completed within 24 hours, with free legal protection remaining guaranteed at all times. This procedure also allows asylum seekers to consult a health professional at very short notice, which makes it possible to quickly identify vulnerable people. Given that the majority of people from these countries have already been registered in other European states, the SEM can request their readmission under the Dublin Agreement much more quickly than before; once this request has been accepted, repatriation can be carried out.

    Half of asylum decisions are made within 11 days

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced on a trial basis in the Zurich Region in mid-November 2023 for asylum seekers from countries with very low asylum grant rates, the number of applicants from Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the Confederation’s structures. This decline has even reached 64% in the Zurich Region. Since the introduction of the new procedures, it takes an average of 17 days to obtain an asylum decision at first instance, and 50% of procedures are completed within 11 days, compared to an average of 52 days previously. Once the SEM has completed the procedural steps, it still has to wait for a response, within a given period, from the Dublin States concerned.

    In parallel with the acceleration of procedures, the average length of stay of Maghrebi asylum seekers in the CFA has decreased from 32 nights between May and August 2023 to 21 nights between May and August 2024, a decrease of 34%. As a result, the SEM has more beds available and supervisory staff at its disposal for asylum seekers from other States who can claim a situation of persecution.

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of security incidents – including altercations of all kinds – has also decreased by 42% in all CFAs. The security situation has therefore improved significantly. In 2023 and 2024, around two thirds of security incidents were mainly attributable to asylum seekers from the Maghreb, even though this group accounted for less than 15% of overnight stays.

    Federal Administrative Court supports SEM decisions

    The 24-hour procedure is a normal asylum procedure in which the steps follow one another at a fast pace. Free legal protection is guaranteed at all times. To date, the SEM has decided on more than 900 asylum applications under this procedure, and 37 appeals have been filed with the Federal Administrative Court (FAC) against its decisions. In 31 cases, the FAC supported the SEM’s decision; the remaining cases have not yet been decided.

    The 24-hour procedure includes registration, fingerprinting, initial medical consultation, absconding hearing or Dublin interview, application to other Dublin states and decision in the Dublin procedure or asylum procedure.

    Increase in the number of registered asylum applications

    The number of asylum applications filed by persons from the Maghreb States has barely changed compared to the previous year. However, since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure, the SEM has been registering these applications immediately after the persons’ arrival at the CFA, whereas previously it only did so when fingerprints were taken, which was often several days later. However, many of the persons concerned had already left by that time and therefore did not appear as asylum seekers in the asylum statistics.

    Address for sending questions

    SEM Press Service, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Author

    State Secretariat for Migrationhttps://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/fr/home.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East Sep 21, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East
    Sep 21, 2024

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios Sep 20, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios
    Sep 20, 2024

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) delivers 33.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

    Download logo

    In its largest air cargo shipment to the African region this year, World Health Organization (WHO) today delivered 33.5 metric tonnes of emergency medical supplies and equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce mpox outbreak response.

    Today’s delivery follows an initial shipment of more than 14 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to the country two weeks ago to support infection prevention and control, and clinical care measures in the ongoing outbreak. The two shipments will contribute significantly to infection prevention and treatment services in the country for the next three months.

    In addition to reinforcing the mpox outbreak response, the medical equipment and supplies will also be delivered to laboratories as well as district and referral health facilities to provide care for other medical conditions.

    “We’re intensifying our support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in all critical areas of the mpox outbreak response, ensuring adequate testing, prevention and effective clinical care to stop the spread of this virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We’re grateful to our partners for the important collaboration in strengthening the ongoing national efforts to bring this outbreak to an end.”

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for about 90% of the more than 31 000 suspected mpox cases reported so far this year from 14 countries in the African region. WHO is working closely with partners and the government to enhance capacity, expertise and outbreak response measures.

    The spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attributed to two distinct main outbreaks: the spread of mpox clade Ia in the western Equateur and other provinces of the country where the disease is endemic, including spread to and outbreaks in the capital Kinshasa; and the spread of clade Ib in North and South Kivu provinces in the east, with a few cases in Kinshasa.

    As part of increased support to the mpox outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is expanding its operational capacity in the field, with more than 300 disease surveillance and outbreak response experts from WHO’s polio response programme recently integrated into mpox outbreak control efforts.

    In collaboration with national health authorities and partners, WHO experts are also working closely with communities to raise awareness about mpox, promote preventive measures and encourage reporting of cases.

    Efforts are also being ramped up to strengthen national diagnostic capacities by providing testing kits, reagents and machines to decentralize testing in eight laboratories. On 19 September 2024, WHO dispatched 3500 GeneXpert cartridges to provincial laboratories to ensure adequate testing for effective clinical care, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development.

    In readiness for mpox vaccine rollout, WHO is working with countries to ramp up measures to ensure effective introduction of the vaccines. WHO has developed an mpox vaccine roadmap and readiness tool and is supporting countries to develop national vaccine deployment plans that target those populations at highest risk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MIL OSI Africa –