Month: April 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 10) that vegetables from regulated Japanese prefectures were suspected to be in breach of the relevant Food Safety Order when the CFS inspected food imported from Japan. The products concerned have been marked and sealed by the CFS and have not entered the market. The CFS is following up on the cases.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “During inspections of the concerned consignments of food imported from Japan, the CFS found five packs of chilled mung bean sprouts from Tochigi Prefecture and four packs of mitsuba from Chiba Prefecture, which were not accompanied with radiation certificates and exporter certificates. The importers concerned are thus suspected of breaching the relevant Order.”

According to the Order, all vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages and dried milk originating from Fukushima are banned from being imported into Hong Kong, while such foods originating from Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba and Gunma prefectures are allowed to be imported on the condition that they are accompanied with a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority certifying that the radiation levels do not exceed the guideline levels and are fit for human consumption.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action, including informing the Japanese authorities concerned of the incidents. Prosecution will be instituted against the importers concerned should there be sufficient evidence. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the inaugural session of the Annual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has progressed in every sector through various systems, development initiatives, and efforts to become a global leader

Gujarat, acting as the gateway to the global economy, has made a significant contribution to the country’s development

Today, Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in many sectors that will shape the global economy over the next 25 years

The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has played a crucial role in Gujarat’s development

GCCI has inspired youth with entrepreneurship, courage, and the zeal to do business in any corner of the world

GCCI should integrate the tradition of small-scale industries with startups and modernise it for the benefit of the youth

In Gujarat, industries are provided with a conducive, industry-friendly environment, free from political interference and strikes

GCCI has worked hard to realize the vision of ‘Grow Business and Transform Gujarat’ and has established excellent dialogue with the government

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the inaugural session of theAnnual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing. On this occasion, several dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, were present.

In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has played a very important role in the development of Gujarat. He mentioned that the foundation of the Chamber was laid under the leadership of Kasturbhai Sheth. Shri Shah said that the Chamber has inspired the youth with entrepreneurship, courage, and the enthusiasm to do business anywhere in the world. He further stated that for 75 consecutive years, the Chamber has upheld that tradition, maintained dialogue with the government, cared for public interest, and stood shoulder to shoulder with the people during natural calamities.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Chamber, having completed its 75-year journey, is now moving toward the milestone of 100 years. He emphasized that the leadership of the Chamber should professionally prepare a roadmap for this journey from 75 to 100 years and align it with Gujarat’s development to take it forward. He stated that to ensure the spirit of industrial entrepreneurship remains alive and is further encouragedamong Gujarat’s youth, the Chamber should formulate a plan.

He pointed out that MSMEs are our greatest asset, and if we look back, every major industry has once begun as a small-scale enterprise. Shri Shah said that Gujarat’s small industries have made a significant contribution to the nation’s industrial growth. He added that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry should integrate the tradition of small industries with startups and modernize it to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the youth. He said, the Chambershould act as a bridge between the government, small industries, and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that if the Chamber wants to remain relevant in the times to come, it must go beyond just organizing events and instead establish a permanent mechanism within the Chamber to support industries, industrial entrepreneurs, and industrialists. He stated that if the Chamber’s office bearers create such a system in collaboration with professionals, the relevance of the Chamber can be sustained for the next 25 years. He further added that the Chamber can easily serve as a bridge between the government and new industrialists, the government and the youth, and the government and the industrialists who are eager to contribute to development.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stated that Gujarat today showcases a vibrant and diverse industrial ecosystem—ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology, IT, infrastructure, MSMEs, startups, and pioneering sectors. He emphasized that entrepreneurs looking to establish industries in Gujarat are assured of a business-friendly environment, free from political interference, supported by efficient systems and a strike-free atmosphere. Shri Shah recalled that during Shri Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, the Gujarat government prioritized inclusive decision-making by engaging in meaningful dialogue with traders, industrialists, and small business owners through the Chamber of Commerce. He noted that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has further strengthened this pro-industry environment. He also highlighted Shri Modi’s visionary policy that robust infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy, and a strong economy, in turn, enhances the quality of life for every citizen. As a result, Gujarat today plays a vital role in India’s growth story and is emerging as a gateway to the global economy.

Union Home Minister said that the Chamber is advancing with the motto of ‘Gujarat’s Vision – Global Ambition’. He highlighted that over 300 individuals from diverse sectors and fields of innovation have been invited to participate in the expo that commenced today. He said that since its inception in 1949, the Chamber has made an exceptional contribution to Gujarat’s development. With more than 75 institutions and over 2.5 lakh small industrial organizations associated with it, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s industrial landscape. The Home Minister emphasized the Chamber’s dedicated efforts toward realizing the motto ‘Grow Business and Transform Gujarat’, and its consistent, effective dialogue with the government. He also acknowledged the Chamber’s significant contribution to the global recognition and success of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative. Shri Shah remarked that the Chamber has been instrumental in Gujarat’s remarkable journey—from the devastating earthquake of 2001 to its emergence in 2025 as a hub for pioneering industries.

Shri Amit Shah highlighted that Gujarat has been a pioneer in launching several transformative initiatives across the country. He stated that the concept of smart infrastructure was first envisioned in Gujarat, and the state led the way by ensuring 24-hour electricity supply in villages. Gujarat also took the early initiative to position itself as a global financial hub. He added that in 2009, Gujarat launched the e-Gram project, bringing inter-connectivity and digital services to rural areas. The state also made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. Shri Shah emphasized that all these achievements were made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress over the past 11 years, advancing in various sectors and emerging as a global leader across multiple domains. He emphasized that these achievements have been possible due to the holistic, multidimensional, and whole-of-government approach adopted under Shri Modi’s leadership. He also acknowledged that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has played a key role in firmly upholding and continuing this tradition of development and good governance in Gujarat.

Shri Amit Shah stated that Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in all the key sectors that will shape the global economy over the next 25 years. He highlighted that the world’s largest renewable energy park has been established in Kutch, while the largest greenfield project—Dholera Smart City—is taking shape in the state. He also mentioned that the Surat-Chennai Expressway, India’s second-longest expressway, originates in Gujarat. Moreover, India’s first international financial hub, GIFT City, has been developed in Gujarat, along with the country’s first bullet train project and the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. Shri Shah further emphasized that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has provided Gujarat with a robust industrial development infrastructure, progressive policies, and an industry-friendly governance model.

*****

VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2120709) Visitor Counter : 62

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In view of the reckless tariff imposition by the US, including the further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) today introduced measures to support the export trade in Hong Kong and help enterprises expedite their expansion into new markets.

From now until June 30 next year, the ECIC will extend the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP), while offering a 50% discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders.

In addition, to reduce costs and assist exporters in tapping into Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets, the ECIC will reduce the premium rates for new markets, brining the rates in line with those for traditional major markets.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said: “The US has been repeatedly changing its policies, increasing tariffs within days and imposing the so-called reciprocal tariffs against Hong Kong notwithstanding that we have never implemented any tariffs. It is totally illogical and ungrounded, once again showing the US’ bullying act for suppressing its competitors.

“I call upon the business community to unite and face the challenges together, with a view to jointly counteracting the unreasonable coercion of the US.”

Further to the Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the ECIC to 95%, the measures rolled out by the ECIC today can help accelerate Hong Kong companies’ expansion into new and diversified markets, he remarked.

Since the US’ announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariffs last week, Mr Yau has met representatives of major local chambers of commerce, small and medium enterprise associations, as well as representatives of industries that are more affected by the tariffs, including the jewellery, textiles and garment, food, and aluminium industries, to listen to their views and discuss measures in response to the incident.

The bureau stressed that it will maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the US’ unreasonable coercion. It will also provide support to the small and medium enterprises through various funding schemes and support measures in managing cash flow, enhancing competitiveness and expanding into more diversified markets.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home Affairs Department today held a sharing session for District Services & Community Care Teams members to share their experiences in serving the public.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak officiated at the sharing session.

Speaking at the event, Mr Chan pointed out that as announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the Government will regularise the establishment of care teams and increase their funding by 50% in the next term of service to strengthen support for them.

He said the Government hopes that care teams will continue to consolidate community resources to provide more in-depth and extensive caring services and enhance people’s sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak noted that with the next funding agreement, care teams will be able to further promote their services and continue to work closely with partnering organisations to pool more community resources.

During the sharing session, care teams members shared some of their stories, reflecting the people-oriented service spirit, including the fire incident at New Lucky House, where care teams quickly assisted in evacuating residents and continued to visit each household for several days to provide emotional support and emergency supplies.

When the water supply in Tung Chung and the electricity supply in Wong Tai Sin were affected in extensive areas, care teams provided support to residents overnight.

As of end-January 2025, care teams have visited a total of about 390,000 elderly households and other households in need and provided about 43,000 times of basic home or other support services, as well as organising about 23,000 district activities.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To enhance the attractiveness of the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme (GREEN$ ePIS) and encourage the public to participate in recycling, the Environmental Protection Department announced today that people can now convert GREEN$ Points to MoneyBack e-points.

 

The department explained that it introduced, via the GREEN$ ePIS scheme, a new electronic redemption option in February last year, allowing participants to convert their GREEN$ Points for a wider variety of electronic rewards.

 

Recently, the program has been further expanded to include the conversion of Green$ Points into e-points on the retail reward platform MoneyBack.

 

Noting that the gift redemption of GREEN$ ePIS is keeping pace with the times and transitioning into a digital form, the department said that people can now convert GREEN$ Points to MoneyBack e-points with the GREEN$ mobile app, allowing them to redeem gifts freely at more than 500 supermarkets and retail stores in the city.

 

This is in addition to rewards such as MTR tickets and local eco-tours, it added.

 

To support the full rollout of the GREEN$ ePIS’s new point redemption function, AS Watson Group, which operates MoneyBack, will launch an extra 1 million MoneyBack time-limited e-points rewards and exclusive GREEN$ ePIS green offers at the end of April.

 

This is for the redemption of food, personal care products and electrical appliances vouchers, encouraging public participation in recycling and the use of the GREEN$ Points conversion feature.

 

Meanwhile, GREEN@TUEN MUN has been relocated from Tuen Yee Street to the new location on Lung Chak Road, where it commenced operation on March 19 to support the MTR Tuen Mun South Extension project.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 3:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today remembered timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, recalling the deep influence of his teachings on his own life.

Modi Archive, in a post on X, reflected on the Prime Minister’s long-standing spiritual bond with Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings and the Jain community.

Responding to the X post of  Modi Archive, the Prime Minister posted on X;

“The ideals of Bhagwan Mahavir have greatly inspired countless people, including me. His thoughts show the way to build a peaceful and compassionate planet.”

 

 

***

MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2120696) Visitor Counter : 37

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – 28 March 2025] – Australia’s 2025–26 Budget delivers a record AUD$2.2 billion in development assistance to the Pacific, reinforcing Australia’s enduring position as the region’s largest development partner.

In a time of global uncertainty and tightening donor budgets, Australia is strengthening its support for a stable, resilient and prosperous Pacific. This reflects a clear focus on where the need is greatest and where Australia’s interests are most closely tied.

For Samoa, bilateral support will focus on shared objectives outlined in the recently published

Development Partnership Plan: www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-samoa-

development-partnership-plan-2024-2030.pdf.

This includes continued commitment for spending on two flagship programs: Tautai –Governance for Economic Growth (AUD$45 million, 2022-30), Tautua – Human Development for All (AUD$40 million, 2021-29); direct budget support (AUD$105.5 million, 2023-31); and the construction of the Legislative Assembly Office (AUD$30 million, 2024-26 – due for completion April 2026).

Additionally, Australia continues to invest in Australia Awards scholarships and maintain our strong security partnerships with Samoa through our long-term Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force, and Australian Border Force presence.

On a regional level, investments include:

– AUD$1 billion Economic Resilience Package to support jobs, skills and inclusive growth

– AUD$81 million Health Resilience Package to bolster health systems and pandemic readiness

– AUD$355 million Climate Action Package to help communities respond to climate-related shocks.

Australia’s total global Official Development Assistance for 2025-26 has increased to AUD$5.1 billion – with the Pacific receiving the largest share.

Australia continues to work closely with Samoa and Pacific partners to deliver support that reflects local priorities. In a shifting global landscape, Australia remains committed to shared progress across the region.

END

SOURCE – Australian High Commission, Samoa

April 10, 2025

Source:

[PRESS CONFERENCE Atafu, Tokelau – 28 March 2025] Conservation International, in partnership with New Zealand Geographic and the Samoa Conservation Society, has embarked on an innovative expedition to Tokelau. This collaborative initiative focuses on co-developing culture-based environmental education programs, biodiversity research, and community science training.

After a challenging 44-hour sail from Samoa, the team received a traditional welcome from the Atafu Taupulega (Council of Elders) and government ministers.

Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the initiative will use cutting-edge techniques and immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools, bridging traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

The expedition represents a critical follow-up to research sites that haven’t been surveyed in 13-20 years, employing cutting-edge techniques including bird and invasive species monitoring, fish surveys, photogrammetry, environmental DNA sampling, and citizen science training. All activities are being documented in immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools that bridge traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

Minister Nofo Iupati, responsible for Economic Development, Natural Resources, and Environment, and Minister Kelihiano Kalolo, Minister of Education and Minister for Climate, Oceans, and Resilience, led the official welcome ceremony. Minister Kalolo captured the essence of the partnership by emphasizing the intrinsic connection between environmental and community wellbeing: “When the environment is healthy, the people are healthy.”

In-depth knowledge exchange sessions, led by Leausalilo Leilani Duffy of Conservation International Samoa, were held with Aumaga (men’s groups) and Fatupaepae (women’s groups), and local youth, to strengthen collaborative environmental conservation efforts.

“Cultural identity is the foundation of how our island communities connect with each other and their environment,” noted Duffy. “These consultations are essential for co-developing environmental education resources that resonate with local values and traditional practices.”

At sea, Conservation International Aotearoa’s Schannel van Dijken, together with New Zealand Geographic’s James Frankham and Richard Robinson, conducted surveys at two dive sites on Atafu’s northern and southwestern points.

The team documented diverse marine ecosystems featuring healthy populations of fish across all trophic levels, including globally endangered species such as humphead wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and various shark species.

“We could see these sites were instant Key Biodiversity Areas the moment we descended” van Dijken reported. “This assessment is vital for supporting Tokelau’s efforts to map and manage its marine resources effectively. By identifying these high-biodiversity hotspots, we can help Tokelau prioritize areas for management”.

The team is integrating technology into their survey methodology, recording transects with high-resolution 360-degree cameras. New Zealand Geographic is capturing these underwater environments in virtual reality, creating immersive experiential assets that will be shared with Tokelauan schools and communities upon completion.

This expedition represents a crucial milestone of the ‘Securing a Polynesian Promise for Climate and Community Resilience’ —a collaborative effort lead by Conservation International, together with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and partners across Samoa and Tokelau.

The project is designed to enhance the capacity of local communities to sustainably manage their marine resources and strengthen their resilience to climate change through a combination of hands-on education, scientific research and traditional knowledge.

ENDS.

SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands